Let's see, we've been married for almost a year now. It feels like just yesterday we were saying our vows and shoving wedding cake into each other's faces. Feels like only a few hours ago we were boarding our honeymoon flight to Greece to embark on a grand, once-in-a-lifetime journey. One that we would fondly look back on throughout the rest of our lives. One that would-
"Dear?"
His soft voice pulls me back to the present.
"Yes?"
I ask, knowing I spaced out in the middle of his little rant about the pet store not having the right type of aquarium filter.
"Nothing, just rambling. Anywho, I've been meaning to tell you how stunning you look
today!"
He says cheerily with that cute half smirk that shows off his dimples and makes my knees weak.
"Thank you, my sweet."
I peck him on the cheek as I position myself comfortably on his lap, cup of chai tea in hand.
He cranes his neck down to awkwardly kiss the top of my ear and breathily murmurs,
"you get lovelier with every passing day. I do believe that by the time you reach age 30,
you will be Aphrodite herself."
I only giggle in his response to his sweet (but absurd) remark. He really does think too highly of me, or at least certainly higher than I deserve. But, he is mine. And I am his. And I could never ask for more, or for a better husband. So, I am content.
"So what are your plans today?" He asks with a smile.
"Oh, you know. The usual. I'll be working in Triage until about 7:00, then I'm actually
going to a houses party with some of coworkers. So that'll be fun!" I say brightly.
He wrinkles his nose a bit and a small "v" forms between his eyebrows as his lips hint at a frowny sort of pout.
"Well I'm happy you're getting out of the house! You deserve to have fun. But…I just can't help but wonder what sort of party this will be, and who will be in attendance."
Ah, there it is. The reason he was frowny-pouting.
"I mean…will there be alcohol? Drugs? I just want to know what sort of environment you
are inserting yourself into tonight…" He questions hesitantly before suddenly spurting
"I just don't want you to drink much. I've seen what it is does to the people I provide counseling for. I don't want you to fall down that rabbit hole. You have to promise me you won't touch too much alcohol tonight."
His front teeth worry at his bottom lip. I know he is thinking about all of the addicts he has helped achieve sobriety. He worries too much, but I understand why.
"Dear," I snap him out of his thoughts. "Trust me. I'll be fine. Really, I won't drink much."
At that the corners of his mouth turn upward into a brief smile.
He wraps his fair skinned arms around me and pulls my head onto his chest, where he then places a kiss on the very top of my head. A kiss so tender that it suddenly makes me feel all of the love in the universe at once, like a rush of energy and affection.
"Alright, thank you. You're such a good girl for me."
I beam up at him when I hear him use the pet name. He returns my grin with a toothy smile, then lightly taps my thigh so I know to remove myself from his lap.
He takes the tea cup from my hand and places it in the kitchen sink as I lazily walk towards the bedroom. After a few minutes he joins me in our bedroom, and we begin going about our typical morning routine. Brushing our teeth next to each other, frantically looking for clean and unwrinkled clothes, searching for misplaced shoes and other essentials.
"So which coworkers will be joining you tonight? Anyone exciting?" He plainly asks.
"Just Rebecca and Maddie. The party is at Maddie's friend's place. But I think- "
"Rebecca will be there?" He asks as his lips press into a firm line. "She is a severe alcoholic.
She should've had her nursing license revoked years ago for how frequently she is drunk
while on the clock. I don't know if I'm comfortable with you being under her influence."
I roll my eyes at his overconcern. He knows how close of friends Rebecca and I are. Going to the party without her is out of question.
"It's fine, it's not a big deal. I already told you I don't intend to drink much anyways."
The "v" forms between his eyebrows again.
"Well it will be a big deal if you get too wasted and can't drive home or even end up doing
something you'll regret in the morning!" He says emphatically.
I cross my arms.
"It's fine, seriously. I can handle myself, I know my limits."
"I know but… I'm just worried. I'm against this."
"Can you just show some faith in me?" I snap at him.
"I do have faith in you! I'm just worried. But, I want you to go out tonight and have a fun
time. I promise I'll start trusting your decisions more."
"Thank you." I shoot a half smile at him then grab my car keys and make my way towards
the front door.