Forsaking All Others (9 page)

Taking a firm hold of his hand, Jessica got to her feet. “By all means.”

Weston let go of Jessica's hand and then reached into his pants pocket. After pulling out a purple velvet jewelry box, he handed it to her. “Merry Christmas, Jess.”

Jessica was scared to open the box. Her hands trembled badly when she finally did so. She gasped at the beautiful platinum band, simple yet delicately elegant. “Gorgeous! I love it. Thank you.”

Weston took the ring from her hand. “Before I place this on your finger, please read the engraved inscription.”

Jessica fulfilled his request. “Weston loves Jessica,” she read aloud. Then she saw the date, the date of their very first kiss; the one under the mistletoe. Tears sprang to her eyes. “Jessica loves Weston, too. I'll cherish this ring always.”

“I know that. You're a very appreciative person. The ring is my promise to love you the way you deserve.”

Just as the couple fell into a warm embrace, their tears mingling, “Tonight” by Kem softly strummed the air, causing a ring of fire to encompass Jessica's very being. “Tonight” was a beautiful song, seductive and sweet, one that she loved. The lyrics spoke to all the goodness that was happening for them.

As Jessica and Weston joined the others for dessert, they boldly held hands. There were no benefits in hiding their feelings. Everyone had drawn their own conclusions anyway. All eyes were on the attractive couple as they strolled into the main dining room.

The two fathers beamed from head to toe, hopeful that their lifelong dream would come true. Both mothers were extremely proud of their children and loved them no matter what, together or apart. All Sahara and Sandra wanted was happy kids.

Jennifer knew the real deal. Jessica and Weston knew it, too. Their love for each other was as explosive and recognizable as Fourth of July fireworks. Love wasn't supposed to be hidden. If the couple thought their love wasn't obvious, they couldn't see what both Jennifer and Samuel saw.

Samuel had already asked Jennifer if Jessica and Weston were in love. When she only shrugged, he didn't press the issue. He later told her he thought they were crazy in love with each other.

Jessica kissed both her parents and then hugged Jennifer and Samuel. She wired broad smiles to Sandra and Jacque. Weston repeated everything his lady did, giving his mother an extra-special greeting. He was a mama's boy and he didn't care who knew it. Being the apple of Sandra's eye wasn't anything to be ashamed of. It had never interfered with his fiercely tough-boy persona or his independence.

Sandra and Jacque had taught Weston about love, respect for women and also the importance of showing compassion. His mother had also taught him how to get and stay in touch with his spirit.

Once the waitress reappeared, the gentlemen let the women order first. There wasn't a shortage on dessert choices. Cheese, carrot and red velvet cakes were offered on the menu, along with apple, sweet-potato and pecan pies. Jennifer loved red velvet cake. Jessica opted for a generous slice of sweet-potato pie, one of her favorites. Roman, Samuel and Jacque ordered double slices of pecan pie. Weston had a taste for apple pie à la mode, also one of his favorites.

The band began playing just as the waitress left the table. According to the advertisement about the entertainment, the band played the top forty and seventies music. Most of the band members appeared to be in their early fifties. The choice in music was understandable. One female vocalist was featured and she looked to be around the same age as the guys. The Harrington and Chamberlain offspring had grown up on the music from that era. Their parents still listened to seventies music.

While the group waited for the waitress to return, they began rehashing all the wonderful times they had had so far. Roman thought it was a good time to make a decision about where to spend the next holiday, Easter. Several suggestions were thrown out, but a trip to the Caribbean was the most appealing. Although Weston and Jessica weren't able to fully commit, they promised to check their calendars. Weston had been mentally making plans to visit L.A. as soon as possible.

“Well,” Jennifer voiced softly, “Sam and I can't commit, either. If we're assessing things right, I'll be too far along to travel long distances.” Then Samuel leaned in to his wife and gave her a very passionate kiss.

Roman looked puzzled. “Too far along? What does that mean?”

As they smiled brightly at each other, Jennifer's and Samuel's eyes connected soulfully. “We're pregnant,” they said in unison.

Roman, Sahara and Jessica appeared to be in a state of shock, but the others were already shouting out their heartfelt congratulations.

Tears ran down Sahara's face and Roman was also an emotional mess. Jessica was the first to hug her sister and brother-in-law, blubbering out her tearful congrats. Jessica couldn't wait to become an aunt. Throwing Jennifer a baby shower had already crossed her mind.

The swelling-with-pride grandparents were next in line to embrace the happily expecting couple. Roman and Sahara thanked Jennifer and Samuel for making them the happiest grandparents ever. They had often prayed for Jennifer and Samuel to have babies before they themselves were too old and feeble to enjoy grandkids.

After much probing by Roman, he learned that Jennifer was only a couple of months pregnant, her abdomen still as flat as a pancake. Jennifer and Samuel had purposely waited for the trip to reveal the surprise.

The couple had actually planned to wait until New Year's Day to break the news, but Jennifer had gotten antsy about sharing the joy with her family. Once they returned to California, Samuel and Jennifer planned to tell Bob and Devera, Samuel's parents, over a special dinner. It hadn't been easy for Jennifer or Samuel to keep the secret under wraps.

The waitress hadn't returned a minute too soon. With all the hoopla that had taken place earlier, it would've been hard to get everyone's attention. Once the desserts were passed out, the waitress quickly moved on.

On behalf of the group, Weston proposed a special toast to Jennifer and Samuel.

Back at the town house Sahara brewed up both coffee and tea. Jacque had taken care of selecting the holiday music and Roman was busy fixing nightcaps. For all the activities the group had indulged in, from the start of the day, it was still only a few minutes after ten.

Once coffee and tea were served, the families planned to open a couple of presents and continue with the good times. The Christmas Day dinner wasn't scheduled until 3:00 p.m., but breakfast was to be served at 8:00 a.m. After the morning fanfare was out of the way, everyone would help prepare the special holiday meal, a family affair in every sense of the word.

As Jessica helped out her mother in the kitchen, Sahara suddenly spotted the platinum ring on her daughter's left hand.

Jessica instantly recognized the look of surprise on her mother's face. She had zeroed in on the ring. Earlier she'd thought of hiding it away inside her purse, but she didn't want to hurt Weston's feelings. She should've talked it over with him. It might've helped her prepare for what was occurring right now.

“Gorgeous ring! Christmas present for yourself?”

Smiling halfheartedly, Jessica tried to still her jumpy nerves. “What do you think, Mom? Really?”

Sahara shrugged. “No clue. Your comments have me wondering. A gift from Wes?”

“Could we not make a big deal of it?”

“Wasn't aware I was doing that. Why do you insist on being so secretive? You both told us about your romantic liaison. No one is pressuring you.”

“It's a gift from Wes, Mom. A friendship token he calls a promise ring.”

“Can I take a closer look?”

“Are you asking me to take it off?”

“If you don't mind.”

Jessica reluctantly took off the ring and handed it to Sahara. She didn't see the point, though. Just to get it over and done with she indulged her loving but nosy mom.

Sahara examined the ring closely, impressed by the exquisite, ornate workmanship. As she handed it back to Jessica, she saw the inscription. Instead of reading it, which would've been rude, she handed it over. “Very beautiful. Looks like he had it specially made.”

Jessica leveled a questioning eye on her mother. “Why do you say that?”

“It doesn't look like it came from a jewelry store chain. Not to me.”

“You saw the inscription, didn't you?”

Sahara shrugged with nonchalance. “I didn't read it. I'm not that insensitive, though you probably think otherwise.”

“No big deal, Mom. Can we just let it go?”

“Of course, Jess. The evening has been wonderful so far, don't you think?”

“Couldn't ask for a better time.” After a moment's silence, Jessica sighed hard. “It
is
a big deal! I need to stop pretending otherwise. Mind if I ask for some motherly advice?”

“I'd be hurt if you sought it elsewhere. What's on your mind?”

“This relationship with Wes. I'm in love with him. He says he's in love with me. We are so into each other. I'm scared. No. I'm terrified.”

“Of what?”

“Of what's going to happen when we leave here.” Jessica moaned. “We only live on opposite ends of the world!”

Jessica went on to explain to Sahara how apprehensive she felt about a long-distance relationship. The travel alone would eventually wear their patience thin. Phone calls and e-mails would grow tedious sooner rather than later. “I couldn't bear it if he ends up getting tired of traveling—and tired of me.”

“You just said he loves you. True love never grows weary. I don't think you're giving yourself or Wes enough credit for being strong. Don't sabotage your happiness, Jessica. Give it a chance before stamping a moratorium on it.”

Jessica nodded. “I'll try to keep a positive outlook, but I'm still scared. I guess we'd better join the others before they think we passed out in here.”

Sahara laughed. “We
have
been in here a while.” Sahara brought Jessica into her warm embrace. “You'll be fine, honey. Trust in your feelings for Wes. I'm sure he plans to trust in his.”

“Thanks, Mom. Glad I stopped being secretive long enough to share my fears. Jen and I are so blessed to have you for our mom.”

“Our family is blessed to have each other. Dad and I are so proud of our girls. And just think. You'll soon be a sweet auntie and Dad and I'll be doting grandparents. How awesome is that?”

“Extremely awesome,” Roman said from the doorway. “Are my two girls doing okay in here? Jen and I were getting worried.”

“Girl talk, Dad. We're on our way out. Want to help carry some of this stuff?”

Roman gave both his ladies a warm hug before leaping into action.

Weston couldn't quite figure out if Jessica was avoiding him purposely or not. She hadn't said a thing to him since she'd come out of the kitchen nearly thirty minutes ago. What was up with that? She actually had him second-guessing his purchase and then presentation of the promise ring. She had seemed thrilled about it earlier. Now he wasn't so sure. Something had put a damper on her effervescent mood. If it wasn't the ring, he just didn't know.

Jessica hadn't come to him, but Weston had to ask himself what stopped him from going to her. Rejection was a pretty good reason for staying put. But there was no reason for her to reject him. He didn't think it was healthy to start speculating. The only way to know for sure was to ask her. With that settled in his mind, he got up and walked over to where she was seated on the floor close to Jennifer.

As Jessica reached up and took hold of Weston's hand, he sighed with relief and dropped down next to her.

“I missed you,” she whispered. “We've been selfish all evening so I thought I should spend a little time with the others. Hope you don't mind.”

Jessica had no idea how much Weston didn't mind. He was just relieved to learn why she'd put a bit of distance between them. “I miss you, too. And I don't mind. Family is important to me, too, Jess. I love mine as much as you love yours.”

Jessica smiled. “Glad we also have that in common. I can't imagine not having my family around me. I love spending time with them, quality time.”

“We both have pretty terrific families. You have a sibling and I don't. I sort of missed out on that. If I had my druthers, I'd want a younger sister.”

Surprised by Weston's interesting remark, Jessica eyed him curiously. “Why a sister? And why younger as opposed to older?”

Weston grinned. “Younger or older, a sister would spoil me rotten and love me unconditionally…and I'd get pleasure out of being her protector. I'd want her to be younger so she'd look up to me as her hero. A brother would be more competitive. I don't think I'd enjoy the constant rivalry, the annoying, recurring one-upmanship.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow. “How enlightening! I love having Jen for a sister, have always looked up to her.” She reached over and took a hold of Jennifer's hand. “Jen has always been my
shero.
” The two siblings embraced briefly.