Take Care of Me

by Melita Washington

  Chapter 17

  Nick and Jasmine’s wedding turned out to be the social event of the season. Once Monica, Jasmine’s mother got in the middle of it, there was no having a quiet little ceremony with just a couple of close friends and family.

  The day was beautiful. They had the wedding in Monica’s church which was beautifully decorated in Lilacs and Jasmine. Everything was done in shades of white and ecru. Jasmine was dressed in a gown of ivory satin that fitted her like a glove. They toyed with the idea of having Stacey as the best man dressed in a tux, but Jasmine decided against it. So instead Stacey was in a simple shift dress that was periwinkle in color with a matching scarf for her hair.

  As Stacey helped Nick tie his bow tie in the pastor’s study, her eyes were filled with tears.

  “What’s this Stacey May?” Nick smiled tenderly at her.

  “I just feel like I’m sending my child off to school for the first time.” Stacey laughed as a tear spilled over and splashed onto her dress. “Oh no, Jasmine is going to kill me if I’m not picture perfect.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about Jasmine, Monica on the other hand…” They both laughed.

  “I can’t believe I’m getting married and I’m not totally freaking out about this.” Nick sounded confident.

  “I am surprised as well; which just makes me even more proud of you. Jasmine is a very lucky woman.” Stacey finished with the tie and stepped back to survey her handiwork.

  “Stefan is OK with you being my best man right? I really don’t want to cause any problems for you two. It’s just that even though he’s been my friend since we were boys, you were friend to the lost man that I was and the stronger man I’ve become and this day would not be right if you weren’t by my side.” Nick pulled Stacey into his arms.

  “He’s fine. Ever since I’ve come through this leukemia scare he has been nothing but super kind and chivalrous. He knows that you and I are special to each other. But he’s not threatened by it anymore. I know we are with who we are supposed to be with in this life. Stefan just had to trust that just as Jasmine had to do the same.” Stacey stepped away from Nick.

  “I think it’s time.” They both said together then laughed.

  The ceremony was beautiful. Alan, Jasmine’s father walked her down the aisle and she just glowed. Stefan was a groomsman, but Stacey was the one that stood next to Nick during the ceremony. Her heart filled to see her best friend find his happiness just as she had found hers. She reached for Stefan’s hand when the minister said through sickness and health.

  He smiled at her and she could tell he was thinking about how blessed they were to have health and happiness together.

  When the minister said you may now kiss the bride, beautiful stately Jasmine Evans, now Faulks dropped her bouquet of flowers and jump into Nick’s arms, wrapped her legs around him and gave him the longest, hottest kisses that had ever been witnessed.

  The minister cleared his throat and looked away. Everyone else laughed.

  Her joy was infectious. Nick put her down and stepped away. He actually blushed.

                                        *******************************

  The reception was held at Monica’s Country Club; which was lavishly decorated with white roses. Each table had an instant camera so that guests could take pictures throughout the reception. It was a great idea and any pictures that were taken could be given to the bride and groom as a keepsake.

  Stefan walked into the reception and asked Stacey, “Do you want to have a big blow out like this? We never did have that separate ceremony in front of friends and family.”

  Stacey thought about it. “It’s a shame not to wear the dress I bought, but I’m so happy just being married to you that it doesn’t seem to matter.”

  Stefan loved how uncomplicated Stacey made things. “Well we could have a big party and you could just wear it then.”

  Stacey laughed. “No really, I’m good just being Mrs. Spencer.”

  “What about a honeymoon?” Stefan asked.

  “Now, that I wouldn’t mind. But you don’t like to travel, you’re a homebody.”  She looked up at Stefan and smiled at her handsome husband.

  Stefan pulled her onto the dance floor as the band started to play. “I would love to share any new experience with you.”

  “Well I’d have to see; I used up all my paid time off at work being in the hospital. It may have to wait until next year.” Stacey said as she marveled at his grace on the dance floor. “You’re really good at this.”

  Stefan twirled her and then reeled her back into his frame with ease. “My grandmother taught me. It’s too bad that you didn’t get to meet her. But we could go to Greece and I could show you our home there. And don’t worry about paid time off. I really do make enough money to support us both. I thought you might want to be a housewife, but nursing seems to be who you are.”

  “I’m glad you realize that. It’s going to take some adjusting getting used to having a well to do husband.” Stacey laughed. “Maybe I’ll consider becoming a housewife once we have kids.”

  Stefan looked at her. “Can you have kids?”

  “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be able to. Do you want to have children?” She held her breath waiting for Stefan’s response.

  “As long as they look like you, I’m happy.” He smiled at her.

  “Oh no, they have to look like you. I can imagine a boy with your dimples.” Stacey laid her head on his shoulder, but the song was ending and Dave walked up to them to cut in. She hadn’t seen him since she had gotten released from the hospital.

  As they were dancing Stacey asked about Sophia. A sad smile was on father in law’s face and she knew Sophia wasn’t having a good day. His answer confirmed her fear, “I went to pick her up hoping that she would be able to come today. But she didn’t recognize me. It’s too bad she would have liked to have seen Nick on his big day.”

  “I’ll bet. She would be proud of her boys.” Stacey knew that Sophia considered Nick as much her son as if she had given birth to him.

  Dave sighed, “When she has bad days like this it’s so hard for me. I miss my wife.”

  Stacey squeezed his hand as they moved across the dance floor. There were no words that would make things better for Dave. For better and for worse, in sickness and health. The reality of Dave and Sophia living that out humbled her. If she didn’t before know how lucky she was, she was definitely reminded of that now.

  The song was ending and they were announcing Jasmine and Nick’s arrival. The happy couple had changed into more casual attire. When they entered the band started playing “I Finally Found Someone” by Barbara Streisand.

  Dave went to get a glass of champagne as Stefan came up behind her and wryly commented “That is clearly Jasmine’s choice of songs.”

  “Actually Nick is a closet Streisand fan. We use to listen to her greatest hits CD whenever we cooked at his place.” Stacey laughed.

  “I guess there are just some things a guy can’t share with his buddy. Glad he had you for that.” Stefan laughed and was glad that he could laugh about it. It had finally sunk in that he didn’t need to feel threatened by Nick and Stacey’s friendship.

  Everyone watched the bride and groom enjoy their dance. When the music changed Nick came up to Stacey and asked Stefan, “May I?”

  Stefan relinquished his hold on Stacey and said, “Of course.”

  Stacey smiled up at Nick. “You look happy.”

  “I am. And so do you. Life is pretty good isn’t it?”  Nick held Stacey close and moved them around the dance floor effortlessly.

  “This is the first time we’ve ever danced together.  You’re pretty good.” Stacey laughed.

  “You’re not so shabby yourself.” Nick said.

  “I’m so glad everything between you and Stefan has worked out. It wouldn’t do to have my two favorite people in the whole world at odds. I’m so happy.” Stacey was scanning the room
to see where Stefan was and she found him dancing with Mrs. Horowitz.

  She indicated them to Nick, “Stefan and I are going to try to have kids as soon as the doctor gives the ok. Wouldn’t it be great if we had kids that grew up to be best friends like we are?”

  Nick’s body got tense. She looked at him askance. He responded to her unasked question. “I just want to be a better father than my father was.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that Nick. You’ll be a great father.” Stacey assured him.

  Jasmine was dancing with her father who Stacey had yet to meet. “Alan wants to send us to Paris for our honeymoon as a wedding present.”

  “That sounds wonderful!” Stacey didn’t understand why Nick wasn’t enthusiastic.

  “My father is living in Paris at the moment.”

  Stacey understood. Because Nick’s father had never taken an interest in his ‘bastard’ son it had caused a wealth of insecurities in Nick. One of the reasons he had turned to drugs. That type of confrontation would be hard on Nick. “If you’re not ready for that you don’t have to see him Nick.”

  “I know, but it feels like it’s time to get rid of the hostility I feel for him. But not exactly what I want to do on my honeymoon.” Nick sighed.

  “Well you could come to Greece with Stefan and me.” Stacey suggested.

  Nick considered it. “Sounds great in theory, but I don’t want to push it. They both have accepted our friendship, but we’ve got to have boundaries. Not sure a couple’s trip is the best way to go right now. Maybe in a couple of years?”

  “I guess you’re right. I miss you already.” Stacey sighed.

  “Yeah, but it’s not like we’re moving. Maybe we can plan a couples date night like once a month or so?” Nick proposed.

  “That sounds reasonable. We should give Stefan and Jasmine time to form a friendship of their own.” Stacey said.

  The song ended and Nick excused himself and reclaimed his wife for another dance. Stefan found her and did the same.

  “Mrs. Horowitz is a shameless flirt.” Stefan laughed.

  “I have no doubt.” Stacey returned the laugh and asked “Would you be opposed to having a monthly date night with Nick and Jasmine?”

  Stefan arched an eyebrow. “Monthly? I assumed you two would keep up your Friday night dinners.”

  Stacey couldn’t tell if he was teasing or not. He led them to their seats at the wedding party table and she took her time to formulate a response.

  “There are just some things that marriage changes in your relationships with other people. Both Nick and I respect that. You are my priority and Jasmine is his. So weekly date nights are reserved for you my dear.” She smiled at him hoping that he knew she was sincere.

  “I don’t want you to give up something so important to you. I know my past actions don’t speak to that, but I do trust you and Nick.” Stefan assured her.

  “So we come to that lovely place in marriage called compromise.” Stacey was determined never to give Stefan cause to doubt her devotion to him.

  “Stacey. I love you. I love Nick. I trust both of you. Don’t feel like you have to change for me. I love you for you who are. You care about people; it’s what drew me to you. That and your gorgeous body.” Stefan laughed trying to diffuse the serious turn the discussion had taken. He really was OK with Nick and Stacey’s friendship.

  Stacey didn’t push it. She was just going to show him through her actions that he was a priority and would never have to feel threatened by her relationship with Nick.

  It was time for the toast and as the “Best Man” that duty fell to Stacey.

  She held up her glass. Stefan was to her left and Nick and Jasmine to her right. She turned to them. The crowd settled down once Stefan tapped his glass with the knife to get their attention.

  “I know it’s a little nontraditional for a woman to be the best “man”, but I’m honored to fill that role for my dear friend Nick Faulks. Nick and I met at a time in his life when he needed a little help.” Stacey wasn’t going to go into his drug problem in front of these complete strangers so she carefully worded what she wanted to express.

  “As a nurse, I naturally stepped in and took care of him. We’ve been best friends ever since. I’ve watched him become such a strong and good man. When he met Jasmine I thought she was the perfect match for him. They have fire and chemistry together. But beyond that Jasmine is the only other person besides me that won’t take any of his crap.”

  The crowd laughed politely. Stacey was getting emotional so she wanted to finish this. She looked at them both and continued.

  “So here’s to a beautiful couple who managed to find love and hang on to it. That’s a rare thing in this crazy world so cherish it. Love each other. Take care of each other.”

  She hugged Nick who was immediately to her left and whispered, “I love you.” As she reached across Nick to hug Jasmine she whispered to her, “Thank you for sharing him.”

  The two women hugged tighter before they released one another.

  Teary eyed, Stacey took her seat and Stefan pulled her to his side and he whispered, “I love you.”

  Life really was good.

  **********

  About the Author

  Thank you for reading Take Care of Me. I am a mother of two and newlywed. This was a labor of love, but I want to thank my husband Michael for encouraging me to complete a novel. Finally! I probably have 20 more started over the span of my 46 years of living, so look for more in the months to come. Encouraging words only to Melita290@gmail.com. Cover art by Dwayne Smikle