Bridge to Fruition

by Laurie Larsen

  He settled back, leaning away from her on the bed, creating some distance as if on purpose. His chest heaved slightly and she admired the movement of the cotton covering his chest. “Well, that too. Always love your kisses. But I was thinking of, for including me in the family. They’re amazing.”

  His words warmed her heart. “They are, aren’t they? But you know it’s a blended family. Mom and Hank are still newlyweds. I didn’t even meet Marianne, and her brother Jeremy till about seven months ago. It’s so different from my actual family – the one I grew up with – me, Mom and my dad.”

  “Different how?”

  She thought about it. “I don’t know, this group is much more boisterous and happy and open about their love and affection. My dad, well, you know how he is. Very responsible and mature and grown-up. I think somewhere along with the way he forgot how to have fun. My mom is ecstatic with Hank. Loves him to death. It’s so obvious. But I think she lost the fun with my dad. I know they loved each other, but after all that time together, they lost the luster, I guess.”

  Dax nodded. “Sometimes family is the people you choose to love, not necessarily the ones that connect you by blood.”

  She took in his face, his beautiful smile, his intelligent eyes. “Who’s the family you choose, Dax?”

  His gaze dropped to the bedspread. He studied the pattern for a moment, then looked back at her. “A mishmash, really. Pedro is family, even though we don’t have the same bloodlines. I love that kid and he loves me, too. We have a strong connection. And one of the foster moms I had, Carol, she made a big impression on me and my life. I lived with her and two other kids for nine months. It was a long time, relatively. She was the most generous and loving person I’d ever met. She opened her home to us, fed us, like other foster parents. But she was different. She loved us. She asked us about our day. Listened to our stories, gave advice when we needed it. I still remember some of the things she told me about growing up well and making a success of your life as an adult.”

  “She was like a mom to you.”

  “Sure was. I owe a lot to her.”

  “What happened to her? Do you stay in touch?”

  “We did. It was time for me to move on. They reassigned me when I was seventeen. I kept her phone number and stayed in touch for three years. She died before I reached twenty one.”

  “How awful. What happened?”

  “I never realized it because she never told me, or any of her other fosters. But she was fighting a disease the whole time I lived with her. I never thought about why she didn’t work – she always took great care of us – but she had MS. They moved me on, along with the others, because she couldn’t handle the demand anymore. Her disease had progressed where she couldn’t move and function. She lived alone for a while, then they moved her into a facility. She died from it. I had just talked to her about two months before that and she never let on how much her life had changed. She just wanted to hear me talk. She wanted to know what was going on with me.”

  “What a wonderful woman.”

  “Yep. Carol. I was lucky our paths crossed. She made a difference.”

  Jasmine laid back on the bed, and Dax followed her, lying beside her with his head resting on her stomach. It was so peaceful and comfortable. She felt safe with him. She was invigorated by their mutual attraction, yet she didn’t get that apprehensive, scary feeling she knew only too well, that came from fending off physical advances by guys.

  The subject of family was interesting. She thought she’d grown up in the perfect family. Mom and Dad, she, their only child. They gave her everything she could ever want. Perfect home, friends, love, support. And yet, here she was with her new family – people she felt happy to be with, but she didn’t even know them a year ago. Marianne and Jeremy were her siblings, definitely so. She loved them as she would’ve loved any natural sibling her parents might have given her.

  And Dax. Although their relationship was new, she welcomed him to consider her family, his family. And they’d see where things went. The future looked bright.

  * * *

  The next day, they left the Barn early and drove over to the Seaside Inn, where Tom, Marianne, and Stella lived. It was a quaint boarding house-type hotel on the beach that housed about a dozen guest rooms, along with an apartment that served as living quarters for the small family. The Inn featured a large kitchen and dining room where they offered three meals a day to their guests. Marianne had hired two renowned chefs who split responsibility for the daily meals, and the Inn was known in the region for its excellent southern-cooking meals.

  Recently, Marianne had introduced a new feature to the Inn: a dinner theater. Combining her love of theater with the need for increased income opportunities, Marianne produced a highly popular production of The Music Man right here in the Inn dining room. Offering three shows a week, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the show drew musical theater lovers not just from their current Inn guests, but from all over the island, as well as the surrounding Myrtle Beach area. The production was staffed with many volunteer adult and children actors from the community, but Marianne ensured quality by hiring experienced performers from the New York theater scene. The play’s duo of Professor Harold Hill and Marian the Librarian were staffed with Tieg and Roxanne, two actors seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Accepting their roles at a dinner theater in a sleepy beach town provided a way to continue performing, and earning income, while giving their minds and bodies a refresh from the Big Apple.

  Jasmine parked in the sandy lot across the road. Carrying her garment bags, she and Dax made their way up the stairs of the Seaside Inn. “So this morning,” she told him, “you’re going to meet Jeremy and Emma. Emma’s going to model my women’s designs while I shoot her. After a lunch break, I’ll take video of you, Emma and Stella doing runway modeling on the stage in the dining room. That way, I’ll have both stills and video to submit.”

  He nodded. “And Jeremy is your stepbrother.”

  “Yes, and Emma is his new wife. They just got married a few months ago. They’re looking forward to meeting you.”

  He frowned at her and she giggled at his suspicion. Of course word had gotten out that Jasmine had a new boyfriend so the family was coming out in full force to meet him.

  She breezed through the door and grinned at the sight of Jeremy and Emma sitting on the couch in the great room. They rose to their feet and she pulled them into a three-way hug.

  “Hi, hi, hi, you newlyweds. How’s married life?”

  Jeremy put a protective hand on Emma’s lower back. “It’s great. Can’t imagine life being any better.”

  “And how’s the store going?”

  Emma smiled at her husband. “Business is booming. We got a great location that pulls in traffic and people are not only buying pieces off the floor, but they’re placing custom orders. Keeps Jeremy busy.”

  “It’s a group effort. Emma’s considering quitting her job at the magazine so she can work there full-time.”

  “Oh, you two lovebirds.” The two of them were so stinkin’ cute with the adoring glances and not being able to keep their hands off each other. Jasmine rolled her eyes but was actually elated for them. Their relationship had not been an easy one, and they’d had more than their share of hardship to overcome. This couple was living proof that love was worth fighting for. They had hard-earned their happily ever after. “I have someone special for you to meet.”

  She gestured for Dax. “This is Dax Murphy, my boyfriend.”

  Emma held out a hand, took his, then squeezed their combined hands with her other. “Dax, so pleased to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Jeremy and I loved the story about how you met. And after seeing some of the photos from your shoot, I was feeling a little intimidated about doing mine.”

  “Why?”

  “You look like a professional model! Your shots are awesome.”

  “Well, thanks, but no. I was happ
y to help Jasmine out but modeling is definitely not in my wheelhouse.”

  “Speaking of modeling,” Jasmine said, “I brought your outfits, Emma. Can we go somewhere to try them on and see if any alterations are needed?”

  “Sure. We can probably go into Marianne and Tom’s apartment.”

  Jasmine tiptoed to give Dax a kiss on the cheek. “Be right back, you guys.” She and Emma walked past the Guest Desk and tapped on the door to the Muellers’ living quarters. It swung open and Marianne stood there.

  “Oh, you’re here!”

  “Could Emma use your bedroom to try these on? I can do quick alterations if needed.”

  “Of course. Come right in. In fact, I need to do some work behind the desk. Make yourselves comfortable. Let me know when you need Stella for the video.”

  “Will do. Thanks, Marianne.” Jasmine smiled at her stepsister as she breezed by. She unzipped the garment bags and pulled out three garments for Emma. A formal evening gown in a yellow chiffon, with bling-bling silver straps and accent under the bust. A tailored business suit with gray slacks, white fitted V-neck sweater and waist-length jacket. And a casual miniskirt in blue denim, a plaid cotton blouse tied at the waist and leather cowgirl boots.

  “I love these!” Emma enthused. She made quick work of trying them all on. Jasmine worked on adjustments with tape and pins, and an occasional needle and thread. It was all about making them fit for the photos and the video, not permanently.

  As Jasmine worked on alterations, Emma said, “So … you and Dax.”

  Emma looked over at her. They were both on the couch in Marianne’s living room, Emma positioned sideways to face her. “Yes, me and Dax.”

  “He’s so good-looking.” Emma waved a hand in her face.

  “He is, isn’t he?” Emma giggled.

  “Wow.”

  “But his looks aren’t the only good thing about him.” Jasmine looked back to her alterations and continued talking while sewing. “He’s a good person, Emma. He amazes me every day with his kindness and gentleness. His views on things. The world and family.”

  “Oh, Jasmine. That’s so wonderful.” Emma leaned forward and put a hand over Jasmine’s. “Are you guys serious about each other?”

  Were they? Jasmine wasn’t sure how to answer that. “It’s too new to be serious. And we’re long-distance, so it’s not going to be easy. But we both want to give it a try.”

  “That sounds promising.”

  “Really, my first priority right now is getting a job. Hopefully in New York. Then we’ll live only a couple hours from each other. And honestly, there’s nothing keeping him in Ithaca. I mean, he doesn’t have to live there. If things worked out between the two of us, he could move to New York, too.” Suddenly she felt a jerk of discomfort. “But whoa, we’re getting way ahead of ourselves. We’ve never even talked about him moving to where I find a job. I have no idea if he’d even want to. I’m just saying he’s flexible. He’s a masseuse. He could do that anywhere.”

  “Well, I think it’s great. I’ve never met any of your boyfriends before. It’s obvious you have very good taste.”

  “I haven’t had a lot of boyfriends. In fact, I haven’t been on a date in almost a year.”

  “What? You’re kidding. A girl as pretty as you?”

  “Really. I don’t have much experience with guys. I’m a big flirt but I haven’t had a steady boyfriend since way back in high school.” Jasmine finished her work and set the garment aside. “In fact, I’m a little nervous that I’ll mess things up, truth be told.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Jasmine sighed. “I’ve never had an adult relationship before, you know? Dax is a grown man and I’m sure he’s a lot more experienced than me. I’m not sure what to do when things get, you know, to a certain stage.”

  Emma studied her. “You mean, physically?”

  “Yes,” Jasmine breathed, relieved that she didn’t have to spell it out for her.

  Emma scooted closer to her. “You do what feels right to you. There are no wrong answers. If you don’t want to do something, and Dax is pushing you, then you need to be honest with him and tell him no.”

  Jasmine nodded, looked down to her lap. “But what if that becomes an issue between us? He wants to, and I don’t? What if that’s something that he can’t get past? You know, being a grown man and all.”

  Emma looked at her closely. “Sweetheart, have you ever …?”

  Jasmine shook her head. “No. I’m a virgin. It’s always been important to me to wait till I was married. But that’s when I assumed I would be married right out of college. Like my mom and dad did. Doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”

  “That’s wonderful. And when you meet the right guy that you want to marry, it’ll be important to him, too. Whether that’s Dax or someone else.”

  Jasmine nodded. “But men have urges, I know. Sexual urges. How do I know if I’m being unfair to him? Teasing him without intending to? Or taking things too far before I say no?”

  “The right man will respect you. It’s all about communication, Jasmine. When the time comes, talk to Dax and tell him how you feel.”

  Jasmine studied Emma’s face, unsure how she would ever talk to Dax about something this private, this personal. “You think so?”

  “Yes. Not right now. But when the time is right, you be honest with him about your feelings, and ask him to respect your wishes. I bet he will not only understand, but will support you on it.”

  “He’s a good guy.”

  “He seems like it. Now, don’t worry. Be yourself and have fun.”

  Jasmine smiled and pulled her into a hug. “Thanks, sis. It’s so great to have a sister to talk to.”

  Emma laughed. “I’m an only child, you know, just like you. I’m loving having sisters.”

  Jasmine pulled herself to her feet. “Okay, let’s do this thing.

  * * *

  Dax watched Jasmine and Emma disappear into Marianne’s apartment, then he turned his attention back to Jeremy. The guy was looking at him, and glanced away when he was discovered.

  “So, you own your own business?” Dax asked, making conversation.

  “Yeah. I design and build wooden furniture, and I just opened a storefront for it.”

  “That sounds great.”

  “Keeps me busy.” Both men sat in silence for a moment. “And you do massage?”

  “Yep. It’s a pretty good field. Easy to find work for licensed masseuses.”

  “That’s good.” Another pause. “So, how long have you and Jasmine been together?”

  Dax shrugged. “Not long. She came in for a massage the weekend of her college graduation and I did it. That’s how we met.”

  Jeremy nodded. “Yeah, I heard the story. Are you, uh, interested …? I mean, uh, what are your, uh …?”

  Dax laughed. “Jeremy. Are you trying to ask me, what are my intentions toward your sister?”

  Jeremy dipped his head and chuckled. “Yes. I guess I am. But I’m horrible at this. My one sister has been married for ten years, and my other one lives half a country away.”

  Dax studied him. “Do you feel protective of Jasmine?”

  “You know it’s crazy, but I do. Crazy because I haven’t known her that long. My dad just married her mom less than a year ago. But that girl is special. From the first time I met her, she made me laugh. She’s got a free spirit and she’s got this optimism about the world. I’d sure hate for something … or someone … to break that.”

  Dax nodded. He’d sure hate that, too.

  “But she’s smart. Especially about people. I owe her, big time. There was a time I got into my head that I’d be doing Emma Jean a favor if I backed away from our relationship. I was doing the unselfish thing. Setting her free to find someone better for her, regardless of the fact that I loved her like crazy. Guess who was the only one brave enough and smart enough to step up to me, break through my stubborn determination and tell me the truth?”

  “I
’m guessing it’s Jasmine.”

  “That’s right. She told me I better not let the best woman I’d ever met get away from me. She told me in no uncertain terms that Emma and I should be together, and leaving her would be a huge mistake. Of course, she was right. And Emma and I were married about four months later.”

  Dax nodded.

  “So forgive me a little bit the protective big brother routine. You treat her right. You treat her with respect. And everything will be fine between you and me.”

  He said it with a smile, and Jeremy didn’t strike Dax as a violent man, but he was serious. He was getting his message across. Dax had to respect the man for making sure he knew it. And he sure was glad Jasmine had such a supporter in her corner. Dax held a hand out. “Message taken.”

  The two men shook.

  Jeremy rose to his feet. “I understand we’re double dating for dinner tonight or tomorrow. Meanwhile, nice to meet you, and I got to get back to the store.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The photo shoot with Emma went well. Emma had a natural talent. She not only was stunningly beautiful with a slim figure and a mountain of brunette curls on her head that bounced with her every move, she moved well and looked great in clothes. Jasmine understood the value of a good model in accentuating the beauty of her clothes, and despite the fact that none of her models were professional, she could not have picked a better trio for her portfolio.

  When she’d once again snapped off over a hundred photos, she called a break. Walking toward Emma in the cool white sand, she called, “Great work, Emma. I’m thrilled with all of these. I’ll make sure you get the good ones. Maybe you can make a photo collage for that man who is head over heels for you.”

  Emma’s face transformed into a shy smile and Jasmine detected a hint of a blush.

  “You guys are so in love, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, we are. I never knew it could be like this. Out of disaster came something beautiful and I thank God every day for putting Jeremy and me together.”

  Jasmine brushed her hand over Emma’s shoulder, and thought briefly of the last few months they’d endured together. Emma’s father, a crazy man with a vendetta, had kidnapped Stella, befriending her under a false identity. He lured her into a car, took her out into some isolated woods where luckily, smart little Stella escaped. Search and rescue volunteers from three surrounding counties searched for nine hours, culminating with the thrill of Emma and Jeremy finding the little girl, and delivering her home to her terrified parents.