Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) (34 page)

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” I hate to question her again, but this is a very important decision for both of us.

“If you don’t marry me today, Brian Collins, you may never get the chance to again.” I love the little smirk on her face as she teases me.

Jennifer fills out the necessary paperwork for us, while I’m content answering the questions she has for me. She returns everything back to the lady behind the desk, and we are told it’s going to be a short wait. I grab ahold of her hand and rub my thumb over her soft skin.

I think back to everything I have experienced over the last few years; I have never been this close to marrying anyone. I had girlfriends, and I liked the idea of marriage, but I never made it far enough into the relationship to take the next step. Funny thing is, Jennifer and I haven’t had much time together yet either, but something tells me we are doing the right thing.

I’m shocked Jennifer hasn’t mentioned anything about telling her parents. I’m not sure how they will take the news of us getting married and having a baby without their knowledge or blessing.

I stand up and walk to the water fountain. My hands are sweaty, and I can’t believe how nervous I am. A side door opens and “Collins” is called from the lady holding our paperwork. We both stand up at the same time, and I take her hand in mine.

I look over to her and she meets my eyes with hers. “Here we go babe. It’s not too late to change your mind.” I tell her, and she pulls me forward.

Brian takes my face in both of his hands and pulls me into a very deep, passionate kiss. I’m almost embarrassed by this display of affection from him. It’s a side of him I have never seen before, especially not publically.

I take in a deep breath and relief washes over my body. I take a moment to let the reality of what this means sink in.

I am Mrs. Brian Collins.

Jennifer Collins.

And then it hits me like a lightning bolt.
What the hell have I done?
I have just eloped. Brian and I have just made a lifelong commitment to each other without either of us notifying any of our family or friends. What are my parents going to say? It’s bad enough I have not taken the opportunity to share with them the news of the baby, but now I’m going to give them the double shock of their lives.

Brian takes my hand in his and escorts me to the back of the room while another couple steps forward to take our place. I can’t help but notice the happiness Brian wears across his face. Just moments ago, I was so excited about the idea of being married, and now that it’s official, I can’t believe I actually went through with it.

Brian and I make our way out to the car, and I place all the important paperwork in my purse. I want to be so happy to be with my new husband. I just hope I have made the right decision.

I place my hand in Brian’s lap as he pulls from the parking lot heading back to our apartment.

“So, how does it feel, Mr. Collins, to officially be my husband?” I’m hoping that hearing the words spoken out loud will take away the little bit of uncertainty I’m feeling at the moment.

“It’s one of the best feelings in the world, Mrs. Collins.” And I do feel the happiness from Brian; it’s the assurance I need to make me feel better.

“There’s just one thing.”

“What?” He looks concerned all of a sudden.

“I hate that we aren’t going to be able to take a honeymoon right now. And, I can’t even spend my wedding night with my husband.” I’m sad knowing I’ve got to be at work in a few short hours. Had this been better planned and not so sudden, I could have taken the night or even the weekend off, but once I get through tonight, I’ll have the next two nights off to spend with my husband. Brian, on the other hand, has to work tomorrow too.

My classes this term all start in the morning and are over by noon, four days a week. If Brian continues to work day shifts, we will be able to spend a few hours together each evening before I have to go in to work. It’s going to make it really hard on me to get enough rest, but once I get my body used to the routine, it might not be so bad.

We get back to the apartment, and Brian stops before opening the front door. He turns towards me and lifts me up over his shoulder before walking inside. I know this isn’t the traditional way to carry your new bride into your home, but I don’t think my doorway would enable us to make any other way happen. I laugh at his gesture and wrap my arms tightly around him.

“
Ohhhhh
, I don’t want to go to work tonight.” I’m not whining about it, I just wish we could spend our first night as husband and wife together.

“I know baby. On the bright side, we’ve got tomorrow night together, and the next night, and the next. We’ve got forever.”

“Why don’t I make us a quick dinner? As much as I want to spend time with you tonight, I really have to get some sleep before going in, or I’m never going to make it through the night.”

Brian heads to the bedroom while I glance through the cabinets hoping to find something quick and easy to fix. I decide to make a pot of homemade spaghetti.

Brian returns to the kitchen and sneaks up behind me while I stand at the stove getting everything started. He wraps his arms around my belly, and I stop what I’m doing long enough to enjoy the security I feel being with him.

Supper is ready in no time, and Brian tells me he’s going to get the kitchen cleaned up and everything put away so I can have more time to sleep. He insists I need my rest, and I don’t argue. I hate leaving the kitchen this way, but I’ll use this as a test to see if he is a man of his word.

I head back to the bedroom for a couple hours of rest.

My alarm beeps at nine o’clock, allowing me just enough time to get ready for work. I struggle to wake up. I simply did not get enough rest tonight, and it’s only going to make for an even longer night.

I walk to the bathroom and splash my face with cold water, hoping it will revive me. I brush my hair and pull it up in my usual ponytail. I apply lip gloss and a little mascara to my tired eyes. I change into my red polo shirt and glance at myself in the mirror. I wonder what I’m going to look like once my belly starts to swell. I turn to the side pulling the shirt tight against me. I think about how this is going to impact my parents once they find out, and I have to push the thought out of my mind for now. I need time to figure out the way I should approach the subject with them.

I walk to the living room and Brian is sitting on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table, watching a basketball game.

“Hey baby.” I try to smile, but right now, I would trade anything for just a few more hours of sleep.

“You look tired. Are you sure you can’t call in tonight?” I can’t believe he’s really asking me this. He knows how I feel about calling out. “You could stay here with your husband and keep him company.” He teases.

“I wish I could stay home with you. Once I get there, maybe it won’t be so bad.” But I know if it’s a slow night, it’s going to seem like forever, so who am I kidding?

I walk to the kitchen to grab a water bottle from the refrigerator, and I stare at the dinner dishes still littering the kitchen. Brian promised he would clean everything up for me.

He notices the expression on my face and instantly says, “I’m going to get to it, dear. I just got caught up in the game. I promise it will be spotless when you get home in the morning.”

I don’t want to say anything to make him mad, so I don’t bring it up again. I put on my jacket and grab my purse. Brian stands up and meets me by the door. “I’m sure going to miss you tonight, Mrs. Collins.”

I lay my head against his shoulder for a moment, savoring the feel of his arms wrapped around me. It doesn’t get any better than this.

I pull back after a few moments and look into his eyes. “I love you, Brian.”

“I love you too.” He grabs ahold of my hand where my ring would be had it not needed sizing and lifts it to his lips. His kiss is so gentle and tender.

“You’re making it hard to leave, baby.” I tell him. “But if I don’t get going, I’m definitely going to be late.” I pull away and stand in the doorway. He winks at me as I turn to walk to the car. I tell myself not to worry about the kitchen. On the other hand, I need to be worried about how I’m going to break my news to Rebecca. I’ve got ten minutes to figure out a plan.

I walk into the hotel office and Rebecca stands up from the chair. “You look like you’ve hardly slept. You feeling okay?”

“Gee, thanks for letting me know I look like shit.” I tell her in a way that shows I’m joking. While it hurts my feelings, I know it’s true. I am going to have to get on a better sleeping routine. At least I know tomorrow I will have the entire day to sleep while Brian is at work. Thank goodness for that.

“Did you not get any rest today?” I know she’s being a concerned best friend, especially since I just recently shared the news of my pregnancy with her.

“I got a couple hours this evening. Not near enough though.” I try to remain hopeful. I decide that now is really not a good time to share with her about my marriage. “I just had a busy day with lots of things I needed to get done.”

“Look on the bright side. Once you get off in the morning, you have three days and two nights away from this place.” She tries to offer some encouragement.

“Don’t worry. I’m already counting down the hours.”

Rebecca stands up to leave and gives me a hug. She pats her hand to my belly and says, “Take care of my little niece or nephew.” This is the first time any reference has been made about my having a boy or girl.

“
Aww
Thanks. You know I will.”

“Hey, you got plans for Sunday? Maybe you and I can spend some quality girl time together.” I think back over the last few months that Brian and I have been together. Rebecca and I used to spend every weekend together, whether it was going out to the movies or dancing, or just getting manicures and hanging out at the apartment. New Year’s Eve was the last night we spent together. So much happened that night, and I’ve tried to push it as far from my mind as possible. But the truth is, I have missed our fun times together, too.

“Let me check with Brian. With his new job, he’s been working a lot of hours, too.” I can see by the expression on her face she’s not happy with my saying this. I’m glad I held off from telling her about getting married now. I know she is not a fan of Brian, given everything that’s happened, but I’m willing to give them both time to fix the situation between them, for my sake.

“Sure, fine. Just let me know.” Without giving me time to respond, she walks towards the door.

“Rebecca, wait. That’s not fair and you know it.” I plead with her.

“What’s not fair Jennifer? You work things out with your boyfriend that you still barely know anything about, and you spend every waking moment with him. All I asked for was a couple hours with my best friend, and you can’t even make that decision on your own, without consulting with him first.”

Why can’t she just accept Brian? Why does she always have to question him and his past?
I don’t like being put in these situations where I am forced to choose between the people I love most, especially now that Brian is my husband.