42. Katrinia
42
Katrinia
“ S o Cooper just came out and asked the nurses at the station for a priest.” Luna mentions curiously with a raised brow as she points a thumb over her shoulder.
“We agreed to get married.”
“NOW!?”
“Yes now. It’s as good a time as any.”
“But… Kat… Shouldn’t you be resting.”
“I’ll rest when I’m finally Cooper’s wife. If this experience has shown me anything it’s that unexpected things happen and life is too short.” I look away from her as I fight back my tears.
“If anything happens to me I want him to be my husband. I don’t want to die not doing the only thing in this life I’ve always wanted to do and be. I’ve never wanted anything more than him. We’ve already wasted so much time. I don’t want to waste anymore.” I turn to face her again and tears are welled in her eyes as her arms are folded tightly across her chest.
“OK then.” Is all she replies as she turns and walks out of the room. Leaving me alone for the first time since waking up.
I bring my weak hand up to feel my aching chest through the thin gown. My fingers trace the large bandage that covers my chest before I pinch the fabric and find the courage to look beneath.
The bandage is long and I just know there is a nasty scar under there. Leaning my head back I let out a long breath fighting back the pain and the tears. I am so tired and weak but I perk up when Luna walks back in with a fancy leather duffle bag.
“We aren’t exactly the same shade but I can help you do some make up and I have a new brush in here for your hair.” She sets the bag down next to me as she starts ruffling through it.
Reaching over I grab onto her arm, stealing her before her eyes meet mine. “Thank you,” I say, giving her a tight smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She smiles back at me before she starts brushing my hair.
Even though everything is wrong, it all feels so right. Theo and Luna, Cooper and I, all four of us here together. I never cared for a large fancy wedding with all those people staring and watching me. I hate being the center of attention.
Now, of course every little girl imagines her wedding day. I’m not saying I didn’t, but I always pictured something small and private. With more meaning and less production.
When I was seven I imagined marrying Cooper in a barn where I rode over on a unicorn.
Then when I was ten I was wearing my cheerleader uniform and we tied flag football tags around our wrists, linking us together, instead of rings.
I think thirteen was my favorite though, where we ran away to a deserted island and got married on a beach before jumping into the sea.
One thing that’s always remained the same is Theo giving me away. He was my first friend. The first person to ever show me true kindness. I know the person who is meant to give you away on your wedding day is your father or a male figure who cares about you the most. Though, for me that just so happens to be my best friend and the love of my life’s little brother.
We may be getting married in a hospital room, but at least I’m getting everything I’ve always wanted.
As Luna finishes brushing my hair Cooper pushes open the door. Both him and Theo have huge suspicious smiles on their faces.
I roll my eyes before asking, “What?” Knowing them it could really be anything.
“Well dorogoy, I couldn’t find a priest but Theo went on his phone and got ordained in like five minutes.
I chuckle as Theo comes over waving an ordained minister certificate and a signed marriage license already with a notary seal.
My brows furrow as I look at the signatures and then up at him before looking back at the documents. “But… how?”
“Oh I had a friend send me the marriage license and I just signed your signature for you.” Theo shrugs, like it’s no big deal.
“Please tell me this is the last time you forge my signature.” I laugh despite the pain.
“Cross my heart and…” Theo pauses. A look of instant regret flashes across his face as he looks down at my chest.
Cooper smacks him upside the head. “You fucking idiot.”
“Wait, this isn’t the first time you’ve forged her signature” Luna cuts in as Theo looks away, his cheeks heating beneath his tan skin.
“Little bro here used to sign all of our report cards, permission slips and even detention letters. The first of his crimes before you made an honest man out of him.” Cooper taunts as Theo glares at him.
“Petty crimes. Just kid stuff, amor.” Theo assures Luna before snapping at his brother. “Not like you were complaining when Trin’s mom forgot to sign for the field trip to the aquarium.”
“OK. OK. No fighting on my wedding day.” I tease and both men stop bickering immediately and look at me.
“Are you sure about this? You really want to get married in a hospital in Las Vegas?” Cooper takes my hand, looking around the room filled with medical supplies and machines.
“I told you once I would marry you anytime, anywhere, and I meant it.” I cover his much larger hand holding mine with my much smaller one.
“Well then you were sixteen and I had just made you come on my tongue for the first time. When I asked you then it wasn’t a fair question.” Cooper winks at me and Theo pretends to gag as he fusses in the corner.
“The fact that you even remember that is why I don’t want to wait.” I smile at him before getting serious. “If anything happens I want you to be my husband.”
“Nothing is going to happen to you. Baby, you are perfect. You are going to heal and get better and live a long and happy life with me.” He kneels down next to the bed and runs his knuckles over my cheek. “I promise, Katrinia.”
“Good, that’s all I want.”
Cooper brings my hand to his mouth, kissing my fingers before rising back to his feet, nodding toward Theo.
He squeezes Luna’s shoulders as he steps around her to take his place at the foot of the bed. Smiling, he takes a long deep breath before he starts reading the ceremony script off his phone.