Chapter 50: Price and Protection

*Zain*

“Thank you, Rev. Woodward.” I smiled as I shook his hand vigorously, my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst.
He chuckled. “It’s my pleasure. Now....” He placed his hands on our shoulders, looking between us. “Go and have a wonderful life.”
Gladys dabbed at her eyes as she approached. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful couple.” She pulled Jasmine in for a hug. “Congratulations, dear.”
“Thank you.” Jasmine dabbed at her eyes, too.
Then Gladys pulled me in for a hug. “Take care of that girl,” she whispered, her voice serious as she released me.
I nodded as my heart plummeted. After this, there was no way I was going to be able to let Jasmine go come Monday. “I will.”
After saying our last goodbyes, I placed my hand on the small of Jasmine’s back, and we headed into the hallway. “So, where would you like to go? The Steakhouse again, the Pizzeria, or the Blue Iguana.”
“The Blue Iguana?” Jasmine looked at me as if I had lost my mind.
I shrugged as I hit the button on the elevator. “It’s a Mexican restaurant.”
I doubted the food would be as good as my Uncle Miguel’s Cuban fare, but it was worth a shot. Then a pang of guilt tugged at my chest as I thought of my family that I hadn’t invited. I would have given anything for this to be real and for our families to have shared this day with us. But to me, it would always be real… no matter what.
“Since we’ve already been to The Steakhouse, let’s try the Blue Iguana.” Jasmine leaned her head against my shoulder, and an overwhelming sense of pride and protection washed over me, unlike anything I had ever felt before. Jasmine was now my wife, and it was up to me to take care of and protect her.
“Sounds good.” While we waited, I slowly backed her against the wall and leaned, staring into her lovely eyes. Finding acceptance, I crushed my lips to hers, and her lips parted, deepening the kiss as she swiped her tongue over mine, causing my heart to pound. A moment later, I pulled back, breathless, and gave her one last sweet kiss. “For two cents, I’d skip dinner and take you straight to our room.”
Suddenly, the elevator bell dinged, and the door opened before she could comment. “Whoo!” A young man said as he stepped out with two girls and another man. “You did it, man!”
“Sucker!” the other man yelled as his date hit him playfully on the chest, laughing.
“You should try it sometime,” I replied, smiling as I ushered Jasmine inside.
“Yeah, you should!” his girlfriend said just as the doors closed.
Inside the elevator, I backed Jasmine against the wall and pressed my lips to hers again as she gripped my hair at the base of my neck, pulling me closer as passion enveloped us both.
“You are one gorgeous woman,” I breathed when I came up for air.
“No, you are.”
I chuckled.
She gave me a sheepish look. “Sorry, but you know what I mean.”
“Yeah, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been called a gorgeous woman.”
She burst out laughing, breaking the tension. “Well, you are.”
“Hey!” I laughed.
The elevator door opened, and she grabbed my hand and excitement spread across her face. “Let’s go!”
We nearly ran down the hallway headed toward the restaurant, but I stopped short when we approached. “Wait. I can’t take you in here. Not on our wedding day.” I looked around, and there was a walk-up counter to order, and then you sat anywhere you wanted after you got your food.
“What’s wrong with it?” Jasmine looked around, undeterred.
“It’s not classy enough.” I sighed as I pulled her toward The Steakhouse. “Let’s go someplace nice.”
She gave me a devilish smile. “Actually, I’m in the mood for nachos.” She motioned with her head toward the Blue Iguana. “Let’s go Mexican.”
I burst out laughing. “Okay. If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
Then she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around my waist as she looked into my eyes. “As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter where we go.”
I gave her a quick kiss as I laughed, pulled her toward the restaurant, and then stopped and gave her another. “Let’s go before I take you right here.”
She burst out laughing. “Oh, I’m sure that would cause a stir.”
“It’d cause something.” I laughed, shaking my head as we walked inside.
“May I help you— wait.” The woman stopped short. “Well, congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Jasmine beamed nervously. “We just got married.”
“I can see that!” A smile lit her lips. “So, what can I get you?”
“I’d like the nachos,” Jasmine began when I stopped her.
“Why don’t we get the Deluxe Nachos and split them?” I shrugged. “It’s early yet, and I don’t want to eat too much.”
“Sounds good!” Jasmine replied, ignoring the knowing smile the waitress was giving us. “I’d also like a Strawberry Margarita.”
“I’ll take a beer, please,” I added, “and an order of your Queso Dip and Salsa.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Anything else?”
“That’s it for now.” I shook my head. “Jasmine, would you get us a table? I’ll wait for our food.”
“Sure,” she replied as she headed toward a table in the corner. All eyes were on her, but she appeared not to notice.
I handed the waitress my credit card. I had been saving all summer for this, and also had the rest of my college money on it. When everything was ready, I carried our food and drinks toward the table, hoping I didn’t spill anything on the way. Jasmine saw me and hopped up, but I stopped her. “No, go sit back down. I’ve got this.”
She nodded and sat back at the table, smiling. Once everything was set up, I slipped the serving tray on the table next to ours and sat across from Jasmine. “So, what’s for dinner, dear?” I teased, taking a long swig of my beer.
Jasmine laughed. “Well, I worked my fingers to the bone today fixing these nachos, so I hope you like them.” She grinned as she crunched into a loaded nacho, and I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing I would remember this moment for the rest of my life.
“Oh yeah?” I took a bite, moaning in pleasure. “Umm... well, you did a great job because these are the best nachos I’ve ever had.”
“Don’t tell your Uncle Miguel.” Jasmine wagged her eyebrows as she took a sip of her Margarita.
I shook my head. “No, he cooks Cuban food.” I took another sip of my beer. “I’m not sure if he makes nachos or not. But let’s not talk about our families right now.” I smiled as I took another bite of a nacho, as the flavor of beef, salsa, and vegetables filled my mouth. “So, what would you like to do after we eat?”
Jasmine's eyes never wavered from mine. “Guess.”
Just One Weekend
Detail
Share
Font Size
40
Bgcolor