Take Care of Me

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  Nick and Jasmine sat on the sofa together talking about wedding plans. “How big of a wedding do you want?” Nick asked. He wasn’t worried about the expense, but worried more about whether or not Stacey would be well enough to attend.

  Jasmine shrugged, “It doesn’t really matter to me.  I just want to be married to you.” Nick was doubtful. “Seriously?”

  “Believe it or not Nick; I don’t like being the center of attention. I’m good at it for work purposes, but personally I don’t like it.” Jasmine stated quietly.

  Nick said, “You never cease to amaze me.  I was braced for a big blow out.”

  Jasmine chuckled softly, “Well the fact that you were braced lets me know what kind of wedding you don’t want.”

  “Yeah”, Nick gave a self-deprecating laugh, “I think Stacey and Stefan had it perfect; just small enough to get it done.  I’m not particularly religious like they are so if you just wanted to do the justice of the peace that was fine by me.”

  Jasmine said, “Well I would like to have it at my mother’s church.  You do have to think about appeasing your mother in law you know.”

  Nick smiled.  “I didn’t know Monica had forgiven me for breaking up with you before.” Jasmine laughed, “She hasn’t, but this ring will seriously thaw her out.”

  Nick pulled her hand into his, “So you like it?” Jasmine smiled, “I love it, but not as much as I love you.”

  The ring was exquisite. It was a solitaire 2 carat and it had a platinum wedding band encrusted with smaller diamonds.  But it couldn’t compare to the beauty of Jasmine. She was glowing.

  Nick kissed her palm and he felt the heat between them ignite. He loathed putting the passion on hold, but he wanted to get the wedding discussion over with. “So, we need to pick a date, how soon do you want to get married?”

  Jasmine joked, “As soon as possible so you don’t change your mind.”

  Nick pulled her closer, “I’m not changing my mind. I want to share my life with you.  I know I haven’t given you reason to believe that, but I’ll spend the rest of my life showing that to you.”

  Jasmine sighed, “Well I guess the question is whether or not we wait for Stacey to be released from the hospital.”

  Nick was worried this was a test he needed to pass so he kept silent. Jasmine continued, “I know that you love her, but I also know that you’re not in love with her like you’re in love with me. I finally understand that. And I have come to know her and like her. She really wants what’s best for you.  I am sorry that I spent so much time and energy being jealous of her. I just have never had that kind of relationship with anyone, especially with someone of the opposite sex. I still have a hard time believing men and women can be just friends. I think you two are the exception to the rule.”

  Nick laughed. “You are the one who is exceptional. I was worried that you would get upset that I wanted to include Stacey. I want this day to be about you, me and our love. But I want to share that with those that are closest to us and for me that’s Stacey.  If I had a doubt about marrying you before, you have now erased that doubt.  I love you.”

  He lowered his head and kissed Jasmine. It was a sweet kiss that quickly became heated. She moaned into his mouth as he slid his tongue inside hers, tasting the wine that she had been sipping. He felt intoxicated. She really was his perfect match.