Page 97 of Tempted

She must have drifted off because the next thing she knew, the vehicle had stopped and they were stopped in front of building that resembled a log cabin. “What is this?” she asked shaking the remaining remnants of sleep away.

“Come inside with us.” Danny held the car door open for her.

Jasmine hesitated for a moment and finally gave in. Why the hell not? She was here. After waking Star, Jasmine wobbled out of the car. That incredible pressure in her stomach was a bit more intense, but it wasn’t painful. She gave her belly a little pat. These next two weeks in the home stretch would definitely be interesting.

Once inside, Jasmine frowned. It looked like an office building upon first appearance. Then she was lead further down the hall and taken to a room that looked like a little chapel. Standing inside was Victor in a tuxedo. It was on the tip of her tongue to read him the riot act as she’d intended but then she noticed he was surrounded by the rest of the Meade clan and they were all dressed to the nines. A man in a black robe holding a bible stood with them, a judge she presumed.

“Jasmine! Star!” Chelsea ran to them and gave them each a hug in turn.

Jasmine absently hugged the child back but her gaze was on Victor. “What is this?”

Victor walked forward and took her hand, leading her down the aisle. “Don’t be mad at Danny. He was doing me a favor, plus an extra witness for our wedding won’t hurt.”

“Oh,” she answered for lack of anything better to say. After a few seconds however his words sunk in. “What? Our wedding? Are you insane? We can’t get married! I’m already….”

Victor raised a brow with a smile. “Engaged? I don’t think so. Actually I talked to Jason earlier today and he made it quite clear the engagement is off. You my dear, have been jilted.”

Her mouth fell open. “What are you talking about? I just had dinner with Jason. I….he would have told me,” she felt lamely. She thought he seemed a little different tonight, sad even but she’d been too caught up in her own good news she hadn’t really dug too deep. Did Jason finally realize that he wanted more than a wife who could probably never love him back? Her heart hurt for him. But she didn’t have time to dwell on it because for some reason Victor thought she would marry him.

“Victor, you are insane if you think I’d even consider marrying you after you pulled off this crazy scheme, scaring me and Star half to death? I could ring your neck.”

Victor took her hands in his. “No. I expect you to marry me because you love me too.” When she would have protested, he placed his finger over her lips. “You’re right Jasmine. I’m insane. Insane with love for you. I’ve probably loved you from the moment I first saw you and I didn’t recognize it because I didn’t really know what love was until you taught me. Kicking you out of my life was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done and I’ll live in regret of that moment for the rest of my life but I hope you can see your way to forgiving me and giving us a chance. I may be a successful man by most people’s standards but none of my worldly possessions mean a thing without you in my life. Because I know the material things don’t matter to you, I offer you my heart, body and soul. I promise to make you happy for the rest of our lives. And I’ll be a good father to Star. A wise man once told me, if I love you I’d fight for you. And I won’t stop fighting for you and us, Jasmine because I do love you.”

Jasmine was at a loss for words. She’d come inside with every intention of telling him off but after this? Well….hell.

“Before you say yes or no, the rest of the gang would like to say something to you first.” Victor backed off and Madeline came forward and gave Jasmine a big hug. “Nothing would make me happier than if you were agree to marry Victor. You are like the daughter I’ve never had and it would be my honor for you to call me Mom and for Star to call me Grandma. I already love you like a daughter, Jasmine. Please put my son out of his misery and make it official.” Madeline kissed Jasmine on the cheek and gave her another hug before stepping away.

Adam moved forward. “Jasmine. You gave Tyler, Chelsea and me our Dad back and I can’t thank you enough for that. Plus, you don’t judge me and you treat me like an adult instead of a little kid. I appreciate that and knowing how happy you’ve made Dad makes me happy. I’d be very pleased if you’d marry dad and join our family. And plus, my new little brother is going to need Tyler and me to show him the ropes. And Chelsea is foaming at the mouth to have Star as her sister.” He gave her a shy grin offering her a glimpse of the future to the handsome man he’d become.

Tear pricked the back of Jasmine’s eyes and she sniffed. If this wasn’t an ambush she didn’t know what was. But dammit it was working.

It was Tyler’s turn next. “Jasmine, you’re the coolest nanny we’ve ever had. But I don’t want a nanny anymore. I want a mom. You.” He turned bright red as he shuffled his feet looking a little uncomfortable to express his emotions.

This time the tears did fall. “Oh Tyler.” She pulled him into her arms and gave him a kiss on top of the head.

“My turn.” Chelsea tapped her foot impatiently waiting for Tyler and Jasmine to break apart before wrapping her own arms around Jasmine’s midsection. “I love you Jasmine. And I don’t ever want you to go away again. It made me really sad when you left and I prayed every night you’d come back to us. Please be my mommy so we can be a family. And you, Star and the baby can live with us forever and ever.”

There was no denying that she loved the Meades but did she dare open her heart at the risk of getting hurt again? Her gaze cut across the room and fell on Victor. He looked so anxious and worried and she realized how much she did love him. Victor was nothing like Phillip. Oh, she knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy but being here with him and the family felt right.

She looked down at Star who seemed so peaceful. “What do you think sweetheart? Should I marry him?”

Star nodded.

Jasmine looked at Victor a sense of joy swelling her heart. It was as if a big weight had been lifted off her shoulder. She loved this man and he loved her. And he was indeed well worth the risk.

“So what do you say, Jasmine?” Victor with a smile on his face.

“Say yes!” the Meade children chimed in simultaneously.

“I….” Jasmine frowned. “There’s only one problem.”

“What?” Victor asked.

“My water just broke.”

---