“Of course, I like you, Joe. You’re one of the closest people to me. I just never thought we would be here doing this especially so young. We never even really had the chance to date one another. It just went from having sex to a baby and now, we’re getting married. Everything is moving really fast and I’m trying to wrap my mind around it while not trying to cry over not being able to attend school this fall. You understand that, don’t you?”
“I totally understand it,” said Joseph. “I get it. But as I promised, things will work out and I’m going to make you happier than you thought you’d ever be. As far as dating, I have just the romantic date planned for us this weekend. Don’t worry about anything. I’m gonna date you until you get tired of going on dates and then I’m still gonna date you.”
Just when Lovette had felt down about things, Joseph did have a thing for saying the right things at the right time. She didn’t know how true it was going to be about him making her happy but she tried not to focus too much on that and geared towards thinking about the baby.
Every day, every single moment, she had wondered what type of person her child would be. After throwing herself down the steps, she had felt bad for trying to rid herself of him or her. The idea of her holding her baby and kissing him or her nonstop didn’t seem too bad. She could now feel tiny flutters and such a feeling reassured her that this little person would love her just as much as she would love them.
Would she have a girl? This warmed her even more. Lovette loved her mother but Trudy was a tough cookie. She knew that her parents had only wanted the best out of life for her but the way they went about some things were just hard to deal with. The main issue: their racism. Her mother wouldn’t have gone all out like this had Mike been the father of her child. Lovette was sure her mother would’ve suggested an abortion had the baby been his.
A girl. She knew that she would love her daughter differently than her mother had shown her love. Of course, she would be strong for her but she would also show her daughter love with no conditions. Lovette would make sure her daughter was surrounded by love and always felt accepted. Her daughter would know what it feels like to really be happy.
What if she had a boy? One thing was for sure, he’d have a great male role model. Joseph might not have been who she wanted to marry but she knew for sure he would be a great dad. He was raised in a great environment and their child would have the same.
The thought of having a boy also made her happy. The thought of a chubby little boy running up to her and hugging her legs made her smile. Biting into her burger and shoving a fry into her mouth, Lovette was convinced that the sex of her child didn’t matter. She was just happy with the thought of loving a tiny human that could do no wrong.
“What are you smiling at?” questioned Joseph. Lovette had got so into to her own thoughts that she forgot he had been sitting across from her. They were outside of her parent’s house on the picnic bench by the water. The weather was perfect and it couldn’t have been a nicer day.
“Just wondering what our child will be like. You think he or she will have my red hair? Or, will they be tall like you? It’s just funny the possibilities of what they can look like.” The more Lovette thought about the baby’s characteristics, the happier she became. Joseph wasn’t all that handsome to her but she had hoped the child inherited his personality. He was a lot nicer of a person than she had been.
“With my looks and your great personality, we are for sure going to make one hell of a person,” she continued.
“Great way of telling me what you think of my looks,” snickered Joseph. He knew he wasn’t the most handsome guy around town but all that mattered was that he had Lovette and planned to keep her.
“Oh, you know I didn’t mean it like that. I was only kidding,” said Lovette. She really didn’t want him thinking he was ugly. He wasn’t that bad; just not handsome. Joseph was rather plain compared to Mike.
Mike. She had to stop comparing them. Mike was over with and Joseph is what she had to focus on now. Changing the subject, she started talking again.
“So, tell me more about this date you’re taking us on. Ya know, gotta include the baby in everything now?” laughed Lovette.
“You’ll see when we get there. That’s the point of some dates right? Element of surprise. Well, I haven’t been on that many dates but that’s what the books and movies tell us.” They both laughed, he watched her finish the last bite of her meal and toss the trash into the bag.
“That was the best burger I’ve ever had in my life. I could’ve eaten three of those. This child is going to make me bigger than this house,” joked Lovette.
“And, you’ll still be the most beautiful house anyone around here has ever seen,” replied Joseph. He had meant every word and would always love her no matter how big she became. Although, he had hoped deep down inside that she wouldn’t stay the size of a house after giving birth but he would always be with her no matter what.
Opening the screen door and standing on the front porch, Trudy waved for them to come on in the house. Almost instantly, they both got up and walked towards her. Lovette had the bag of fast food trash in her hand and almost forgot how obsessed her mother had become with her health.
“Now, I know you didn’t go giving my grand baby that greasy food when I’ve been in this kitchen preparing you a good ol’ home cooked meal,” fussed Trudy. “You have to be careful what you put into your body. You don’t want the baby coming out all messed up because of what you did while pregnant,” she continued.
“Mama, I’m sure a burger won’t make my baby come out with seven arms or something,” joked Lovette. “…and if so, that means they have more arms to hug me with and I’m gonna love them anyway.”
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September 18, 1982
Lovette had been standing in the mirror satisfied with how pretty she looked. Her mother and sister, Iris, had helped her choose her gown. The arms were made of soft yet detailed lace that draped a bit over her hands and the entire dress was fitted for her shape. The glistening stones neatly lined across her bosom shined in her reflection. The dress’s train made it even more elegant. The dress had been altered a bit loose a few weeks ago because of her growing belly and now, it fit perfectly.
Before she knew it, Lovette started to cry. Every reason that she shouldn’t be getting married at this exact moment came rushing to her again.
“Awww! No! Don’t cry! You’re gonna mess up the makeup,” whined Trudy. “Elle spent forever on you girl’s faces. Iris, hand me a tissue.”
She tried her best to hold back the tears but they continued for a few seconds longer. Joseph and Trudy were the only ones truly happy about this day and Lovette realized that she felt forced to go through with it. All of the guests that loved them both had arrived and the thought of them sitting in the church pews waiting on her made her cry even harder.
“Honey, what’s wrong? Talk to me,” whispered Trudy while hugging her. “I understand that today is an emotional day but you look gorgeous. The church is set up beautifully and you have a good man out there waiting on you. Let’s clean you up. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Mama, what if this isn’t the best decision? Like, what if I’m making a huge mistake?” questioned Lovette. Her stomach began to feel as if it had a million knots in it and she knew it wasn’t the baby making her feel nauseous.
“This IS the best decision and you will see that. I promise you. You two are going to get married and have a healthy baby. We can talk about the rest later on. Things will be okay. Trust me. Okay?” Trudy replied.
Lovette wiped her face and nodded her head. She wanted to believe her mother so bad but her gut had refused to. Thinking about her parent’s marriage and Joseph’s parent’s marriage made her stop crying. Maybe there was some type of hope that things would change. She already liked Joseph as a friend, so maybe there was hope that she would grow to be in love with him
.
Holding back the rest of her tears and cleaning her face, Elle came back in the dressing room and fixed Lovette’s makeup.
“All done. Now, keep it together until after the reception,” playfully said Elle.
“Alright, everyone! Let’s take our places. We have 5 minutes before its time to walk down the aisle! 5 minutes!” yelled Trudy. She had planned out a wedding for anyone in Shawford to attend. Since it had been a small town, they were expecting about 200 people to show up.
Lovette could hear the music. The sounds soothed her. Taking several deep breaths in and releasing them, her nerves had calmed a little. She knew that Joseph was a good man, so this must’ve meant that everything would eventually be okay.
“Did you hear me? Are you ready, hun?” whispered her mother. “I have to go take my place but I’ll walk you out with the other girls really quick. Let’s go everyone!” she shouted.
Turquoise, gold and white. The colors had been picked out by her mother. Everything had except for the final decision about her dress. Lovette didn’t argue because her mother had wonderful taste and everything came together well. All of the women had walked to the main church doors and were greeted by the groomsmen. They were all dressed in black tuxedos with a gold tie and turquoise handkerchiefs in their jacket pockets. The men were close friends and family members of Joseph’s.
The bridesmaids were Iris and a few of Lovette’s cousins that she really didn’t hang with too often. Each one of them wore a turquoise dress that had one shoulder piece and a gold pendant attached. Each bridesmaid beside her groomsmen made Lovette crack a smile. Her mother sure did know how to put things together.
5 minutes must’ve passed because before Lovette knew it, the doors had opened and her little cousin Jade was walking in and proceeded to drop flowers with every step she took. Each couple entered together one by one and before Lovette knew it, her father was tapping her on the shoulder and whispering that it was her turn to walk.
She had been so consumed with her thoughts that she hadn’t realized he was standing next to her. Slipping her arm into his and rolling her shoulders back while straightening her posture like her mother had reminded her, Lovette walked up to the entrance with her father.
Everyone had been on their feet and had been staring at her as if they had never seen her before. The tension had been great and for a moment, she was thankful for the veil. It had been a barrier between her and the audience. They could see her face’s figure but they couldn’t see the worry. She had an aisle’s length of a walk to calm her nerves again and to make sure her face matched the calmness.
Stepping one foot on to the white carpet rolled out for her, Lovette and her father slowly and gracefully walked down the aisle. While the music played, everyone echoed their “oohs and ahhs” as she passed them one by one.
Joseph. His face was serious and yet red at the same time. Lovette figured he had been just as nervous as she had been. Within a few more steps in, his face softened a bit and for a second, Lovette felt as if he would cry.
Joseph indeed felt as if he would cry. He had always thought Lovette was gorgeous but this moment topped all of the times he’s ever seen her. She was beautiful and carrying his child as well.
Wiping a tear away before it could drop, Joseph felt like a man. He made a promise to always protect Lovette and their child no matter what. He knew that there was no possible way that he could ever love anyone more than her. He was beyond proud.
Reaching the altar and kissing her dad, Lovette had now been standing face to face with Joseph. She could see happiness written all over his face and was determined to fake the feeling for his sake. Raising his hands to peel back her veil, Joseph was more than pleased at his wife to be. To him, she was perfect in every single way.
“Dearly beloved…” Lovette turned towards the minister. He was around the same age as her father. A tall older man who had salt and pepper in his beard. Turning back towards Joseph, he had gone back to the serious stare.
Every now and then, both she and Joseph would take turns repeating what the minister told them to say. Both had decided against writing their own vows. This was more so Lovette’s idea due to wanting the process to be quick and over with as soon as possible.
Lovette never thought she would be doing this at this very moment. Had it not been for her trying to get even with Mike, none of this would be happening right now. She would still be going off to college and maybe…she would have gotten back with Mike.
“…Lovette. Well…Do you?” repeated the minister. Apparently she had become lost in her thoughts and forgot that she was supposed to be focusing on the wedding. She could see the embarrassment in Joseph’s eyes and felt bad for zoning out.
“Um, yes. I do,” replied Lovette. Her mouth started to feel dry and she could feel the sweat gathering in her armpits. There were more words spoken and a moment for anyone who objected to the union.
Deep down, she had wished Mike would bust through the church doors and object. She had watched one too many love stories and before she knew it, it was time for them to kiss to seal the deal. Holding her breath and leaning in, their lips met and the church erupted with a round of applause.
*******************************************************************************
The wedding reception was a great distraction. They had decided to host it in a hall that was suggested by Joseph’s mother. Lovette was surprised that Trudy even allowed her to have an input due to how much she wanted to have control of the wedding.
Everyone had wanted pictures and dances with the both of them so much that Lovette had started to feel exhausted. The time had passed and Lovette wasn’t only physically exhausted but mentally as well. Her feet had been hurting from her shoes and everyone seemed to having a better time than she had been having.
Sitting at the bride and groom table, Lovette was glad that the day had come to an end. She had enjoyed the father and daughter dance and was now watching everyone slowly but surely head home. She wanted nothing more than to get out of her dress and get into her own bed. As if he could read her mind, Joseph joined her back at their table and asked her was she ready to head home.
“You have no idea how much I’ve been waiting for you to say that. I’ve never taken so many pictures in one day before in my life! Did you see how drunk Will got? Your friend drinks more than a fish in the sea,” replied Lovette. Joseph laughed and agreed.
Their limo had been waiting outside the building when they stepped out into the night’s inviting air. The slight breeze made her skin bump up but felt good at the same time. Joseph took the lead walking down the steps and opening the door for his new bride. Lovette made her way down as well, stepped into the backseat and slid over for Joseph to get in.
Chapter 14: “Who got away?”
April 14, 2001
Joseph had been sitting in his office for several hours and this had concerned Lovette. The only time he would be in there that long is if something had gone wrong. When she had left to go to the grocery store and a few other places, he had still been in his office when she had returned home.
He was aware of what happened in school with Mary and Joey had been doing well for a while now, so she knew it had to be business related. Walking up to the office, Lovette put her ear up to the wooden door and tried to listen as hard as she could.
“What do you mean she got away?! How could this have happened?? We have used the SAME precautions for years now and nothing like this has happened before. I swear, you better fix this ASAP!” yelled Joseph angrily.
Lovette knew her husband had worked for a distribution company and the whole spill of it had been boring to her. He had eventually gained a position in his father’s business. Joseph had brought in more than enough money to support their family.
Lovette had a large savings account, which she hardly ever touch. She didn’t care to know too much about his job until she had heard the pieces of the conversation he had just been having. Waiting for
a few more moments to make sure he had been done on the phone, Lovette knocked a few times and pushed open the office doors without waiting for a response.
“Hey. You okay? What was that all about?” she had questioned. His face was bright red and there was sweat dripping from his forehead. The house temperature was comfortable, so she knew his perspiration had everything to do with the phone call he had just been on.
Looking up from his desk, Joseph had begun to sweat even more thinking of how much of the conversation his wife had heard. She was supposed to be at the grocery store and the kids were with his parents for the night. He had been too busy yelling that he hadn’t heard the car pull up to the house.
“Umm, everything is okay. Just mistakes happening at the office. Everything is okay though. How are you?” asked Joseph. Wiping his forehead and taking a few deep breaths, he had to get his self together or she would keep questioning him about what she thought she heard.
“Just making sure. Did you call your parents and check up on the kids? I know they are spoiling them but just making sure Joey isn’t giving them a hard time about spending time with them. The boy thinks he is so grown already,” said Lovette.
Joseph’s parents adored the children but Lovette tried not to send Joey over as much. They knew about his condition and felt like if they gave him whatever he had wanted, he would behave in their presence.
Lovette had tried to explain to them time and time again that if Joey had taken his medicine the way he was supposed to, he would be no threat to them or anyone else. Although this had been explained to them several times, she could tell that Joseph’s parents were still walking on eggshells around her son.
“The kids are fine. Mom is just cooking her usual large dinner and dad was in the garage showing the kids is tools for the millionth time,” laughed Joseph. Lovette loved her in-laws and felt like they had become more of her actual parents throughout the years. Although, no one could ever replace her own.
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