Page 26 of Five Goodbyes

Two hours fly by far too fast, and before I can even blink, we’re departing the yacht.

“Do your parents dance?” I ask Jasmine.

“I’ve never seen them do it outside of weddings. Why? What are you thinking?”

“We should take them downtown. We can go to Mora’s favorite place.”

“Yes!” Jasmine cheers.

“What?” Smoke pops up from the shadows.

“We’re going dancing. Mora’s club. You guys up for it?”

“Hell yes we are. My woman needs a good night out on the town as much as I do.”

“Your woman?” Amira pops in from the shadows herself. These two are spooky sometimes.

“Ahhh . . . come on. You know what I mean,” Smoke says.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen him even remotely remorseful, and it’s all based on the way he’s referring to his wife. I’m taking mental note of this, and without question will use it as ammunition against him later. Her parents agree to the fun new adventure, and we’re once again off and running.

We drive down to the club where Mora used to go often, and I’ve been enough for the owner and many of the patrons to know me. It’s still early in the evening, so it isn’t packed, but the live music is already warmed up, and now playing dance music.

“I don’t know what’s better. Your parents getting lessons from locals, and actually looking like they’re enjoying it, your brother trying not to drool over all of these women passing him around like a new toy, or the supermodel couple of Smoke and Amira being in their own world. Look at them acting like no one else is around them. If I didn’t know better I’d think they’re ready to strip right here and put on a different kind of dance.”

Jasmine looks out at her family. “I think you’ve summed it up pretty good. We may never see my brother again after tonight. He’ll probably be engaged and married by the end of the week.”

We both laugh as the music cascades through us. I’m better than average, and can move Jasmine around the floor to the point it’s almost a trance. The lights become fluid, our bodies intertwine in perfect harmony, and the world fades. Our connection is second to none.

As the music stops, and we come out of our dream for a breath of air, I notice Jasmine’s parents at the bar, watching us and smiling. We walk to them, our breath working hard to come down, before Jasmine looks at her parents questioningly.

“What’s going on?” she asks.

“We were just saying we never would’ve imagined anyone leading you, in anything. It’s nice to see such a good man has found a way to do just that,” Mrs. Anderson says.

I’m expecting a confident response about not being led by any man but am surprised when Jasmine speaks. “Yes, I’ll follow this man anywhere he wants to take me.”

Mr. Anderson takes a step forward, looks me in the eyes, gives a quick nod, and then wraps his arms around me before saying loud enough for his wife and Jasmine to hear, “welcome to the family, and good luck. You’re in for one hell of a life.”

I don’t know why but the three of them start laughing. They can see my confusion but each of them turn their heads from side-to-side, letting me know their fit has nothing to do with me. It’s some internal Anderson joke.

Jasmine leans against me. “It’s a running joke in our huge family. When my grandpa finds out I’m in a serious relationship it’s going to turn our lives upside down and sideways. Be ready to discuss having twenty children and moving next door to him.”

The family starts laughing again, and I can only smile because I’m not in on the joke. I stand by awkwardly and wait for the moment to pass.

“Don’t worry, my beautiful man, we’ll have lots and lots of practice before I’m ready to get pregnant. This morning was just the start of that practice, wait to see what happens when we get home tonight,” Jasmine whispers in my ear.

I pull her back to the dance floor. More to avoid her parents seeing the bulge in my pants than to dance. This woman really is going to be my undoing, and I’m loving every second of it.

Chapter Nine

The sun has barely risen when I wake, the first light of morning filtering through the curtains and casting a warm, golden glow across the room. I stir, my brain having a difficult time registering I’m in my own bed, and even more importantly, Jasmine isn’t lying next to me.

Jasmine's parents, Lucas and Amy, along with her younger brother, Isaiah, all enjoyed our whirlwind night of salsa dancing, laughter, and animated conversation that brought us closer together. Today, I've planned the ultimate boys' trip for Lucas, Isaiah, and myself, while Jasmine and her mother are going to embark on a shopping spree.

I take a brisk shower and dress in my favorite pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt, eager to start the day. As I step outside, I’m pleased to see the sun shining brightly, casting a brilliant light across the clouds. The sky’s a vibrant blue, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of the ocean over me, promising a beautiful day ahead. I smile as I make my way to Jasmine's condo, excited for the opportunity to spend time with her family . . . and hopefully win them over so much they’ll be more than pleased to add me to their family.

When I arrive, Jasmine’s in the kitchen, expertly flipping pancakes. Her dark curls are piled atop her head, and she looks radiant, even in her casual morning clothes. The tantalizing aroma of bacon and eggs fills the air, and my stomach growls in anticipation.

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