Color Me Blind (A Divine Love Story Book 1) (40 page)

They were on Ponte Vedra Beach and the sun was due to set in moments.  The salty breeze teased their faces and whipped through their hair as they stood to watch the people they love vow to love each other two days past forever.  Carmen stood in her strapless white gown with intricate detailing on the bodice and the train.  Her long hair was in a perfect French braid that touched the top of her
backside.  It had beautiful white flowers threaded through it. 

She had a crown made of
white flowers sitting atop her head.  Her skin was glowing with pure happiness.  Her smile was endless.  Damon stood across from her in a white tuxedo and stared into her eyes as his heart fluttered.  He never thought he’d see the day he wanted to be standing in front of a woman vowing to love her forever.  Now that he was it made him happy beyond his wildest dreams. 

Blake stood by
his side in a white tuxedo with a silver vest smiling.  He couldn’t be happier for his friends.  Jasmine and Lucy stood next to Carmen and continued to wipe tears from their eyes as they had been since Carmen came down the aisle.  They were wearing matching silver halter gowns. Lucy’s hair was pinned up with spiraling curls and decorated with a band of white flowers.  Jasmine’s hair had grown back and was pulled away from her face with a white flower tucked behind her right ear. Jasmine’s dress had to be adjusted for her nearly nine month protruding belly.  She had two more weeks to go.  She and Blake would be welcoming their daughter into the world.  They couldn’t wait to meet her.

The minister said, “You may now kiss your bride.” 

Damon made sure to make a show out of their first kiss as husband and wife.  He dipped Carmen back and took his time sealing their vows with a kiss.  They received many laughs, hoots and whistles from the intimate audience. 

Jeremy was in attendance
.  He couldn’t take his eyes off Lucy’s smiling face.  He was so in love with her.  He couldn’t wait until the day they shared their vows with their friends and loved ones.  Alyssa sat next to him smiling at the newlywed couple.  She smiled as Samantha had a serious look on her face taking her job as flower girl to heart. 

Alyssa
was so grateful for the people that had been brought into her life.  It amazed her how life turned out.  She missed Ahmed dearly but being around those who loved him most was helping her make peace with the tragedy that had befallen them that dreadful day.  The soulless monsters that killed him were behind bars and awaiting trial, one she would not miss. 

She was learning a lot about her new friends.  It was the little things she noticed that made her understand their love dynamic.  Like how only Blake called Jasmine, Jaz and the rest of them called her Jazzy.
  It also tickled her that Jasmine referred to Damon as “my Damon.”               

She admired how Damon and Blake were protective of all the girls.  She hoped one day to have men in her life like that to care about her.  She was grateful for her new job and her new outlook on life.
  Her first occupants were due to arrive in two weeks.  She was so excited.

Vanessa and
Justin were also in attendance.  Justin couldn’t take his eyes off his beautiful wife who had her make-up professionally done for the occasion and was wearing a black halter dress that hugged the curves she never lost in all the years he had loved her. 

The strappy silver heels she had on gave him a nice view
of her freshly painted toes.  He was in heaven and felt like it was his honeymoon.  Lisa and Frank were also there hugged in an intimate embrace as they watched the beautiful couple head down the aisle.  They had never been so close.  Their marriage was finally free of pain and secrets.

Everyone was on their feet cheering and wishing congratulations
as they blew bubbles over their heads.  Blake took Jasmine’s arm in one of his and Lucy’s in the other and they followed the couple down the aisle.

Once the pictures had been taken everyone
was ushered and seated into a white tent as they listened to the waves outside.  Lucy, Jasmine, Carmen, Damon and Blake were seated at the head table and enjoying the meal of filet mignon, red roasted potatoes and fresh green beans. 

Blake tapped his champagne glass and stood to give the best man’s toast.  All eyes were on him as he stood
.

“
I am so grateful to be a part of this momentous occasion.  Damon has been my friend since high school.  He has remained loyal, trustworthy and always had my back no matter what.  Carmen this is the kind of man you’re getting.  I know that he will love and cherish you for the incredible woman you are.  I pray God blesses you both beyond your wildest dreams as you embark on this new life together.  I love you both without limits.” 

He
raised his glass, “To the bride and groom.” 

The audience echoed his sentiments and they took a sip.

It was Jasmine’s turn for her speech because Lucy hated public speaking even though she knew everyone in the room.  She backed her chair out and required a little assistance from Lucy to get up. 

She laughed and blew out a breath, “This kid better hurry up because mommy has lost all of her gracefulness.” 

Everyone laughed. 

Jasmine raised her glass of sparkling cider and said, “Oh my gosh you guys, I have practically been in tears all day long.  I am so happy for the two of you.  Who knew all those
years ago when we met at college that this was what God had been planning all along while we were as clueless as we could possibly be?  Carmen, I am so grateful for the friend that I found in you and Damon you know we go way back.” 

Carmen and Damon smiled up at her. 

“I knew that one day Damon would find a woman that would completely knock him on his butt.  I waited patiently for that day.” 

There was light laughter.
 

“
I couldn’t have been more pleased that it was a woman of inner and outer beauty, as well as a woman of substance and integrity.  I have no doubt that you will make my Damon happy and you will be there to keep him in line because Blake and I are tired of being the ones to keep him on his best behavior.” 

Everyone laughed. 

“Now if you two could hurry up and start making babies so our little one will have someone to play with.”

  Everyone laughed when Carmen’s eyes got big as saucers and Damon
was struck with a sudden coughing fit.

Jasmine smiled, “I love you both more than you’ll ever know.” 

She raised her glass, “To the bride and groom.” 

The crowd echoed.

Everyone was mingling and enjoying the reception when the DJ announced it was time for the first dance.  Damon stood up and took his new wife by the hand and led her to the dance floor.  They began a slow dance to Luther Vandross’ “Here and Now.” 

Damon said, “Baby you have made me so happy.  Thank you for agreeing to spend your life with me.” 

Carmen let the tear spill down her face with no shame as she smiled, “Thank you for asking me.  I love you so much.” 

“I love you.” 

He kissed her with so much passion she trembled in his arms.  The audience hooted and hollered as they laughed.

The DJ told the rest of the couples to join them on the dance floor.  Blake went to help Jasmine to the floor as Jeremy stood and headed for Lucy.  Justin and Vanessa went as did Lisa and Frank.  Both Damon’s parents and Carmen’s parents also joined them on the dance floor. 
Jasmine’s brothers and their wives joined them as well.  As that love ballad faded, the DJ played another one. 

Blake stared down at Jasmine’
s belly, “I can’t wait for you to get here sweetie.” 

Jasmine said, “Me either.  T
his child will not stay out of my ribs.  I can barely breathe right now.” 

Blake laughed.  He had always thought his wife was beautiful but the glow she wo
re as she carried his child made her breathtaking.  He ran his fingers through her curls and kissed her nose. 

He said, “Okay then let’s sit the next one out.” 

Before Jasmine could respond a commotion behind them got their attention.  When she turned around to look she saw Jeremy down on one knee with a sparkling diamond in his hands and Lucy with fresh tears in her eyes smiling from ear to ear.  Jasmine could not believe what she was seeing. Damon and Carmen laughed because they knew it was coming as others started to cheer.

Lucy was jumping up and down as she said yes. The
intimate crowd began to cheer and Jasmine smiled. She made her peace with their relationship but knowing that it was now going to be forever was a different story.

Jeremy stood
and kissed Lucy.  Blake was about to give his congratulations when Jasmine let out a little scream. Blake was by her side in a flash.

He asked, “
Jaz are you okay?” 

She reached for his hand her other hand over her belly. 

“Baby I think my water just broke.” 

“Oh my God are
you serious?” 

She took in a deep breath as a contraction hit her, “Oh yeah it’s time.
  Somebody please get me a freakin’ towel.”

Everyone was now focused on Jasmine as Blake was trying to get her to a chair.  Damon took over. 

“Okay people, here is what we’re going to do.  Blake you drive Jazzy to the hospital.  Alyssa you go to the house and get her bag.  Jeremy can you stay here and get this wrapped up?” 

He nodded and said, “Yeah no problem.” 

Damon asked, “Luce, you wanna go with me and Carmen or stay here with Jeremy?” 

Before she could answer Jeremy said, “
Honey you go ahead with them I will see you there shortly.” 

She smiled and kissed him hard.  He smiled and slid the ring on her finger since his proposal was interr
upted. 

Damon said, “By the way
guys, congratulations.”

Blake had left to get the car and was heading back in to get Jasmine.  She was taking deep breaths and said, “I’m so sorry guys
. I didn’t mean to ruin your wedding.” 

Carmen said, “Oh no darling the fun doesn’t start until tonight.” 

She winked at Damon and he gave her a wicked grin.  Staying celibate had been a huge challenge and they were ready to make up for lost time.  Jasmine managed a small smile through the growing pain.

Blake helped Jasmine out to the car
.  He didn’t even argue when Vanessa was right on their heels hopping in the back seat.  He was surprised at how calm he was.

∞∞∞

By the time everyone arrived at the hospital Jasmine was full on in labor.  Blake was by her side and her mother flanked her other side.  They were encouraging her and coaching her through the process.  Since the baby started coming so fast she did not have time to get an epidural.  She was trying her best not to cuss everyone out and to remain calm. 

Blake
cooed, “Come on baby.  I know you’re tired and I know it hurts but just one more.  I can see the head.  Just one more big push and she will be here.” 

Jasmine squeezed
her mom’s hand as tears ran down her face.  She didn’t scream but pushed with all her might hoping and praying that this would be it.  She thought she would pass out from the pain.

Suddenly she heard her
baby’s voice crying out.  She thought that had to be the most beautiful sound she had ever heard.  A teary eyed Blake cut the umbilical cord as Vanessa kissed Jasmine on the forehead.  Jasmine reached for her daughter and cried as she pulled her safe into her bosom to make sure she was complete with ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes and a nose. 

She was making a mental note of everything about her baby girl. 
The pain was forgotten and she didn’t even mind that she hadn’t been cleaned yet.  No words were spoken as the nurse came and took her. 

Blake kissed his wife, “I love you so much baby.  Thank you for giving me this precious gift.” 

“I love you too, thank you.”

Her mom smiled and said, “I’m going to
go so you two can have a minute.  I’ll bring everyone in when the nurse says it’s okay.” 

They nodded. 

Jasmine said, “I love you mom.” 

“I love you sweetie. 
I’m so proud of you.” 

Blake kissed his wife.

“What are we going to name this little beauty?”

“I really wanted to name her after Ahmed but his name doesn’t exactly make for a user friendly girl version,” Jasmine said.

Blake laughed, “That’s true.  What about Amy but spell it with two e’s instead of a y?”

“Well that will definitely be her black side.” 

They laughed. 

Jasmine asked, “I’ve been thinking about Amadi.”

“I
don’t hate it.  We can call her Madi or Di for short,” Blake said.

Jasmine said, “
Let’s just stick to Amadi for now.  Now you go watch that nurse. Do not let my baby out of your sight.”