Page 99 of Tempted

“Mom said she was just fine. She and Chelsea are having a ball. They should be here soon. Visiting hours start in about fifteen minutes so we should probably get the little fella burped and changed. It looks like he’s finished,” Victor noted the baby looked as if he was falling asleep.

“Good idea.” She gently pulled the baby away from her breast and adjusted her gown. Jasmine placed the baby over her shoulder and rubbed his back. After a few minutes, the infant let out a loud man-sized belch.

Victor chuckled. “That’s my boy.”

“Do you mind changing him?”

Victor carefully took his son away from Jasmine. “Not at all. I’ll need the practice.”

Jasmine flopped back against her pillow. I must look a mess. I should probably freshen up before the family arrives.”

“Why don’t you do that? Baby and I will be just fine.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss. Victor was going to enjoy being married to Jasmine.

* * *

Jasmine hurried through her shower eager to get back to her husband and son. It was still strange to refer to Victor as her husband. She looked at her wedding ring and the huge diamond engagement ring he’d gifted her with when they exchanged vows. It was even bigger than the diamond Jason had given her. It was seemed a bit too huge for her small hand. But knowing Victor it was probably a matter of pride for him to give her such an enormous rock. It was nothing compared to the huge diamond and emerald necklace he’d presented to her this morning. She’d have to tell him to stop lavishing her with expensive gifts though she doubted he’d listen.

She sighed with contentment as she finished getting dressed. Who would have thought her life would be so irrevocably changed from a chance meeting with two little hellions in the park. The last year and a half was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs which ended in the most wonderful experience. Jasmine didn’t want to change a thing about it. She’d learned so much about herself and realized how strong she actually was. One of the most valuable lessons she’d learned was how to trust and that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness. From this day forward, she’d never have to walk alone again.

Some people moved through the world without any human contact, compassion or love but when they stopped for a moment and let themselves feel, it was amazing what happened when people collided.

She had five wonderful children, the mother in law of any new bride’s dreams and a husband she loved to distraction. She couldn’t wait for the rest of her life!

A smile tilted her lips as she walked back into the room and halted when she saw an unexpected visitor. She quickly glanced at Victor who seemed relaxed under the circumstances. The baby and his little bed were gone.

“Victor where’s the baby?”

“The nurse took him to run a couple of standard tests. They’ll bring him back shortly. I was just waiting for you until you finished your shower. I’ll go downstairs for some coffee so you two can talk in private.” He walked over to her and gave her a light kiss on the lips. Her heart did somersaults at the contact of their lips. She loved him so much.

When he left the room, she was alone with her guest. “Jason. I…I didn’t expect to see you here.” A wave of guilt rolled through her. After the events of last night, she hadn’t given him much thought, and this was the man she’d contemplated marrying. Seeing him now and finally being honest with herself about Victor,Jasmine knew she’d made the right decision.

“I was hoping you weren’t upset with me for my part in this kidnapping but I see everything worked out for the best.” There was an edge of bitterness in his voice that wrenched her heart. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. Jason had been a shoulder for her to lean on when she’d most needed it and it tore her apart to see him this way.

“No. And I thank you so much for what you’ve done. I have something for you.” Jasmine walked over to the stand beside her bed and picked up the ring he’d given her. She handed it over.

Jason shook his head. “No. You keep it. There’s nothing I can do with it now.”

“You could pawn it.”

“I don’t need the money. Take the diamond out and have it made into another piece of jewelry. Consider it my wedding gift to you.”

Tears welled in her eyes. Jasmine felt incredibly guilty to feel so much joy in the wake of Jason’s pain. “I’m so sorry. I do love you but not in the way you want me to.”

He nodded. “I know. I probably knew all along but I was hoping. When I saw the two of you together though, I knew I was fighting a losing battle. Don’t cry Jasmine, I’ll be alright. I just want you to be happy.”

His well wishes sent her over the edge. Jasmine burst into tears. Jason pulled her into arms and let her cry it out. He was such a good friend to her and she didn’t want to lose him as a friend. She didn’t know if Victor would be okay with it though and if she had to choose, she’d choose her family.

Jason stroked the back of her head. “It’s okay. We’ll always be friends.”

She sniffed as she looked up at him. “Really? Do you mean it? You won’t disappear off the face of the Earth?”

“A real friend wouldn’t do that. I know you chose the best man for you, Jasmine but I’ll always love you.”

“Jason, you’re a great guy and I know you’ll find a woman who’ll be crazy for you. I’m just sorry I’m not that girl.”

“I know.” He hugged her close before dropping a light kiss on her lips. “I’ll always be here for you if you need me.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” They held each other close as the tears coursed freely down her face.

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