Chapter 25: One Step Closer

“What do you think about a six month engagement?” asked Jasmine, as David drove her home later that night.

“I’d love it,” David replied. “I think we’ve waited long enough, don’t you?”

“Yes, I agree” said Jasmine. “Plus, I’ve always wanted a spring wedding so it’ll be perfect. It’ll be busy but I think we can do it.”

________________________________________

Truer words had never been spoken. The next few months were very hectic as they juggled wedding planning with their work schedules. Only a few more months, thought Jasmine as she drove to the airport. Her sister was coming into town for a couple of weeks and she was so excited that they would get to spend some time together. It would also be great to get some wedding input from her big sis.

“Anne! I’m so excited you’re here,” said Jasmine as she greeted her sister. They hadn’t seen each other since the accident when Anne had come to visit.

“Jas, it’s so good to see you!” Anne exclaimed as she hugged her.

“Let me look at you, “she said stepping back. “You look wonderful. I’m so happy that you’re okay.”

“I feel great,” said Jasmine, smiling. “And I’m even better now that you’re here. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” said Anne, as they loaded her luggage into the car. “How’s David?”

“Amazing, as usual,” replied Jasmine. “Things have been crazy though with planning the wedding and then traveling for work and gigs. I think both of us are kind of worn out so I’ve planned a little surprise for him for our date this evening. I think we just need some time to just chill.”

“That’ll be great,” said Anne. “And speaking of needing to chill…you sounded pretty stressed on the phone about this whole dress thing.”

Jasmine sighed. “Yes, it’s really been frustrating. Everybody says that when you find the right dress you’ll know it but I haven’t found anything that I love. But,” she said smiling, “hopefully you’ll be my good luck charm today.”

“I’ll see what I can do, little sis,’” she said. “I’ll see what I can do.”

A short time later they arrived at the dress shop where they met up with Lisa.

“Lisa!” said Jasmine. “I want you to meet my sister Anne. Anne, this is my best friend Lisa.”

“Hi Anne,” said Lisa. “Jasmine has told me so much about you. It makes me wish I had a big sister.”

Anne laughed. “She told me a lot about you too. It’s nice to finally meet you, Lisa.”

“Okay, ladies,” said Jasmine. “Are you ready?”

“Are we ready?” asked Lisa, laughing. “I think the question is are you ready?”

Jasmine laughed. The last few times that Lisa had accompanied her on her dress search had ended in disappointment and had not gone very well. They both hoped that today would be the day.

“Yes,” said Jasmine confidently. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

As they entered the store Jasmine immediately felt overwhelmed. There were so many styles and types to choose from and it was intimidating. She said a silent prayer as the sales assistant walked towards them.

“Hi, I’m Angela. How may I help you today?” she asked.

“Well,  I’m on the hunt for the most perfect wedding dress ever created.”

“Okay,” said Angela smiling warmly at her. “I think we may have what you’re looking for. Follow me.”

Over the next hour, Jasmine tried on quite a few dresses and although they were all very nice, she didn’t feel that any of them were the one.

“Okay, Jasmine,” said Angela, bringing out another dress. “I really think this could be it.”

“Wow, it’s beautiful,” Jasmine said, looking at it closely.

“Let’s try it on,” said Angela.

Moments later, Jasmine emerged from the dressing room as Lisa and Anne watched. She looked absolutely stunning.

“Jasmine,” said Anne, suddenly tearing up. “You look beautiful.”

“Don’t cry,” Jasmine said. “You’ll make me start crying.”

“You really do, Jasmine,” Lisa agreed, looking at her admiringly. “Is this the one?”

Looking at herself in the full length mirror, Jasmine felt a sense of joy and contentment. It was as if it was made for her. “This is it,” she said excitedly. “I’ve found my dress!”

_________________________________________________________

That evening David picked Jasmine up for their date. It was such a relief to know that her search for a wedding dress was over. She’d been a little worried that she wouldn’t find it and that she would have to settle, but now she knew that it would be perfect. She couldn’t wait for the day when she could wear it, when David could see her in it.

“So, how did it go today?” asked David, as he drove.

“Great! I found my dress,” she said. “I can’t wait for you to see it, sweetie.”

“Awesome. I can’t wait to see it either,” he said. “I know you’ll look amazing.”

“It’ll be here before we know it,” said Jasmine, grinning. “Can you believe that in a few months we’ll be married?”

“No, I can’t,” said David, looking over at her. “But, it can’t come fast enough. I can’t wait to see you walking down the aisle.”

She smiled and took his hand. “I know what you mean,” she said. “As busy as it’s been lately I’m looking forward to having it all done and finally being Mrs. Archuleta.”

“I like the sound of that,” he said, gazing at her. “It suits you perfectly.”

“I think so too,” said Jasmine.

A few moments later he asked, “So, why am I driving to your dad’s house?”

“You’ll see when we get there,” she said, smiling secretively.

A short time later, they arrived. David noticed that he wasn’t home. Jasmine unlocked the door and they walked into the house.

“Where’s your Dad?” asked David.

“Oh, he had something that he had to do tonight,” she said coyly.

David followed her into the kitchen. “But,” she said grinning, “I had him pick up a little something before he left.”

David smiled as he saw that it was takeout from his favorite Thai restaurant. “Sweet!” he said, laughing.

“That’s not all,” said Jasmine, grabbing his hand and leading him to the sliding door that led to the backyard.

“Wow,” said David. “This is incredible!”

It looked like an outdoor movie theater, complete with a projector screen and popcorn.

“I had some help from Dad, and also Lisa and Edgar, who’ll be here later,” said Jasmine.

“It’s awesome,” he said, hugging her. “But, I think you left out one very important thing.”

“What?” she asked.

“This,” he said, leaning in close to kiss her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said grinning.

It was a fun evening as they relaxed and watched a movie under the stars. After all of the wedding planning it felt good to hang out with friends and just enjoy each other’s company.What a great evening, thought David as they watched the movie. He loved movies and this was one of his favorites. He put his arm around Jasmine and pulled her close.

“I love this scene,” he said excitedly, a short while later. But, there was no response.

“Jasmine?” he asked, looking over at her. It was then that he realized that she’d fallen asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. She looked adorable to him as she slept, snoring softly.

He smiled and kissed her gently on her forehead. “Goodnight, baby,” he whispered. “Sweet dreams.”