Love Never Fails

by L. D. Harmison

  25

  Weeks after the awful incident, Jake and Monica stands before a judge in his chamber in the Baytown court house in front of Ella, her parents, Kelly and Josh. They wanted to get married with people that matters most in their life. Ella stands between her parents in a red and white polka dot sun dress and white sandals holding their rings in her floral basket. Monica wears beige knitted racerback maxi dress with white strapped sandals. Jake wears a black and white plaid military shirt, and his sleeves are rolled to his elbow. He wears the jeans and Converse shoes he had on the first time he bumped into Monica at school. Lauren and Kelly stands by Monica’s side, and John and Josh stands by Jake. The judge starts the private ceremony, and when he’s done, asks everyone to direct their attention to Jake for him to say his vows.

  “Monica I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, and my tenderest care. Through trials and uncertainties of the present and future, I pledge my faithfulness. I promise to love, honor, guide, and protect you. I am ordained to be your loving husband, to love you emotionally, physically, and mentally. You have strengthened and guided me in my joys and in my sorrows. I promise to be patient, be kind, be gentle, and to have self-control. I surrender my life to you. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.”

  Lauren boohoos touched by Jake’s sincere words. Kelly smiles and wraps her arm around Lauren comforting her emotions. The judge says a couple more words, and instructs everyone to tune their ears to Monica.

  “Jake I’ve always dreamed of finding my true companion. A companion whose love is pure and genuine. I am truly blessed that you are and will always be in my life. My love for you will love never fail. Our love conquers all things, it bears all things, it believes all things, it hopes all things, and our love endures all things. It is truly unconditional. You have loved me through my greatness and through my shortcomings. Our love is the perfect bond of unity. Today you and I will intertwine our love, our devotion, our friendship, and our dedication. I promise from this day forward to subject myself to you, respect you, honor you, and most of all, to love you. In holy matrimony, till death do us part.”

  By the time Monica finishes, Lauren is a total mess. She buries her head in Kelly’s arms, soaking her sleeve with happy tears. Ella hands their rings from her basket, and her parents exchange rings. Jake’s and Monica’s wedding rings are plain white gold bands with “Our life Our love Forever” inscribed inside.

  The judge looks around, “If there is anyone who objects to this union; please speak now or forever hold your peace.”

  No one speaks out, and after Jake and Monica seals their marriage with a kiss, the judge introduces Jake and Monica to their close family and friends as Mr. and Mrs. Jake Harris. They have finally done it through all the heartaches. They finally got married in front of people who care and love them the same amount. They celebrate at their favorite restaurant. It’s not a fancy place, but it feels like home. They have the best barbeque in Baytown.

  The nice young waitress greets them with a smile, “You guys look nicely dressed. What’s the occasion?”

  “We just got married.” Jake glows with happiness pointing at himself then at Monica.

  “Congratulations. We have the best cake to celebrate with. And it’s on the house.”

  Monica graciously grins at her husband, then at Ella. This moment is where is she belongs and where she feels the happiest. The waitress takes their drink orders and comes back minutes later.

  “So where are you guys going for your honeymoon?” Kelly questions.

  “Jake’s taking me to Bora Bora.”

  “It must be nice.”

  “Yes it is.”

  “I can babysit Ella.”

  “My mom already told me she’ll do it.” Monica looks at her mom reaffirming what she just said.

  “Yes dear.”

  “Well your mom and I have a wedding gift for you two.” John hands them a manila envelope.

  As Monica opens its, and Jake watches over her shoulder Monica questions, “What is it daddy?”

  “Open it and you’ll find out.”

  Inside the manila paper, Monica pulls out legal papers with Jake’s and Monica’s name on it. It’s a deed to eighty-one acres of land. Kelly and Josh sit excitedly waits for them to say what it is.

  “Well what is it?” Kelly asks.

  Monica looks at her mom and dad not certain what the eighty-one acres is about.

  “That’s y’alls land. We want you guys to build your dream home. And after your honeymoon, the builders will be ready to build your home with y’alls specifications.”

  Jake and Monica get up hugging John and Lauren thanking them for their wonderful gift.

  “Well that means we won’t be living with you guys anymore.” Monica pouts her lips.

  “I know dear. I was sad at first, but it’s time for you guys to venture out and be your own family.”

  Monica clears her throat, “Thank you. I love you guys so much.”

  Lauren looks away avoiding from crying again. John pats Jake on the shoulder telling him to take care of his girls. Jake nods promising he’ll do it forever. The waitress takes their food order, and informs them the manager agreed to give them a cake on the house. Jake and Monica thank her and ask her to thank the manager for them too.

  “So when are you guys leaving bro?” Josh asks.

  “Tomorrow evening.”

  “My parents went last year for their anniversary. They said it’s pretty nice over there. My mom didn’t want to leave.”

  “Yeah I did my research, because I wanted to make sure it’s perfect for Monica.”

  “Baby, if we had our honeymoon in my parents’ backyard, I will be happy.”

  “I know. But I want it perfect.”

  “Thanks babe, I know it will be if you’re with me.” Monica kisses Jake tenderly on his lips.

  After they eat their meals, the waitress arrives with a whole piece of carrot cake. Jake smiles before digging into his favorite cake. Once they got home, Ella spends a night with her grandparents. Jake and Monica commemorates this wonderful occasion.

  26

  The next morning after Jake and Monica finished packing; they take Ella to go get her favorite meal. Waffles topped with whipped cream and strawberries, and a side of bacon. Jake and Monica copies her. After they ate, they take her to the park. Monica sits on the swing, Ella sits crisscrossed over her mom, and Jake pushes them back and forth. Ella squeaks with laughter each time Jake acts like he’s going to get her. Her laugh sounds like a cherub chorus, it’s so celestial.

  While driving to the movies, Ella falls asleep in the car. Jake carries her inside the theater, and Ella livens up once the movie starts. She sits in Jake’s lap with her popcorn mixed with M&Ms. Once in a while Monica hands Ella her slushy drink. Her favorite part of the movie was towards the end when Britney and her sisters joined Alvin and his brothers in a sign along. On the way home, Ella dozes off in her car seat. Lauren tucks Ella in her bed, while John helps Jake load their suitcases in the car.

  “Son I want you guys to have fun. Take care of our girl.” Tilting Monica’s chin before landing a kiss on her cheek.

  “I will sir.”

  “Can you guys call us to let us know you guys made it?”

  “Yes sir we will.”

  “Thanks son.” John shakes Jake’s hand and hugs his daughter.

  Monica and Lauren hugs. “I love you mom.”

  Lauren purses her lips together trying to hold back from crying, “I love you dear.”

  They say their goodbyes, and Jake and Monica head to the airport. Jake parks their car, and takes the shuttle to the airport. He tips the shuttle driver, before they enter inside the airport.

  “Picture identification and boarding pass please.” The sweet old lady behind the check-in counter smiles at Monica then eyes at Jake.

  Sh
e asks for Jake’s picture identification and boarding pass next, and Jake can’t find his identification. He looks in his wallet, and it’s not there. He looks on the floor, and sure enough, it’s right there. He bends over, picks it up, and looks at Monica laughing, before handing it to the lady. Jake hands the lady their suitcases, and she gives them their baggage claim ticket.

  “You two have a wonderful vacation.”

  “Thank you ma’am.” Jake and Monica thank the sweet lady at the ticket counter.

  Monica walks through security first, and Jake follows. The metal detectors start to beep.

  “Sir I will need you to come with me.”

  “Excuse me. What’s the matter?”

  “Do you have any metals on you? Possibly in your pockets?”

  “No I don’t think so.”

  “Do you have on a belt?”

  “Yes I do.”

  “Will you please take it off and go through the detectors again?”

  Jake does what he’s told, and he clears the security point.

  “You’re good to go. You guys have a nice trip.”

  “Thank you.”

  Monica giggles, shaking her head. “Baby you’re not ready for this trip?”

  “What do you mean?” Jake confused.

  “First you couldn’t find your driver license, and then you beeped when you went through the metal detectors.”

  Jake raises his eyebrows, “Are you making fun of me.”

  “Nope not at all.” Monica smiles sarcastically kissing him on his lips.

  When they finally arrive to their gate, the plane was already loading passengers. They find their seats on the plane, and the flight attendant asks if they want something to drink. She gets their drinks, while they get situated. The seats are so comfortable, and the leather is so soft. The flight attendants act out the safety regulations, and walk down the aisles, making sure everyone’s seatbelt is buckled.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen I am your captain speaking. I want to welcome you on flight 236 to Los Angeles, then to Papeete, and to our final destination, paradise island Bora Bora. Once we land in Los Angeles, we will pick up other passengers and then head to Papeete, where we will refuel so we can make our final descend to where they serve umbrella drinks. Please lie back, relax, bother your neighbors, snore, or do whatever rocks your boat, or in this case plane, but please enjoy your flight. Flight attendants please buckle up we’re ready for take-off.”

  The plane taxis, and moments later, the captain allows them to recline their seats and get comfortable. Monica reclines her seat back, fluffs her pillow, and Jake tucks her in with the blanket. She starts to read a romance novel, and minutes later, she dozes off. Jake checks to make sure she is asleep, before he closes his eyes.

  Mid-flight, the passengers wake up by rough turbulence.

  “Attention ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. Mother Nature is playing with us, so please buckle up. Our flight attendants will not be walking about the cabin until Mother Nature gets tired. Flight attendants please have a seat and buckle up.”

  Eventually, the turbulence stops, and everyone can sleep peacefully. When they land in Los Angeles, the captain instructs them to stay seated, so the flight attendants can count how many passengers will be on the next flight. Once the people from Los Angeles load the plane, it taxis again into the air. Monica lies on her side so Jake can massage her back. She’s so relax, she falls back to sleep. Jake searches the web on his laptop for a couple of hours, and then he falls asleep along with Monica.

  They wake up with the captain advising them to have their seats back in its upright position before he descends into Papeete. The flight attendants walk down the aisles picking up any trash they may have. As the plane is landing, the tires skid on the ground very hard, causing people to jolt on the seats.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen sorry about the rough landing. That was not my fault. That was not the flight attendants’ fault. That was the asphalt.” The captain pauses as he listens to the people laughing at his joke. “We will refuel so we can make our final destination to beautiful island. Please get up, stretch your legs, touch your toes, or do some jumping jacks if you need to, and we will fly out again shortly.”

  After they refuel in Papeete, they taxi again and head to Bora Bora. Forty-five minutes later, they make it to lover’s paradise, this time with a smooth landing.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we have made it to Bora Bora. Please brace yourself for a superlative vacation. Enjoy your time here, and please be prepared to get leid when you step off this airplane. And as a French Polynesian would say, ‘Maeva to Bora Bora.’ Enjoy your tropical drinks and mauruuru for allowing me to be your captain.”

  Some people laugh while others look at each other in disbelief the captain just said what he said. After getting off the plane, there was a hotel limo waiting for them at the exit for passenger pickup. The limo takes them to a boat dock, where they will take a charter boat to their bungalows.

  As the boat starts, the breeze blows in their faces, and they inhale the fresh clean winds. Monica looks down, and sees the sea creatures through the clear aqua blue water. She elbows Jake on his side, showing him the beautiful fish swimming around. As they approach the bungalows, Jake holds onto Monica, making sure she is safe while the boat docks. She holds on his arms tight. After the boat sets anchor, the hotel workers start unloading their belongings into a cart. One worker was the same age as Jake and Monica, and he keeps eyeing Monica. Jake noticed, but it didn’t bother him. Monica’s is his forever, and any guy can look at her all they want, because she’s his wife. The worker holds out his hand to help her off the boat, she smiles at Jake reassuring him she loves him, and she holds onto the guys hand and gets down.

  They settle in, and explore their lavish one bedroom bungalow. The master bedroom has a super-king sized bed which has rose petals spread over the white silk sheets. It has an opening on the floor where you can swim from their room to outside. The bathroom has a cast iron clawfoot tub over a see through glass, so you can see the ocean underneath. The living room has a private walk-out patio with steps that goes down into the water. Their suite looks grand. Monica opens her suitcase to change in her sexy swimsuit.

  27

  Jake pops the cork from the champagne bottle soaking in ice, pours it into two glasses, and hands on to Monica. She takes a swig, and places it on top of night stand, while she tries to slip into her bikini. Monica starts to undress to change, but one look at her, Jake couldn’t resist. He starts to kiss her neck from behind her.

  “Baby, what doing?” Monica rubs her butt on him flirtatiously.

  “Oh you know what I’m doing. I want you.”

  “I wanted to take a swim.”

  “We can after.”

  Jake twist Monica around, and starts nibbling, tasting her champagne lips. He pauses, bites into his bottom lip, to taste the mixture of her saliva and champagne. He swoops in for another kiss. He fondles on her tone smooth naked butt, and clinches tight pulling her against him. She feels his readiness. He slips his finger on the outside of her, and she’s so wet. Turned on by her wetness, he produces pre-juices inside his clothes. He lifts her off her feet, carries her over to the bed, and gently rests her over the rose petals. He stands hovering over her, and admires the view as she licks a finger, and slips it inside her. She plays inside her wet slit, pushing her finger in and out. She massages her breast, and moans as she’s tugging on her nipples. He watches as she makes herself climax, and he jumps on the bed, pulls her finger out, starts savoring her hot sweet juices. She places her feet on his shoulder, and when he flickers his tongue over her clit, her feet twitches. He digs his tongue in her, flexing his tongue, siphoning her come trying not to miss any of her sweetness. Her body shakes with every suck, and he jams two fingers inside, pulls out, and brushes his tongue on his slippery fingers. He’s on his knees, and starts removing his clothes. She gets on her knees and bends over yearningly engulfing his huge hard cock in her mou
th. She tugs on him twisting her hand and turning him like turning a door knob. First she does it in slow rhythmic movements then twists and turns faster as he pumps his erection while she deep throats. He explodes in her throat causing her to almost choke. She swallows, and starts to giggle.

  “Oh my god.”

  “I’m so sorry baby.” Jake laughs. “See what you do to me?”

  “Don’t apologize. That was delicious.”

  She pushes him on his back, and straddles over him riding him in ponderous motion. He cups her face with his hands, and pulls her to his lips. While kissing, she moves with ferocious desire, and he drives his fingers into her flesh, pushing up deeper inside her. He pulls her hair with his other hand, and she sucks his tongue and they erupt together. She lies on top of him, still kissing his full luscious lips.

  “Let’s stay like this forever.”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  She relaxes her head on his chest while he caresses her hair.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “You want to go again?” She questions with a devilish smile.

  “No, I’m asking about food.”

  “Oh ok. Yeah I can really use some real food.” She giggles.

  “I’ll order room service. Did you want some drinks?”

  “Of course. I’m going to take advantage of their alcohol.”

  She slowly gets off him, and his come oozes down her legs. She grabs a washcloth and wipes herself. She starts to slip into her bikini again while he orders room service. When he finishes ordering, he searched in his suitcase for his swim trunks.

  “Oh shit.”

  “What?”

  “I promised your dad I was going to call when we got here.”