35. Gettin’ Cozy #2
Her smile is sad, and I can’t stand it. She shrugs. “I think I’m all talked out.”
After spending the evening with my family, I can relate. “That’s understandable.” An idea strikes me, and I run with it. “Hey, change into some PJs, then come join me on the couch. It’s been a long day. Let me brush and braid your hair for you.”
Curiosity fills her eyes, and there’s a little more life in her voice. “I can’t remember the last time someone brushed my hair.”
“Well, I’m not expertly talented at braiding, but I’m passable after doing my little sister’s hair. They were always telling me how nice it was to have their hair brushed. I figure you might like it too.”
“That does sound nice.”
“Okay, let me grab your suitcase for you, and I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
She smiles as I leave her in the master bedroom, quickly grabbing all the things.
I head to the guest bedroom and change into my own sweats before heading to the guest bathroom where I keep a hairbrush and hair ties for my sisters.
Sisters need breaks from their parents sometimes too, and Cruz has crashed here a few times since I moved in.
I head to the kitchen and heat a cup of water. I reach up and open my spice cupboard. I spin the lazy Susan, searching the labeled dried herbs and tea flowers Mami keeps me stocked with, until I find the chamomile flowers. I throw a few into the tea strainer and get it steeping.
Holly’s soft steps pad down the hallway and she enters the room wearing an oversized t-shirt and sweats. How does she look just as amazing in sweats as she does in her fancy dresses? I just want to scoop her up and cuddle on the couch.
Pull it together, Mateo.
Tonight is about helping Holly feel better about whatever she’s worried about, not about cuddling and kissing.
“Hey,” she says and covers up a yawn as she walks toward me. She’s wiped her makeup off, and the dark circles under her eyes clue me in to just how exhausting today has been for her.
I grab the hairbrush and ties from where I left them on the counter, then grab Holly’s hand. “Let’s take this to the living room. I’ll start brushing your hair while the chamomile tea steeps.”
She nods, and instead of walking she shuffles, her fuzzy socks sliding across the floor.
I sit in the corner and Holly lies down, stretching out over the rest of the couch and resting her head on my thigh, facing away from me.
I set down the hairbands on the side table and begin brushing Holly’s hair.
The blonde waves are silky soft even before brushing and I lose track of time as I run the bristles through her hair.
Holly’s eyes close and she lets out a weary sigh. “This feels so nice.”
I set the brush down and section out a portion of her hair, braiding it before moving on to the next section. Six small braids later and this side of her hair is done. I need her to turn over so I can do the rest. “Hey Buttercup, can you turn over, please?”
“Hmmm?” she mumbles, her eyelashes fluttering.
I hold in my chuckle at her sleepy response. “Just flip over, honey.”
“Mm-kay.” She rolls over and I gather up her unbraided strands.
Her next words are muffled, but I can still make out her question. “Is this real? Can I keep you?”
She is absolutely out of it, and it’s positively adorable. Though I’m sure she’ll only vaguely remember this conversation, I answer honestly. “I am real, and you can keep me forever, Hols.”
She doesn’t respond or move. I braid the rest of her hair and dream about the future.
The past week we’ve moved into a real relationship, as if we’ve been dating and are committed to each other, and it makes me wonder if this can turn into a real marriage.
My fingertips take on a mind of their own, tracing the delicate features of her face as dreams of weekly dates and future kids with Holly’s blue eyes and rosy cheeks.
My foot begins to tingle, and I look at the clock in the kitchen.
I’ve been sitting here for a half hour, and if I don’t want to fall asleep on the couch in this position, with my leg falling asleep, then I need to get Holly to bed.
I lift Holly’s head off my lap and give my foot a second to wake back up before slipping my arms beneath Holly.
With my gorgeous wife in my arms, I walk to my bedroom, or I should say Holly’s bedroom.
She stirs, her head lifting off my chest for a second before falling back onto it. “Stop carrying me. I’m too heavy.”
I don’t respond and instead keep walking until I’m at the side of the bed. I set her down and she climbs under the covers, wrapping herself up in the blankets until she’s a little burrito.
I can’t leave just yet. My heart pounds with a need to correct her assumption.
When she settles, I lean over and kiss her forehead.
“Mi vida, I love your curves. Your curves do not detract from your beauty, only emphasize it. You are perfect just the way you are, and I’ll work every day to prove to you that you’re a gorgeous daughter of God no matter what size of clothing you wear.
No matter how your body changes, your attractiveness won’t fade. ”
Her smile is small and sweet and I need to leave this room right now. “Thank you,” she mumbles, and it takes everything in me not to say three little words I don't think she's ready to hear.
I walk out and close her door, heading to the kitchen to make myself a new cup of chamomile tea. Although, I don’t think the sleep-inducing tea will stop my dreams about Holly. They’re invading every one of my thoughts, no matter if I’m awake or asleep.
I can’t stop dreaming about a life with my wife.