by Cam Johns
“Jackson, don’t tell me you bought me something else?” Everyone laughs. He stares down at me with scared blues. “Are you ok?” I whisper. He just smiles.
“You ready for the last gift?” he asks quietly. I nod yes eagerly. He locks his eyes on me taking my hands. He’s so beautiful. “When I first met you Karisma, there was something in your eyes that told me you would change my mediocre life. I never thought I would let someone in again…but I knew I had to have you within the first five minutes of our meeting.”
“True story.” Jonathan interrupts. Jackson chuckles as Lizzie elbows him.
“Since then, you’ve changed my perspective and I can’t see my future without you.” His eyes start to fill with tears, which in turn make me tear up, of course. “In this short time, you’ve taught me how to love, how to be a better man and hopefully…a good husband.” He releases my hands, taking a box from his pocket and drops to his knee. Everyone starts gasping and awing except Lizzie, who is screeching and giddy. He opens the box to a huge princess cut diamond ring with diamonds around the band. I screech and cover my mouth as tears flow from my face. “I love you more than life Karisma. Will you allow me to be your husband and marry me?”
“You wanna marry me, Jackson?” I ask disbelieving.
“More than you know baby.” He says, desperately awaiting my answer.
“Yes! I’ll marry you.” I say sobbing. He puts the ring on my finger and jumps up to hug me, spinning me around. He puts me down and kisses me hard, almost forgetting we have company.
“Hey hey hey! Cut that shit out!” Jonathan separates us and gives me a hug as Jackson hugs his father.
“Kay!” Lizzie shouts with tears running to me. Of course we do our screeching, running in place bit as she stares at my rock. After we calm ourselves, I hug everyone else.
“Mom!” I say running into her arms and she hugs me.
“Congratulations Karisma.” She says softly. I step back holding her hands.
“Are you pleased with him?” I ask with hope.
“Very actually, especially since he asked my permission first.” She says happily.
Jackson hits his glass to get everyone’s attention. “Karisma, please join me.” He says holding his hand out. I take one more glance at my mother and head over to him. He pulls me in close and kisses my forehead. “Thank you all for coming and celebrating Karisma’s day with us. I’m sure she’d agree it’s a privilege to have all of you in our lives. So, thank you for being here. Now…get out so me and my fiancé can celebrate.” I elbow him in his chest as everyone laughs. “Cheers!” he says, holding up his glass. He looks down at me with those glorious wet blues. I wipe the tears from his eyes. I’ve never seen him cry like this. I kiss him softly.
“Okay man…we gotta go.” Justin says, interrupting our staring contest. “Gotta DJ tonight.”
“Okay…Did you want to go out with them…celebrate?” He says looking down at me.
“Yeah girl, c’mon!” Jenn adds.
“I haven’t been out in a while…especially now that we can be all over each other.”
“Yay! We’re partying!” Lizzie says out of nowhere. Everyone laughs.
“Karisma, Jackson,” my mother grabs my hand pulling us aside, “I’m going to head home. You guys enjoy.”
“Thank you for coming mom.” I say hugging her.
“You okay getting home?” Jackson asks, knowing it’s a distance.
“I’ll be fine Jackson…thank you.” She hugs him and he walks her out.
“Daughter in law.” Robert says coming over to hug me. I smile, happy to hear someone call me daughter again. “I hope you already know this but I’m always here when my son becomes too much of an ass.” We both laugh.
“Thank you so much Robert.”
“Walk me out?” I nod yes, taking has hand and meeting Jackson outside as my mother leaves.
“Dad you’re out too?” Jackson says hugging him.
“Yes, I’m too old to party.” I giggle. “Don’t sleep on me Karisma…I still got it.” He says doing his cute two step. I can’t help myself, I laugh out loud.
“Dad…please stop.” Jackson says, embarrassed. Robert pulls him into a big hug. I tear up once again watching their love for each other.
“Don’t mess this up son.” He says sternly.
“I won’t.” he confirms, straight faced. He waves goodbye and gets in his car. Jackson comes over to me, grabbing my left hand and staring at the beautiful ring. “Are you sure…I thought you'd think it was too soon.” He questions, his eyes hopeful.
“Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.” I say staring at him. He smiles pulling me into him.
“I can’t wait.” He kisses me slowly.
“I’m gonna get changed.” I say with excitement.
“Okay…be quick.” He says patting me on the butt. I run upstairs to change.
“Kay, we’re gonna raid your closet.” Lizzie says as she, Jenn and Cindy join me.
“Help yourself.” I say generously. It’s nice to even have friends that do this sort of thing with. I pull out a red asymmetrical halter dress with low neck and back out, one of the necklaces Jackson got me from Tiffany’s and black heels, taking my hair down and pinning it up with the come on one side. “How do I look?” I ask them as they finish putting on a pair of my shoes. They really did raid my closet.
“Damn girl!” Jenn says while Cindy nods pleased.
“Kay! Jackson’s gonna go ape shit!” She says laughing.
“I know.” I say smirking. We all laugh.
“Let’s go.” Jenn says, heading down with Cindy. Down the hall Alyssa grabs my hand as we walk giving me courage.
“Here’s the birthday girl!” She shouts as we turn the corner letting my hand go. She poses with her arms spread as if she’s presenting an appliance on a game show.
“Oh hell no! Go put some clothes on!” Jonathan yells, laughing. I spot Jackson standing in his intimidation stance. He doesn’t look happy. Apparently, Alyssa spots this too because she sneakily tiptoes away from me to Jonathan. Everyone stares as Jackson walks slowly toward me. I look up at him expecting him to throw a fit.
“You look amazing…I can’t believe you’re mine.” He murmurs, pulling me into him and pecking my glossed lips quickly.
“Aiight, let’s go.” Jenn says. Everyone marches to the door and into the stretch Escalade I had no idea Jackson had. He grabs my arm, keeping me from walking out with them. Oh shit.
“By the way…you better not ever wear this shit without me.” He says straight faced, staring down at me.
I giggle. “I wouldn’t.” We go to the Escalade and head out while Richard, Baker and Logan follow in the Q7 and my car. “Why are they bringing my car? I ask Jackson curiously.
“You said you wanted to do somethin’ tonight.” He says smirking.
“I love you.”
“I love you more.” He says roaming my exposed leg.
When we pull up there are paparazzi in front behind the ropes. “How’d they know?” Lizzie asks.
“I tweeted it.” Jackson says.
“Why?” I ask.
“It’s the easiest way to announce our engagement without actually saying it.” He looks down at me hoping its okay.
“Okay…let’s do it!” The guards come to the door to open it. Jackson gets out and holds his hand for me to take. I make sure I keep my legs together getting out. This isn’t Britney, bitch. I slide out as everyone yells happy birthday to me.
“How about a picture?” a couple of them shout. He looks down at me, asking. I nod and he pulls me to his left holding me close as I put my left hand on his chest exposing the ring. Everyone snaps. “Congratulations!” One of them shouts. I look up at Jackson as he stares and kisses me. He waves and pulls me inside, shaking hands as we walk in. Lord he knows everybody. We spot Justin in the booth and he points down to us.
“Aww shit…there’s my boy…and his new fiancé…give it up for’em…h
appy b-day sis!” he announces our presence while he continues to mix the club song Dance by Earth People…I love that record. Jenn walks us through to our section of the club. It’s a big place…everyone’s dancing. You can feel the music pulsating through you as the strobe lights flash the crowd. Drinks arrive at the table and everyone takes a shot before heading to the floor. Someone stops Jackson on the way, so I go without him. “Taking it back!” Justin shouts and plays T-Pain Booty Wurk. “Hashtag best-butt-in-jeans girl where you at?” My eyes shoot up to Jackson who looks pissed. Oh shit! Lizzie pulls me out and starts to dance and I join. I try to keep it cute and sexy since I’m wearing a dress. I hadn’t even noticed these guys watching until Jackson pulls me to him, blocking their view to my butt.
“I’m gonna kill Justin!” He shouts to me. Lizzie and Jenn are cracking up at Jackson’s red face.
“It’s yours baby…relax!” I turn back around and wind it on him while his stick grows on me.
“Don’t kill’em Kay!” Justin shouts on the mic. Everyone laughs and applauds us as Jackson grabs my hips, dancing with me. Jackson turns me around and pulls me to him by grabbing my ass and kissing me hard, then spins me out and lets me dance with Lizzie and Jenn while he watches…briefly anyway. The man can’t stand another man staring.
We stay on the floor for hours dancing and sweating. It was a great birthday night out with friends and my beaux. Jackson grabs my hand and pulls me in the back by the restrooms. “You ready to go?” He asks hoping.
“Yes baby…we still have to work.” I smile. He grabs my hand and tells Jonathan we’re leaving. I hug everyone and we head out, waving to Justin. “How’s everyone getting home?” I ask remembering we drove here together.
“When they took the stretch home, they brought Jonathan and Michael’s car back. Don’t worry.” He says smiling.
He opens the passenger door to my car to get in. He talks to Logan privately then gets in the driver seat. We drive for almost twenty minutes then he pulls behind a large building into an empty parking lot. “I own this place.” He says. Logan backs in at the beginning of the entrance and stops, turning off the lights. Jackson pulls behind the back into the dark lot…the only lights are from the car. He gets out and walks over, letting me out, then puts my seat up all the way and reaches in to press play on the radio. Cheryl Lynn If This World Were Mine plays through the parking lot. “May I have this dance?” He asks. I take his hand and he leads me in front of the headlights, pulling me close. The music echoes softly through the darkness as we gratify our need to touch…it’s just us. He sways to the music staring down at me…his blues gleaming through me. He just looks so…peaceful. “I couldn’t wait to get you alone.” He whispers in my ear. He spins me out slowly and brings me back. I lift my arms around his neck as he slides his hands slowly to my butt. He kisses me hard, while walking me back to the car. He stoops down lifting my dress above my waist and ties it into a knot at my side. He slides his hands up my thigh as he stands, then kisses me, inching his fingers into my panties finding my clit. I throw my head back taking in his touch. “Mmmm you’re ready for me already.” He whispers. “Get in.” He takes his suit jacket off and lays it down on the seat, then sits pulling his pants down. He pulls my leg over so that I’m straddling him…he must have the song on repeat because it’s still on. He kisses me softly as I grind against him. I’m so wet I feel my underwear sticking. He sticks his tongue in my mouth deep as he growls.
“I’d like my future husband in me now.” I whisper, biting his ear lobe then back up to look at him. He smiles and rips my panties off. He kisses me softly, lifting me onto him and lets me take it from there, putting his hands at my hips. I slide down, throwing my head back as I go up and down slowly. “Ah.”
“Look at me baby.” He whispers. I look down at his sensual blues and I feel his love for me coursing through my body. I’ve never had someone love me this much…this passionately. I become so overwhelmed with his devotion that my eyes fill with tears. He wipes them as they fall and kisses me slowly, calmly as I take him inside me at the same rhythm. He slides his strong arms up my back, holding me tighter, pulling my head back and kissing my neck slowly and sensually. We continue at this pace, feeling our stimulated connection. The need in his touch courses through me as I move faster. I tremble and vibrate against him as he slides his hands down to my butt. He constricts and stiffens as we release our adulation together, silently. He kisses me softly as we come down from our reverie, holding me tight. “Let’s go home love.” He says with content blues.
“Lets.” He kisses me once more, sliding me to the side to pull his pants up. He releases the knot on my dress, helping me pull it down, then climbs out and pulls me out before fixing the seat back. He stands, taking my head in his hands, staring at me.
“I can’t wait to be your husband.”
“I can’t wait to be your wife.” He smiles uncontrollably then kisses me softly.
“Let’s go.”
We’re home within 10 minutes. I think Jackson was rushing a little but when we go in, the living and dining rooms are back to normal.
“You tired?” He asks.
“Yeah.” I say taking my shoes off. He picks me up cross body and I lay my head on his shoulder, as he carries me up to the bedroom. He undresses me and sits me on the bed, then goes in the bathroom to get a makeup cloth to clean my face. I can’t believe I’m getting ready to say this but he actually takes my clip-ins out too. “Did you really just do that?”
“I’ll do anything for you.” He pulls me up again and carries me to the middle of the bed and under the cover. He gets himself ready for bed, turns on the ceiling fan and plays music softly before climbing in the bed, facing me.
“You really like that song I see.” I say rubbing his face.
He sighs. “My parents used to dance to it when I was young.” He pauses and I can tell he’s getting sad. I inch closer running my fingers through his hair. “Seeing them so happy made me want that too…I knew I would dance to that with my wife.” He looks at my ring. “Don’t ever take it off.” He says quietly.
“Not even to wash my hands?” I say playfully.
He chuckles. “You know what I mean.” He pulls my leg on his, placing my head on his shoulder as he rolls on his back. Of course his hand goes straight to my butt. “So…when’s the date?” he asks blissfully.
“Anxious much.”
“Yes…let’s do it tomorrow.” He says laughing. I think I want to hold off until spring, giving me time to get him to open up more. No matter how much I love him, I just need to know more. I know when I say it he’ll freak.
“I was thinking…May.” He sits up abruptly, knocking me on my back.
“May! Karisma it’s September!” he snaps.
“I thought you wanted to spoil me.” I say innocently. He stares down at me smiling.
“I hate when you do that…you think I don’t know.” He says lying on top of me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I reply, knowing exactly what I was doing.
“Oh you don’t…you sure about that.” He moves his hands around my side threatening to tickle me. I nod no. He starts attacking me with his fingers as I scream out laughing. He lies back down and pulls me back on him pulling the covers up. “Okay…first Saturday in May…not a second later.” He says sternly.
“Not a second baby. I have a long day tomorrow. I’ll be there ‘til at least 7.” I say disappointed.
“Really…that late? I have a meeting at 5 out of the building, so I’ll come back to meet you.” He kisses my forehead. “Sleep.”
We fall asleep in each other’s arms knowing that our future together is committed. We couldn’t have been happier. Well…Jackson would have been ecstatic if he could marry me sooner I’m sure. Isn’t it funny how a day like today could go so perfect, and the next one of the worst days of your life?
Chapter Nineteen
As I sit in the witness stand six months later, I try my best n
ot to look toward the defendant’s table. I have to keep my composure up here. I look over at the jury, who are all staring at me intensely. The DA is the first to question me. Mr. Simmons is normal height, slim, well dressed and very easy on the eyes. He has been prepping me for days…which Jackson hated.
“Okay Miss Washington, how are you today?” Mr. Simmons asks.
“Doing well considering.” I say quietly.
“You’ll have to speak up Miss Washington.” Judge Reinhardt interrupts.
“Don’t worry, we’ll try to get you out quickly.” Mr. Simmons says trying to calm me. I nod fidgeting with my fingers.
“Let’s start from the beginning Miss Washington. Can you please tell the jury the events of the day in question?” I look at my hands, thinking about my loss, about what could have happened and how Kevin fucked us all. “Miss Washington…it’s okay, just start at the beginning.” Mr. Simmons says now standing directly in front of me. I shake my head and reluctantly and take a look at the defendant’s table. Let’s get that asshole in prison where he belongs. I’ll never forgive him.
“Well when I woke up that morning, I was in great spirits. The day before was my birthday and it was the greatest day a woman could ask for…I even got engaged.” I say slightly, smiling at the jury. They all eye me, listening closely with smiles on their faces, encouraging me to keep going. “That day started perfect…it just didn’t end that way.”
I wake up the next morning feeling exhilarated. I’m engaged! The sun is beaming in bright as I slowly blink my eyes open. I look up to a very awake Jackson holding my hand up staring at the ring.
“Do we really have to wait until May?” he asks pouty.
“And good morning to you too.” I say giggling.
He growls rolling on top of me. He kisses me softly while running his fingers across my face. “Do we?” he insists.
“You don’t wanna wait huh.” I say staring up at his needy blues.