Sunny's Love

by Anna Kristell

  “She did look tired. She’s been trying to do too much, if you ask me.”

  “Yes, she’s trying so hard to do it all. But you know as well as I do, she wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve married a stubborn woman.”

  “Ah, but you’ve married a good woman.”

  “That I have, Alma dear, that I have. I’m going to see if she’s awake yet. Will you have George pick up the kids and keep them occupied when they get home?”

  “Of course, I’ll put a movie in for them to watch before dinner. They’ll be fine.”

  He went back to the bedroom and found Sunny sitting up in bed.

  “Whoa…don’t you think you should lie back down?”

  “It’s almost time for the kids.”

  “That’s been taken care of. I’ll get you some tea. You lie back down. You are not to get out of that bed for the rest of the day.”

  “Just what I always wanted, a bossy husband.” She lay back down, silently thanking her lucky stars that she did, indeed, have a bossy husband who was taking good care of her.

  He returned with the tea and helped her sit up. “Would you like some soup?”

  “Maybe later, lie with me?”

  He lay down beside her, taking her in his arms. He rubbed her head gently and kissed her forehead. “Fever seems to be gone.”

  “I have to get well. Thursday is Thanksgiving and our trip is Friday.”

  “You stay in bed today and tomorrow and I think you’ll be fine.”

  “Chase, thank you for staying home with me this afternoon, you didn’t have to do that.”

  “I wouldn’t have gotten any work done worrying about you.”

  She went back to sleep in his arms and a while later he left her side. When he came back with a tray for her he discovered she’d awakened.

  “Where did you go?” she asked, pushing up.

  “I was getting the kids settled for the night. I brought you some of Alma’s chicken soup.” He helped her sit up, fluffing several pillows behind her for support and began to spoon feed her.

  “I’m capable of feeding myself.”

  “Sunny, the day after I proposed to you I told you I was going to spoil you rotten. The day I married you, I said for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. Right now you’re sick and I intend to spoil you and take care of you.”

  “What did I ever do to deserve you?” she asked as she took a bite of the wonderful soup.

  “You were just being you…and that’s all it took, baby.” He fed her some more soup and handed her the cup of tea, helping her sip it slowly.

  After she’d eaten, he handed her two more aspirin, then undressed and got into bed beside her. Pulling her into his arms, he said, “Now sleep, my precious, sleep so you’ll be well for our weekend.”

  The next morning, Chase drew a warm bath for her and helped her into the tub. While she was soaking, he showered, shaved and got ready for work. He’d already gotten the kids ready for school.

  “Hon, you’d better help me out of the tub. You need to get going.”

  “The office can do without me for a few more hours.” He helped her out of the bath, toweled her dry and carried her back to bed.

  “I suppose you want one of those damn things you like to sleep in,” he said as he rummaged through her drawer, pulling out a lilac colored satin nightshirt and a pair of lace panties. He dressed her and laid her back on the pillow. “Are you feeling any better?”

  “Yes, I am, actually, but I want to rest another day, if you don’t mind.”

  “That’s a good idea. You rest, that’s the best medicine. Do you want tea or coffee with your toast? I don’t think you should eat much more than that.”

  “Tea please, I don’t think I can handle coffee this morning.”

  He went downstairs and returned a few minutes later with her breakfast. “Are you okay if I go to the office? Alma is downstairs cooking for tomorrow, but if you need anything, you can use your cell to call her. I’ll put it right here on the table. And I brought up the book you were reading yesterday.”

  “Oh, I should be helping her and Mom is coming in the morning.”

  “It’s all taken care of. My mother is coming over this afternoon to help with the cooking and the kids. You are to rest.”

  “Okay.”

  “I know you aren’t feeling well or you’d be arguing with me.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Get well, precious. I’ll try to come home early.”

  “Have a good day, Hon.” She laid back on the pillow.

  She was sitting up in bed, reading, when Chase came in that afternoon.

  “Alma tells me you had soup.”

  “I’m feeling much better. I would like to get up, but thought I’d better wait, until you were here to help me.”

  “Two little munchkins have been asking when they can see their Mama Sunny. Do you feel like going downstairs?”

  “They’re home already?”

  “Yes, sweetie, it’s after five. Dinner will be ready soon.”

  “Yes, let me get a robe and I’ll go down.”

  He took her robe from the closet and helped her with it, then carefully helped her out of bed. She was a little woozy from lying in bed for two days so she leaned on her husband for support. After the dizziness had passed, he helped her down the stairs and into the den where the children were watching a movie.

  “Mama Sunny, you’re okay,” Ali said as she ran to hug Sunny.

  She looked questioningly at Chase.

  “It’s okay. You haven’t had a fever since last night. I don’t think you’re contagious,” he answered in reply to her silent question.

  “Mama Sunny, I missed you.” Little Brice put his arms around her legs.

  When Chase had pried the children from her, he walked her to the sofa. She watched the movie with the children. When it was over, Chase took them in to the dining room for their dinner.

  “Sunny, are you going to eat?”

  “No, I’ll stay here. I will take some tea though.”

  “Coming right up.” He kissed her on top of the head and went to fetch her tea.

  When he returned, she looked up at him. “Thanks, I don’t know what I’d have done without you the last two days.”

  “Just feel better. Big turkey dinner tomorrow you know.”

  “Your mom gone already?” She had just remembered Marty was coming over to help.

  “She went home to get some things, she’ll be back.”

  “Go eat, Chase.”

  “I will. I just want to make sure you’re all right.”

  “I’m much better.”

  He went to join Ali and Brice. After dinner, he bathed the kids, read to them and tucked them in for the night.

  ****

  Marty had returned while he was with the children and she came in to check on Sunny. “How are you, sweetie?”

  “I’m much better, just waiting on Chase to help me back upstairs. I’m still a little wobbly but I think I’ll be okay tomorrow.”

  “Sunny, you’re not pregnant, are you?”

  “No, Alma asked me the same thing. I’m sure that I’m not. We’re planning to wait just a little while longer for that.”

  “I just wanted to make sure. I was worried about you.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, if it happened, it would be okay. We’re just not planning for it to happen yet.”

  “Enjoy this time of being a newlywed, Sunny. You’ve only been married a few months and it was such a whirlwind engagement, you deserve this time. Not that I wouldn’t welcome a new baby in the family, but you’re wise to wait.”

  “Leave it to the women to talk about babies anytime someone doesn’t feel well.” Chase had walked in and was laughing.

  “Well, if my instincts serve me correctly, I’d say you two could slip up and make a baby anytime now,” Marty retorted, smiling.

  “Mother!” He pretended to be shocked.

  “I see the way you two look at each
other. It doesn’t take a genius to know you can’t keep your hands off each other.”

  Sunny was blushing.

  Marty smiled and said, “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about Sunny. I couldn’t be happier that the two of you have found happiness together.”

  Knowing that Marty knew the truth behind their quickie wedding, she smiled, “Yes, Marty, your son makes me very happy.”

  “I hate to break up this conversation about my sex life with my wife, but I need to get her to bed.” As his wife and mother both burst into laughter, he was the one blushing. “To rest, I mean,” he added.

  He lifted Sunny into his arms and carried her back to bed, as his mother stood in the middle of the room shaking her head and smiling.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Sunny felt much better the next morning. She was able to make it through Thanksgiving dinner. She was even able to eat a little and enjoyed the time with her mother and the rest of the family.

  “Marty tells me you’ve been under the weather, Sunny Jo.” Her mother looked at her with concern as they relaxed in the den after dinner.

  “I just had a bug, fever and chills. I’m feeling better now.”

  “Well, you’ll be able to rest all weekend. It’ll be good for you to get away. I know you’ve been busy.”

  “Are you excited about your weekend, Mom?”

  “Yes, I was so happy when Marty invited me to stay and spend the weekend with her and the kids. We’ll have such a good time.”

  “Just don’t spoil my babies too much. We have to live with them when we get back.” She laughed as Brice climbed up in her lap.

  “You’ve settled in well, Sunny. I’m proud of you. I wasn’t sure at first about you taking on so much responsibility at once.”

  “Thanks, Mom. It has been a lot all at once, but I’m enjoying it. I like being married, I love the kids, and I even like helping out at the office.”

  “I have to admit Chase is good for you. You positively glow with happiness.”

  “Thanks…I try.” Chase had walked in and heard his mother-in- law’s praise. “Your daughter makes it very easy.”

  “Hon, don’t you think we should finish packing for the weekend? My being down in bed for two days kept me from getting things ready.”

  “You’re probably right. If you’ll will excuse us, I think my wife’s hinting for me to help her.”

  “You two go on. We’ll see to the kids,” Marty said as she shooed them on.

  Chase finished the packing while Sunny showered. When she came out of the bathroom, she started to change the bed linens.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I lay in this bed for two days with a fever. I want fresh sheets.”

  “Okay, I just don’t want you to exert yourself. Let me help.” Together they made the bed, laughing as they worked. When they were finished, Sunny collapsed in a heap, joined by Chase.

  “Rest, baby. We have a whole weekend of nothing to do but shop, eat, and relax.”

  “Hold me?”

  “Of course I will, sweet dreams, precious.”

  ****

  The next morning they said their goodbyes, promised the kids to bring them back some goodies, and began their much anticipated weekend alone.

  Chase had booked a suite at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. It was close to the mall and several fabulous restaurants.

  “It’s wonderful, Chase,” Sunny said as she walked into the suite.

  “I thought you’d like it.”

  “You’ve stayed here before?”

  “No, but I’ve heard good things about the place. I thought you’d want to be close to the mall to do some Christmas shopping.”

  “Not today though. It’s Black Friday and the mall will be packed. I just want to relax today.”

  “Fine by me, do you want to watch a movie?”

  “Let’s snuggle under the covers, turn on a movie, and go from there.” Sunny kicked off her shoes and crawled under the covers. “I know I’ve been in bed most of the week, but it feels good just to relax.”

  Chase joined her on the bed, pulled her into his arms and turned the movie on. He wasn’t expecting her to want sex since she’d been ill and was content to lay with her.

  “This is a pretty good movie, isn’t it?” she asked as she snuggled closer.

  “Yes it is,” he answered as he gently caressed her arm. He laughed at a funny scene in the movie.

  “This is nice, just the two of us.”

  “Peace and quiet…yes…nice,” he replied, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

  She unbuttoned his shirt and placed her hand on his chest.

  “Sunny…I’m fine with just lying here watching the movie with you.”

  “Chase Dupont turning down a tumble with his wife…what’s this world coming to?” Sunny grinned teasingly. “Is this your way of telling me the honeymoon’s over?”

  He looked at her and chuckled. “You know that’s not true…just saying I’m quite content like this. I know you’ve felt like crap the past few days. I’m trying to be the sensitive-husband-type.”

  Sunny was touched. “How did I ever find someone like you?” she asked.

  “Just lucky I guess.” He grinned and gave her a bear hug.

  When the movie was over, Sunny fell asleep. Chase held her close, watching her. We’re as close as two people can be, but she still has never told me she loves me. Maybe she just can’t say it…

  By the time Sunny woke up it was dinnertime. “How long did I sleep? This has got to be the most boring weekend ever for you…and it was supposed to be so romantic.”

  “Baby, just being with you with no distractions, is romance enough for me. Ready to go out for some dinner or do you want to order in?”

  “Let’s go out.”

  “There’s a great place down the street, let’s get ready.”

  “You dine at the competition?”

  “Yes, occasionally I do…you’re so cute,” he said, touching the tip of her nose.

  Choosing a casual pair of black slacks and topping it with a pink sweater, Sunny walked out of the bathroom. “I’m ready, is this okay for the restaurant?”

  “It’s fine, you look perfect in anything anyway, so it really doesn’t matter.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Dupont.”

  “Just speaking the truth…you do look good in anything, cutie pie.”

  “Cutie pie…where do you come up with these names?” She laughed.

  “They come to mind so easily with you,” he said in a thoughtful tone. It was the truth.

  “Oh brother, let’s get out of here before another one comes to mind.” She giggled as she took his arm.

  As they walked into the dining room of the restaurant, a man called Chase’s name.

  “Hello, you two. How are you? I’d like you to meet my wife, Sunny. Sunny, this is Jay and Brenda James, friends of mine.”

  “Pleased to meet you both,” Sunny said as she smiled at the friendly-looking couple.

  “We’d heard you’d gotten married. We’ve been away or I would have called and invited the two of you over for dinner,” Brenda told them warmly.

  “You were on an extended vacation, I believe.” Chase replied.

  “Yes, that’s right. We just got home last weekend. Why don’t you two join us? We haven’t ordered dinner yet. We can catch up on all your news, and Sunny can tell me all about the wedding, and the honeymoon with this gorgeous guy.” Brenda winked at Sunny.

  Sunny instantly liked Brenda. The two became engrossed in conversation as the two men discussed business and golf.

  When the evening was over, Brenda said, “Sunny, we have to get together for lunch sometime. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, and I can see why this guy didn’t waste any time getting you to the altar.” She turned to Chase and added, “And you did well this time around. I’m happy for you.”

  Jay shook Sunny’s hand, “Welcome to the clan, Sunny. I’m so glad Chase has found s
omeone like you. This has been a very pleasant evening.”

  “Good seeing you, we’ll call you for a night out again soon,” Chase told them, as he and Sunny stood to leave.

  “I enjoyed this evening too. Goodnight,” Sunny said as she and Chase walked away.

  When they returned to their room, Chase asked, “What did you think of them?”

  “I like them.”

  “Brittney would never socialize with my friends unless she had to attend a business function of some sort.”

  “Why on earth not?” she asked.

  “That was just Brittney. I told you, Sunny, we weren’t the perfect couple. Marriage to you, no matter how it came about, is so much better. It’s so much more than I could have ever imagined.”

  “Oh, honey, you have no idea what it means to hear you say that.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him and was pulled into a passionate embrace.

  “Let’s go to bed,” he suggested in a low, husky voice.

  “I thought you’d never ask.” She took his hand and led him to the bed. She completely surrendered herself to him that night, body and soul.

  The next day was spent at the mall Christmas shopping.

  As they stopped for a hot chocolate break, Chase remarked, “Baby, I know this has been a big adjustment for you, being a newlywed, learning a new job, and taking on two rambunctious kids all at once. Have I told you, I think you’re doing an amazing job juggling it all?”

  “You don’t have to tell me. I love it all.” She looked at him happily as she took a sip of her cocoa.

  You love it all…but you didn’t say you love me…he pushed the thought out of his mind, as he brought up an idea he’d been planning. “What would you say, to spending the week of Christmas at the beach house, you, me, the kids, your mom and my mom?”

  “That’s a fantastic idea. Will Alice and John be there?”

  “Maybe part of the week, but they’ll be going to Orlando to spend Christmas with their sons, and their families. We can manage on our own, can’t we?”

  “Well of course we can, silly, but I’d like to see them while we’re down there.”

  “I’m sure we will. When we get home tomorrow, we’ll tell our mothers, and see if they want to go with us.”