10
That night as Winnie lay wonderfully warm in his arms and he was just beginning to doze off, she began to whisper softly, "You were my first time Jesse Tuck. You were my first everything."
"What do you mean?" He asked softly suddenly just as wide awake and she still seemed to be, and aware once again of the secret he was keeping from her.
"You were my first friend, the first boy I'd ever really met, you were my first love." Winnie whispered, her eyes closed, remembering and savoring. "I'm so glad you came back." She finished wrapping her arms tightly about him and nestling against his chest as she finally seemed to fall asleep.
Jesse lay awake for several more hours, wondering how he could ever ruin this sweet perfect they had as he knew his secret would.
The next day Jesse had made a decision, at least of how to break the secret out of the dark corner of his mind to his precious Winnie. He still didn't know how she'd react, but maybe his actions before would save her from running from him.
Jesse woke Winnie gently with a kiss. She blinked seeming a little surprised to be awoken.
"Something important weighing on your mind this morning?" Winnie asked intently watching him.
Jesse fought back a grimace, amazed that she could already know him so well. He supposed every day together even for short a time as theirs taught you things about the other person. Jesse cleared his throat. "Winnie I got something important to ask you today."
Winnie giggled at his tone, "Alright."
Jesse took Winnie's hands, "Will you marry me again this morning Winnie Tuck?"
Winnie's brow scrunched in that adorable way that always made Jesse want to kiss it. "But we only just got married two years ago."
Jesse shrugged, keeping his face turned, he didn't want Winnie to see and suddenly be able to interpret the intentions behind his eyes. He didn't want to give the secret away, but surely if they had just been married (again) she would be accepting of it. It just had to be, otherwise he didn't the secret would ever be properly dragged from him.
"I thought we were rushing to Tree Gap, why the sudden stop to smell the roses?"
Jesse flinched visibly; Gosh she can be perceptive sometimes. "I thought the rush was getting a little too rushed," he muttered feebly before finally meeting Winnie's gaze. "Plus, after the wedding I wanted to explain things better, but I want you happy first, so the news doesn't seem so upsettin', cause I know it will be."
Winnie looked confused and more curious than ever, but she only nodded her assent.
Jesse smiled weakly and kissed the back of Winnie's hand. "Thank you lovely, let's get ready and go."
Jesse suspected she prepared for the next wedding as quickly as she did because she was finally going to find out what was wrong, but whatever drove her, worked for him. He wanted to renew and remind before he spilled the rather horrifying news.