Boswell, LaVenia

by THE DAWNING (The Dawning Trilogy)

  20 – GOD SPEAKS TO JENNIFER

  People who had been standing behind the glass doors waiting for the newly wed couple to exit the limo finally saw them get out. They opened the hotel glass doors and came running out to greet them.

  There were many guests who had not attended the wedding for lack of church space but were here at the reception and thrilled to meet the newly weds.

  In the large reception area, Jason and Jennifer stood in the receiving line for almost forty minutes. They made sure to visit each table to again thank everyone who’d come. A number of their old school mates came.

  Jason and Jennifer noted Marcus had Salina well in hand and they both seemed happy with each other. They had added them to their prayers to accept Christ and receive new life in Him.

  The light cream colored wedding cake was three really large tiers with beautiful pale green ivy and white roses in a spiral cascade running down one side of the cake. A real Silver Cross with two wedding bands identical to theirs at its center was the cake topping. Jason had designed it himself and his mom had it made for them, though the stones on the bands were cubic zirconium it looked real.

  The cake top would be placed in a crystal domed display case with a mahogany base and locking mechanism. All Zonelli daughters and sons had such a case in their homes, it was another tradition.

  When the song Jason had picked for his love song to her began to play, He swept her up in his arms and waltzed across the room. Jenny was surprised at his choice, but quite pleased with it. It was a very romantic song, though some might think too suggestive, but to her, right then, it was the perfect song. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman, sung by Brian Adams brought smiles to most of the couples there as they watched the bride and groom glide across the dance floor.

  Jennifer was watching how happy her mom and dad were acting. More than she’d noted in several years.

  Her dad asked Jason’s permission for his dance with his daughter. Jennifer asked her dad if he was feeling better now about her marriage to Jason, and hadn’t he discovered what a wonderful man she was now married to? He smiled and answered, “You know cupcake, I’m pretty convinced you could have waited until you were eighty and you still wouldn’t have found a better man for you.”

  “Thanks Dad!” she exclaimed as she hugged him. “Now, you and mom have a wonderful time on that cruise. As soon as we get back we’ll have a big get-together to share our stories, Okay?”

  “Sounds like a great idea, Jen. Now, I see my new son-in-law desperately wanting me to return you to him, so I guess I’ll let the boy have his way, since it’s your wedding day and all,” Martin joked as he danced her over to Jason and said, “I returned her safe and sound, you do the same. Italy is a long way, so you both be careful!” Her dad left them with a genuine smile.

  Before Jason could get Jenny to himself again, his dad came by and asked formally to Jason, “Son, may I have this dance with my lovely new daughter? I do believe the lady needs another waltz.”

  Jason put Jenny’s hand into his father’s and bowed acquiesce to him.

  Edward announced, “Jennifer, you are one of the loveliest brides in history - for a certainty. My son is a very happy, exceptionally blessed man to have you in his life. Martha and I want you to not think of us as in-laws but as loving family. We have certainly come to love you already almost as much as our Jason. You should call upon us for anything at any time. Our prayers go with you both. Be happy.” Jennifer thanked him and shared her love of them as well.

  Jason walked over to where they had stopped to talk and was soon surrounded by his four older brother’s who all insisted upon a dance with their new sis.

  Thomas now wanted to dance with his sister, then Marcus and too many classmates and once Jason even thought he saw the chauffer take her for a spin. She was so lovely, graceful, and radiant. He noted with pride, her eyes sought him no matter where they were in the room, as his did hers.

  All the toasts were over, the meal finished. Although Jason didn’t know if he’d even swallowed, much less eaten anything, he’d have to ask Jenny later.

  People were leaving.

  When Jason looked down at his watch, he was stunned to discover it was after five already. Jason had danced with every able bodied woman there, perhaps twice and he wanted Jenny – now!

  She gave him a look and he knew she was tired, no matter how beautiful and radiant she was. Determined to turn away the next man who wanted to dance with her he hurried to her side.

  “My beloved wife, I think it’s time we say our goodbyes. Tomorrow is a long plane flight and I don’t want either of us exhausted. Okay?” he asked.

  “Oh, Jas, I am getting a little tired. But I didn’t want to put a damper on the celebration. This is a one time deal you know?” she stated with a warm smile a moment before she yawned.

  Catching her dad’s eye, Martin came over with her mom and Jason announced they needed to tell the guests goodbye. It’s time to throw the garter and toss the floral bouquet so they could get some rest, Jenny was already yawning. Neither had slept much at all this whole week.

  Her dad got Edward’s attention, who looked at the wilting couple and he joined Martin in ringing the wine glasses with a fork.

  Jennifer threw the bouquet and to Salina’s dismay she caught it by accident. She wasn’t looking for it but something came flying by her face and she grabbed whatever it was and then saw what she had. Jennifer noted that Marcus didn’t seem too upset though.

  Next came the garter belt, which Jennifer had managed to wiggle discreetly to well below her knee. With her leg propped on a chair, Jason barely raised the hem and tried to find her leg with his hand. Try as he might her leg was harder to find than any sane person would have thought. The volume of her layered petticoats, slip and dress had him in a dither. He didn’t want to raise her dress hem higher, not in front of all the ogling male eyes behind him but he didn’t want to look like a total horse’s rear either.

  Jennifer reached under her skirt found his groping hand and led him to the wandering garter. He’d seen three of his brother’s do this and countless other men over the years, who would’ve thought? He had broken out in a nervous sweat, but lifting her foot he released the garter and standing triumphantly spun it around his finger. With his back turned to the men he threw it over his head behind him.

  Fate was here today he thought, because Thomas caught it after wrangling after it against two other dudes.

  “Thanks, big guy!” Thomas called out with a grin as he too twirled it on his finger.

  More hugs and kisses and well wishes kept them a while longer. Both their mothers were guarding the Gift table, Jason realized with a little shrug of his shoulders.

  “Darling, I hate to mention it but we still have gifts to open so our parents can put them in the house for us. They’ll make us a list for thank you cards to write when we return from Europe.”

  Martha had the hotel waiters place a movable partition on two sides of the gift table and put a few dozen chairs near it.

  Once most everyone left, Jennifer and Jason went behind the partition and sat near the table. Jennifer had never seen so many presents at one time, and most were wrapped so beautifully. The wedding photographer and camera man took their place and recorded the opening of gifts as Jason and Jennifer’s moms opened cards, recorded the giver and the gift of each item. A number of them were checks, cash and visa cards, most in the largest boxes.

  Jennifer had registered at a few stores per Martha’s wise suggestion and they had received almost an entire set of the beautiful china Jason had agreed was perfect for their home.

  The cookware she loved would now only be missing a few pieces for her to purchase. A fancy cappuccino, hot cocoa and coffee machine that Edward exclaimed in surprise was about a thousand dollars on sale, was added to their home appliances. That gift was from one of Jason’s business clients. Crepe makers, several types of waffle irons since the word was out that Jenny liked deep Belgium waffles. A mil
kshake maker, multiple kitchen tools, decorative items for their pool and patio. Electric griddles, crock pots, beautiful queen sized bed linens, since Jennifer had chosen queen beds for all their bedrooms except one bedroom that hosted twin beds. Fine quality bath sets in neutral colors, and a number of gift certificates to various shops, department stores and up scale catalogs finished the line up of gifts.

  It’s now almost seven and the happy but tiring couple made certain the cameras saw them as excited and thankful for each present, which they were, but even Jason had stifled a yawn a time or two. Mental and emotional exhaustion, he knew. He’d barely slept all night thinking about today, and he would bet Jenny did the same.

  Jennifer’s mom asked for the bows and ribbons, their family was like that, they recycled everything.

  Edward had driven the van so there would be room to take the gifts home. Later in the next two weeks they would place them in the house.

  Mister and Mrs. Jason Zonelli gave hugs and kisses all around and wished Jennifer’s parents bon voyage. They gave Jason’s parents, siblings, nieces and nephews all kisses and thanks as well.

  They waved at everyone as they entered the elevator, going up to their room. As soon as the elevator doors closed they both gave out deep sighs of relief.

  Jason opened the door to their room and found both their luggage sets inside.

  Jennifer’s wedding dress would be hung in its garment bag and left with the concierge for his mom to pick up tomorrow. She would have it spot cleaned, sealed and preserved, along with several of the wedding mementos. Tonight he’s most thankful his mother is so thoughtful and generous, because this was his wife’s dress and their wedding mementos.

  Jenny took off her wedding veil and he watched as she caressed it with her fingers and began to inspect it for stains or tears.

  Walking up behind her he asked, “May I help?”

  She nodded.

  His fingers grasped the dress zipper at the back of her neck to help her remove the gown.

  She needed his additional assistance to step out of the material she didn’t want wrinkled. It covered several feet of floor space. He hurried to hang up the dress for her as she managed the petticoats herself and then the long slip.

  She handed each of them behind her to him as he worked, trying not to stare at her to make her feel uneasy.

  She was left with some kind of one piece foundation garment that covered more than most women’s swim suits he realized with a little irritation, knowing his mom was the cause of that.

  Jenny also still wore her lacy white real garter belt and to the upper thigh length sheer white hose with rhinestones and roses up the side of the legs that he hadn’t been able to see or appreciate before now, so very, very lovely.

  Her hair hung long in back, to just below her waist, also absolutely beautiful.

  Jenny removed her white silk prayer cap, but kept it in her hands as she walked quietly into the bathroom without looking at him and shut the door.

  Neither had said a word other than when Jason asked if he could help her with the gown. He realized he was standing in the middle of the room still holding her petticoats and slip in his suddenly sweaty hands.

  Looking around he saw the curtains needed double checking for closure and the bottle of champagne would probably not be drunk yet or at all, so he cleared off the table and put one of his suitcases on it instead. His tux bag was hanging in the closet beside her garment bag. He swiftly began removing his tie, being careful of the tie clip and cuff links Jenny had given him.

  Not knowing what she was doing, other than perhaps undressing more, he realized he didn’t want her to feel over exposed with him standing there still completely dressed in his tux.

  Working as swiftly as he could he hung up his tux, bagged his shoes and placed his tie set in his second piece of check-in luggage.

  They each had two check-ins and one carry on. He knew he’d buy more luggage for the return home to carry all the gifts they’d surely buy, but going with two should be enough for their little over three week long honeymoon.

  Working swiftly he was down to his socks and boxers.

  He hurriedly placed one of her bags on the long dresser and opened it for her so she’d have whatever she might want to change into – or not.

  “Jen, sweetheart?” he called out after about ten minutes. There was no answer for about fifteen seconds. He was about to break the door down realizing she may have forgotten to breathe!

  “I’m alright Jason,” she finally called out to his utter relief. Then she added, “I was just praying and asking God how I could sleep with you, in the same bed, and not be a temptation, if you didn’t want me to be one.”

  He stood at the bathroom door.

  “Awww, Jenny, sweet Jenny. Come on out, my love. I want to be tempted!” he replied, knowing it was a fact.

  “Ohh, I know that already. He told me to go enjoy my husband. He would show us the great joy he has prepared for us both as his married children,” she stated matter-of-factly.

  “He did?” Jason responded with awe and happiness, but no disbelief, for Jenny was like that, God simply talked to her – a lot. The door slowly opened and Jenny came out.

  Jason was without his own breath and no words would come, not one.

  She took him by the hand and asked, “Jason, my beloved husband, will you pray for us before we become one?”

  He collapsed onto his knees as she knelt beside him. “Father, thank You so much for giving me Jenny. I receive her in the love You gave me for her in my heart and soul. Help me to place her first above myself, even as You love the Church and gave Yourself for us. Bless our union dear God as we are both open to your will, you know what is best for us. We praise and thank you dear God, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.”

  They rose, kissed lightly and both once more heaved joint sighs of relief.

  21 – THE BATTLE BEGINS

  The next morning, early, Jennifer awakened to find Jason lying beside her, his head propped up on one elbow staring down at her face. She was stunned that even his hair didn’t look mussed. The man was perfect all the time she thought with amazement.

  He smiled a little oddly and asked, “Did you know that you even pray in your sleep?”

  She shook her head no.

  “Well, you do, and you pray in the Spirit for most of it,” he announced with a tender smile. Stroking her shoulder he said, “I’ve been praying too, asking Father to help me be worthy of such a wonderful woman.”

  Jennifer responded smiling back, “And I’ve been praying to be worthy of such a fantastic, holy man.”

  He laughed suddenly and loudly, throwing his head back. She’d never heard him laugh like that.

  “Well, for such a holy man, I certainly still have some mighty strong fleshly appetites, especially for you.”

  “Jason!” she scolds, “That’s not wrong! That’s the desire for your beloved that God’s put there - to bless me with.” Wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him to her she grinned and asked, “Unless, you get those same feelings for another woman?”

  “Nope!” he answered before they enjoyed the love God had blessed them with to share with each other one more time.

  Jason was pleasantly thrilled last night when she admitted her lack of experience to him. All this time he thought she would be comparing him to Scott and maybe a couple other guys. That’s sadly the way too many females were these days he realized and it had made him quite tense. She actually acted shocked when he admitted he too had saved himself for her. Seemed they were both happily surprised at each other.

  Staring at the ceiling and thinking about that conversation again, he smiled before turning his eyes to watch his bride some more. Jason asked, “Hon, do you want that big breakfast buffet they have or would you prefer room service?”

  Being his eyes seemed to widen with the mention of the ‘big’ buffet, she answered, “Well, seeing as your appetites have grown so much over the past few weeks, I do belie
ve that unless you get that big buffet, you might wither from lack of nourishment.”

  “And coffee, lots of coffee, with sugar for you I know,” he responded with a light laugh as he slapped her leg and hopped out of bed.

  Jenny was searching through her suitcase for her traveling outfits - lots of un-crushable dresses, skirts and tops. Choosing a long bold blue and cream checked skirt with gussets, short sleeved light weight cream colored pullover with cowl neck and a matching solid blue pinwheel dolman crochet over sweater with three-quarter length angel sleeves to finish the country peasant look, she wrapped the cream colored four inch wide fringe cutout lace belt so it set loose and low at her waist.

  As she tied the fringes she remembered something important she’d been shown in a dream last night, but actually dreaded having to talk to Jason about it, fearing his reaction. Searching diligently, hoping she had packed what she now needed. She was relieved when she finally found it.

  “Sweetie,” Jennifer began, turning her eyes toward him as he was getting dressed himself. She silently enjoyed this new experience, watching him dress, he was so handsome.

  “I had a very peculiar dream last night and I need to talk to you about it.”

  Jennifer had on her skirt and was pulling on her top, when he allowed her to realize he was staring at her - openly - again. His heart was simply bubbling over with all the new joys he was experiencing with his beloved wife. He reminded himself she was asking him a question. “Talk away.”

  “Well, I was walking to places all over the world. God was showing me women at work, going about their daily tasks. They were washing clothes, cooking, shopping, caring for children, working in offices, out in fields, just everywhere, in all cultures, all parts of the world, from cities, to farms, to jungles, to mountains. All the women He was showing me had one thing in common, it was the thing He wanted me to realize.”

  Jason stopped pulling on his shoes, and simply stared at her while he sat on the foot of the bed.