Carmen and Damon smiled up at her.
“I knew that one day Damon would find a woman that would completely knock him on his butt. I waited patiently for that day.”
There was light laughter.
“I couldn’t have been more pleased that it was a woman of inner and outer beauty, as well as a woman of substance and integrity. I have no doubt that you will make my Damon happy and you will be there to keep him in line because Blake and I are tired of being the ones to keep him on his best behavior.”
Everyone laughed.
“Now if you two could hurry up and start making babies so our little one will have someone to play with.”
Everyone laughed when Carmen’s eyes got big as saucers and Damon was struck with a sudden coughing fit.
Jasmine smiled, “I love you both more than you’ll ever know.”
She raised her glass, “To the bride and groom.”
The crowd echoed.
Everyone was mingling and enjoying the reception when the DJ announced it was time for the first dance. Damon stood up and took his new wife by the hand and led her to the dance floor. They began a slow dance to Luther Vandross’ “Here and Now.”
Damon said, “Baby you have made me so happy. Thank you for agreeing to spend your life with me.”
Carmen let the tear spill down her face with no shame as she smiled, “Thank you for asking me. I love you so much.”
“I love you.”
He kissed her with so much passion she trembled in his arms. The audience hooted and hollered as they laughed.
The DJ told the rest of the couples to join them on the dance floor. Blake went to help Jasmine to the floor as Jeremy stood and headed for Lucy. Justin and Vanessa went as did Lisa and Frank. Both Damon’s parents and Carmen’s parents also joined them on the dance floor. Jasmine’s brothers and their wives joined them as well. As that love ballad faded, the DJ played another one.
Blake stared down at Jasmine’s belly, “I can’t wait for you to get here sweetie.”
Jasmine said, “Me either. This child will not stay out of my ribs. I can barely breathe right now.”
Blake laughed. He had always thought his wife was beautiful but the glow she wore as she carried his child made her breathtaking. He ran his fingers through her curls and kissed her nose.
He said, “Okay then let’s sit the next one out.”
Before Jasmine could respond a commotion behind them got their attention. When she turned around to look she saw Jeremy down on one knee with a sparkling diamond in his hands and Lucy with fresh tears in her eyes smiling from ear to ear. Jasmine could not believe what she was seeing. Damon and Carmen laughed because they knew it was coming as others started to cheer.
Lucy was jumping up and down as she said yes. The intimate crowd began to cheer and Jasmine smiled. She made her peace with their relationship but knowing that it was now going to be forever was a different story.
Jeremy stood and kissed Lucy. Blake was about to give his congratulations when Jasmine let out a little scream. Blake was by her side in a flash.
He asked, “Jaz are you okay?”
She reached for his hand her other hand over her belly.
“Baby I think my water just broke.”
“Oh my God are you serious?”
She took in a deep breath as a contraction hit her, “Oh yeah it’s time. Somebody please get me a freakin’ towel.”
Everyone was now focused on Jasmine as Blake was trying to get her to a chair. Damon took over.
“Okay people, here is what we’re going to do. Blake you drive Jazzy to the hospital. Alyssa you go to the house and get her bag. Jeremy can you stay here and get this wrapped up?”
He nodded and said, “Yeah no problem.”
Damon asked, “Luce, you wanna go with me and Carmen or stay here with Jeremy?”
Before she could answer Jeremy said, “Honey you go ahead with them I will see you there shortly.”
She smiled and kissed him hard. He smiled and slid the ring on her finger since his proposal was interrupted.
Damon said, “By the way guys, congratulations.”
Blake had left to get the car and was heading back in to get Jasmine. She was taking deep breaths and said, “I’m so sorry guys. I didn’t mean to ruin your wedding.”
Carmen said, “Oh no darling the fun doesn’t start until tonight.”
She winked at Damon and he gave her a wicked grin. Staying celibate had been a huge challenge and they were ready to make up for lost time. Jasmine managed a small smile through the growing pain.
Blake helped Jasmine out to the car. He didn’t even argue when Vanessa was right on their heels hopping in the back seat. He was surprised at how calm he was.
∞∞∞
By the time everyone arrived at the hospital Jasmine was full on in labor. Blake was by her side and her mother flanked her other side. They were encouraging her and coaching her through the process. Since the baby started coming so fast she did not have time to get an epidural. She was trying her best not to cuss everyone out and to remain calm.
Blake cooed, “Come on baby. I know you’re tired and I know it hurts but just one more. I can see the head. Just one more big push and she will be here.”
Jasmine squeezed her mom’s hand as tears ran down her face. She didn’t scream but pushed with all her might hoping and praying that this would be it. She thought she would pass out from the pain.
Suddenly she heard her baby’s voice crying out. She thought that had to be the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. A teary eyed Blake cut the umbilical cord as Vanessa kissed Jasmine on the forehead. Jasmine reached for her daughter and cried as she pulled her safe into her bosom to make sure she was complete with ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes and a nose.
She was making a mental note of everything about her baby girl. The pain was forgotten and she didn’t even mind that she hadn’t been cleaned yet. No words were spoken as the nurse came and took her.
Blake kissed his wife, “I love you so much baby. Thank you for giving me this precious gift.”
“I love you too, thank you.”
Her mom smiled and said, “I’m going to go so you two can have a minute. I’ll bring everyone in when the nurse says it’s okay.”
They nodded.
Jasmine said, “I love you mom.”
“I love you sweetie. I’m so proud of you.”
Blake kissed his wife.
“What are we going to name this little beauty?”
“I really wanted to name her after Ahmed but his name doesn’t exactly make for a user friendly girl version,” Jasmine said.
Blake laughed, “That’s true. What about Amy but spell it with two e’s instead of a y?”
“Well that will definitely be her black side.”
They laughed.
Jasmine asked, “I’ve been thinking about Amadi.”
“I don’t hate it. We can call her Madi or Di for short,” Blake said.
Jasmine said, “Let’s just stick to Amadi for now. Now you go watch that nurse. Do not let my baby out of your sight.”
He laughed and said, “I’m on it baby.”
About an hour later everyone was in Jasmine’s delivery suite laughing, crying and cooing over the new addition to their family. Frank was holding his beautiful granddaughter with tears shamelessly falling down his face. He was so honored to know her and to be in her life. His family had come a long way. He was so grateful to be here for this moment. He looked around at everyone dressed up in their best. To him it seemed appropriate that this is how his first grand was welcomed into her family. He looked over and kissed Lisa.
Justin was smiling taking it all in. He was a proud dad and granddad. Vanessa and Blake were busy fussing over Jasmine. She was so tired and could barely keep her eyes open.
She said, “Okay guys, I’m gonna pass out pretty soon so can I hold her just one more time before I fall asleep?”
Lisa stood to bring Jasmine the b
aby.
Carmen said, “We’ll leave Jazzy so you can rest.”
“Your fast tail behind just trying to get to that honeymoon,” Jasmine teased.
Damon said, “You better know it!” He handed Jeremy the garter and Lucy Carmen’s bouquet. “Y’all were going to be next anyways.”
Everyone laughed. As they all started to say their goodbyes Jasmine held on to her baby girl as Blake stood over them.
Seeing Jasmine hold her daughter made Jeremy feel some kind of way. He couldn’t exactly place his emotions but he knew he had them. He grabbed Lucy and held her a little tighter praying and hoping that he and Jasmine’s secret would never see the light of day. What he had with Lucy was as close to perfection as he would ever get. He didn’t want to even entertain the thought of losing her.
Jasmine said, “Come on precious open your eyes. Let mommy see how pretty they are.”
Blake said, “Baby she is like two hours old, she is not going to open her eyes.”
Jasmine laughed and gazed down at her baby. She had a perfectly round face with chubby cheeks and a head full of brown curly hair just like hers. Her skin was the color of sun-tinted beach sand. She was gorgeous. Jasmine wanted to see her eyes. She wanted to see if they were hers or Blake’s but she knew it was too soon and she probably wouldn’t open them.
Suddenly a breeze came through the room that had everyone looking around for the source and understanding. Jasmine looked down at the baby and she saw a little smile tug at her face. Then Amadi opened her eyes, stared up at the ceiling and gave a big toothless grin. Moments later she closed her eyes again but kept the smile.
Jasmine and Blake immediately looked up at the ceiling trying to figure out what exactly their daughter saw. Jasmine felt a warm calm come over her and she found herself smiling.
Blake asked, “Okay, what just happened?”
The door opened and in walked Nurse Ashley. Blake and Jasmine gasped. She smiled, her hazel eyes sparkling even more than before.
She said, “Ahmed told me to tell you all congratulations on the marriage, the baby and the engagement. He loves you very much. He says Blake, your baby girl is beautiful and Jasmine he hopes you can get some rest now that you’ve seen her striking blue eyes. He wants you to know he will always watch over his namesake.”
Everyone just stared as she walked out.
Carmen was about to go after her when Blake said, “Trust me, she’s gone.”
Letter to the Reader
Hello Reader,
I want to first say thank you for taking the time to read my book. I am very passionate about this book and I think it’s time we in this country have an open honest discussion about race. Let’s not be afraid to expose wounds and let’s not judge others perception but offer them the tools to help them adjust to reality.
The bible tells us whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. One of his commandments is to love your neighbors as you love yourself. Therefore, all this hate among us is NOT pleasing to God. We need to suck up our differences and realize all life is precious and should be treated with dignity and respect. There is just one race, the human race.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and you want to, right now is your opportunity to do just that. It doesn’t matter who you, where you are or what you’ve done. He loves you and He has a plan for your life. You can accept Him right here and right now and ask Him to come into your heart. It’s as easy as your ABC’s.
A = Admit you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness
B = Believe in Jesus Christ, that he died and rose again
C = Confess, I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9-10—That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Sincerely,
Melinda Michelle
Discussion Questions
1. Who were you more upset with for not realizing their true feelings or their divine purpose, Blake or Jasmine?
2. Did you get tired of Jasmine’s resistance to their love? Has there ever been anything you knew was right that you resisted?
3. How do you feel about what happened to Ahmed? Do you think this was an accurate depiction of our country?
4. Did you sympathize with Frank all along or not until the end?
5. Do you feel Vanessa was a true racist? Why or why not?
6. How do you feel about the parents’ reaction to their children being beat by Frank? What do you think you would have done?
7. Has reading this book softened your heart to another race or will it make you less likely to judge based on what you think you know?
8. How do you think God feels about racism?
9. Have you had a relationship with God and then walked away from it because of life’s tragedy? Has this book made you realize that maybe you should give God another try?
10. Do you think Jasmine was wrong for not telling Lucy about what really happened between her and Jeremy? Why or why not?
11. Do you feel that Dr. Sheridan Richards was wrong for allowing her emotions to come out in a professional environment? Why or why not?
12. Do you like the diversity of the characters represented in this book? Why or why not?
13. Do you have a problem with interracial relationships? Why or why not?
14. Were you offended by anything said in this book by a particular ethnicity about another ethnicity? Why or why not?
15. Do you think the intimacy of Blake and Jasmine’s relationship is attainable in reality? Why or why not?
Author Biography
Gwendolyn Melinda Michelle Evans (GMME) was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She was raised in Sanford, Florida and was introduced to reading at a young age. She has been a lover of reading since she could put two letters together to form a word. Growing up in a family of readers she was exposed to different genres of writing and developed an eclectic taste in books.
She is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a bachelor of science in accounting. She went on to pursue her MBA with a concentration in finance and accounting at American Intercontinental University. She has worked for financial institutions for the past nine years only recently stepping out to write full time. She is the owner and founder of Global Multi Media Enterprise (GMME) a free-lance writing and publishing company. She currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida.
Through the encouragement of family and close friends she turned her passion for reading into a passion for writing. She can always be found with a book somewhere within her reach. Once she realized it was a gift from God it was easy to see the purpose behind it. Being able to combine her faith and her passion to tell a good story is something she counts as a blessing.
It is her hope and desire that she can shed a positive image on the church, which she feels is viewed negatively by the world because of the actions of a small percentage of Christians. It is her desire to be able to tell a story that connects with Christians but also connects to people who just like to read. She tries to create a captivating story with powerful testimonies about the power of God.
Melinda Michelle’s other published works include the short story “You Can Never Leave.” It can be found on Amazon in e-book only. Her novel “Surviving Sunday” is the first of seven in a series. Book two, “Monday Madness” is due out in the summer of 2013.
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Color Me Blind (A Divine Love Story Book 1) Page 36