Nikki opens her eyes gingerly, the sunlight streams through the curtains straight into her eyes. She groans and turns over. Brian smiles at something in his dreams. She moans softly and sits up. She looks down at his sleeping face and softly slips out of the bed. She gets dressed quietly. She walks over to the door and places her hand on the handle.
“Mornin’ Nic.”
She sighs and turns round to see Brian propped up on one elbow looking at her. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
“No, you just wanted to creep outta here like some thief.”
She stares at him. “I told you how I felt yesterday.”
“Yeah, but stupid me figured last night might actually mean somethin’.”
She sighs. “Brian….”
“I guess I’m not as used to one-night stands as you are.”
She looks at him for a moment then turns and walks out of the room.
Brian closes his book with a heavy sigh and looks at his watch. It was way too early to call his Mom in America and he needed to hear a friendly voice. Nick and Kevin had met up with their girlfriends and gone out for a meal. Howie and AJ were out dancing like lunatics in some trendy London club. Brian hadn’t been in the mood when they had asked him but now he feels lonely. After two months in London he was so tired of hotel rooms. In a month’s time he could fly home to America. He couldn’t wait to see his family and friends again. It would be bliss to sleep in his big bed and fun to kick his neighbour’s butt at basketball. His phone rings and he grabs it. “Yes?”
“Mr Littrell, this is Reception. We have a young lady here asking to see you.”
“What’s her name?”
“Nikki Walters.”
“Nikki? Ahh, no. I don’t want to see her.”
“Very well.”
Brian hangs up the phone and lies back on his bed. Nikki? What the hell was she doing here? The way she had looked when she’d left him two months ago. He sighs and picks up the phone again. “Reception? Yeah, is she still around?”
“Yes sir.”
“Send her up.” He hangs up and walks over to his door. He had to find out why she was here.
The elevator bell rings and the doors open. Nikki steps out and sees Brian watching her. She takes a deep breath and walks towards him. “Hello Brian.”
“Careful, Nic. Twice in as many months – some people might call that an involvement.”
She sighs. “Brian, don’t do this.”
“Do what? Sorry but I don’t appreciate being used.”
“I didn’t use you. That night meant something to me too but I knew that we could never make it work.”
“You never gave us a chance, Nic.” He looks at her. “Anyway, I’m over it now. What do you want?”
She gestures towards his room. “Can I come in?”
“No, say whatever you got to say here.”
“It’s personal, Brian.” He shrugs and leans back against his door. She sighs. “Please, I don’t want to do this here.” He looks at her for a few moments then starts to go back into his room. “I’m pregnant.” He freezes and turns round.
“Whoopee do.” He starts to close his door.
“Two months pregnant, Brian.” The door opens again and he stares at her. “And don’t you DARE ask me whose it is.” He doesn’t say anything. He walks back into his room and drops down onto his bed. She follows him inside and shuts the door.
“Two months?”
“Yes.” They’re both silent for a while. “Brian, I’m not asking you for anything. I just thought you had a right to know.”
He looks up at her. “Yeah I have a right. It’s my baby and I’m going to be involved.”
“Your choice.”
“We’d better get married before we fly back to the States.”
She stares at him. “I’m not marrying you Brian.”
“You have to. They won’t let you back into the US otherwise.”
“I don’t want to live in America.”
“Just until you have my baby.”
“Then what? You’ll grab it off me and send me home?”
“No. Things might’ve changed by then.”
“I don’t love you.”
“That doesn’t matter. I’m not having my child born out of marriage.”
“This is the 21st century Brian, get with it.”
“Nic, I’m a Christian. I believe in the value of family.”
“Even one that doesn’t love each other?”
“Nic, marry me. We can go back to the States as a couple. When you’ve had the baby, you can divorce me. Just give our child the best start in life possible.” She shakes her head and sits on the floor. “If we’re not married when our child is born, the US might not recognise it as a citizen.”
“They’ll have to.”
“Nic, I’m only asking you for nine months.”
“What would you tell everyone?”
“We’ll keep it quiet. Just tell our families and friends.”
“About a marriage of convenience? That’ll go down well.”
“We don’t have to tell them everything.”
“I won’t lie to them.”
“I’m not askin’ you to.” She sighs and rubs her neck. He moves to sit next to her on the floor. “You need my support and this is the only way I can give it.”
“Ok Brian. You win.”
Brian walks into the dining room and spots Nick eating breakfast alone. He sits opposite him. “Hey Frack.”
“Frick. Good night?”
“Kinda. What’re you doin’ Saturday?”
“Errr, nothin’ I can think of. Why?”
“I’m getting’ married.”
Nick chokes on his cereal and Brian slaps him on the back. “Huh?!”
“It’s true.”
“Who to?”
“Nikki.”
“But you guys split up when she left America.”
“She’s pregnant.”
“Huh?” Nick thinks a bit. “How?”
“Jeez, I thought you knew all this stuff. A man and a woman....”
“Yeah, yeah…you mean you two…when she came…?” Brian nods. “Oh. How are you feelin’ about it?”
“I’m OK. I was shocked when she told me, but now I’m happy.”
“You love her?”
Brian starts fiddling with the tablecloth. “Sure.”
Nick looks at him for a while then smiles. “Then I’d love to be at your wedding.”
“Be my best man?” Nick grins and gives Brian a hug. The other guys wander over with their food.
“Hey, when’s the wedding?” AJ grins at Brian and Nick.
Nick stares at Brian. “You told him first?!”
Brian shakes his head and AJ stares at him. “Told us what?”
“Saturday, I’m getting’ married.” The guys all stare at him.
Kevin coughs. “Who to?”
“Nikki.”
“She’s pregnant.” The guys stare at Nick. “Hey, they’re happy.”
“You are?” Howie looks at Brian.
“Yeah.”
AJ laughs. “Always said you’d be the first to settle down.” He raises his coffee to him. “Ain’t champagne but it’ll have to do.”
Brian smiles. “Thanks.”
“It gives me great pleasure to pronounce you Man and Wife. You may kiss the bride.” The Registrar smiles at them. Brian turns to face Nikki. He steps closer to her and kisses her softly. She looks away from him and steps forward to sign the register. When everything has been formalised, the Boys move forward to congratulate them.
“Old married couple!” Nick hugs them both.
Kevin puts his arms round her. “Welcome to the family.”
AJ dances round her and Howie grins at her. She feels like the whole world is revolving. Her head is pounding and she can feel her heartbeat speeding up. Her face goes cold and she feels ill. With a little moan, she falls to the floor. The guys drop to their knees beside her.
Brian feels her pulse and touches her face.
“Anyone got some cold water?” The Registrar hands him a glass and Brian gently wets her face with the water. She moans and opens her eyes. “It’s OK. You fainted.” He picks her up in his arms and carries her out into a waiting car. A few minutes later, they’re back in the hotel room. He sits opposite her on the couch. “How do you feel?”
“Like I just fainted.”
“Shall I get a doctor?”
“No, I’m fine. I just need to rest.” She curls up on the bed with her face turned away from Brian. He watches her for a while then moves to sit next to her on the bed. He strokes her hair away from her face and realises that she’s crying.
“Oh, don’t cry honey.” He tries to put his arms around her but she freezes.
“Please, just leave me alone Brian.” He looks at her, then stands up and leaves the room.
“So, is she OK?”
“Yeah, just a little tired.”
AJ grins. “Probably overwhelmed at being your wife.”
Brian smiles wryly. “Of course.”
“So why aren’t you up there makin’ the most of bein’ respectable?!” AJ winks and nudges Brian.
Brian groans. “I need a drink.” He stalks off to the hotel bar.
AJ whoops. “Married less than an hour and he’s already hittin’ the bottle.”
Kevin glares at him. “Shut up Bone, will ya.”
Nikki looks at her pale face in the harshly lit mirror and groans. She sits on the floor and rests her forehead against the cold bathroom tiles. She feels ill again and leans towards the toilet. There’s a knock on the door.
“Nic, you OK?”
“No.” She moans and sits back against the wall with her eyes closed.
Brian opens the door and comes into the room. “Mornin’ sickness huh?”
“How’d you guess?”
“Can I do somethin’?” She sighs and stands up to splash cold water on her face. Yes, you could hold me and tell me you love me. But she doesn’t say it.
“Turn back time?” She sees him freeze in the mirror and then turn and leave the room. She sighs and leans against the sink. She hadn’t meant it to sound that way. She just felt so ill and tired and lonely.
Brian walks into the kitchen and stares out of the window. He feels lost and hollow inside. This wasn’t working out the way it was supposed to. She would never love him.
Lucy links her arm with Nikki’s and smiles. “It’s so great having you back in the States, Nic. I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too Luce.” Nikki smiles at her friend. “So, you finally hooked Nick eh?!”
Lucy blushes. “Well…yeah.”
“I think it’s great. About time he came to his senses!”
Lucy grins. “That’s what he says. I’m so glad he dropped that Mandy.”
“Yeah. She was a little…errr…unhinged.” They look at each other and giggle.
Lucy pulls Nikki over to a large rock on the beach and they sit down. “What about you and Brian eh?! Married!”
“Yeah.” Nikki picks a pebble up off the beach and tosses it into the ocean.
“Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Huh? Oh nothing.” Nikki smiles slightly.
“Nic, sweetie, it IS me you’re talkin’ to.”
Nikki looks at Lucy and sighs. “Oh, Luce. I’ve wanted to tell somebody this ever since I got back.”
“What is it?”
“You can’t tell anyone, especially not Nick.”
“Nic, c’mon you’re my best friend.” Lucy puts a hand over Nikki’s.
“Brian doesn’t love me, Luce.”
“Of course he does.”
Nikki shakes her head. “No. We only got married cos of the baby. To give it the best start in life.”
“Do you love him?” Nikki hangs her head and tears roll down her face. “You do, don’t you? Oh Nic.” Lucy puts her arms round her.
Nikki looks out of the window at the ocean and sighs heavily. She sits down on a chair and watches the waves crash into the shore. She smoothes her hands over her swollen stomach and smiles slightly. This baby was the only thing keeping her going. Brian hadn’t touched her since the day they got married. She missed her family. They knew about the baby but not about the wedding. The door shuts and Brian walks into the house. He sees her sat in the window and pours himself an orange juice.
“Good day?”
“I guess. How’s the baby?”
“He’s fine. Been kicking me a bit.”
“He huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, Nick and Lucy are comin’ over for dinner later.” He walks out of the room. She turns back to the window. Silent tears roll down her face.
Nick wraps his arms round Nikki and she holds onto him tightly. She buries her face in his jacket and he kisses her head.
“You’re the BEST at hugging, Nic.”
Brian watches them and turns away to disguise his feelings. Every time he sees her he just wants to pull her into his arms and kiss her and tell her that everything will be all right. But he can’t forget the way she had looked when he tried to hold her on their wedding day. He thought that if she was married to him, she would learn to love him one day. But he’d made a mistake. He loved her and soon he would lose her. Lucy touches his arm. He smiles and gives her a hug. Closing his eyes and imagining he’s holding Nikki in his arms, his wife.
“C’mon, let’s eat.” Brian leads Lucy over to the table and Nick follows with Nikki.
“This is so cool.” Nick grins at the others. “I feel so adult!”
“Pity you don’t look it.” Nikki laughs.
“Hey…” He tosses a napkin at her and she grins.
“You look wonderful today Nic sweetie.”
“Thanks.” Nick grins at her.
Lucy laughs. “No, I meant Nikki.”
“Oh.” Nick blushes.
Nikki smiles. “Thanks Luce. Today was the first day I didn’t throw breakfast back up.”
“Eyrggh…Nic!” Nick groans. “About to eat here.”
“Ah, sorry.”
Nikki opens her eyes and groans as a searing pain shoots across her back. She props herself up and rubs her stomach with a hand.
“You going to put in an appearance today baby?” She struggles out of bed and goes into the bathroom. A few moments later she waddles out clutching her stomach and sits on the bed next to the phone. She dials Brian’s mobile. It’s switched off, so she tries Nick’s.
“Hello?”
“Nick, is Brian there?”
“Hello to you too, Nic.”
“Yeah, hi. Is he?”
“Yeah….I’ll pass you over.”
“Thanks.”
Brian comes on the line. “Nic? Is everything OK?”
“Kinda. My waters just broke.”
“Huh?”
“I’m in labour Brian.”
“Oh! Where are you?”
“At home. Will you come get me?”
“I’m on my way.” He hangs up and gives the phone back to Nick. “Yeah. Err, thanks.” He stands up and heads towards the door.
“Is Nic OK?”
“She’s gone into labour.” Brian walks out of the door. Nick looks at AJ and then picks up a comic.
“Jeez, she’s in LABOUR!” Nick leaps up. “We gotta go to the hospital, AJ.”
“Oh man!” AJ heads towards the door then stops suddenly. Nick runs into him. “We’d better give them space y’know.”
“Yeah, I guess.” They both sit down. Nick starts fiddling with a pen. “We gotta DO somethin’.”
“Yeah. Quit that.”
“Sorry.” Nick jumps up and starts pacing the room. “We’ll practise a routine, yeah. That’ll waste a few hours.”
“Uh, without Brian? He’s kinda central to routines bein’ lead an’ all.”
“Ah, we can just pretend he’s on some stool and dance round him.”
“Huh.”
Nick races out the door screaming for Howie and Kevin. AJ sighs and then follows him.
“Nic!” Brian races up the stairs into her bedroom. The room is empty. He looks in the bathroom. “Nic!” He runs down the stairs into the kitchen. She’s sat in her usual chair, looking out at the ocean.
“What’s with all the noise?” She looks at him.
“C’mon, I got the car outside.” Brian rushes forward to help her out of the chair.
“Calm down Brian.” She smiles at him. “We’ve got plenty of time yet.” He looks at her and smoothes back a stray hair from her eyes. She winces and doubles over with a contraction.
He rubs her back. “Can you walk?”
“Sure. They’re not continuous yet.” She leans on him as they walk to his car. He helps her inside, then speeds off towards the hospital.
“How’re you feelin’?”
“Nervous.”
He reaches across to squeeze her hand. “You’ll be just fine.”
Nikki groans and grips the sheets tightly in her hand as a contraction rips through her body. “Where’s Brian?”
“He’ll be here honey. He just had to put a gown on.”
Nikki grits her teeth. “I want him here.”
The nurse smiles at her and pats her hand reassuringly. “I know honey.”
The doors burst open and Brian rushes in, dressed in a green gown and cap. Nikki looks at him and manages a small laugh before doubling up in pain again. He stands next to her.
“What?”
“Surgicals don’t really suit you.”
He grins. “Good job I never had the mind to become a doctor then, hey?” She laughs and then groans. He smoothes her wet hair back off her forehead and presses a damp cloth to her face.
“Brian, would you hold my hand?” He looks at her and smiles. He takes her hand in his and kisses it.
“Always.”
“What?”
“Nothin’.” He winces as another contraction comes and she grips his hand tightly.
“Last push, honey. You can do it.” The doctor smiles encouragingly at her. Nikki tenses up and screams. Brian’s hold on her hand strengthens and his eyes close in a silent prayer. “Yes, that’s it. The head is through now. Last one now. C’mon….yeah….there we go.” The doctor cuts the cord and hands a slippery baby to Nikki. “Congratulations Nikki. You’ve got a beautiful baby boy.”
“Oh God.” Tears fall down her face as she looks at the baby on her chest. Brian takes one of the baby’s little hands in his own and smiles. “Our baby boy, Nic.” He bows his head to kiss the baby and then her soft damp hair. Tears roll down his face. “Thank you.”
Nick bounds into the room followed by AJ, Kevin and Howie. A nurse follows them. “Hey, I told you. Only two visitors at a time and Mr Littrell…”
Nikki smiles at her. “It’s OK. Please.” Nick and AJ turn round and use their puppy dog expressions on the nurse.
She sighs. “Anybody ask, you sneaked in.” She walks out.
Nick rushes over to where Brian is sat in a chair by the bed and looks at the baby over his shoulder. “Let me hold him.” Brian hands him over and Nick starts cooing to the baby.
Howie kisses Nikki. “How’re you feelin’?”
“Kinda tired.”
“I bet. You’re amazing.”
She smiles. “Thanks Howie.”
Kevin sits on the bed next to her and gives her a hug. “Thought of any names yet?”
“How about AJ?”
“I think one’s enough.”
“There can NEVER be enough AJs.” AJ grins and takes the baby off Nick. “Awww, he’s got his Momma’s eyes.”
“We’ve kinda decided on a name.” They all look at Brian. “Joseph William Littrell.” The guys mutter the name under their breaths.
“Joey.” AJ grins at the sleeping baby in his arms. “Yeah.”
Brian cuddles Joey closer to him and kisses his head. He looks at Nikki curled up in her chair. “I wish I didn’t have to go.”
“Well, you do.”
“Yeah. Will you still be here when I get back?”
She doesn’t look at him. “Sure.” He puts Joey back in his cradle and picks up his bags. He walks over to her. “Brian?”
“Yeah?”
“While you’re in England, will you divorce me?”
“Is that what you want?”
She looks out of the window. “Yes.” He stands looking down at her for a few minutes but she won’t look at him. He sighs and walks away.
“Hello?”
“Hey Nic. We just landed. I’ll be home in about an hour.”
“Great, your Mom’s here.”
“Oh right. How’s Joey?”
“He’s fine, been missing you.”
“I missed him a lot too. I’ve missed you, Nic.”
“Did you get the divorce?”
“I’ve gotta go, the guys are waiting.” He hangs up and she turns to Brian’s Mom.
“That was Brian.”
“Oh, is he OK?”
“Yeah, he’ll be home soon.”
“Great.” She lifts Joey up and kisses his nose. “He looks just like Brian did when he was a baby.”
Nikki smiles. “Look, I have to go. Could you look after Joe till Brian gets here?”
“Sure. Where are you goin’?”
“I have a flight to England. My friend’s getting married.”
“Oh. Does Brian know?”
“I forgot to tell him. I left a letter upstairs for him.” Nikki takes Joe and gives him a cuddle and a kiss. “I’ll be back soon Joey.”
Brian walks into the lounge and gives his Mom a kiss. She hands Joey over and he sits in a chair with him.
“You look tired honey.”
“Yeah, been a long day. Where’s Nikki?”
“She’s gone to England.”
Brian sits up and stares at her. “What?”
“She said she left a letter for you upstairs.”
Brian puts Joe in his cradle and goes upstairs to her bedroom. A letter lies on the bed. Her wedding band is next to it.
Dear Brian,
I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you that I was leaving but I was afraid you would try to stop me. I know we’re divorced now. Joe will always bind us but I cannot see you just now. I’ve gone to visit my family in England for a few weeks. I will be back soon. I’ll call you when I’ve sorted out my accommodation and we can arrange custody of Joe.
Nikki.
Brian curls up on the bed, holding her letter tightly in his hand. He can smell her perfume on the pillow and the tears roll down his cheeks. He couldn’t divorce her in England. He had been planning to tell her he loved her and beg her to give them a try. The box in his pocket digs into his flesh and he takes it out. He had bought it from Tiffany’s. She had always said she’d love something from Tiffany’s after seeing the film. Inside it is a diamond ring.
Nikki looks up at the grey sky and smiles. It’s been a long time since she felt rain on her face. She closes her eyes and sticks out her tongue. One of the things she’s missed living in Florida. Rain makes her feel so free. She opens her eyes and laughs. Life feels better now. She can cope with anything. Even Brian. She sighs and starts to cross the road. It would soon be time to go back. It would be wonderful to be with Joe again. To look into his eyes and see his father…. She never saw the car.
Brian groans and rolls over. The phone’s shrill ring interrupted his sleep and he reaches out a hand to grab the handset. He grunts into it.
“Brian?”
“Humpf.”
“It’s Lucy.”
“Luce…” He rolls over and glances at his clock. “It’s 3am.”
“I just had a call. It’s Nikki.”
“Nikki?”
“I’m sorry, Brian. She had an accident, in England.”
He sits up. “Oh God, no. Tell me she’s OK.”
“They don’t know.”
“I have to go to her.”
Brian jumps out of the black cab and runs up to the reception desk. “Nikki Littrell, which room?”
The receptionist looks the name up on her computer. “I’m sorry Sir, we have no one of that name here.”
“Try her maiden name, Walters.”
“Yes, she’s on the fifth floor.”
“Thanks.” Brian gets in the elevator. On the fifth floor, he steps into a waiting room. A blonde woman notices him and steps forward.
“You must be Brian.”
“Yes.”
“I’m Susan, Nikki’s Mum.”
“Oh. How is she?”
“She’s still unconscious. They’re not sure if she’ll ever wake up. And if she does…” She suddenly collapses in tears and a man steps forward to hold her. Brian turns away to the desk.
“Which room is Nikki in?”
“504.”
“Thanks.” He walks towards the room and the nurse runs after him.
“Sir! You can’t go in.” She stops in front of him. “It’s close family only.”
“I’m her husband.” She steps aside. Brian turns round to look at Nikki’s family. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way.”
Susan looks at him. “Go and see your wife. We’ll talk later.”
He nods and walks into the room. It’s silent except for the sound of a machine beeping in time with Nikki’s heart. Brian walks over to her. She looks so still and pale. He kisses her head and sits in the chair next to her bed. He takes her hand in his and bows his head to touch it. His tears fall silently. After a while he looks at her again. He touches the contours of her face.
“Nikki. You’re going to be OK. I know you are. We need you. Joe needs his Momma and I need you to be my wife. I love you Nikki. I don’t want to live in a world without you. I can’t, Nikki.” He kisses her lips and pulls out the Tiffany’s box. He opens it. “I bought you somethin’. It’s from Tiffany’s y’know.” He smiles and slips the ring onto her engagement finger. “You finally got somethin’ from that damn store.” He slips her wedding ring on her finger as well. “And you’re never gettin’ rid of this as long as I live, honey.”
Susan gently squeezes Brian’s shoulder. He groans and opens his eyes. He looks over at Nikki. “Sorry, I guess I fell asleep.”
“Did you come straight from America?”
“Yeah.” He rubs his neck.
“You must be exhausted. We have a bed for you at home.”
“I’m OK. I want to stay with Nikki.”
“Come and have a coffee with me.”
He looks up at her. “Sure. I’d like that.”
Susan watches Brian take a long drink of his black coffee. “How long have you been married?”
“A year now. We got married when she found out she was pregnant.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I wanted to, but Nikki didn’t want to lie to you. She only agreed to marry me because of the baby.”
“Oh. Are you getting a divorce then?”
“I love her.”
“That’s obvious. Does she love you?”
“I don’t know.” He looks down into his coffee mug. “I just want the chance to find out.” She reaches across the table and takes his hand in hers.
“I know.”
Brian looks down at Nikki’s pale face and kisses her hand. A nurse comes in to check the monitor. She smiles at Brian. “Talk to her honey. She can hear you.” Brian smiles slightly. “Only yesterday, a man woke up because his wife sang to him. ‘Course it was only to tell her to shut up!” She laughs and leaves the room.
Brian stands up and walks over to the window. The sky is grey and raindrops splatter the glass. He sighs and traces a drop with his finger along the glass. He walks back to Nikki and lies next to her. He combs his fingers through her hair and traces the contours of her face as he starts singing quietly.
“Don’t you want my love anymore?
Can’t believe your heart is sure
That you don’t need me
Don’t need me anymore.
How could I not realise?
Didn’t see the tears you hide
Hide away from me
Locked away inside.
And I thought that we were gonna last a lifetime
That this road would never end
And I thought that I’d be loving you forever
Without you where do I begin?
What would I do
If I can’t love you?
How can we just close the door
On everything we had before
When my heart is still yours?
I just can’t face another day without you
How can I make you stay?
What would I do
If I can’t love you?…”
Brian’s voice trails away and his eyes close as the tears run down his face. He holds her hand in his tightly.
Brian groans as he opens his eyes. The sun is shining through the window, directly into his eyes. He feels a gentle pressure on his hand and looks at Nikki. Her eyes are open and she smiles drowsily at him. He looks at her for a long time, hardly daring to believe that she’s real. Eventually she speaks.
“Hey.”
He smiles. “OK, now I know you’re real. If I was dreaming, those definitely WOULDN’T be your first words to me.” She laughs weakly and he sits up to get a better look at her. “How do you feel honey?”
“Like a car just hit me.”
“But no serious pain?”
“No. I’m alright Brian.” She looks down at her hand in his. “You bought my ring back.”
“Yes.”
“Plus one.”
He touches her diamond ring gently. “Yes, I bought it from Tiffany’s. You’ve always wanted something from there.”
She smiles. “Audrey Hepburn.”
“Yeah.” He takes a deep breath. “Nic, I love you so much. I won’t let you leave me because I think you love me too. Maybe just a bit but we can go from there. Please give us a try. Come back to America with me and be my wife. Marry me again…in church, in front of all our friends and family and in front of God. I promise that I’ll…”
“Brian…”
“I’ll never do anything to hurt you and I’ll be the best…”
“She squeezes his hand gently. “Brian.”
“I’ll…” He looks at her. “What?”
“I love you too. I always have and I always will. And I’d love to marry you.”
He stares at her and then kisses her and holds her tight. “Thank God.”
A nurse comes into the room. She sees Brian holding Nikki tightly in his arms and smiles. She slowly backs out and shuts the door. The health check will just have to wait.
If I Can't Love You - Dakota Moon