Chapter 27: The Gift

“I’m so glad you could make it,” said David, as he and Daniel sat on the balcony.  Dinner had been wonderful and now the two brothers were catching up. The view of the LA skyline at dusk was spectacular and they could see the sun beginning to set.

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” said Daniel. “By the way, the house is awesome.”

“Thanks,” said David. “I think having it just makes everything more real, you know?”

“Yeah,” replied Daniel. “I can’t believe that in a couple of weeks you’ll be a married man. How time flies!”

“It does seem surreal,” said David, “but I’m so ready. I feel like it’s been a long time coming.”

“I’m really happy for you,” said Daniel. “Jasmine is a great girl and it’s obvious that you two were made for each other.”

“Thanks. I’m a blessed man for sure,” said David. “So, how have things been with you?”

“Things have been going well,” Daniel replied. “The band is great and I’m just enjoying touring and making music. We’ll start recording a new album soon.”

“That’s awesome!” said David. “I can’t wait to hear it. I’m so proud of you.”

“Well, I have my big brother to look up to,” Daniel said, smiling. “You’re quite the mentor.”

David laughed. “Thanks, Daniel. It’s just great hanging out with you. I’m so glad that you could be here and be involved in all this. It means a lot.”

“Like I said, I wouldn’t miss it,” said Daniel. “Not for the world."

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“What a great evening!” said Anne, as she prepared to leave. “Thanks so much for dinner.”

“I’m glad you could make it,” said Jasmine. “We just wanted to thank both of you for helping us out with the wedding, and it was great just getting to catch up.”

“Well, thank you. And by the way, the pasta was awesome,” said Anne. “You two should cook together more often.”

“Oh, we will,” said David, smiling secretively and glancing at Jasmine. She could feel her face begin to get flushed.

“Inside joke?” asked Anne laughing, seeing their reactions.

“Something like that,” Jasmine replied sheepishly.

“Oh,” said Anne, ginning. Then, hugging Jasmine she whispered, “We’ll talk later.”

“Okay,” Jasmine replied, returning her grin.

“I guess I’ll be going too,” said Daniel. “Jasmine, it was great seeing you again. Are you ready to gain another brother?”

“Of course!” replied Jasmine. She hugged him. “As long as you remember that as your older sister I’m always right.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Daniel said, laughing. “Alright guys. Thanks again. Have a goodnight.”

“Goodnight, “said David and Jasmine, as they left.

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“Aww, that was great,” said Jasmine, turning to David a short time later as they stood on the balcony.

“It was,” said David. “I’m really glad Daniel and I got to hang out a bit too. We never really get to do that much anymore since we’re always so busy.”

“I know,” said Jasmine, hugging him. “That made me happy too. I know how much you were looking forward to it.”

Then, pulling back she looked at him intently. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing at all,” replied Jasmine, smiling contentedly. “I just love you, that’s all. And I’m just so very thankful to have you, to have this. It’s more than I could ever ask for or imagine.”

“I feel the same way,” said David. “I’m so grateful for you.”

“And actually, speaking of grateful, I have something for you,” he said, turning to walk into the house. “I’ll be right back.” A few seconds later he returned, carrying a small package.

“This is for you,” he said. “I hope you like it.”

“David, a gift?” she said, surprised. “You’ve already given me so much.”

“This is special. Open it,” he said.

Jasmine tore off the wrapping paper and found a black jewelry box inside. “Oh,  it’s beautiful,” she whispered as she opened the box and looked down at the diamond cross bracelet made of wood beads.

“I know it’s not very traditional, but then I’ve always thought of you as anything but typical. When I saw it I thought of you,” he said. “Look at the back.”

“‘Colossians 2:13-14,’“Jasmine read slowly. She looked up at him, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

“Do you remember?” asked David gently, sitting down beside her and placing his hand on her back.

“Of course,” she whispered, nodding her head.

“It was the first scripture you ever shared with me and it blew me away, changed my life. I thought I understood before…but I didn’t really understand all that it meant. I don’t have to pay a price or earn what has already been given fully at the Cross. I see that now. Thank you so much for showing me,” he said earnestly, his heart overflowing with gratitude.

Wiping her tears, she reached out and pulled him to her. “David, there are no words. I absolutely adore it…and you,” she said smiling. “Thank you so much, sweetie.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, looking at her tenderly. “Let’s see how it looks on you.”  Carefully removing the bracelet from the box he slipped it on her wrist.

“It’s perfect,” said Jasmine, holding out her arm.

“It looks amazing on you,” said David, smiling. “I knew it would.”

“I love you, David James Archuleta,” replied Jasmine. “You’re my dream come true.”

David put his arm around her and pulled her close. “And you’re mine,” he replied.