Color Me Blind (A Divine Love Story Book 1) (30 page)

Jasmine joined in, “The sins of the father.”

Carmen asked, “Meaning?”

Jasmine responded,
“The bible says you reap what you sow.  The world would call it karma.  So look at it this way.  I can’t say as a black person I’m for or against affirmative action.  I understand the purpose and I agree with Damon the playing field is not quite level so it may still be needed.  But no matter what you do karma will one day come for its due.  If you die before you have reaped what you have sown then it falls to your children.  This is why we have to be so careful about what we do and how we treat people.  We can never know the depth or the reach of the ramifications.”

Lucy said, “That’s
food for thought.”

Jasmine added, “
I know y’all aren’t bible readers but there is a story in there that is relevant.  I’ll break it down for y’all.  So you got this couple right, Abraham and Sarah.  God promised them a child even though they were old and her eggs was powdered by this point.  He was in his seventies and she was in like her sixties I believe.”

They laughed.“

The promise took 25 years.  So he didn’t have the promised kid until he was like 100.  During this wait Sarah was like dude this ain’t gon happen so why don’t you go on in there with my hand maiden, Hagar, and put it down one good time so we can get this kid and keep it moving.”

Everyone was tickled by Jasmine’s updated version of the story.

“Then Abraham knocked her up.  The kid, Ishmael, is like twelve now and wifey starts to trip. Abraham bonded with him because he loved his kid.  Then the promise finally comes to past and Isaac is born.  So wifey is like dude, this baby mama of yours is getting on my nerves.  I’m tired of her and her kid clowning my son with all this nonsense.  Put her and the little bastard y’all made out.  He will not be joint heir with my baby.”

Lucy said, “Jasmine you are crazy. The bible does not say that!”

She laughed, “I promise y’all this is how it went down.  So anyways, Abraham is all heartbroken like God, seriously, this is my kid and I love him.  God told him to do what his wife said to do because the promise was in the seed he bore with Sarah not Hagar.  So he put his kid and his baby mama out the house with like a loaf of bread and a bottle of water.  So baby mama is out there in the desert bout to leave the kid to die because she doesn’t want to watch him die once the food and water runs out. But God sent an angel that told her its gon be alright boo. I got you and your kid.  I’m gonna make him great because he is still Abraham’s son.  He will be a great nation.  So you know the Lord provided for her and her kid.”

Blake
said, “Baby you are silly.”

“For real I have a point, just listen.  So like because Abraham did not wait on God for his promise but took matters into his own hands, or rather his own loins Ishmael and Isaac were fighting all throughout the bible and still to this day all that conflict over there in the middle east is Ishmael and Isaac fighting over the birthright land because Ishmael was the first born but Isaac was the promised son.”

Damon said, “Now
that’s
deep.”

Jasmine said, “I’m not saying
it’s right but there are consequences to our actions.  Sometimes it’s just karma coming back around and innocent people get stuck in the cross hairs because no matter how much good you do in the world you cannot stop karma from coming to collect.  Treat people right because your children may have to repay the debt of your sins.”

The doorbell rang interrupting their philosophical discussion.  Blake got up to answer the door.  Alyssa
came in carrying a beautiful three-year old spitting image of herself.  The little girl’s explosion of blonde curls framed her cherub face.

Jasmine said, “Oh my goodness Alyssa she is so beautiful. What’s her name?”

“Her name is Samantha.”

Carmen said, “Please come in and have a seat.”
 

Alyssa obliged and held Samantha in her lap.

Jasmine said, “Well, we brought you here because we wanted to offer you an opportunity.”               

Alyssa looked shocked and confused.
 

Jasmine continued,
“Ahmed absolutely adored you and he wanted us to do something to help give you a leg up in the world.”

“Are you serious,
” Alyssa asked puzzled.

“Yes I am.  The five of us want to offer you a scholarship to go to college.  We will pay for all
your expenses.  We were kinda hoping you would attend somewhere locally because we are turning this place into a bed and breakfast and we were hoping you would run it?”

Alyssa’s mouth fell open.
  They laughed.

Damon added, “I could actually
draw up some specs to add on to the place to give you and Samantha a little more room so you’re not crammed in one room.  That way you have more rooms to rent.”

“Are you guys serious?”

Lucy beamed, “Absolutely.”

Alyssa’s tears fell on their own volition
. 

She said, “I wondered for a while who paid the daycare bill in full for me and now I know.  It was Ahmed wasn’t it?”

Everyone looked to Jasmine. 

“He didn’t want you to know he did it but yeah that was him.”

Alyssa put her head down on the table and silently cried grateful tears.  Carmen got up to stroke her back.  Samantha started crying too.  Carmen reached down and picked her up.  Samantha buried her tiny face in Carmen’s neck as she comforted the little child.

“Don’t cry sweetie.  She’s happy,” Carmen cooed.

Alyssa sat up and wiped her face. 

“Thank you so much and yes I will go locally.  I would love to run this place.  I’ve always wanted a job in hospitality management but with everything I’ve been through I didn’t ever think it was going to happen.”

Blake said, “We are more than happy to help.  You gave us the last precious moments with our friend.  We will never forget that.  We have been very fortunate in our lives.  It is our pleasure to help make your dreams come true.”

“I don’t know how to thank you all.”

Damon said, “Make us some money with this bed and breakfast, shoot.”

Lucy playfully punched him in the arm as they all laughed.
  Samantha had her thumb in her mouth as she asked Carmen what her name was.

Carmen said, “
My name is Carmen.”

Samantha said, “You’re pretty.”

Carmen gushed, “Oh I love her!” 

They laughed.

Carmen took a seat and sat Samantha down in her lap.  Samantha seemed to have taken a liking to her.  She laid her head on Carmen’s bosom.  Carmen never really thought of herself as maternal but this little girl was quickly capturing her heart.  Carmen stroked her hair, kissed her on her head and began to rock her since it was obvious that the little girl was sleepy.

Watching Carmen with the baby stirred something in Damon he wasn’t even aware was in him.  She had never looked more beautiful than she
did holding that adorable kid. He knew he would look back at this instant and know it was the moment he fell in love with Ms. Carmen Sanchez.

Blake hadn’t missed Damon’s react
ion to seeing Carmen holding Samantha.  His boy was beyond smitten.  He knew there was no going back now. 

Blake said, “Well guys me and Jasmine need to head on over to our parent’s house to give them the news about this wedding.” 

He lifted Jasmine’s hand and kissed it.  She was all smiles. 

Alyssa said, “Oh my goodness
!  You guys are getting married? Congratulations!  I wondered about you two.”

Lucy said, “So did everyone else. Just be glad you didn’t have to live through the process.”
 

They all laughed.

As they were headed to dinner at Jasmine’s parent’s house she asked, “So can you see the hand of God working through our tragedy in the lives of so many people?”

He looked over at her and then back at the road. 

“Yeah I can.  Especially with Alyssa
, and that kid is just too cute.”

“She is so
adorable.  For me it was seeing how all of this led Carmen, Lucy and Damon to want to know who God truly is.  That is amazing.  It’s bittersweet though I can see God’s hand moving through our loss of Ahmed.”

He reached for her hand.
 

“You’re right.  Seeing all of this does bring a little comfort and some clarity to seeing the big picture.  Still hurts like hell though.”

“It will for a while.  It might always.” 

Jasmine looked over
at Blake adoringly and said, “That felt amazing to do something like that for someone.” 

He grinned at her, “I know.  I think she is going to do a great job with the B&B.” 

“Me too.  Uh oh, we are almost there. Are you nervous about telling our parents?” 

“Not really.
We know we have half their support with my mom and your dad. I can’t imagine what your mom and my dad could possibly have against it.  I know they’ve had their racial hang ups, but still they can’t deny that this is perfection.” 

“Yeah you’re right.
Clearly this moment has been building for 25 years, but just to play devil’s advocate what do you want to do if we don’t get their blessing?” 

“I’m not going to lie and say that thought hasn’t crossed my mind.”  He reached over,
grabbed her hand and kissed it. “I am not going to let anything or anyone else come between us ever again.  I don’t care who it is.  So Jaz, if they try to stop this we move on with our lives and do what we have to do.” 

She stared at him for a mom
ent knowing he was dead serious.

“Ok
ay baby. I’m with you.” 

He kissed her hand again. 

“That’s good because it’s show time.” 

He pulled into her
parent’s driveway.  He got out and went to open her door. 

As he helped her out of the truck she asked, “Should I hide the ring?” 

He smiled, “Good thinking. We want to pick the right moment to drop this info, but we drop it today no matter what.” 

She laughed and turned it around so the diamond was face
d down.  He grabbed her hand as they walked to the door.

She ra
ng the bell and said, “Uh, don’t you think us holding hands is going to tip them?” 

He laughed and let go but said, “Well
, that glow on your face is screaming I’m in love.” 

She lightly punched him in the shoulder.  Her mom came to the door. 

“Hey y’all. You are just in time because your father is about to drive me crazy trying to eat that peach cobbler.” 

Jasmine
hugged her mom, “Everything smells great mama.” 

Vanessa kissed Blake on the cheek and said, “Come on in
baby. How are you?” 

“I’
m good Mrs. Monroe and yourself?” 

“Oh just fine thank you.
I’m so happy to see you two with smiles on your face.”  She took a moment to stare at Jasmine. “Baby what’s going on with you?” 

Jasmine tried to dim her smile, “What do you mean ma?” 

“You’ve got like this glow. You look really happy.  What am I missing?” 

“Um, nothing
.  Just happy to be here with you guys.” 

Her mother gave her a sideways glare and said, “Mmmm hhhmmm.”

Blake gave her a wink and she concealed her laugh with an awkward cough. 

Her mother looked behind her
at Blake and asked, “And what are you grinning for?” 

He
sobered his face and cleared his throat.

“
You know I’m always happy when I’m eating your food.” 

She rolled her eyes and said, “Cute.”  As she walked away she said, “I know you two are hiding something. 
Y’all have had the same look since y’all were two when you know you did something you ain’t have no business.” 

They
snickered and headed into the dining room where his mom stood up to hug them both. 

“You guys, I’m so happy
y’all are here.  I’m just so grateful to be able to put my arms around both of you.” 

Lis
a had ached for Ahmed’s parents.  She felt so blessed that her two babies were healthy and from the look on their faces, happy.  She wondered, could it be after all this time, they had found their way to each other?  Nothing would make her happier. 

Justin kissed his daughter on the cheek and shook Blake’s hand.  Frank kissed Jasmine’s cheek and hugged his son.  It warmed Jasmine’s heart to see such genuine affection between father and son.  There was so much love in the room she couldn’t wait to break the news
.  She just knew it would only add to all the love and happiness of the moment. 

They each took their seat
s, Justin and Vanessa on each end, Frank and Lisa on one side. Jasmine and Blake sat across from them.  Justin said grace and they began to dig into a honey glazed ham, homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans, and dressing.  There wasn’t much chatter going on as everyone was enjoying Vanessa’s labor of love.  

Justin noticed that Blake and Jasmine were in their own world.  It wasn’t unusual to see them picking off of
each other’s plate, but there was something else there this time.  There was a new kind of intimacy between them, deeper than what they normally shared.  He knew that could only mean one thing. 

Frank was the only parent completely oblivious to what was unfolding before him but that was because his relationship with them was less than a year old.  Vanessa knew they were up to something but
she had no clue what it actually was.  She would never let her mind go where Lisa’s and Justin’s stayed.  That was simply not an option.

Blake and Jasmine were trying very hard to conceal their love for each other.  They wanted to make sure they didn’t spill the beans too soon since they could not
be completely sure how their parents were going to react.  Little did they know they were doing a very poor job.  They looked at each other with such love and affection Stevie Wonder would know they were in love.  A touch here, a glance there, they were once again oblivious to those around them. 

Vanessa had had enough.  T
hat’s when she noticed the silver band on Jasmine’s ring finger.  Her daughter wasn’t one for rings so it caught her attention.  Jasmine was giggling at something Blake whispered to her so she didn’t know she was being watched like a hawk. 

Vanessa
said, “Jasmine sweetie.” 

She came to attention like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie ja
r.

“Yes ma’am?” 

“Can you pass me the green beans please?” 

Relieved that she wasn’t caught Jasmine grabbed the basket with her left
hand and handed it to her mother.  As her mom took the basket she saw a glint of light hit something on the inside of Jasmine’s palm.  She reached for her hand. Realizing her mistake too late Jasmine tried to snatch her hand, but her mom’s grip was no joke. 

“Jasmine
, what is this engagement ring doing on your hand?  Why are you hiding it?” 

Every head popped
up to attention and focused on the mother and daughter who were now staring each other down. 

“Mom, I can explain, can you please let my hand go?” 

“No I cannot. Can you please tell me why you’re wearing an engagement ring and just who are you engaged to?” 

Finally realizing what she had been sensing
Lisa asked, “Blake did you propose to Jasmine?” 

Blake now had the pleasure of being the focus of
four pairs of eyes.

“Mom
, just let us explain.  Yes it’s an engagement ring and yes I did propose but…” 

Vanessa interrupted, “You did what?” 

Jasmine begged, “Mom please let us explain.” 

She replied, “How exactly are you going to explain something that you were
evidently trying to hide.” 

“Mom we were going to tell you guys when it was the right time.” 

“The right time would have been before you came over here trying to intentionally mislead us.” 

“Okay now, let’s just everybody calm down and let the kids talk,” Justin
interjected, always the voice of reason. 

Blake looked to Jasmine’s father first. 

“Pop, I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you first for your permission but it just happened last night.  We came over here to tell you guys today but we wanted to wait until the right moment.” 

He grabbed Jasmine’s hand
and smiled at her. 

“It took us a really long time to figure this out and we didn’t want to waste anymore.” 

Justin nodded his head, “Son, you’ve always had my blessing.  You’re the only man who ever did.” 

Blake visibly relaxed
, but Jasmine was still looking at the scowl on her mother’s face. 

Lisa sprang up, “Oh my goodness, you guys I am so happy.  Finally my prayers have been answered.  Jasmine let me see the ring
!” 

Jasmine could not tear her gaze away from h
er mother’s penetrating stare.  Vanessa stood and threw her napkin down on the table. 

“Jasmine you are making t
he biggest mistake of your life.  You will never have my blessing.  Do you hear me?  Never!  You will not taint my bloodline with his blood.  If you marry that boy I will have nothing else to do with you.” 

Lisa
and Blake were taken aback as Vanessa stormed out.  Justin knew why his wife reacted that way, but that was drama for another day.  Still stunned all eyes turned to Frank who had remained silent throughout the ordeal.  His eyes were sad as he looked back and forth between Jasmine and Blake. 

“I’m so sorry you guys
, but I have to agree with Vanessa.  This is a mistake.  I don’t think you should do this.” 

He stood and headed
towards the front door.

Lisa sat back down in shock and asked, “Now
what exactly just happened here? How did one of the proudest moments of my life turn into this?” 

Jasmine wanted to cry
.  She couldn’t understand how anybody could believe that she and Blake were a mistake after everything they had all been through.  Couldn’t they see how perfect they were or did it all come right back down to black and white? 

Lisa
was so hurt by the words that so cruelly flew out of Vanessa’s mouth.  She thought they were friends. 

She gathered her strength and said
, “Let me go find out what stick your father has up his butt now.”  She kissed both of them on their cheeks and said, “I am so happy for you two.  We will figure this out, I promise.”                           

Blake was
hot. How dare her mother look at him with such disgust? He had never been anything but good to her daughter.  His dad’s reaction didn’t shock him as much as it hurt him. 

He thought they were past this
, but at least he didn’t look at them like the sight of them made him sick.  Or was the way he looked at them worse? He looked at them like he pitied them.  Neither of them had said a word since her mother’s outburst.  Justin stood and put his hands on both their shoulders. 

“You kids listen here.
You two deserve to be happy and you will always have my support.  You can’t live your life for other people.  If you two want to be married then I say do what your heart is telling you to do.  They will come around eventually.  Even if they don’t you two will always have each other.” 

Jasmine asked teary eyed, “But daddy why?” 

“Baby girl, that’s your mom’s burden to tell you when she’s ready, as far as Frank, well I suspect he carries a heavy load too, but it’s up to them to deal with it.  It’s not your problem and don’t you let their burdens stop you from living your life.” 

She wiped her eyes but nodded. 

He said, “Blake, you’re a good man.  I would be proud to have you as a son.  Y’all go on home now and let me do damage control.  You can come back when cooler heads prevail.  We can discuss all of this then.”

Jasmine stood and hugged her daddy.  H
is heart ached for both of them. He knew it wasn’t the ideal way to start their life together, but he trusted that God would make a way.  God clearly had His hands on the situation if the two of them had finally realized they were soul mates. 

He knew they would always face opposition because
of their skin color but that was the world they lived in.  It didn’t bother him one bit.  Blake hugged him too and then he took Jasmine’s hand and led her out to his truck.