So my husband got me a beagle pupper named Nami, and I've been training her for the last couple of days, so again, sorry for the delay XD I swear I have good reasons.

Of course, I'll give you three hella fluffy chapters, and the Hawaii trip will be a long James chapter ^^

Also, I will start doing more internal dialogue for them both.

I love the criticism ^^

If there are any chapters you think could benefit from internal dialogue (Or Sofia chapters you'd like to see as James chapters) let me know so I can start planning!

XOXOXOXO

Chapter 39

Sofia

"I need to run to the store to pick up your medicine, baby," James kissed my forehead, "Can I get you anything while I'm out?"

"I don't think so," I shook my head.

I didn't like the idea of being left at home alone or him literally having to run to the store because I tried to escape this morning, but I knew I needed my medicine.

"Text mom and ask her where she put your keys," I wheezed, coughing violently.

"I will, love, and I'll make sure one of the deputies knows you're here alone. Try to get sleep while I'm gone," he frowned, rubbing my back.

I nodded, trying to catch my breath.

This was so damn embarrassing.

James picked me up, took me to the bathroom, sat me on the counter, and turned on the water.

"You're getting an inhaler, but this should help until I get home," he pulled me to his chest as the room began filling with steam, "I'll be right back, baby,"

He kissed me and ran out, engaged the alarm, and locked the door behind him.

I leaned my head on the mirror and closed my eyes, breathing in the steam as well as I could without feeling like I was drowning.

I heard the door open and footsteps in the living room.

"That was quick," I called, coughing and sliding down from the counter, "Did you forget something, baby?"

There was no response, and the house went silent.

I turned the water off and steadied myself on the edge of the tub.

"James?" I called again, moving to the doorframe, but still, I got no response.

I slid across the wall into our bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed.

I probably imagined it.

My head felt like it was going to explode, and the whistling sound my lungs made when I breathed was making it so much worse.

There was a loud clang from downstairs, and I jumped, making myself dizzy.

"Hello?" I gasped, stumbling out the door and looking over the rail into the living room with stars in my eyes.

I followed the railing to the stairs and carefully descended.

"James, are you here?" I held my hand to my head and leaned against the wall halfway down the stairs.

I couldn't breathe, I could hardly see, and I was pretty sure I had a migraine.

I sat down on the step, leaned my forehead against my knees, and closed my eyes.

When I looked back up, Seth was kneeling in front of me.

"You look awful, sis," he frowned, handing me a cup, "Why don't we go outside? You need some fresh air,"

"Okay," I mumbled, taking a sip of the thick Jell-O and letting him help me up.

"Let's go out the back," he pointed me to the kitchen, "We don't want the cop outside to make you go back in,"

I nodded and coughed into my elbow as I put the cup on the counter, turned off the alarm, and opened the door.

I snapped my eyes shut as the light assaulted my eyes and leaned my head against the house.

I felt nauseous.

"I want to go back in, Seth," I gagged, but he pulled me out into the yard.

"No, you don't," Seth laughed, dragging me along the sidewalk, "You hate being stuck inside,"

I put my hands over my head, hoping the pressure would make it stop pulsing so fucking hard.

"Where are we going?" I wheezed, trying to keep up his pace.

"Home," he smiled, grabbing my wrist and pulling me faster.

"What do you mean? I was at home," I gasped, trying to pull away, "I can't breathe, I need to stop,"

"No, Sofia," he growled, pulling me faster.

I tripped over the sidewalk and fell hard on my face.

I felt something crack and screamed.

"SOFIA!" Seth yelled, and I began to cry.

My lungs were on fire, and I could feel blood running down my face as a pair of strong hands lifted me off the concrete.

"Please don't hurt me," I coughed through my sobs, "I'm sorry, Seth, but I told you I needed to stop,"

"Shh, Baby," James's soothing voice wrapped around me like a blanket, and I opened my eyes.

"James?" I wheezed as he ran me back to the house.

Was I dreaming again?

I always woke up when James saved me, so why wasn't I?

"What happened?" he asked, setting me in a kitchen chair and grabbing paper towels.

"Seth said I needed fresh air, but It's just a dream," I coughed, sending what felt like knives through my head, "I'll wake up soon,"

"You're awake, baby," he gently dabbed at my forehead.

I looked up at him, confused, and he looked back at me with fear in his beautiful golden-green eyes.

What was happening to me?

Why were my hallucinations becoming more extreme?

"I'm sorry," I whimpered, "It happened so fast, and when you showed up, I figured I was dreaming again,"

"Shh, my love," he grabbed the first aid kit and put a bandage on my head, "It's okay. I shouldn't have left you alone. It won't happen again,"

He kneeled in front of me and pulled me down to him on the floor.

"You shouldn't have to watch over me all time. How long were you gone?" I snapped, looking at the floor.

"Thirty minutes," he whispered, rocking me in his arms.

"I'm more of a pet than a wife. You don't deserve this much of a burden,"

"You are not a burden, Sofia," James pulled my face up, "Never think like that. I love you, and I made a mistake. I'm also going to talk to that deputy outside; he should have kept a better eye on the house,"

Nothing I could say would change his mind, but I was pissed at myself for letting my imagination get so out of control.

He gave me my medicine and carried me back to bed.

"Sleep, princess. Don't think about it anymore," he kissed me and pulled the blanket up, "I love you so much,"

"I love you too," I frowned, closing my eyes.

Even though I had no right to.

He left the room, and I grabbed my phone.

I needed noise, so I started watching Superstore and hoped for good dreams.

"Baby," James whispered, waking me up, "Time for your medicine,"

"Okay," I mumbled, sitting up.

It was dark outside, and I hadn't dreamt.

So, success, I guess.

"How do you feel?" James asked, handing me a glass of water.

"Sore," I replied, swallowing the pills, "What time is it?"

"Eight-thirty," he smiled, laying down next to me, "You've been sleeping well,"

I nodded and laid back against the pillows, "Apparently, Seth has decided to leave me alone after what happened this morning,"

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" James grabbed my hand.

"I heard the door open and thought you had come back. I turned off the water because I felt like I was drowning and called for you, but it was quiet, so I went to the room. Then I heard a loud noise in the kitchen and tried to go downstairs, but I made it halfway and sat down, and when I looked back up, Seth was standing there with a cup of Jell-O," I trembled, "It was so real, James. I could taste the Jell-O, I felt him help me up, and he drug me off the back porch and down the sidewalk," I rubbed my wrist.

I could still feel his cold hand on me.

James rubbed circles on the back of my hand with his thumb, "Do you know what triggered it?"

"I was worried about being home alone and about you walking by yourself," I shrugged, "Did you tell mom and dad?"

"Yeah, baby, Dad changed the alarm codes, and I can't tell you what they are," he grimaced, "I'm sorry,"

"Don't be. That's definitely for the best, especially if I try to kidnap myself again," I chuckled sourly, "God, I'm fucked up,"

"None of that," James shook his head and pulled me up, "It was a bad sequence of events. I should have had mom bring your medicine home on lunch. I just wanted to be the one to get them for you,"

I rested my head on his shoulder and sighed.

Something needed to be done because this entire scenario was ridiculous.

"Are you hungry, my love?" he asked, resting his head on mine, and I nodded, "I got some chicken broth and crackers,"

"Sounds good," I smiled as he got me comfortable and jumped downstairs.

James was so good to me, and I had no way of repaying his kindness.

He would do something nice for me, and I would turn around and do crazy shit.

His birthday was two weeks away, so I pulled out my phone and began searching for somewhere to take him.

He deserved a surprise, at least, and I was sure I'd be better by then.

James brought me a bowl of broth, a roll of crackers, a cup of Jell-O and proceeded to feed me as we watched Brooklyn 99 on his phone until I fell back asleep.

He woke me up the next morning to give me my medicine, and we laid in bed watching TV until there was a knock at the door, and James motioned for me to stay in bed.

I heard a man's voice and jumped up, sneaking out to the railing.

"Mrs. Talbert has visitors," the deputy announced, "Is it okay if they come in?"

He pointed to the driveway.

"Sure, send them in," James chuckled, smiling up at me.

"Who's here?" I asked, leaning over the rail.

Before he had time to tell me, my squad filled the living room, holding balloons and flowers.

"Sofia!" Vivian ran up the stairs and hugged me, "We were all so worried,"

"Thank you," I wheezed, waving at everyone.

My friends came to see me.

Why did everyone care about me so much?

James climbed the stairs and carried me down, setting me on the couch.

"You get comfortable, love, and I'll make snacks," he kissed me as the girls situated themselves.

"Can you make me Jell-O?" I asked, coughing.

"Of course, baby," he smiled, "Can I get you girls anything to drink?"

"Waters, please," Vivian giggled, looking around the living room, "This is such a cute house, and there are so many pictures of you guys it's like you two live alone,"

"How are you feeling?" Bridgett asked, crouching in front of me.

"Better than yesterday," I assured her, "I'll be back on Monday,"

"Don't push yourself; we need you better," Cleo smiled, patting my shoulder.

James came back with bottles of water, my Jell-O, and a veggie tray before sitting down next to me.

"I thought you couldn't drink coffee," Heather cocked her head to the side.

"It's not coffee," I took a long drink, "It's Jell-O,"

They all stared at me with their noses scrunched.

Yes.

I'm weird.

"Hot Jell-O, tails? Why?" Bridgett inspected the inside of my cup curiously.

"My brother used to make it for me," I shrugged, taking another drink and setting the cup down, "It makes me feel better when I'm sick,"

I suddenly felt super self-conscious and looked at James before staring at my thighs.

"What?" James asked, squeezing my shoulder, "Like you guys don't have unique things that make you feel better?"

"I put bananas and cinnamon in hot water when I'm sick," Olivia giggled, "Everyone has their thing,"

"Exactly," James kissed my cheek.

"So what's yours, James?" Vivian asked, grabbing a baby carrot.

"I don't think I've ever gotten sick," James shrugged.

Not surprising.

"That figures," Cleo laughed, "You're like the guy from Unbreakable,"

"Have you ever broken a bone?" I asked, looking over at him.

"Nope," he shook his head, "I came close to breaking my arm when I first started playing football, though,"

"What about you, tails?" Bridgett asked.

"Mhm," I nodded, "I've broken my left arm twice, my right arm once, and my right leg,"

"Damn," Heather whispered.

Please don't ask me how.

"From cheer?" Vivian asked, and I shook my head.

"I'm just clumsy," I lied.

I heard James exhale slowly, not buying my explanation, but he didn't say anything.

"That's hard to believe. You're like a cat," Heather giggled.

"It took a while to get as good as I am now," I smirked.

That was true, at least.

The girls stayed for an hour, and James carried me back upstairs.

"Was it Sam?" he asked, and I knew exactly what he meant.

"No. Sam never did anything to me that was visible or long sleeves couldn't hide," I shook my head, "Miranda broke my arm once after I got out of the closet without permission, and the other times were because I fought with the clients. Sam made sure they all suffered for it. I was 'precious merchandise' to him,"

Clients.

Merchandise.

Why was I talking like we owned a damn grocery store?

"Come here, princess," James wrapped his arms around me, "It was unfair of me to ask, I'm sorry,"

"It's okay, really," I assured him, stretching up and kissing him, "Part of me wants to believe that without all the drug and sex stuff, Sam would have been a good dad. I think that's why I'm not scared when I see him in person,"

"I sincerely wish you never had to say things like that," he picked me up and carried me to the bed, "I will do my best to make up for everything you never had,"

"You already do. You all do, and maybe someday I'll be able to do something to repay you,"

"Repay me?" He cocked an eyebrow, "You being with me is all the repayment I could ever ask for. I've told you that, baby,"

"I know," I sighed, "But I'll still try,"

"Get some sleep, princess. I love you," he kissed me and pulled the blanket up.

"I love you too,"

"I remember this place," I sighed dramatically, closing my eyes, "It hasn't changed at all since I've been gone,"

"Okay, dramatic wife, you were gone for three days," James laughed, shoving my shoulder playfully as he turned the engine off.

I giggled and waved at the girls as they ran over to greet me.

I could still hear the whistle when I breathed, but I felt so much better.

"I'm just happy to be back," I sighed, "I'll be quick, baby,"

"Alright, love," James kissed me, and I joined my friends.

"It's good to have you back, tails," Bridgett squealed, hugging my shoulders.

"It's good to be back," I smiled, ready to get back to my life.

"I'm glad you both came in today," Mrs. White smiled as James, and I sat down, "How was your week, Sofia?"

"I got sick last week, and something bizarre happened," I frowned.

James squeezed my hand, and Mrs. White motioned for me to continue.

"I saw Seth. Not in a dream, I was awake, and he tried to get me to leave. He led me outside, told me he was taking me home, and I fell because he pulled me so hard,"

"You felt him?" Mrs. White asked, shocked.

"Mhm," I nodded, looking down at James's hand in mine.

I didn't want to think about it.

"She had a fever the night before and talked to him in the kitchen, and when I tried to get her attention, she called me Seth," James added, comfortingly putting his arm around me.

"Did she have a fever the day she followed him?" Mrs. White directed her question to James, and he shook his head.

"No, we were in the emergency room Tuesday night, and they made sure her fever was gone before they let her leave. I left her alone for twenty minutes when I went to get her medicine, and I found her on the sidewalk,"

"You do understand that Seth is not actually haunting you, right? These hallucinations and dreams you're having of your brother are just that; it's an extension of your subconscious mind, making you believe that Seth wants you dead or that he needs you with him. It's prevalent with survivor's guilt,"

"Then why is it only Seth? Why not Ryder or Natalie?"

"Were you as close to them as you were your brother?"

"I wouldn't say closer, but we were close, and I was the reason Sam killed their entire family. Wouldn't them haunting me, or not haunting me, whatever, make more sense?"

"It wasn't your fault," James kissed the side of my head.

"Yes, it was. Ryder and I were in the same class, and his parents were friends of Sam and Miranda. We would go on walks and stuff when they came over, and we started hanging out at school, but once his parents found out how Sam was making his money off prostituting me, they started doing the same thing to him. They threatened him like they did me, but Ryder promised to get me out after three months. He told our teacher because he was worried about me, and Sam killed them all," I cried, pulling my knees up to my chest and smashing my forehead on them.

"Stop," James demanded, putting his hand on my knees, "Just because he cared enough about you to try to help get you out doesn't make their death your fault. It was Sam and Miranda's for starting all that shit, to begin with,"

"He's right," Mrs. White added, not sounding pleased about it, "You can't blame yourself for anyone's deaths. Patrick killed Seth because Patrick sexually abused you, and Sam killed that family because Sam kept you on drugs and profited from your torture. They couldn't stand the idea of owning up to their crimes,"

I knew what they were saying sounded right, but I couldn't accept it.

"I know you've had visual hallucinations before, but have you ever had tactile hallucinations?" Mrs. White asked me, scribbling on her notepad.

"Not in a long time," I admitted.

"Since your meth addiction?" she asked, and I tensed.

"Yeah," I whispered, keeping my eyes down.

"I'm afraid you may be reacting to one of your medications; I will reassess your prescriptions, and don't take them for the time being," She continued scribbling.

"Okay. I don't think the medication is working anyway," I sighed, "I don't seem to be getting any better,"

If anything, I felt like I was getting worse.

"Are you still having suicidal thoughts?" she asked.

"No, but I stopped wanting to kill myself after I met James. It has nothing to do with the medication," I snapped my eyes toward her.

"Why did you agree to start medication if you think you're better without it?"

"I had a violent outburst the day I ended up in the psych ward, and I hit James. I wanted to make sure that never happened again,"

"And has it?"

"No. Sofia thought I was Miranda the last time she hit me, and it was only slapping my hand away," James explained, running his fingers along my shoulder.

"Has she mistook you for other people often?" Mrs. Whit inquired, looking through the pages of her book.

Once was too often.

"Not really; the night she got sick was the first time she'd thought I was Seth,"

"And she gets triggered by your sexual advances," Mrs. White mumbled as she read.

''We're working past that," James and I both snapped, and I fought the urge to kiss him.

"Look," Mrs. white sighed, "The medication alone can't do everything; you have to give yourself time to get better,"

"I've been trying, but it seems like every time I turn around, someone gets in the way—Sam, Scott, fake Seth, faceless zombie guys. It's always something that pulls me back,"

"The only way to get better is to focus on yourself, which is what I've been trying to tell you. Both of you. I told you to be cautious because this co-dependency you have on James is unhealthy," Mrs. White sat forward.

"She's not co-dependent!" James seethed, but I put my hand on his arm.

"I love James, as I've told you a million times before," I crossed my legs, "But I know how you could misinterpret it. I have told him many times that he shouldn't have to babysit me; hell, he had to stay home from school all week because my family couldn't trust me to be on my own. I lived alone for so long, and maybe I have replaced my self-harming addiction with him, but is that really so bad?"

"I need Sofia just as much as she needs me," James added, squeezing my knee, "I may have grown up with great parents, but I've never gotten along with other people. I was addicted to football and training before I met her, but she has given me a reason to actually live my life. She is the reason I get up in the morning, and she is the reason I strive for better grades; Sofia is everything to me, and I won't allow you to belittle her for loving me back!"

"I'm not belittling anyone," Mrs. White sat back in her chair, "I am merely stating the fact that this obsession you two share is going to get Sofia, at least, in more trouble than necessary,"

"Call it what you want, but I won't let anything happen to Sofia. Ever. And if that makes me obsessed, then that's fine with me,"

"I think that's enough for today," Mrs. White sighed, "See you next week,"

James and I walked hand-in-hand to the truck, and he opened my door for me before climbing in the driver's seat.

"Hey, baby?" James grinned, looking over at me, "Are you obsessed with me?"

"Undeniably," I blushed.

"Aren't you going to ask if I'm obsessed with you?" he asked, pulling me closer to him.

"What's the point is asking a question I already know the answer to?" I cocked my head to the side sarcastically.

"That's my girl," he pulled my face to him and kissed me.

"Happy birthday, my handsome husband," I woke James up with a kiss.

"Mmm," he wrapped his arms around my body and pulled me on top of him, deepening the kiss, "Thank you, gorgeous wife,"

I have something for you," I smiled, sitting up.

"If it involves you getting off me, it can wait," James smirked, pulling me back down and clashing our lips together as his hands roamed.

His touch was electric, and I didn't know if I would ever get used to it.

I didn't want to.

I wanted to feel like this forever.

James and I got dressed, and I grabbed his gift from my studio before we joined mom and dad downstairs.

I had already filled them in about my surprise for James's birthday, and they agreed to help me out after the game.

"Happy birthday, male child," mom grinned, handing James and me plates of strawberry waffles smothered in whipped cream with a lit candle in his,

"Your favorite,"

"Um, I'm confused," I put my hand in the air.

"She does this every year," James laughed, blowing out the candle, "This is her favorite; where's mine?" he held his hands out expectantly.

"It's the one day a year I get to eat this in front of him without a thirty-minute lecture about 'sugar and calorie intake,'" mom smiled, swapping the waffles out for something covered in yellow sauce.

"There it is!" he exclaimed, taking it happily.

"What is it?" I asked, poking the circular food with his fork.

"Eggs Benedict with turkey bacon," he grinned, cutting a piece and holding it toward my mouth.

I took a bite and smiled, "It's kind of sour,"

"That's the lemon juice," mom explained, putting a forkful of waffle in her mouth.

I grabbed a plate of waffles and handed James the wrapped box.

He put his plate down and unwrapped his present tenderly.

"Since when do you unwrap gifts so slowly?" dad laughed, "He usually tears the paper to shreds,"

"This is a special gift from my wife, male parent," James scoffed, laying the wrapping on the island and taking the lid off the black box, "You made this?" he whispered, pulling out the statue.

It was him in his uniform and me in mine, with his arms wrapped around my waist and his forehead resting on mine.

"Yeah, with some help from my art teacher," I nodded, "I sculpted it and added the color, and he baked it for me,"

"That is beautiful," mom said as James placed it on the countertop.

"You are very talented," dad agreed.

"It's amazing," James murmured, not taking his eyes off it, "Thank you so much,"

"I was thinking about doing a series of them, us in our uniforms, wedding clothes, homecoming, etcetera, but I think we'd run out of space for all of them," I giggled.

"Do it," James hugged me, "Please, we will find places to put them,"

I hugged him back softly.

Being loved by James was truly the most amazing feeling in the world.

"I will," I whispered, "It will be my way of documenting,"

"I think that is a great idea," mom nodded excitedly, "I want one of all of us,"

"I can do that," I giggled.

We ate our breakfast and headed to school for practice.

"Did you bring it?" I asked Cleo as we walked into the locker room.

"Yep," she smiled, showing me a pile of decorations.

"Awesome!" I exclaimed, "Now I have to find someone to distract James,"

We watched the guys practice, and I ran as fast as I could to catch Nick as soon as James disappeared into the locker room.

"Nick!" I pulled him to the side, "I need your help,"

"Sure, Sofia, what's up?" he smiled.

"I need you to keep James in the locker room for about fifteen extra minutes; I'm going to decorate his locker for his birthday," I explained, looking around to make sure my husband wasn't within earshot.

"No problem, leave it to me," Nick laughed.

"Thank you!" I smiled, squeezing his arm and running back to the girls.

I ran to the locker room and retrieved the ribbons, balloons, and streamers.

"He's going to love it!" Cleo exclaimed, helping me carry everything inside.

"I hope so," I smiled, quickly decorating James's locker as Cleo looked out for him.

"Done!" I jumped back, admiring my handiwork, "Thanks, Cleo!" I hugged her before running to the field to wait for James.

"Guess what!" James exclaimed, picking me up and pulling me to his chest, "Some recruiters from the Pratt institute are coming tonight!"

"That's great!" I beamed.

"Hell yes, it is!" he laughed, "It would be amazing if I could make the team of your first choice school!"

"If they don't pick you up after watching you play, I don't want to go there," I giggled.

He brought his lips to mine and held me tightly.

There was no way I would go anywhere that wouldn't accept my amazing husband.

James wrapped his arm around my waist, slipping his hand in my back pocket as we walked into the building.

"Happy birthday, James!" everyone greeted him.

"Thanks," he rubbed the back of his neck, and I pulled him down the hall.

"Do you like it?" I asked as we approached his heavily decorated locker.

"You did this for me?" James smiled, admiring the ribbons and balloons protruding from the vents on the red metal door.

"It's not much, but I wanted to do something special for your birthday," I giggled, nodding happily.

"It's perfect," he grinned, picking me up and twirling me around, "Thank you so much, princess,"

"You're welcome," I blushed.

I was glad I could make him so happy with such small gestures.

Plus, with Sam and Miranda getting out of jail in two days, we needed as much happiness as we could manage.

James ran across the field and smothered me in sweaty kisses.

"Great game, baby!" I squealed, wiping my face off on his damp jersey, "Go take a shower and meet me at the truck!"

"I'll be right back!" he grinned, bringing my lips to his before jumping back and running to the locker room.

"So he has no clue what you're planning for him?" Bridgett giggled as we skipped to our locker room.

"I don't think so," I smiled, hurrying her along, "I'm so nervous!"

"Don't be," Vivian patted my back, "He's going to love it,"

"Oh, I have no doubt that we'll have fun, but I don't want to fly," I blushed, grabbing my clothes.

"Why don't you drive down?" Cleo asked, turning on her shower.

"I have to get prepared for our Hawaii trip; it seems like something happens every time we get a chance to make practice trips," I sighed, turning on my shower and standing under the warm water.

"He's taking you to Hawaii?!" they all exclaimed.

"For Thanksgiving, his aunt Tilly lives there and invited us," I giggled, unsure of how I had forgotten to tell them.

"That's going to be so romantic," Vivian sighed, "I wish Garth did half the things for me that James does for you,"

"I'm sure he will once you two graduate," I assured her, "Are you going to college together?"

"I don't know if he wants to stay together after high school," Vivian sniffled, "I brought up us getting married the week of your wedding, and he swerved the conversation hard,"

"You can do so much better than Garth Justice," Bridgett commented, "You will find someone much better if he's stupid enough to break up with you,"

"No doubt," Cleo chimed, "However, I don't think any of us will get as lucky as Sofia. I'm sure there aren't many guys like James out there,"

I smiled to myself but didn't say anything.

I knew how lucky I was.

It was surreal.

"No. I don't imagine there are," Vivian turned her water off, "I mean, he runs to you as soon he gets on the field, and as soon as the game ends every time, I love you, tails, but I also really envy you,"

I turned my water off and wrapped myself in the towel before walking out and hugging her.

"There are good guys out there, Viv, and it still amazes me that I got lucky enough to find one. You will all find yours, I'm sure of it,"

"What time does your flight leave?" she kissed my forehead and changed the subject.

"Ten-thirty. I need to hurry!" I pulled my dress on and waved to everyone before bolting to the parking lot.

I couldn't stand the idea of everyone being so jealous of my relationship.

Validated or not.

James wasn't at the truck yet, so I jumped on the hood to wait for him.

Mom and dad walked through the sea of people, carrying our luggage, and stood beside me.

Dad tossed the bags in the back, quickly covering them with the tarp.

"Text me as soon as you land," mom whispered, looking out for James.

"Yes, ma'am," I smiled, "It should be around two am,"

"Here, so you don't have to use the card for everything," dad handed me a roll of twenties.

"Thank you," I smiled, "I'll pay you back,"

"You will not," he scoffed, "Just have a good time, and be careful,"

"Sure, Dad," I smiled and shook my head.

He was definitely getting that charter boat.

"There's our superstar!" Mom grinned as James bounded toward us.

"Hello, family," James laughed, leaning across the hood and kissing me, "See you guys at home!" he smiled, hugging mom.

"Yeah," dad winked at me, taking mom's hand and leading her away.

"I'll drive!" I exclaimed, jumping down and excitedly searching his pockets for the keys.

"Okay, my love," he chuckled as I found the keys and tossed them in the air.

I unlocked the passenger side and opened his door for him before hopping in the driver's seat.

"Did you get to talk to the recruiters?" I asked, pulling out of the parking lot.

"They said they'd be in touch," he smiled, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and kissing my cheek, "When should you start getting acceptance letters?"

"Next month," I turned my head and kissed him, "They should start looking at them on November first, and hopefully, I'll hear back from some when we get back after Thanksgiving,"

"I can't wait to frame them all," he laughed, looking around as I pulled onto the freeway, "Where are we going, love?"

"It's a surprise," I smirked victoriously.

"Really?!" he smiled,

I parked in the airport parking lot and watched Jame's smile widen.

"You chose to fly somewhere?"

"Yeah, I have to practice, right?" I giggled, jumping out and pulling the tarp off our bags.

"She's a sneaky wife," James hugged me from behind and kissed my neck.

"She loves her husband more than anything in the world and wants to give him the best birthday ever," I smiled up at him, and he kissed me.

"It's my first birthday with you, so it's already the best birthday ever,"

James grabbed the bags, and we ran inside, checked our bags, got snacks, and waited for our flight to be called.

"What's in Alabama?" James asked, taking a bite of my sandwich.

"No questions," I pointed at him intimidatingly, but he kissed my finger.

"Awe, you're so cute, baby," he chuckled, "But okay, I won't ask anything else,"

"You'd better not. I'm terrible at keeping secrets as it is," I laughed, resting my head on his shoulder.

Our flight was called, and we boarded the plane.

I took a deep breath, sat next to the window, and closed my eyes.

It was a short trip.

Three hours wasn't too bad, right?

"Why don't you take a nap, princess," James lifted the armrest and wrapped his arm back around my shoulders, "It's only a three-hour flight,"

"Okay," I whispered, waiting for the flight attendant to give us the seatbelt instructions.

This plane was a lot smaller than the one we flew from Wyoming in, and I quickly learned that I prefer flying in the daytime.

I shut the window, not wanting to look out into the dark expanse.

We landed in Double Springs, Alabama, and I texted mom that we made it before getting into the car she rented for us.

I could see the confusion on James's face as I drove the winding back roads of the middle of nowhere, and I loved keeping him in suspense.

I found the twenty-four-hour gas station and instructed James to stay in the truck as I ran in to grab supplies.

I quickly gathered everything we would need, and James helped me load the back of the truck.

"Don't look at anything," I laughed, covering his eyes and leading him back to the passenger side.

"Yes, dear," he chuckled, keeping his eyes closed.

I parked next to the tent and smiled.

It was perfect.

"Stay here, and keep your eyes closed," I kissed his cheek and jumped out.

"Okay," he nodded.

I grabbed the lanterns out of the back and hurriedly unzipped the tent.

I closed my eyes and listened to how serene the waterfall in the darkness was before lighting the tent up, running back to the truck, and opening his door.

"Happy birthday, husband," I whispered, and he opened his eyes.

"Where are we?" he asked, climbing out and looking up at the star-filled sky.

"Caney Creek Falls," I smiled, "I made sure we would be the only ones camping here this weekend,"

"It's amazing," he wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his forehead on mine, "Do I hear a waterfall?"

"Mhm," I rubbed my nose on his, "We'll go swimming tomorrow,"

"And there's no one else out here?" he purred, kissing down my neck.

"Nope, it's just us," I giggled.

"Did you bring the outfits you got at your bachelorette party?"

"Of course," I bit my lip.

"Good," he put me on his back, grabbed the bags, and ran to the tent.