Love Through Pain (28 page)

“Of course I trust you
, but Nicky is a handful.” Jazmine watched her son run from room to room.

“I can handle him
.” Lucy grabbed Nicky’s hand. “See you when you get back.” She walked back to the guest bedroom.

“She’ll be okay
.” Maria entered the room.

Maria looked beautiful in a black
, casual dress. “When are your parents coming?”

“They should be here soon
.” Jazmine smoothed her beige and black dress.

Papo entered the room in a black suit, looking handsome with his hair sleek
ed back. His dad was an attractive older man; he and Maria made a beautiful couple.

Jazmine smiled
, looking at her father-in-law. “You look great.”

“Thank you
.” He grabbed Maria’s hand. “My woman takes good care of me.”

The doorbell rang,
and Jazmine strolled to the door and pulled it open. “Hi dad, mom.”

Her dad hugged her first, giving her a kiss, and then her mom kissed her cheek.

“Come in.” Jazmine ushered them in.

“Where’s my son-in-law?”
Her dad searched the room. “I’m proud of him, one more step and he’ll be a Master Chief.”

“He’s getting dress
ed.” Jazmine looked up the stairs.

They entered the living room where his parents were.

“Mr. and Mrs. Martinez, these are my parents, Lauren and Paul.”

Papo
’s face went pale as he looked at her mother. Maria strolled up to them and extended her hand.

“So nice to me
et you.” Her parents shook Maria’s hand. “You raised an amazing woman.”

“Thank you, she is amazing,” her dad said.

“Yes, she is. We’re so proud of her and all her accomplishments,” her mom proudly said.

“We’re proud of both of them
,” her dad said.

Jazmine stared at Papo
, it’s like he’d seen a ghost. “Papo, are you okay?”

“Yes
, sweetie.” He walked up and shook her dad’s hand. “I’ve heard great things.”

Her dad smiled. “Good, me too.”

Her mom had a weird look on her face, but she still extended her hand.

He took her hand in his. “Papo, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

Jazmine’s mom was actually being nice to her father-in-law.

Papo still held her mother’s hand. “Lauren
, do I know you from somewhere?”

Her mom gently pulled back her hand. “I don’t think so.”

“You look like someone I knew.” Papo moved toward his wife.

Her mom
’s lips curled up into a smile, a genuine one. “It wasn’t me,” she stared at him. “I think I would remember if I had ever met you.”

Maria glared at her mom, and Paul just gazed at them.

Javier entered the room, making all of them turn. He was wearing his khaki uniform. “Bendición.” He looked gorgeous, down to his shoes. Javier’s hair was freshly cut, and his muscular frame could be seen in his uniform. He placed his cover on the table.

“Que Dios te bendiga,” Maria answered.

Jazmine smiled and walked up to him. “You look stunning.” She kissed his lips, caressing the side of his head.

Javier took her hand and kissed it. “Honey, you look beautiful
.” He lifted her hand and looked at her from top to bottom as she spun around.

Someone cleared their throat. “None of that,” her mom said.

Her father ambled toward Javier and shook his hand. “You’re looking sharp son.”

“Thank you
, Sir.” Javier fixed the six rows of ribbons and two warfare devices. 

Maria strolled up to him
. “Mi hijo, estoy tan orgullosa de ti.”

Javier’s arms tighten
ed around Maria, and he kissed her head. “Gracias, Ma.”

His dad gave him a bear hug.

“Let’s go, we’re going to be late.” Jazmine picked up the car keys; Javier placed his hand on the arch of her back and then guided her out with their parents in tow.

***

Jazmine, Jewel, Jose, and Javier’s parents sat in the second row of the auditorium, her parents were in the back. Jazmine stared at the large American Flag decorating the back of the stage. Javier and five other chiefs stood at attention as the commanding officer spoke.  Jazmine was so proud of Javier; everything he’d been through and he still felt honored to serve in the Navy.

“I was so terrified when I got the call that he was hurt. I thought I’d lost my baby.” Maria wiped the falling tears from her cheeks, looking at her son. “But look at him now
—he’s grown up into a fine young man.”

Papo smiled
. “He turned his life around. I’m so proud of him.”

“Your husband is the cutest,” Jewel leaned over, whispering in Jazmine’s ear.

“He is.” Jazmine was in awe looking at her husband. He stood on stage like he owned it. His sleeves were tight around his bulging biceps. Javier’s shinning eyes met hers, and they smiled at each other.

The officer at the podium started with the female
chief first; he called her family and mentor to the stage, so they could pin her new rank on her collar.

“Chief Javier Martinez,” the officer called.

“Yeah, that’s my brother!” Jose shouted, and Jewel whistled, making the audience laugh.

Javier shook his head and paraded to the front of the stage.

“You are authorized to assume the title and wear the uniform of a Senior Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy.  You are entitled to all the privileges of that grade except those restricted by law…..” The officer finished reading the letter in his hands. “Chief Martinez will be pinned by Commander Wood, his wife, and parents.”

Jeremy walked down the aisle and gave Jazmine a hand getting out the seat.

“Thanks.” She strolled toward the front with his parents and Jeremy following behind.

Javier
’s lips curled into a huge smile when they stood next to him. Jazmine took the new rank out of her pocket and replaced the old one on his collar as his parents did the other. He was now a Senior Chief. Jeremy placed his new cover on his head.

“Well deserved
.” Jeremy shook Javier’s hand.

Maria finished pinning his new device on his collar
, an anchor and two stars. The Public Affairs Petty Officer had them pose for a picture. Javier waved at his brother; Jose and Jewel stood and clapped, making the audiences join in, too.

Jose and Jewel had become great friends in the few months they’d known each other. Javier was proud of his brother. He was turning his life around, becoming a better man and father.

Javier bent down and hugged his mother. “This is all because of you. You believed in me.”

Maria began crying again. “No puedo estar mas orgullosa de ti. Te amo mi cielo.”

“I love you, too.” He kissed her cheek.

His dad shook his hand
. “I’m so proud to be your father.” He pulled him into a bear hug.

Jazmine had tears in her eyes. She understood how much this moment meant to Javier
. His parents couldn’t make it to his prior pinning as a Chief.

Javier pulled Jazmine into
a hug, kissing her left cheek. “Before you, I thought I had it all, but my life had no meaning. I had nothing to look forward to, but now you, Nicky, and Haven,” he touched her cheek, “are my reason for living, and everything I am, and do, is for you.” He gave her one last kiss. “Te amo, mi Cielo.”

“The day I met you was the worst and best day of my life
. I was blessed with the two most wonderful people in my life.” She chuckled. “And two years later we were blessed with another angel. Javier Alexander Martinez, I love you more today than I did yesterday.” She gave him a soft kiss. “My hero.”

The End

Thanks for reading

Ancelli’s Books:

My Best Friend

Stronger Than Ever

If Only We Knew

Forgiveness & Second Chances

Love In Strange Places

Barely Breathing

About the Author

I married my best friend, the love of my life. On my spare time, I love scribbling and making my words come to life. I love writing romance stories about couples that go through trials and come out stronger. Love is never easy, but it's worth all the hard work. I would like to hear your opinion whether good or bad, you can leave your comments at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Interracial-Romance/423055121069489

https://www.facebook.com/writer.ancelli

Or

[email protected]