Chapter 24: Only the Beginning

“Congratulations, honey! “  said Jasmine’s mom, Linda.

“Oh, Mom, thank you! I’m so happy! When did you get here?”

“Just this morning. David called me a few weeks ago and said that today was the day. I wouldn’t have missed it. Your brother couldn’t make it but he sends his love. I’m so happy for you, for the both of you,” she said, looking at Jasmine and David.

“Oh, mom,” said Jasmine, as Linda hugged the both of them. She could feel herself getting misty-eyed again.

Then laughing and wiping away tears she said, “Will I ever stop crying?”

“It’s okay, sweetie,” Linda said, smiling. “You’re allowed.”

One by one the rest of their family and friends congratulated them.

“Lisa!” Jasmine exclaimed as they embraced.

“Congrats,” she said. “So, let me see it!”

Grinning, Jasmine held up her hand. “Jasmine, it’s gorgeous!” she said.

“It is,” Jasmine agreed. “I still can’t believe it. So, did you help plan all this?”

“I did, but it was all David’s vision. I just helped set it up.”

“Well, thanks Lisa. And thanks for being such an amazing friend. When did you know?” she asked.

“Actually, the day after we had dinner a few weeks ago,” she said. “It was so hard keeping the secret, especially seeing how sad you were. But now, I couldn’t be happier for you two.”

“Me, too,” said Edgar, walking up to them. “What a difference a few months can make, huh?”

Jasmine laughed. “Yes,” she said. “I’m so grateful for you always being there when I needed to vent, to talk, to have a meltdown.”

“I’m glad I could be there, then and especially now. Congratulations, cuz,” he said, hugging her.

“Thanks. I love you, Edgar. I love both of you,” she said, looking at Lisa.

It was a wonderful evening as they sat down to eat and talk together, to celebrate this joyful occasion. This is incredible, thought Jasmine as she looked around. It was great to be with all of the people they loved so much, to have them celebrating this special time with them. Being here at the beach, under the stars and the lights was amazing and so was the company. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect.

A little while later, James stood up. “I’d just like to share something about David and Jasmine,” he said. “I knew that David was special the very first time I met him. There was just something different about him and I could tell that he really cared for Jasmine. Over the last almost three years, I’ve seen the highs and lows of their relationship, and I’ve seen how much they’ve grown in love for each other. David, I know I’ve told you this before, but it’s a parent’s dream come true to have someone who cares for their daughter as much as you do for Jasmine. I couldn’t have chosen a better man if I’d chosen you myself and you proved that even more when you asked for my blessing a few weeks ago. I want to wish you the very best that life has to offer and I look forward to watching you grow more and more as a married couple.”

There wasn’t a dry eye at the table when he finished speaking. “Wow,” said David, “I don’t even know what to say except thanks, James. That really means a lot coming from you.” 

Then pausing, he said, “And on that note, I have something that I’d like to share as well. I’d like to thank all of you for spending this time with Jasmine and I. We are so grateful to be able to share this with you and we really appreciate your love and friendship over these last few years. I never imagined that when I decided to try my hand at acting that I’d be rewarded in such an amazing way. But, as usual, God had a plan and we’ve seen that plan unfold before our very eyes. “

Turning to Jasmine, he continued. “I’m so blown away by today. I’m amazed at how God has given us the desire of our hearts, which is to be together. And truly, you are the desire of my heart. I think this song says exactly how I feel about you, about us.”

Jasmine hadn’t noticed the guitar before, but now as David picked it up and began to play “You Are My Song” she smiled. “We can share tomorrow and forevermore…” he sang. Once again she felt herself getting emotional, as she often did when he sang to her. His voice, especially tonight, moved her like nothing else. As he serenaded her she tried to fight the water works that were threatening, but to no avail. As he finished singing, she rose from the table and hugged him. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear.

At the end of the evening, after they’d said goodbye to everyone, they spent time alone on the beach praying, pouring their hearts out to God and to each other. Their hearts overflowed with gratitude for all that had happened and it was a truly wonderful time.

“Ahhh,” Jasmine sighed, leaning back against him as they sat looking out at the ocean. “Can it get any better than this?”

David smiled and wrapped his arms even tighter around her. “I have a feeling that this is only the beginning, “he said.