When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 225: Getting Ready

The city outside was bustling, but inside their temporary apartment, there was a quiet anticipation in the air. Zinnia was already dressed in a simple, yet elegant outfit, her hair neatly styled, a slight hint of makeup to brighten her face. Samuel, ever the composed one, was wearing a crisp shirt and a jacket, ready for the day ahead.

Zinnia checked her phone one last time before turning to Samuel, who was adjusting his watch. "Everything ready?" she asked, her voice calm, but there was an undercurrent of eagerness.

"Yes, all set," Samuel replied, giving her a quick smile. "Let’s go see your parents."

The two of them left the apartment and headed for the hospital. The drive was peaceful, filled with quiet conversation and the hum of the car engine. Zinnia occasionally glanced out the window, her thoughts clearly on her parents. It had been a few days since they’d arrived, and though her father had made progress, she was still concerned. Her mother, ever the calming presence, had been a constant support, and Zinnia was grateful for that.

When they arrived at the hospital, Zinnia’s hand tightened around Samuel’s for a moment before she let go, feeling the familiar sense of comfort. Samuel gave her a reassuring look, nodding toward the entrance.

"Let’s go see them," he said quietly.

Zinnia led the way to her parents’ room, where Elena and Ricardo were both seated, talking softly. Her mother looked up first, her eyes lighting up with joy when she saw her daughter.

"Zinnia! Samuel! You’re here," Elena greeted warmly, her voice full of affection. She motioned for them to come closer. "How are you two? It’s so good to see you."

Zinnia smiled, her heart lightening at the sight of her parents. She walked over and gave her mother a gentle hug, kissing her cheek. "We’re doing well, Mom. How about you? How’s Dad?"

Elena’s face softened as she glanced at her husband. "He’s doing better, dear. Still a bit weak, but the doctors say he’s recovering. I’m just glad you’re here." She looked over at Samuel and smiled. "It’s good to see you, too, Samuel. How are you?"

Samuel nodded politely, his expression sincere. "I’m glad to be here. It’s great to see you both."

Ricardo, though still recovering, was sitting up in his bed, looking alert. "Ah, Zinnia, Samuel... you’re here," he said, his voice raspy but strong. He held out a hand, which Zinnia took gratefully. "I’m doing much better, just need a little more rest."

Zinnia’s face softened as she sat down beside her father. "I’m so relieved, Dad. You had us worried there for a while."

Ricardo gave a small chuckle, squeezing her hand gently. "It’s nothing, really. I’ll be up and about in no time. Your mother has been taking excellent care of me."

Elena smiled fondly at her husband, but there was a hint of worry still lingering in her eyes. "I’m just glad you’re doing better, Ricardo. But don’t rush it, okay?"

Zinnia nodded, looking between her parents. "I’m just happy to see you both. How about we take you both out for a nice dinner when you’re feeling up to it?"

Her father smiled, looking between Zinnia and Samuel. "That sounds wonderful, but not yet. I need a bit more time to recover. But I’d love to have a nice meal with both of you soon. You two are so busy, though. How’s everything going with the wedding preparations?"

Zinnia laughed lightly, glancing at Samuel. "We’re getting there."

Samuel, who had been quiet for a moment, spoke up. "Yes, we’re almost there. Timmy’s taking care of most of the details for us. Everything should be set soon."

Elena and Ricardo exchanged a look before turning back to Zinnia and Samuel. "We’re so happy for you both," Elena said, her voice full of warmth. "I’m sure it will be a beautiful wedding."

Zinnia smiled, her heart swelling at her mother’s words. "Thanks, Mom. We’re excited, too. We want to make it special."

Finally, after a few more minutes of chatting, Zinnia stood up. "We don’t want to keep you two from resting," she said, her voice gentle. "We’ll let you get some more sleep."

Ricardo nodded, his eyes soft. "Thank you for coming, Zinnia. And Samuel... I’m glad to see you’re taking good care of her."

Samuel offered a small smile. "I will, Dad. She’s everything to me."

Elena stood and gave Zinnia one more hug before they left. "Take care of each other," she whispered, kissing her daughter’s cheek.

"Of course, Mom," Zinnia said softly. "We’ll be back soon."

As they left the room, Samuel placed a hand on Zinnia’s shoulder. "How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice quiet.

Zinnia gave him a small smile. "I’m okay. It’s just... seeing them like that. I want them to be healthy again."

Samuel nodded, his hand giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "They’ll be fine. You’re here with them, and you’re doing everything you can."

Zinnia glanced up at him, meeting his eyes. "Thanks, Sam. It means a lot."

Samuel smiled back, a warmth in his gaze. "Anytime, Zia. I’m here for you."

They walked out of the hospital together, side by side, both feeling a sense of relief that her parents were recovering.

Zinnia walked a little closer to Samuel, her heart still brimming with relief. She glanced up at him, her steps matching his.

"It’s such a relief to know Dad’s doing better," she said softly, her voice filled with a quiet sense of contentment. "I feel like I can finally breathe again."

Samuel looked down at her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I’m glad to hear it. Your parents are strong. I’m sure your dad will be up and about in no time."

Zinnia smiled back at him, grateful for his support. "I hope so. It just feels like everything’s finally going in the right direction."

"Well, now that we’ve checked on your parents and things are looking good, there’s one more thing we need to do," he said, his tone light but determined.

Zinnia raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what’s that?"

He looked at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Now, it’s time to check the wedding dress, Zia."