She stares at me for a while, and I squirm under her gaze.
I look around for a second and try to calm my crazy thumping heart before saying, “Looks like my s-superpower of handling a hard d-drink is diminishing.”
In reality, I don’t know if it’s the drink or her that got the words out of my mouth.
Vienna is quiet for a while and then asks, “So you’re a doctor?” Her head jerks toward the medical books still spread out on the recliner.
“I d-don’t practice.” I squirm once more. Reading about her disease feels like I’ve somehow invaded her privacy. “I jus-st wanted to…”
“You don’t have to explain, Zane. I haven’t even googled the term, because I’m scared of the images and the information. To be honest, I’m relieved that you’re willing to be my nurse too.” A tiny smile pulls on her lips, and I once again marvel at her capability to make jokes at the expense of her disease.
My phone sounds, and I grab it from the table. There’s an incoming text from Zander.
Zander: Are you serious about marrying next week?
Me: Yeah. Why?
Zander: There’s only one date for next week when the inn is available, and that’s on Thursday. Isn’t it too soon? Don’t you want to wait a little longer?
I ignore the rest of his comment and focus on what matters. “Are you r-ready to get married on Th-Thursday?” I ask Vienna.
“Thursday?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “Wow! Setting a date makes it all so real.” She looks away for a fleeting second before her conflicted gaze lands back on me. “Are you sure?”
I nod, hoping she can feel my determination, my conviction that we’re doing the right thing, before replying to Zander.
Me: Thursday sounds perfect.
My brother takes his time in responding to my three-word text.
Zander: I’ll confirm the booking, then. A big wedding is okay with you?
Me: I want everyone to be happy.
Zander: And what about you? Are you sure this is what you want?
Me: I’m one hundred percent sure.
I glance at my phone for a few more minutes, and when I think he’s not going to say anything more, there’s a text from him.
Zander: I just want the best for you and Zach. If you’re happy with Vienna, I’ll be celebrating my little brother’s big day.
I put my phone down, and the tinge of guilt that surfaced after reading my brother’s words evaporates when I notice Vienna. Her head rests against the cushion, and her eyes are closed.
Today had to be tiring for her.
“Vienna.” I gently shake her.
“Hmm?” She lazily opens her eyes, and my breath catches at her soft, drowsy voice. She looks so at ease and comfortable on my porch—on our porch.
“Come on. I’ll sh-show you your room.” I take a step toward the main door and release a heavy breath.
When I guide her inside the house, I again have her full attention. She observes all the details in my industrial-style living room, which also has my office in one corner and the gym space in the other. I lead her to a small corridor, where the only two bedrooms of my house face each other.
“Th-this is my room.” I motion toward the closed door. “And th-this is yours.” I open the door to the guest room and she walks in.
I instantly fell in love with this rustic wooden cabin, but I don’t know how Vienna feels as she isn’t giving away much.
“If you d-don’t like anything, w-we can change it,” I say as she opens the closets and shuts them closed before taking a step toward the bathroom.