“Yes, Jasper Booth Jr., I will be more than happy to be the wife God gave you and the wife you want. And I never stopped loving you.”
Jasper Jr. claimed her in his arms and kissed her with a passion that prevailed against all odds.
“Hot darn, two sons proposing on the same night,” Jasper Sr. shouted.
“Isn’t God good?” Jessica said, wrapping her arms around Jasper Sr., who kissed his wife and lifted her off her feet.
“Okay, I think I’m lost. What just happened?” Vance leaned in and asked Kane.
“My brother’s fiancée fainted, and he put the engagement ring on her finger while she was out. They’ve been together since kindergarten, but she took a four-year break and he waited for her.”
“Man, you guys really do believe in love, don’t you?”
“Yes. See my parents over there kissing. That’s where it came from.”
“Okay, but who is that beautiful lady right there?”
“Man, that’s Veronica, your sister.”
“Funny, Kane. I’m talking about the one admiring Veronica’s ring right now.”
“That’s our little sister, Jasmine,” Kane snickered, looking at Vance's eyes. Reminded him of how he looked when he first saw Veronica.
“That girl is pretty,” Vance retorted.
“Go introduce yourself while she’s talking to your sister. It’ll be a little easier then.”
“Wish me luck.”
“You won't need it. And we deal in blessings, not luck,” Kane said loud enough for only Vance to hear.
*****
Vance made his way across the room to where his sister and Jasmine stood admiring Veronica’s ring.
“Hello, I’m Vance, this girl’s brother, and you are?”
“Hi, Vance, I’m Jasmine, the boy who just ringed this girl, sister.”
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you,” he said, bringing Jasmine’s hand to his lips to kiss.
“So when did you become a romantic?” Veronica asked.
“When I watched a man pay thousands to get the family of the woman he loved here so he could propose. Looks like men who do it you girl’s way win the prize.”
Veronica slapped Vance on the chest, “Oh now. So, I guess my little brother is trying to get in on the action?”
Vance took Veronica by the chin and turned her head, “Look around. Sis, I think everyone in this room has a date except me and the princess. I might as well whip out some of the charms Mr. Kimbrel left me.”
“Bye boy.”
“Bye sis,” Vance said, giving Veronica a slight nudge towards Kane.
“First questions first: are you single or just dateless, or gay?”
“I’m neither and I guess the same questions can apply to you,” Jasmine said, looking Vance right in the eyes.
“I’m single and straight, a senior who plays ball for UC. How about you?”
“I just graduated last fall with an MBA, and I work for my father’s mortgage company.”
“Okay, so how would you feel about being my date tonight?”
“I’d be happy to be your date, but first, do you know God?”
“My mother would have it no other way, but I’ve come to know Him for myself. You could say He and I have a personal relationship.”
“I like.”
“Awesome. Same with you?”
“Absolutely. Right now He’s the love of my life.”
“Good. Let’s get us a seat in one of these limos. After you,” Vance said, waiting on Jasmine to lead the way.
The Booker T. Washington Christmas In The Field
The people were in awe of the field. It was truly something they’d never seen done before. Excitement laced their eyes. The entire town was ready to see how the historic black school could host such an expensive affair, which included notable people from all walks of life.
The special appearance from the Louisiana governor was definitely the talk of the town. Election year always brought out the who's who of politics, but tonight was not about asking for support, but giving support.
Limousines of all types drove their guests to the front gate entrance and others decorated the hill in neat rows. As beautiful women in fabulous gowns and handsome men dressed to perfection poured in from all directions, Jessica became even more excited.
Hostesses dressed in all white and adorned in angel wings announced the guests as they arrived, then escorted them and their guests to their assigned table. Each guest received a special gift bag as thanks for attending. Jessica could see by the elation and smiles that the bags were well received.
Five catering trucks were strategically situated and parked where they could serve without any interference. Each truck represented a famous Shreveport restaurant. Under each napkin, the guest was given five small menu cards. The guest could choose from whichever menu they desired. As the food servers came to their tables to retrieve the cards, the drink servers were busy pouring drinks.
There were also appetizer servers going to each table offering an array of Louisiana’s famous appetizers. There was fried cajun pork and rice, and crawfish boudin balls. Guests could also begin with a small gumbo cup, cajun chicken, hot spinach artichoke and shrimp dips, crab cakes, and creole angel eggs.
Jessica refused to give any glory to the devil, so she’d simply changed the name of the deviled eggs to angel eggs.
To be honest most Louisiana natives loved good food, so if a guest was not careful, they could have easily gotten filled off of the appetizers.
Jessica wasn’t a partaker of alcoholic beverages, but with the vote of the alumni, they’d decided to offer wine, sweet cocktails, and frozen margaritas. In order to make sure that no-one was drunk, she’d enlisted the services of some of the best bartenders in town. But there were also extra limousines in place to drive those who may have brought their own bottles.
No stone was left unturned.
As the guests mingled and admired all the memorabilia, the Shreveport Jazz Band entertained with an array of Christmas music and smooth-sounding jazz. The program had not even started, but the event was already a hit.
Husbands were dancing with their wives, and lovers were falling in love again. Jessica couldn’t help but smile watching her children. Jasper and Jade were slow-dancing to every song, even the fast ones. Kane and Veronica were already the talk of the room. She could dance just as good as Kane. Vance made Jasmine look like a little girl next to him, but a couple times, he was dancing with her in his arms.
Jessica couldn’t help but wonder, would they too find in each other what the others had found?
Some guests were on the verge of finishing their dinner, and it was almost time for the short program to begin. At eight o’clock, Jasper Sr. escorted Jessica to the stage.
“Greetings, everyone. Before we get started, I would like to ask Pastor Giles, an alumnus of B. T. W. to render a word of prayer,” Jessica said.
After Pastor Giles finished the prayer, he hugged Jessica and handed her back the microphone.
“Come on. Clap your hands as we would like to thank Pastor Giles for that short, but sweet prayer.”
The people clapped as they were requested to do.
“We would also like to thank the alumni of the Booker T. Washington High School, the chairman, doctors, and staff of the Shriners Hospital for Children, to the wonderful governor of this great state, Mr. Kevin owner of Playtime EDventures, all the pastors, politicians, musicians, educators, and to all of you prestigious people who bought tickets, gifts, and showed up at this awesome event to donate. We are so thankful.”
The guests cheered for the spokeswoman and chair-lady Jessica Booth.
“I would especially like to thank the decorating committee, who did such a marvelous job, and all the volunteers who lent their time and hands to make this night a wonderful success.”
“It’s beautiful,” someone shouted from the back of the room.
“It is. When the African American community in Shre
veport puts a goal on our minds, we get the job done. And although I would like to take the time to call out the names of some of our special businesses who supported this event, I won’t. But I will ask you to support your local establishments.”
The crowd clapped their hands.
“Tonight, let’s celebrate. The lives that are changed by your donations. The people who give tirelessly to help children all over the world. The staff of every school and teachers determined to teach students and create a brighter future for them. And last but not least, to all of you. May the Lord our God, shine His light upon you.”
The people clapped and cheered.
“Now, I would like to ask our Honorable Governor Edwards to say something.”
“As the governor of this great state, I would like to say that we are beyond Democrats, Republicans, and any other party representation. We are Louisianians. Proud Cajuns who support our own. I am honored to be a part of this great event, and for this wonderful cause, and my staff and I are presenting with a check in the amount of twenty thousand dollars.”
The crowd roared. The stadium-turned-event-arena was louder than it had ever been for any football game.
“Come on, let's hear it for Governor Edwards,” the people clapped and chanted, “Laissez les bons temps rouler.”
“I would also love for Mr. Kevin to say a word or two,” she said, waving him up on stage.
“I appreciate you good people of Louisiana for purchasing Playtime EDventures products. My heart goes out to ill children, all children over the world, and you are helping me to make a difference in their lives. I am proud to say that I have a heritage in Louisiana and you inviting me here is indeed a blessing. Thank you.”
And the crowd clapped for Mr. Kevin.
“Thank you both. I am now turning the microphone over to this wonderful woman who will entertain us and keep us dancing. The wonderful, talented Sweet Nay. Goodnight and please have fun.”
The crowd began to get up from their tables and move to the dance floor. Sweet Nay was singing and entertaining and the guests were having a blast.
Anytime Jessica hosted an event, she never got a chance to eat or have fun, but tonight was going to be different. She made her way through the crowd, pulled Jasper’s hand, and led him to the dance floor. It was more than awesome having her husband, their children, family, and what would become an extended family all in one place.
They danced the night away.
Chapter Thirty-Two
For the first time since MiMi died, Jade believed she was exactly where she needed to be. Whether her mother and grandmother were in heaven petitioning God concerning her, she would never know until she got there. One thing she did know, Jasper Booth Jr. loved her.
It was up to her to accept his love and reciprocate with all that she had in her heart to give. Even someone with no true understanding of love, who knew how they had kept their bodies and lips holy and acceptable unto God and for one another, could only be explained as real love.
Just being able to dance in his arms and to have him hold her tight was extremely impeccable. The joy of Christmas mixed with the magic of love. Enough to change your heart and mind forever, especially, if you didn’t believe in the power of love.
Jade could see the townspeople watching her and Jasper, and as soon as he bent his head close enough to her face she whispered, “Jasper, everyone is staring at us.”
Jasper did exactly what he used to do when he realized they were the center of attraction, he kissed her with enduring strength.
Jade felt herself grow limp and flushed at the same time, and Jasper cradled her to himself and whispered, “I’ll never let you fall.”
Tears began to roll down her face.
She knew if she could depend on anyone, she could depend on Jasper. But in that very moment, she understood why God had honored her wish to leave. She needed to depend on Him more than she depended on Jasper or even herself. She finally got it.
She finally understood it without one piece of doubt.
God is a jealous God. He will be put behind no man and until you understand that, there was always room for separation.
Jasper lifted her chin with his hand. “Penny for your thoughts.”
“You don’t even have to pay to hear what you deserve to hear. I just realized why I left home. Jasper, I needed to put the people left in my life into their proper places. God first, then you, then everyone else. I needed to know that God was my first resource, and He was definitely the one I needed to run to in times of need, depression, feelings of anxiety, when I felt lonely, and even when I was missing Mom, Dad, and MiMi.”
“I feel you, baby. It’s sort of like the trip was a rebirth.”
“Exactly. I would have never used that term, but that seems to be what happened. I was reborn. I was brought into the perfect understanding of who I am in Christ, and who Christ is in me.”
“Hallelujah. Now, one more thing I have to ask. Do you think this great God will give you permission to marry me as soon as possible?”
“Since your little proposal scheme, made better by the girl who fell out but didn’t fall crazy, I think He may want me to wait—”
“No, ma’am, I’ve already spoken with Him before I even came to you. What type of man do you think I am? I will always go to a girl’s Father before I ever ask her.”
“You are just so much more than I’ll ever deserve.”
“I’m just what the Father ordained.” He gave a hearty laugh which caused Jade to laugh so hard, people started looking at them again.
*****
Jessica was happy to announce they had together raised two-hundred-forty-thousand dollars for the hospital, and there were enough toys to be shared with other Shriners Children’s Hospitals. God had exceeded their hopes.
After the announcement was made, people started singing the school alma mater, written by Blanchard K. Bell in 1950. There was so much history in the school that was built in 1949 and opened its doors on January 23, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The school garnered its name after the founder of Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama and would to this day still be a rich part of the African American community.
Jessica and her husband, Jasper Sr., were proud alumni and because of them all three of her children loved all things BTW. Now, she’d reached another milestone and this event had not only brought her family together, but had instantly become the epitome of something historically great.
And another great first was about to happen in her family. She’d made plans for everyone to stay at her house for the next week so they could start by eating breakfast on Saturday morning and getting to know one another before Christmas.
All the men, except hers, could stay in the four-bedroom mother-in-law house by the pool, and Veronica and her mom could sleep in the boy's rooms, and Jade and Jasmine could do like they normally did—fall asleep wherever they could watch movies. No doubt, Veronica would probably be with them.
She hadn’t asked everyone yet, but since Valerie and Vance were already slated to come, she figured the others wouldn’t mind either. The only thing she dreamed of as a mother was having her children all home for Christmas, and grand-babies. And in that order.
So, with everyone home, this was indeed the next step to getting her second wish come true. Yet again, she was thinking about her family when her focus should have been completely on her husband. She wrapped herself close in his embrace and danced until the last song of the night was played.
After the last person walked out of the tent, Jessica and her girls picked up the last boxes that needed to go on the Shriners’ van. When all the toys were gone, Jessica said her parting goodbyes to the cleanup crew, and to those who had come to retrieve the tent and drapes.
When she gave her final thanks, Jasper whisked her in his arms and acted as if he was running. If he hadn’t gotten her out of there, Jessica knew for herself she would have started helping the cleanup crew.
Jasper called for their
limo and held her hand until the car drove up.
As she scooted over in the limo, she realized no one was getting in but the two of them. Jasper had arranged for them to be driven home alone, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness.
“Sweetheart, I’m so proud of you,” Jasper said, taking her hand in his and kissing it.
“Thank you, love,” Jessica said.
“I know everyone is going to the house, but I did something special for us and I think James is also taking Valerie somewhere.”
“Awesome. Where are we going?”
“You’ll see in a few.” Jasper took Jessica’s hand in his and kissed the back.
When the driver pulled up to the elaborate Marriott Hotel, Jessica smiled. She was trying to get to her children, but Jasper was trying to get to her. What a wonderful way to end the perfect night.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jasper Jr. was sure that the family would all love to have him and Jade with them, especially since Dad and Mom had decided to be together. However, he needed the opportunity to talk to Jade alone. They took a private limousine back to his parents’ house, but immediately got into his car and left.
“Jade, can we go to your place?”
“Sure, but you know we can’t spend the night together, Jasper.”
“Girl, you already got your mind on sleeping in these arms? I just need to talk to you because there are some things I need to be honest about.”
“About how you were flying to Florida to change my tires and cut my lawn?”
“Jade! Who told you?”
“For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how my yard was getting done. Some nights, I’d drive home and my car would be on E. Then when I get in it the next day, the thing would say F. At first I thought someone was playing a rude trick on me.”
Love Me Again Page 12
