70

Tomas.
I had lost track of how many hours I slept. The warmth of Jennifer’s body against mine was so comforting that I couldn’t bear the thought of moving. She was holding me tightly, pressing her body against my chest as if she were afraid to let go. It felt incredibly lovely, almost like a dream come true-a feeling of family, of intimacy, like a husband and wife wrapped in each other’s arms. Just then, my cell phone began to ring incessantly, disturbing the tranquility of the moment. I opened my eyes slowly, turning my head to the right, where the phone lay. I didn’t want to move; I wanted to let Jennifer sleep peacefully. But as if on cue, she stirred awake.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she rubbed them with her small fingers, reminiscent of a sleepy child. “Good morning or good night!” she giggled, her voice still thick with sleep.
“Baby, the pregnancy has made you a bit naughty and, well, slushy,” I teased with a grin.
“Hey you, are you insulting me now?” she retorted, playfully thrusting her little finger close to my eyes in mock indignation.
I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her as I kissed her forehead softly. “No, sweetie, I’m praising you. This is unbelievable,” I said, raising an eyebrow in playful challenge. I reluctantly jumped out of bed, glancing back at her. “Honey, I have to answer this call. Just wait a second,” I said, trying to sound casual.
I picked up the call, my voice shifting to a more serious tone. “Yes, Jimmy! Have you finished?” I asked, eager for updates.
“Yes, idiot! It’s not your honeymoon yet! All this time, for God’s sake! I think my little sister is a monster in bed!” Jimmy smirked through the phone, his laughter echoing.
“My back is killing me, man! She can’t be compared to any woman! She’s totally different. Anyway, we’ll change our clothes and come down. Oh, by the way, the doctor said he would send us a new nurse to take care of Jennifer, so keep an eye out for her if she arrives,” I informed Jimmy, my tone shifting back to concern.
I hung up and turned my head to the bed, looking for Jennifer, but she was nowhere to be found. “Where did she go?” I muttered, furrowing my brows in confusion.
“Here, idiot! In the Jacuzzi. I can’t stand on my own feet, so I thought I’d take my shower here. Isn’t that disgusting?” she smirked, her voice playful yet slightly exasperated.
“Oh no, don’t even think about it, Jennifer. Come with me. We need to wear something elegant because there’s a very important event down at the pool. We can’t be late!” I pouted, walking close to her and pulling her hand gently. “Come on, I’ll help you.”
“Okay, but I’m so tired. I feel like there’s a hammer pounding in my head, and my body feels so lazy,” Jennifer blinked, her fatigue evident.
“No, don’t worry. I’ll dry your body and help you get dressed,” I said, trying to sound reassuring.
“Who will put on my makeup? You said it’s an important event!” she grumbled, crossing her arms.
“You look pretty without makeup, for God’s sake! Why do you want to paint your face with horrible colors?” I mumbled, exasperated.
She gasped, thumping the floor with her legs in frustration. “No, I want a makeup artist now! This is a seven-star hotel; it must have a makeup artist for the wedding ceremony!”
I rolled my eyes and sighed, feeling overwhelmed. “Okay, I get it; you want to torture me! I can’t handle this childish behavior, Jennifer. Don’t be so spoiled!” I crossed my arms over my chest, realizing too late how harsh I sounded. I faked a huge smile and patted her hair. “Honey, I was just teasing. I’ll do your makeup myself; trust me, you’ll look amazing!” I cleared my throat, trying to sound confident despite my inner doubts.
“Okay, then, I’ll wear this red dress,” she said, her eyes sparkling with determination.
“No, the gold one is more appropriate and elegant,” I protested, furrowing my brows in disapproval.
“Please, please, honey!” Jennifer begged, pouting her sexy lips in a way that melted my resolve. I was about to agree, but I slapped my face lightly, waking myself up from my weakness. My heart melted once more when she pressed her rose-colored lips against mine, narrowing her eyes playfully.
“Never! Wear the gold one!” I ground my teeth, trying to stand firm.
“Okay, okay, stop tickling me! You’re crazy!” she giggled, finally relenting as she started to put on her dress. I began to put on my suit as well. As was her habit, she came closer to me to adjust my tie. I kissed her hand and her lips softly, lost in the moment. I stared into her eyes, wondering why they sparkled like they did tonight. It was the first time I felt she was truly the most beautiful woman on earth. Perhaps it was because I adored her so deeply. The more I loved her, the more beautiful she appeared to me.
“Honey, please close the zipper of my dress,” she asked me with a lovely voice, pulling me from my reverie.
I shook my head, then helped her. “Here we go, now it’s time for your makeup,” I stuttered nervously, pulling a chair over. She dropped a huge bag on the chair next to her, winking at me.
“What is that, Jennifer?” I widened my eyes in confusion.
“It’s the makeup bag! Or do you think you’re just going to put some lip gloss on me?” she frowned, clearly annoyed.
“Um, I’m okay. I mean, no, I know that, honey. Just lean your head a little bit, and you’ll be stunned after I finish this operation!” I stuttered, sounding more nervous with each word. When I opened the bag, I stared inside for a full minute, bewildered. “What the hell is that?!” I muttered, trying to make sense of the items.
She started to look annoyed, her gaze piercing through me. I picked up a few things, but I didn’t even know the names or uses of most of them. All I knew was that I recognized lip gloss-barely. I felt like an artist attempting to create a masterpiece, but my painting turned out truly horrific. After more than half an hour, I was still working on her makeup.
“You took too long! I’m bored!” she huffed, jumping out of the chair and searching for a mirror to catch a glimpse of her reflection. “No, no, wait!” I shouted, panic rising in my chest.
And that was the longest scream I had ever heard in my life. With that scream, she could have made anyone deaf, and I instinctively put my hands over my ears as she began to hit me playfully. “What the hell is that? I look like a clown!” she scolded, her face a mixture of disbelief and humor.
I held her, lifting her up from her waist. “Okay, I’m sorry! I’ll call Jimmy now to find a makeup artist,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Jimmy, come on, pick up the call!” I muttered, glaring at the screen of my cell phone while she sat on the bed, legs crossed and groaning in frustration.
“Honey, I guess I-” I started to say, but then there was a knock at the door. I opened it immediately, curious.
“Yes? Who are you?” I asked as I opened the door, surprised to find a beautiful woman standing there.
“I’m the private nurse. The doctor sent me to take care of Miss Jennifer. My name is Olga,” the nurse introduced herself with a warm smile.
“I’m Tomas Charl. Do you know how to put on makeup?” I asked, my eyes widening in hope.
“Yes, sure, but why, sir?” Olga asked, her brows knitting together in curiosity.
“Okay, come in! You are my savior!” I exclaimed, stepping aside to let her enter. Once she stepped inside, she gasped and rushed to Jennifer. “Oh madam, who did that to you?” Olga said, her voice filled with concern.
Jennifer pointed at me, a pout forming on her lips. “He hates me so much; he did that!” she lamented, rubbing her eyes with her hands, a hint of drama in her tone.
“Okay, madam, I’m your private nurse, my name is Olga. Thank God I came at the right time to help you. Now, in just five minutes, I will turn you back to your normal self. Just stop crying, please,” Olga said soothingly, patting Jennifer’s shoulder. Then she spun her head to me. “Mr. Tomas, please get out of this room now and wait outside.”
I smiled, shook my head, and reluctantly complied. I shut the door behind me, silently praying, “God, please don’t ruin my perfect day.”
A few minutes later, the door opened suddenly, and a completely transformed Jennifer appeared. She looked more beautiful than ever, and I opened my mouth, utterly shocked. “Dammit! Who are you?” I exclaimed, my eyes wide with admiration.
I turned to Olga, my gratitude spilling forth. “Thank you so much!” I said, smiling broadly.
I then bent Jennifer’s arm gently and walked with her toward the elevator, my heart racing with excitement. I stopped and turned around, addressing Olga. “Please join us; now you’re a part of our family. This is a big favor,” I said warmly.
“Sir, why are you saying that? I did nothing!” she said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Of course, how could she know that I planned to propose to Jennifer tonight? I pointed to her, inviting her to follow us, knowing her presence would make the evening even more special.