Two days went in the blink of an eye. Wendy was beginning to feel more comfortable here. And the best part?
She was staying in my room, sleeping in my bed. There was nothing better than having the love of your life back with you, close to your own flesh.
I sniffed Wendy’s hair and smelled the faint scent of fruity hair conditioner. She awoke and grinned at me.
“What’re you doing?” she asked.
Wendy propped herself up and wiped her eyes. She went to sleep perfect and woke up the same way.
“I can’t wait for a shower; they’re so relaxing.”
“I’ll join you.” I shuffled my way out of the bed and noticed that my aching hips weren’t aching like they would when I’d first get up.
Wendy’s night gown had given way to her curves and delicious hips. I watched as she switched into the bathroom. She stopped and threw me a glance over her shoulder.
“Coming?” she purred.
“Yes!”
When I was around her, the pain in my legs that would casually go up and down and circle the ball joints of my hips would gently subside.
Maybe it was Wendy being a distraction. Or maybe she was really a miracle to be around.
Either way. I was a better man with her in my life.
***
“Wow, this is really happening, isn’t it?” Wendy said, staring up at the courthouse.
We were going to go inside and get the marriage license done and then we’d be officially married. There was a proud happiness that was blossoming inside my chest, and I knew that divorce wasn’t going to be an option. It wasn’t going to even be anything that was on her mind.
I grabbed Wendy’s hand and she began to hustle her way up the cement steps until I squeezed her hand and gave her a gentle tug.
“What is it?” Wendy gave me a concerned look, her blond hair wafting in the wind like a silk scarf.
“Before we get hitched officially, I think it’s only appropriate to give you this,” I kneeled down on one knee and took out a small, palm sized velvet black bag. I dug out the ring and showed it to Wendy. “Would you marry me?”
Wendy clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes shining and glittering better than the diamond and pearl ring in front of her.
Time stood still for a second, allowing us to take in the joy of this moment. I’d have a better surprise too, later on.
“Sam, you got me my favorite combination!” she squealed, reaching for the ring.
I moved it out her reach. “Wait, I’m the one who has to put it on.”
“Do we have to be so conventional?” she asked, shoving her hands on her hips and giving me a playful smile.
“Absolutely… for a while at least. Here, give me that delicate finger.”
She held out her left hand and I slid the ring onto her finger. I kissed her hand and pulled myself up using my golden cane.
“Let’s go,” I said, holding her hand that now had a massive rock on it.
We climbed the steps and got right to the security checkpoint when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket again. This time, I didn’t need to look to see who was calling, because the ringtone was set for one person: Benson.
“Wendy, let me take this for a second.”
I answered the phone and the worried sniffles of a woman crying on the other end greeted me.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Is this Mr. Reign? My brother’s partner?” the woman asked.
“Yes, this is. Is something wrong?”
The woman on the other line sniffled again and exhaled. “Benson is in the hospital. He’s asking for you. He needs to see you. Now.”
My eyes went wide and I took a step back in shock. “What happened? Is he okay?”
“He’s banged up, but he’ll live. But you need to come down to the hospital now.”
What the hell was going on? “Okay, I’ll be there in five minutes.” I hung up.
“Wendy. There’s an emergency. We need to go to the hospital. My friend has had an accident.”
Wendy placed her hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay, let’s go!”
We hopped back into the car and drove to the hospital. This hospital was the same one I had been in after my car accident, so it held a mix of good and bad memories for me.
I remembered Willow sitting by my bed side, singing to me in her awful tone death singing voice as I came to from the coma. It was surprising that that was my strongest memory, since it was the best one.
I took time out from worrying about Benson to send her a text message.
Thank you for being by my side the whole time I was in the hospital, I texted her.
Her reply was super quick, even though she had to be busy with her babies.
Any time, brother. Although, I hope there are no more times! How are you doing?
Crazy, I texted back, but then I had to go. Mostly good. I have some big news. I’ll fill you in soon.
Oooh, can’t wait! was her reply.
I mentally kicked myself for not keeping in better touch with my sister. She was going to be so happy to find out that I’d found love.
Love?
Yes. Love was definitely what I had found, or rather, re-found, with Wendy.
I was in absolute fairy tale land although it looked as if so far the fairy tale was working out for me. But now, it was time to deal with the here and now. When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses showed me to Benson’s room swiftly, and I found the lady who called me sitting outside his door.
“Hello?” I said, jarring her attention. She was staring at the floor, clearly in distress.
“Hm? Oh, are you Sam?” the woman asked. That was the voice.
“Yes.” I shook her hand and she flipped her hair back, trying her best not to look too stressed. “I’m Benson’s sister, Melanie. Thank you for coming.”
“No problem. What’s going on.”
Melanie looked around while she messed with a random button on her sweater. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead and she said in a hushed tone, “Debt collectors.”
“What?!” I gasped. “What do they have to do with him?”
“He’s got some sort of a debt overdue, and they wrecked him up pretty badly.”
Wendy stepped in. “They’re not going to harm Sam, are they?”
“No. I hope not at least. You never know with these people.”
The nurse came back around and went into Benson’s room. When she returned, she told us it was okay to go in and see him.
Melanie rushed in first and we slowly went in behind her. Benson’s face lit up under the cuts and bruises that were visibly present there.
“Sam! Hey there, man. Sorry for looking so ugly today,” he joked. “This must be the lovely wife, huh?”
Wendy smiled. “Hello there. I hope you feel well soon.” She turned to me and landed a sweet kiss on my cheek. “I’m gonna let you three have more privacy, I’ll be outside the door.” Turning her attention back to Benson, she waved goodbye. “Nice meeting you. Take it easy on yourself.”
Wendy slipped out the door, closing it behind her.
I frowned and folded my arms.
“You’re not happy,” Benson pointed out. No, I was not.
“First the ten million, now this? Debt sharks?”
Benson glared at Melanie. “Really, Mel?”
His sister pouted and looked away.
“I’m glad she told me. That means my wife and I are in harm’s way too and we deserve to know that! What the hell are you doing?”
“It has nothing to do with the company or you two. You’ll be fine.” He waved it off as if debt sharks didn’t go after the people around those who owed them money.
“No, this is not okay,” I growled.
“Look, I didn’t ask you here to talk about me. Gallock called me, and he’s coming early!” Benson said, shifting around in his bed. The monitors hummed quietly a few beeps would sound every so often. It’d have been peaceful if it weren’t so eerie.
“How early?”
I couldn’t believe he had called me here to get him out of another jam. But I guess that I shouldn’t put anything past Benson, based on his track record. I was just going to have to figure my way out of this mess for the both of us.