Chapter 26: A Cooking Lesson

“Okay, so I guess I don’t get to carry you over the threshold yet,” David joked as he and Jasmine stood in front of their new home.

Jasmine giggled. “Not yet, sweetie,” she said. “But only a little while left until the wedding. I can’t wait!”

The two had begun looking for a place to call their own shortly after the engagement. Initially they’d contemplated Jasmine moving into David’s apartment, but in the end had decided that they wanted to begin their new lives together in a new home. It was a gorgeous, contemporary house that they’d both fallen in love with from the moment they saw it.  Today, the closing had been surprisingly smooth, and now it was theirs.

“It’s perfect,” said Jasmine proudly.

“It is,” said David. “I can’t believe it’s ours."

Looking at him adoringly and putting her arms around his neck, she said, “It’s ours. I can’t wait to be your wife and call this our home, maybe even have a couple of little ones.”

“A couple?” he said, smiling. “How many is a couple?”

“Oh…maybe three or four,” she said, laughing.

“Really?” he said, smiling. “Well maybe we should get started right away then. It may take awhile. Actually, I guess it doesn’t matter. We’ll have fun trying.”

Jasmine blushed. 

“What?” he said, laughing. “It’s true, you know.” He gently raised her chin. Then stroking her cheek and looking at her seriously he said, “I’m looking forward to it."

“So am I,” she admitted softly. She cleared her throat. "Is it hot out here or what. Let's go inside."

David laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“I know,” said Jasmine. “It’s just that we’ve never talked so openly about it, you know? It’s going to take some getting used to.”

“I know,” he said, taking her hand. “Okay. C’mon, let’s go inside.”

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The weeks flew by and as the big day steadily approached David and Jasmine grew more and more excited. Jasmine had already moved into the new house and they’d decided that David would move in after the wedding. It was a fun and exciting time and they were both very grateful.

Now, with only a couple of weeks left until the wedding, they’d invited their siblings over to their new house for dinner. As Maid of Honor and Best Man, respectively, both Anne and Daniel had given the couple invaluable encouragement and help in planning the big event, even though they both lived in other cities.Tonight would be David and Jasmine’s way of thanking them for all they’d done.

I’m so excited for tonight, thought Jasmine, as she waited for David to arrive. He’d been traveling and working on location for a new music video for the past week.   She knew that he was especially excited about getting to catch up with Daniel, who was also a musician and traveled often with his own band. Suddenly the door bell rang.

“Hello, love of my life,” said Jasmine, grinning excitedly, as she opened the door.

“Hey, baby,” David replied, walking in and taking her in his arms. “Let me look at you. “ Her hair was back and in a ponytail, which he always loved. He paused, studying her face before finally kissing her. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” said Jasmine. “How did everything go?”

“It went well,” he said. “I think the video will be great. I can’t wait to see it after it’s edited.”

“Good,” said Jasmine, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“So am I,” he said. Amazing, he thought to himself as he held her. She always seemed to get more beautiful to him every time he saw her. He knew he’d never tire of looking at that gorgeous face every day for the rest of his life.

“So,” asked David, “what are we cooking tonight?”

 “I thought we could make some chicken pasta. It’s a recipe that Dad and I have made before. It’s really delicious,” she said, taking his hand and leading him into the kitchen.

“Mmm,” he said. “That sounds good.”

“And,” she said, “I thought we’d make the pasta from scratch. That’s why we’re getting started so early.”

“Cool,” said David. “I’ve never made homemade pasta before. I guess you’ll have to give me a lesson.”

Jasmine laughed. “It’s a deal,” she said. “Shall we get started?”

“Yes, let’s do it,” he said.

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“Okay,” said Jasmine thirty minutes later, “now we have to let the dough rest for a while. So, in the meantime we can make the chicken.”

“Rest?” asked David, surprised. “This is more work than I thought.”

“It is,” she agreed, smiling. “But I must say that I love working with you. You’re a very good student.”

“Thanks, Ms. Curtis-Smith. And by the way, you’re the hottest teacher I’ve ever had,” he said, winking at her.

“David,” Jasmine joked, “no flirting. It’s not allowed in the classroom.”

“Sorry,” he replied. "But I can’t promise that it won’t happen again.”

“Guess that’s a chance I’ll have to take,” said Jasmine, smiling back at him.

They continued cooking, talking, and enjoying each others’ company. The house already felt like home to them and they were both eagerly anticipating being husband and wife.

“We did it!” said Jasmine excitedly, an hour later. “And it tastes delicious. Don’t you think?”

As she looked up at David she started to giggle.

“What?” he asked.

“You have flour…” she said pointing at his face.

“Oh, really?” he said, smiling back at her. “I’m not falling for that again. Remember last time?”

“I’m serious,” said Jasmine, still laughing.

“Okay, then, where is it?” he asked.

“Here,” she said, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Oops, sorry! It looks like I just added more!”

“Well, that’s funny ‘cause you’ve got some here, and here,” he said as he reached out and quickly brushed flour on her cheek and nose.

Jasmine reached over and grabbed some flour. “Oh… I see,” she said with a glint in her eye. “That’s how you want it?”

“Don’t do it!” he yelled, but it was too late. Jasmine quickly threw it at him. As she laughed, David retaliated and the air began to fill with powder as a flour battle ensued. Laughing, David grabbed Jasmine from behind as she turned to run.

“Looks like there’s no escape,” he said, laughing as she squirmed. “You might as well give up.”

As he was speaking, his lips brushed against her neck. Suddenly, neither of them moved, as the mood between them quickly changed. Realizing what had happened, they both held their breath for a moment and then, unable to resist, he kissed her on her neck. Jasmine gasped as a shock ran through her body. Closing her eyes, she felt his arms tighten around her as he kissed her again. “I knew there was a reason I like your hair up,” he half whispered. As he loosened his grip, Jasmine turned to face him and they kissed feverishly. She ran her fingers through his hair and felt her heart racing as he pulled her closer.

With a groan, David suddenly pulled back. “We have to stop…this is dangerous,” he said reluctantly, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Sighing and dropping her head on his shoulder, Jasmine replied, “I know. It’s just so hard!”

“It is, but only two more weeks to go,” he said, kissing her on the forehead. “I’m counting the days.”

“I am too,” said Jasmine, gazing up at him with a slight smile.

“So, I guess maybe we should save the cooking until after we’re married,” he joked, caressing her cheek.

“Yeah, uh, I agree,” said Jasmine, grinning. “That’s a good idea.”