Love Through Pain (27 page)

“Sorry
?” His chuckle was soft. “I’m not.”

Her cell phone rang, and she answered it, putting it on speaker

“Merry Christmas!” her family sang into the phone.

Jazmine’s lips curled into a big smile. “Merry Christmas to you guys. I m
iss you.”

“We miss you to
o, Jazmine,” Jewel said.

“I don’t understand why you didn’t spend Christmas with us. I wanted to have Nicky here
; it’s our first Christmas with him,” her mom chimed in.

Jazmine rolled her eyes. “Mom, we spent Thanksgiving with you.”

“And?” her mom answered.

“Javy’s parents wanted to see him
, too.”

“Sweetheart
, don’t mind your mother, she’ll be fine,” her dad voiced. “Tell my grandson I love him.”

“I will, and thank you guys for the gifts.”

“Merry Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. O’Neal,” Javier pitched in.

“Merry Christma
s to you too, son. How are you doing?” Paul asked him.

“I’m over the moon
.” He winked at Jazmine, and she nodded, giving him permission to spill the beans.

“You’re over the moon, why
, because you kidnapped my daughter and my grandson?” Lauren said.

“Mrs. O’Neal
, we’ll be there for New Years,” he snickered.

“Okay then,
why are you so happy?” she asked again.

“W
e’re waiting,” Janice said over Lauren.

“We’re pregnant
.” Javier rubbed Jazmine’s belly.

“Say again?” Jewel asked.

Jazmine laughed into the phone. “We’re pregnant!”

“Oh my God, yes
!” her mom screamed.

“Congratulations!” Paul
yelled.

“Well
, thank you Jazmine, now mom won’t leave me alone.” Jewel giggled. “I guess I’m the last one left to get married or knocked up.”

“Excuse me,” Lauren said. “Married first, Jewel.”

Jazmine’s brow arched and she had a mischievous smirk on her face. “Hey Jewel, my brother-in-law, Jose, will be there for New Year’s.”

Javier smile turned into a frown.

“Is he as good looking as your husband?” Jewel asked.

“A
lmost, no one is as handsome as my husband.” She leaned forward, kissing him.

“Hell
, no!” Lauren yelled.

“Jewel, you see what you started,” Michael said. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you family, I love you guys.” Jazmine laughed, hearing her sisters and mom arguing in the background. “Bye…”

Javier chuckled. Jazmine’s family was a mess
, just like his. Her mom was finally warming up to him. Everything fell into place, more than two years ago, he sat on this very bed, and his life was going nowhere. Now, he had it all. They weren’t perfect. He knew they would have bad and good days, but he promised himself to stick it out, to never leave.

His bad dreams were non-existent. It had been months since Sandra had crossed his mind. He ran into an old friend he
’d served with overseas, Charles, who’d told him that Sandra had become an elementary school teacher. She even got married to her high school sweetheart and had a baby. He was happy for her; she deserved the best. He was glad to hear she finally let go of her resentment and lived.

“Baby
, what’s that look for?” Jazmine touched his jaw.

“I’m just thankful for everything. My dad was right, everything happened for a reason.”

“That’s interesting. My dad said the same thing. He said God has a plan, we might not see it in the moment, but it will eventually make sense.”

“It all make’s sense.” He moved up the bed and wrapped his arms around his wife.

Epilogue

Jazmine stood at the threshold, staring at her family. Javier was in their bed reading a book to their kids. Nicky was beginning his terrible two’s, but when it was time for bed, he was an angel. Haven was one month old; she had cinnamon skin, a combination of both of them, but who was she kidding. She looked like Javier, even down to his lips. The only thing she’d inherited from Jazmine was her chocolate eyes. Haven just smiled, staring at her dad as he read.

Nicky’s eyes were heavy with sleep,
and he kept dosing off as Javier finished reading. “The end.”

Haven touched her daddy’s nose and yawned.

Jazmine strolled into the room. She covered her mouth with her hands, laughing. “Really, Javy?”

“What?” he innocently asked.

“Three Little Pigs?” She picked up the book. “I thought I got rid of this.”

Javier sat up and placed Haven on the mattress, she was wide-awake, but Nicky was knock
ed out, reading to him always did the trick.

“Nicky found your hiding place, that’s his favorite book.” He stuck out his tongue.

Jazmine chuckled. “I wonder why?” Haven turned in his arms, looking at the book cover. “You even turned Haven against me.”

“Mi muñ
eca de chocolate.” He kissed her cheek. “Daddy’s little girl.”

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Jazmine sat on the edge of the bed.

Javier handed the baby to Jazmine, and she whined at bit. “Haven, you’re a traitor.” She rocked her to sleep. Javier sat behind her with his feet on each side.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Our parents will love or hate each other
.” He kissed her neck and began massaging her shoulders.

“I think they’ll love each other
.” She closed her eyes, enjoying Javier’s magic hands.

“We’ll see.”

Haven fell asleep, and Jazmine placed her on the bed next to her brother.

“Javier…”

“What happened to, Javy, baby, sweetie.” He smiled. “Whenever you call me by my name, it means I did something wrong.”

She got up and handed him a gift bag,
and as soon as he saw the bag, his eyes got big. “Naw…”

She couldn’t help it
; she burst out laughing at the look on his face. “No Javy, I’m not pregnant, it’s just a gift.”

“You didn’t have to
.” He took the bag from her.

“I know, but I couldn’t resist.” She watched him excitedly.

Javier opened the bag and pulled out a small, gold-framed picture of his little boy and girl. It said
Number One Daddy
. He pulled Jazmine into a hug, a little emotional.

“And that’s because of you.” He kissed her with his talented lips.

“There’s something else in the bag.”

Javier looked inside, finding two airplane tickets to Puerto Rico.

“We never had a honeymoon, and I want to see more of your culture.”

“Baby, I love you
.” Javier grabbed her hand. “I got you something, too.” he dug into his pocket and handed her a Tiffany’s blue box.

“Tiffany’s, but we
’re celebrating your accomplishments.” She slightly jumped.

“Tomorrow is our day. A happy family makes a happy sailor. I wouldn’t have gotten promot
ed if I didn’t have your support.” He moved the bag. “You don’t want it?”

She grabbed it from his hand. “What is it?”
she squealed.

“Open it.”

Her breath caught in her throat as she pulled out a diamond solitaire ring. “Javier, you didn’t have to.” The stone was crystal clear. “It’s beautiful.”

He rubbed her ring finger. “I never really proposed, so this is your engagement ring to match your band.” He slid it over her wedding band. Jazmine hungrily kissed him, slipping her tongue in between his lips,
until he took control of the kiss.

Jazmine pulled back
, touching her lips. “I almost forgot we have guests in the house.”

“Jose isn’t a guest
.” Javier fixed his pants.

“He’s not, but Connie is.” She grazed his erection with her ass. “I’ll take care of that later.”

Javier’s smiled naughtily, wiggling his brow. “I know you will.”

“This came in the mail for you
.” She smiled, opened the drawer to the nightstand, and handed it to him. “You need this.”

Javier took the white envelope and read the name.

Jazmine picked Haven up. “I’m going put her down.” She turned to look at him. “I don’t want to leave Connie and Jose alone for long. Your brother is something else.” Javier didn’t answer; he just stared at the envelope. Jazmine left the room and went down to the nursery.

~~~

Javier carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

              Dear Javier,

Thank you for being my hero. If it wasn’t for you, I might have lost my life that day. You did everything you could to keep me alive, and in return, I blamed you for losing my legs. I’m so sorry for what I put you through. I never stopped and realized that you went through that horrifying day too, and you needed me. I was selfish and only thought of myself. I was in a dark place, and I took it out on you. I turned away from family and friends. I didn’t want no one’s help, until I met Lucas. He taught me that I should be grateful that I was alive, and I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and get up and live. I went to therapy and got myself together. I realized my legs didn’t define who I was, and I could live a normal life. Some days are better than other, but I can finally say I’m happy again. I’m married to a wonderful man, and we have a two-year-old son, and all that was possible because you never left my side. I wanted to get in touch with you, but I didn’t have enough courage. I was afraid that you would close the door in my face, like I did. I see you’ve found a wonderful woman, Jazmine. She sent me a message with her phone number, giving me a choice. I called her, and we talked for nearly an hour. I was happy to hear about you. She told me you didn’t hold any anger or resentment toward me, but you did have guilt. Please let go of the guilt, because you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m alive because you kept me that way. You should be proud of yourself Javy, you are dear to my heart and will always be. Thank you for not hating me, and for giving me a chance to be happy. Don’t be mad at your wife, she loves you. And we decided, together, that we both needed closure. Take care my friend.

Sandra

Javier wiped a falling tear from his cheek. He felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of his body. He folded the letter and placed it where Jazmine had grabbed it. He was married to a fantastic woman; he wasn’t mad, he was thankful. He picked up Nicky, carried him to his room, and stood in the hallway, watching Jazmine as she laughed at Jose’s corny jokes. Connie didn’t find him funny.

Jazmine’s eyes met his,
and she got up and strolled over to him. “Are you mad at me?”

He cupped her face and gave her a soft, sweet kiss. “Jazmine, what would I do without you?”

Her lips curled up, defining her dimples. “You’ll never have to find out.” She covered his hand with hers and pulled him into the living room. When they entered the room, they were shocked.

Jose and Connie
were kissing, but as soon as Connie caught a glance of them, she pushed Jose.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Connie asked, jumping up.

Jose smiled. “Oh, now you’re playing games. Okay…” His chuckle was deep, and he winked at Connie.

Connie gave Jose a dirty look
. “I have to go.” She grabbed her purse. “Jazmine, Javier, see you guys tomorrow.” She rushed out of the door.

Jose leaned back in the chair, placing his hands behind his head. “I have a sweet tooth for
caramel and chocolate all of a sudden.”

Javier busted out laughing. “You can’t handle her.”

“How much you want to bet?” Jose smiled.

“Nothing
.” Jazmine sat. “Jose, Connie is a good girl, she’s not your type.”

Jose sniggered. “I like a challenge.”

Javier took a seat next to Jazmine. “Leave that girl alone.”

“She’s no girl
. She’s a grown ass woman.” Jose stood. “Can I borrow your truck?”

“Where you going?” Javier grabbed his keys and threw them at his brother.

“Sight-seeing.”

“At night
?” Javier raised an eyebrow.

“Be careful,” Jazmine said.

Jose grinned, “Always,” and strolled out the door.

Jazmine and Javier didn’t say anything about what just went on, they sat and finished watching the movie that was playing.

Javier moved over, pulling Jazmine closer to him. “You owe me.” He nibbled on the sensitive skin of her neck.

Jazmine’s eyes closed, as she moaned. “Javy
… Jose might be back soon.”

He unbuttoned
her shirt and then her pants, and he started slipping them down her legs. “Trust me, he won’t be back anytime soon.”

She kicked off her pants.
“Then what are we waiting for?”

He continued his assault on her neck, leaving a trial of wet kisses
down to her breasts. Jazmine opened her eyes, gazing into his. She unhooked her bra, releasing his favorite toys. “Mmm … my favorite candy.” He licked her nipples and sucked them in his mouth like a starving child.

“Javy…
” She pulled him closer to her chest, moving him to the other breast. “That feels so good.”

Javier
released her nipple, making a popping sound. His fingers made their way into her pants, moving her panties and playing with her clit. “You’re already wet for me.”

“I’m always wet for you
.” She ground against his fingers.

He slipped his finger out and licked the juices off his digit. “Mmm…”

Javier picked her up and straddled her on his lap, she started grinding on his covered bulge. “If you like those,” he tugged on her lacy panties, “take them off.”

Jazmine
bit her bottom lip, and then they curled up into a naughty smile. “These are my favorite.” She lifted up and guided them down her calves. Javier pulled them off and rapidly disposed of his pants and boxers.

She sat back down and rubbed her pussy on his dick. Damn
, she was overly wet, and in a swift move, his cock slipped into her core.  He placed his hands over her ass and pushed her down.

“Oh God…” Jazmine
’s head fell back as she rocked her hips back and forth, rotating from side to side.

“Fuck
… baby…” Javier thrust up, and her core contracted around his staff. He smacked her ass. “You like it baby?”

“Oh yes
, papi, I … love … it…” She placed her hands in his hair and tugged him forward, devouring his mouth, her tongue played a game that he loved, and she tasted every crease of his mouth. She took his breath away, and she moved back, gasping for air. “Harder … more … yes….”

“Damn
, woman…” Her ass bounced up and down. He gripped her hips, trying to keep up with her rhythm. He smacked he ass again, and her moaning became louder.

“Yes
… papi … I coming…” She rolled her hips, and her muscles clamped down on his rod.

Javier’s mouth was slightly agape, gazing at Jazmine as her climax rocked through her body. She gripped his shoulders, digging her nails into his flesh as her body shook into ecstasy. “Jazz…”

Javier’s body slanted over, and he thrust up into her without mercy. Another orgasm rocked through her body, and he fell over the edge of ecstasy, too. His fingers dug into her hips, and he growled her name. “Jazz … mine.”

They sat on the couch
in each other arms, catching their breath. Her head rested on his chest. “You make me the happiest woman in the world.”

His fingers caressed her ass
and then up to the arch of her back. “Sandra said you’re wonderful, but she is wrong.”

Jazmine raised her head and looked up at him. “I thought you weren’t mad at me?”

He smiled. “She was wrong because you’re amazing.” He kissed her smiling lips. “Thank you for taking care of me, and knowing what I need before I even do.”

“Javier Alexander Martinez
.” She kissed him back. “We make each other better…”

***

“Lucy, are you sure you’ll be okay with the two of them?” Jazmine tried to put Haven to sleep before going to the ceremony. “You don’t want to go?”

“Nope, I want to stay with my niece and nephew. I hardly see them.” She gently took the baby out of Jazmine’s arms. “I babysat Carlitos when he was a newborn,
and if anything happens I will call you.” Lucy answered. “You don’t trust me?” she pouted.