My What if Christmas Wish

Chapter 11

Patrice woke up the next morning fatigued from the previous day. As she slept, she hoped and prayed she was still with Adam. She loved sleeping next to him and feeling his arms around her during the night. When the alarm clock went off, she wished she was still in her dream. When Adam did not turn it off, she worried. She turned off the buzzer and rose up from her spot on the bed. 

There was a dent in the pillow next to her. He's still here. Though exhaustion gripped her, she forced herself out of bed. She made her way to the bathroom to wash her face, hoping to wake herself up. Even though the bathroom door closed, Patrice did not think to knock.

Her eyes enlarged when she caught Adam standing in nothing but a towel around his waist. He was trimming his mustache. Based on the glistening of his skin, she assumed he just got out of the shower. Patrice stared. His muscular back, shoulders, and a six-packed stomach made her heart patter faster. When Adam cleared his throat, she came out of her trance.

"I'm sorry. I should have knocked," Patrice said, embarrassed that she was caught staring.

"You need the bathroom, Babe?" Adam asked as he rinsed off his razor.

Patrice gawked at him. "Huh?"

"Do you need the bathroom?" Adam repeated.

He wiped the remaining shaving cream from his face. The aroma of his body was fresh. Patrice inhaled deeply trying to take in as much as she could.

"No, I can wait. I'll let you finish." She swallowed hard. This can't be good.

Adam walked closer. Patrice's eyes followed as he passed by her out of the bathroom. He closed the door leaving her alone. She resumed to brush her teeth and wash her face. The cool water did nothing for the warmth inside her chest. When she finished, she looked and discovered him in their closet. He was still wrapped in his bath towel. She watched him pick out his suit.

"I get the feeling that you're checking me out," Adam pointed out. He stalked past her once again.

Stop daydreaming. "Don't be ridiculous. I was just... I mean I was about to... um...."

Adam shook his head. "If you say so."

"I wasn't doing anything."

"Really?" He stared back at her. "I see you're still not quite yourself this morning, huh?"

She narrowed her eyes at him, but couldn't deny the joke. "Don't start that again. It's not funny."

"If you could see how you've been acting lately, you might disagree."

"You keep thinking that."

"Okay Patrice," he conceded.

"Besides. Even if I was checking you out, you should take it as a compliment," she stated folding her arms.

Adam strode towards her. Patrice's tongue moistened her lips, though it did nothing to calm her nerves.

"Before we go any further with this conversation," he said. "Let's start this morning over. Good morning, Honey." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Good morning," she breathed.

Adam kissed her and Patrice's brain turned to mush. Her heart swelled with joy, as she stroked his strong arms. How could she be this happy? Was it always supposed to be like this? When he pulled away, she gulped for her next breath.

"What about now?" he murmured.

How does he do that? "What about what?" Patrice wondered. She cradled her head, feeling a little dazed. Is the room spinning?

Adam chuckled as he broke their embrace. "Nothing Babe." He headed back to the bathroom.

Patrice cleared her throat as she sat on the bed. Her mind raced. Not only was she enjoying her time with Adam, she wondered how their first years of marriage were like. How did she handle the move to Tennessee? She bit her bottom lip contemplating if she should ask. Would he suspect or go along with it?

So far, Adam assumed she was playing a practical joke on him and thought nothing of it. Apparently, they had a healthy relationship, filled with trust and love. We always did. Patrice even liked the role of being a mother. Junior had won her over with his giggles and handclaps, and Hannah was sweet and cute as a button.

Still, Patrice worried. How long would this dream last? If her time with Adam was limited, she wanted to ask questions while she had the opportunity. She took a chance.

"How did you propose again?" she called out to him since the bathroom door was still open.

"You don't remember?"

"I do. I just want to hear you tell it," Patrice answered as she folded her arms.

Adam came out of the bathroom, still in his bath towel, and proceeded to the closet to get dressed. "You came over to my apartment, and I told you I was moving."

She coaxed him, "And..."

"Okay. I'll get to that part," he responded. "I asked you to come with me and marry me."

"What about my—" The moment was interrupted when she heard Junior crying. "Hold that thought. I'll be right back." She rose from her spot and ran to the baby's side. "What's wrong huh? You just woke up?"

Patrice noticed her motherly voice again. Thankfully, Junior stopped as she massaged his back. She smiled to herself and returned to the bedroom. Then she resumed her position on the bed with Junior on her lap. At the moment, Adam was on the phone.

"He can't change his mind now," he said.

Patrice waited patiently for him to end the phone call. Junior began to whimper.

"You're okay sweetie." She stared as Adam straightened his tie, put on his suit coat, grab his briefcase. Patrice followed after him with Junior to the kitchen.

Adam's conversation continued. "Look, Albert, you tell them we'll discuss it more in today's meeting. Alright?" He then grabbed his coffee mug. "We're not going to worry about that now, Albert. We'll talk about it at the meeting."

He locked eyes with Patrice.

"What am I supposed to do today?" she whispered.

"Grocery shopping."

Grocery shopping. Exciting. She kept her sarcasm to herself. This was what she was afraid of when he proposed to her in college. While being a stay-at-home mom seemed rewarding, Patrice loved the workforce. Did she really compromise for Adam? What did he say to change her mind? Or maybe I was really in love? "Are the kids coming with me?"

"They have to, Babe," he replied. He poured his coffee, grabbed his coat and briefcase, and headed for the door. He spoke into the phone, "I'm on my way right now. Make sure the forms are ready for me."

"I guess I'll see you later," Patrice murmured.

To her surprise, Adam returned and kissed Junior's forehead. Then he kissed her lips again, lingering for a few moments. Patrice swore she saw fireworks.

"I love you. I'll see you later," Adam whispered.

She stroked his face with her hand. Then he walked out the door. Patrice moseyed over to the window with Junior on her hip. She watched as Adam walked away. I obviously fell in love. "I love you too," she breathed.