Page 40 of Five Goodbyes

Rick and James laugh with us as we make our way through the city. The sun is high in the sky and I love finding myself surrounded by some of my closest friends. Smoke is a force to be reckoned with, and I respect him. I’m glad he’s on my side. I’d hate like hell to be his enemy. Rick and James are not only men I work with, but men I call friends, and that is something that means a lot to me. Them saving me is just one more reason why.

This is my last week as a single man. Well, I’m not exactly single, but my last week as an unmarried man. I have zero fears about marrying Jasmine. She’s my other half. I don’t mind a final few days of a bacheloresque life though. There are no other men I’d rather do it with. A new chapter in my life is coming, and I’m more than ready for it . . . just as soon as the damn wedding planning is over and done with.

The vehicle stops and we step out at a beachside marina. Smoke, always a man who goes above and beyond, has arranged for us to go flyboarding. I’ve always wanted to do this, and I’m more than eager to get started.

What can get better than riding the waves, white surf trailing behind you? I’ve researched it and know I’m going to end up faceplanting in the water, but pain and embarrassment is much preferred over sampling wedding cakes. I’ll soar through the air any day of the week over choosing different shades of pink.

We get through the introductions, and soon we’re strapping on the futuristic jet boots, anticipation crackling in the warm ocean breeze. I feel both a mix of exhilaration, and nerves, though I won’t admit the latter.

Smoke goes first, and surprise of all surprises, the man gets up on the first try, and makes the entire thing look easy. We cheer him on as he floats above us, his teeth gleaming as he laughs with joy, his joy infectious.

Rick goes next, and I feel better about my turn next, because my friend spends more time falling back into the water than up in the air. He doesn’t quit laughing though, each time he gets back up.

I go next and it takes three tries, but then I’m soaring above the ocean, the sensation of flying awakening all of my senses, and giving me a feeling of freedom unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. My time ends, and I’m bummed to hand over the reins to James.

James falls a few times, but he finally gets up and his laughter can be heard all of the way back to the shore. We’re all a little bummed when our adrenaline-fueled session on the water ends. But the day is only just beginning.

We jump back into the limo, and make our way to the newly renovated LoanDepot Park, eager to watch the game as the daylight begins to draw to a close. There’s nothing like baseball beneath the stars.

We get our seats right behind home plate. I don’t even bother asking Smoke how we have the best seats in the house because I’ll never figure out how this family does anything they do. Again, I’m just grateful to be a part of the pack and not on the outside looking in.

We get our beer, popcorn, hotdogs, and . . . more beer. We’re all laughing and yelling, cheering, and relaxing as the Marlins take on the Dodgers, kicking their asses.

The crowd erupts in a cheer as the Marlins hit a home run, and Smoke, James, Rick, and I all rise to our feet, raising our cups of beer high as we cheer on the home team. We’re all more than a bit tipsy as the game draws to a close.

We make our way out of the stadium, still flying high because our night is far from over. James is our musical enthusiast of the group and has planned the end of our evening. We arrive at a well-known dimly lit jazz bar where we can hear melodies coming from before we enter the doors.

As soon as we step inside, I feel at home. This is one of my favorite places when I want good food, drink, conversation, and the best music. The ambiance of the place is captivating and a perfect way to end our night. If this is just a boys night out, I can’t imagine what they have planned for my actual bachelor party.

We get settled into a corner booth, and soon clink our glasses of bourbon as we indulge in the sounds of rhythm and blues. Our conversation flows with a blend of laughter, advice, and heartfelt wishes for my upcoming marriage.

Everyone in this group loves Jasmine. There will be no warnings of sky rocketing divorce rates, or the uncertainty of marriage in an ever-changing world. No, this group still believes in love and marriage, and they believe in Jasmine and me. That’s why they’re my friends, that’s why there are no other men I’d rather be with right now.

I listen as they share stories of their own relationships, and I take their advice. I might think I know everything, but I’m well aware I’m setting off on a new adventure I know nothing about. If one piece of advice from any of them can help me be a better husband to Jasmine, then I’ll gladly listen.

As our evening wraps up, and the last notes of the fantastic musicians fade, we rise and exit the bar, my heart and soul filled to overflowing. This has been exactly what I’ve needed after a lot of stress and a warp speed momentum with the woman I love.

We walk outside, the air still warm, the stars bright. With the week leading up to my wedding now stretching before me, I can appreciate these moments. They won’t end when I say my vows, but I’m also well aware that I like being with my bride-to-be. I like our quiet nights at home. There will be less moments with the guys . . . and I’m more than okay with that. It will make me appreciate these times we’re together that much more.

The men have helped guide me through my life, both the good times and bad. They’ve been at my side, and they always will be, just as I’ll be at theirs. Everyone needs a support system, and I’m not too prideful to admit I’m grateful for mine.

We continue walking, a pleasant fatigue rolling through me from our long day of adventure. I find Smoke and I trailing behind Rick and James as we chat. Smoke, a man larger than life, turns and gives me an almost gentle smile, something I don’t often see from this man who’s known to make men shake in their boots. There’s a gleam in his eyes filled with contentment.

“Hunter, marriage has utterly changed my life in ways I never could’ve imagined possible. Getting married is like discovering a whole new dimension of love, understanding, respect, companionship, and friendship we never knew was possible until we found the one,” he says, his voice filled with depth and reflection.

I listen, knowing he’ll say this once and be done. There’s no doubt I’m receiving a rare gift from this man. “I’ll take any advice you have to give,” I tell him, meaning the words.

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze fixed ahead as we keep moving along the semi crowded sidewalk. “Before I met Amira I thought my life was complete, that I had the entire world figured out,” he says. “The truth is, though, that she’s brought a kind of happiness into my life I had no idea existed before her. Then, when we had our precious daughter, man, my world changed again. I’m a large man, and suddenly I’m holding this tiny, fragile little bundle, knowing I’ll give my very last breath to give her the sun, the moon, and the stars. I’m still terrified I’ll screw it up. Her mother and I are responsible for shaping this child, for showing her the world, and teaching her right and wrong. I’ve been through hell and back. I want to make sure she never has to see the dark side.” He pauses, a smile tugging on the corner of his lips.

“My world would be pointless without them, Hunter. They are my everything. My wife looks at me and I melt. My daughter looks at me with her innocent eyes, and I’m putty at her feet. I’ve always had a big heart as I’m a large man but being with Amira, and having a child, has shown me how big of a heart I truly can have, because it’s expanded to the point of bursting. I’ve become the best version possible of myself, and it’s all because of the two of them.”

I nod at him, believing all he’s saying, and touched he’s giving me this gift. “There’s no doubt I feel this same way about Jasmine. I can’t even imagine the joy I’ll feel when I hold our child in my arms for the first time. Jasmine’s a gift,” I say, almost panicked at the thought of protecting a child made by Jasmine and me. What a responsibility. Am I ready for it? It doesn’t matter if I am or not, because I will do anything to be with Jasmine, and the thought of a growing family might scare me, but it fills me with far more joy than fear.

Smoke chuckles. “Marriage isn’t always easy, and it certainly requires effort, compromise, and a heck of a lot of patience. There are both ups and downs. There are times you will even disagree with each other. None of that matters in the end though, because if you really love one another you can get through it all. And when you do remember how much you love each other, then you don’t want to fight. You want to find common ground, and you want to do all you can to make your partner smile. I love my wife, therefore, I’m willing to walk through lava for her. At the end of the day, it really is that simple. The fights that are bound to happen can be short and resolved. When you love another person with all of your soul, there’s nothing you can’t achieve together. Never give up, and you can have eternity together.”

I’m shocked at the depth this man has thought about marriage and love. Smoke is tough, the strongest man I’ve ever known, but the man has a heart the size of Texas. He might be scary to his enemies, but he really is a teddy bear on the inside, just like Jasmine always says he is. I’m not so foolish as to point this out to him. He might be a teddy bear with Jasmine, but if I say it, there’s no doubt I’ll end up in a garbage can just so he can show me how tough he is.

“I’m glad to have you as a friend and example, Smoke,” I tell him.

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