I’d Love To...

"I'd love to stay with you but my life unfortunately is just about to end and I have some loose ends to tie up!"

Bridget looked at him and chuckled as if he were making a joke. Here was this wonderful man, that she had way too quickly fallen in love with.

"Paul, stop kidding around."

"I am afraid, I am not kidding, love. I was just told, by something that I trust is serious about its message."

Bridget looked into her love's eyes and suddenly knew he was not kidding. His look was missing his mirth when he was kidding. It was his serious face. It had a peace to it, but a regret as well.

Paul reached over and squeezed her hand tenderly, she loved his touch, even now, it grounded her. "I am so sorry Bridget. I had such dreams for us. I already had a ring for you, the only reason it is not on your finger I wanted to perfect the engagement. I wanted to be your husband. I hoped that once we were married, you would have found waiting for me was worth it. I wanted to grow old with you."

Bridget hated her sudden tears. Damn him but he really believed he was about to die. She had a chill, and suddenly know he would too.

"How much time do you have?"

"I will be dead within the day. Maybe hours, maybe more. No less than that. I am sorry. I have to go, I need to say some good-byes."

"I am going with you."

"No..."

"Shut up, Paul. This is non-negotiable."

Bridget tossed too much money on the table for their meal and they left in a blur, hand-in-hand still.

~~~

She fucked him in the car. It was not the way she ever imagined losing her virginity, but it ended up being the perfect way. It mixed her secret lusts with her deeper loves. Bridget hoped there would be time again.

Bridget whispered into Paul's ear, "I know a judge that will marry us in a heartbeat. I will have your name too, before you leave me. I love you, Paul, more than life itself."

"I love you too. I wish we had more time, I truly do."

"Love, for all the time we have had, you gave me your everything, even now. I will take all I can and I will mourn you after."

They were married thirty minutes later. They both cried.

On the way home, Bridget drove while he recorded all his goodbyes into his phone. Bridget would play them to his family and friends after.

They made love once more at home.

After they put on their favorite movie and watched it one more time, snuggled together, flesh a blur. Bridget fell asleep.

When she woke, Paul was gone.

She wept.

Bridget listened to his goodbyes once more, just to hear his sweet voice. The last one was left to his wife, her. It was perfect.