Carli opened her eyes. She stretched and yawned softly. The room was dark and cool. She looked around her — Jason wasn't there. She sat up slowly. She felt wobbly, a little tender, and completely loved.
He had loved her twice. She wouldn't complain though. She was the one who had begged him to not let go. It was like she couldn't get enough of being near him. He told her they should rest, but she kissed him passionately and pulled him closer, telling him she wasn't ready to stop yet.
The memory of how he held her, how possessive and passionate his touch felt, made her weak all over again. She had moaned and begged him not to stop.
The first time he made love to her he had been so gentle. He took his time, making sure she felt safe and cherished first. When he finally circled his arms around her, she lay nervously on the bed, her eyes closed.
He told her to open her eyes and look at him. She did, and he told her he loved her.
"I love you, sweet Carli. I'll be gentle. You don't have to be afraid," he said.
He lifted her leg and wrapped it around his hip and kissed her tenderly. Carli followed her instincts, holding onto him like he was the only thing keeping her grounded.
Slowly, he found a rhythm she could follow, groaning softly and calling her his sweet Carli. He watched her face as she began to let go, and that was when he whispered that she was beautiful, that he loved her, and no one else made him feel the way she did.
"My sweet Carli," he said, "you're so beautiful. I can't take my eyes off you. I love you, baby. No one makes me feel like this. No one." He kissed her lips then buried his face against her chest, kissing her softly. "You're so beautiful. You're so sweet," he groaned.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. Her emotions were heightened as he loved her. Her breathing was shallow as she caressed the hair at the nape of his neck and watched him loving her. With her mouth slightly open she made little sounds that Jason thought were the sexiest thing he'd ever heard. He captured her lips and kissed her hungrily. When he lifted his lips away, he whispered her name.
"Jason, I love you," she whispered. Her body felt feverish with desire. She didn't know how to express how she was feeling. She ran her hands across his shoulders, down his back, holding him tighter. She told him she loved his body and that he felt so good holding her. He groaned then told her she was driving him crazy and he never wanted to let her go.
"Sweet Carli," he said breathing heavily, "You feel so good. Can't get enough! Is it okay, baby?"
He shifted his right leg up, making sure to be gentle with her.
"Yes, baby, yes. Jasey, you feel so good."
"Carli, you're driving me crazy with your sweet needle eye," he groaned.
He moved with her, finding a deeper rhythm to give her more pleasure. Carli felt intense, sweet sensations building everywhere. She wrapped her legs tighter around him and called his name over and over. He told her how much he needed her and that he couldn't get enough.
"Sweet Carli," he said, breathing heavily, "You feel amazing. You feel like you were made for me. Tell me you want me, tell me!"
She pressed herself flush against his chest as his hands caressed her hips and lower back--keeping her near him. She held onto his neck and began moving with him. Closing her eyes, she tried to match his rhythm.
"Is this what you want, Carli? Tell me?" he groaned, his voice rough with desire.
He kept his movements careful and tender. He didn't want to hurt her. Carli moaned, feeling overwhelmed.
"Tell me," he said, his voice deep.
"Yes! Yes! I want you! Yes, don't ... don't stop, please!" she cried out. "More, baby, more!"
"You're driving me crazy, baby," he moaned.
"Do you belong to me?" he asked her gruffly, breathing heavily. "Are you mine, sweet Carli? Tell me you're mine?"
Carli released a ragged breath, unable to hide how she felt. "Yes, Jason," she said, her voice husky with love. "All of me is yours. I'm yours, Jasey. All of me."
"Do you want me deeper? Do you?" he asked, his tone rough and desperate.
"Yes, Jason, please! Please more!" Carli moaned.
Jason was breathing heavily. She felt so perfect to him, he thought he would go crazy with love for her. He settled over her and pressed her gently into the bed, his arms on either side of her to protect her. He closed his eyes, wanting to savor every second of being with her. His loving became more insistent, more passionate.
He leaned forward, caressing her softly as he held her. "My sweet baby," he said, "you're so perfect. So perfect for me. You're so beautiful. I love you so much." He held her tightly until she could feel his pulse beating. Carli moaned and bit her bottom lip. She was panting, barely able to gather a coherent thought. His touch was driving her crazy. She didn't know making love could feel like this.
"I love you! Jason, I love you," she said. "Please, more! Don't stop! Please don't ... don't stop!"
She opened her eyes and watched him. His eyes were closed, his face full of concentration and love, his mouth slightly open. She touched his chest and arms, savoring the strength of sinewy muscle and bone. She was weak from the raw desire flowing through her as he moved with her. She told him she loved him over and over.
She could feel her whole body grow tense as sweet, intense pleasure built up inside her. She was breathing hard, whimpering softly. She couldn't help herself. His rhythm was almost hypnotic. Her eyes fluttered shut and she allowed herself to just feel.
The experience was so intense, she bit down on her lip. She was aware of this sweet, achy feeling inside her and it was growing. She gripped his chest as soft, tingly ripples of pleasure fanned out across her body. They felt like they were more than she could bear. She whispered his name, trembling and shivering under him. Her mouth was open, her eyes closed, her brow knotting with pure feeling as she held him.
Jason groaned softly as he felt her hands on him. Her touch felt wonderful. He opened his eyes and looked at her. He saw that she was completely lost in the moment and his heart skipped a beat. She was even more beautiful like that, her face full of honest, intense desire for him alone.
It was his turn to just let go. He lay down, pulling her onto her side while caressing her back and holding her close. He was gentle at first, building a sweet, slow tempo again. Her eyes were still closed but he could tell she enjoyed being near him.
As he hands wrapped possessively around her, he spoke to her, "Ohhh, Carli, baby, sweet baby. You're so beautiful. You feel so perfect. Do you like being with me like this, baby?"
"Yes, baby," she breathed. "I like it. I love it." Carli licked her lips. "You drive me crazy," she moaned.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. "I love you, baby," she said.
She leaned forward and kissed him passionately. She lifted her head to stare intently into his eyes. "Let go, baby. I want to see you," she said.
Jason looked into her eyes and saw that she wanted more of him. He held her, kissed her deeply and made fervent love to her, holding her tighter.
He loved how close she felt as if their bodies melded into each other. He couldn't explain how making love to her made him feel. It was the sweetest, most beautiful feeling he had ever experienced. He loved how she whispered his name. He listened to her telling him that she loved him and that he was the only man she wanted. Carli told him she loved him and wanted all of him.
As his need for her grew sharper, a deep ache and longing, he tried to slow down, to be careful. But Carli wanted much more from him, she wrapped her legs around him and circled her arms around his neck.
"No, baby, please, I want all of you. Stay with me," she said softly.
"Carli..." he groaned. He was coming dangerously close to losing control. "Carli ... I ..."
"Yes, baby, please. I want you to. Please. Give me all of you," she breathed. She buried her face against his chest.
Jason felt overwhelmed with a hot, sweet desire. He gripped her tighter, while moving faster. He pressed her against him until he too was trembling. Carli cried out because the feeling was so overwhelming and powerful. He was still trembling even after the intensity had passed. He held her, lay on his back and closed his eyes to breathe. He never felt anything like that before.
They had rested for thirty minutes when Carli lay on top of him and told him she wanted to feel him again. He had chuckled and told her it was best they rested because he had to take her back to her parents but she insisted.
When he loved her the second time, he was more desperate for her. He held her close and loved her slowly at first, then more assertively until he was fully lost in her. Carli loved it and told him so.
"Yes, baby! I love it! Just like that!" she moaned. "I love how you hold me!"
He held her close until she was breathless and spent on his bed. After he too was spent, he went to the bathroom. When he came back he lifted her in his arms and took her into the shower to bathe her. He rubbed the soap in his hands and used them to gently wash her body. While he washed her, he teased her with his kisses. He turned her around so her back was resting against him and used his soapy hands to gently wash her. She leaned into him, closing her eyes shut out anything that could distract from his hands on her. She relaxed and savored his touch on her warm, tingly skin.
He rinsed his hands and held her, gently caressing her body. She felt so good to him. Minutes later, he heard her moaning and breathing heavily.
She melted in his arms standing up, overwhelmed again. He held her as her legs grew weak. Afterwards, he told her to lean against the shower wall, which she did. He turned off the shower and stepped out onto the mat.
He went into the bedroom, reached for his duffle bag under the bed and pulled it out towards him. He unzipped it and took out a clean rag. He zipped up the bag, pushed it under the bed and hurried back to her. He turned on the knob and wet the rag, lathered it and used it to soap her up and bathe her. She leaned against him trembling. Jason could tell she was feeling weak. He spoke softly to her as he bathed her.
"Sweet baby, I love you. You're so beautiful. You've made me very happy. No one else satisfies me like you do," he said. He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead. Carli sighed happily and closed her eyes.
He makes me feel complete, she thought. I love him so much. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
Jason looked at her and saw the love in her eyes. He loved her fiercely. She was beautiful and she was his. He was so grateful. My beautiful baby, he mused. I will never let you go.
He allowed her to rinse herself off. His hands were on her hips steadying her. When she was done, he took up his rag from the rack in the shower and used the same soap to lather it and bathe himself. He rinsed off quickly and stepped out onto the bathroom mat. He helped Carli out of the tub and onto the mat. Picking up his towel, he dried her off first then dried himself. He returned the towel to its rack and pulled her into his embrace. He kissed her softly, lifted her in his arms, brought her into the bedroom and laid her on his bed.
Jason asked her to lift her head and he tucked a pillow under her, then he grabbed the other pillow, placed it under his head and looked at her. "You're so beautiful," he said. He touched her face. Carli closed her eyes. She was content and sleepy.
She yawned softly. "Sleepy," she whispered.
"I know," Jason said, smiling at her. "Get some sleep, baby. Okay?"
"Okay," she whispered. She had opened her eyes and smiled at him. He smiled back. She closed her eyes again and drifted into sleep.
***
Now that she was awake, she wondered where Jason was. She felt weak. She was still naked. She needed to pee and get dressed. Carefully, she stood to her feet again and held on to the shoe rack to make her way to the bathroom. She also felt a bit achy between her thighs.
She grimaced. Did they over do it? Nah, I loved every minute of it, she mused. This was her first time. She would get used to it soon enough.
Just then, the door opened and Jason stepped inside. He locked the door behind him. He came into the room and saw that she was holding on to his shoe rack. He had grocery bags in his arms. He rushed to put them on the table and came back to her.
"Carli, are you okay?" he asked her.
"I'm not sure. I want to pee but my legs won't carry me," she said, looking at him.
"Legs still weak?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Okay." Jason lifted her in his arms and carried to the bathroom. He lifted the toilet lid for her. She sat down on the seat. He was about to leave when she reached for his hand and touched him. "Please stay. I don't mind. You're gonna have to carry me out anyway," she said. Jason watched her.
He wondered if he had been too rough with her. Maybe he should have also denied her that second lovemaking session. But how could he? He wanted it too. And then while he lathered her in the shower she felt so good in his arms, he wanted to see her shiver again.
When she was done she leaned forward and tore a piece of the toilet paper, wiped herself and dropped it into the toilet. She reached her hand behind her and pulled down the lever to flush and stood up.
She turned to the faucet and wet her hands. She squeezed down on the spout of the liquid hand soap bottle to get soap. She placed her hands under the running water, lathered then rinsed them off. She turned off the faucet and gingerly manoeuvred her body towards him. She saw him watching her carefully; concerned.
"Done?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, nodding.
He lifted her in his arms, carried her into the bedroom and laid her on his bed. He sat beside her as she sat up. "Baby, does anywhere hurt?" he asked.
"I'm just a little achy between ..." Carli chuckled, "My vag hurts a little," she said smiling at him.
He reached for her and gave her a hug. "Was I too rough with you, sweet baby?"
Carli laughed softly. "Not sure. Maybe a little, the second time around," she replied.
Jason pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry. I lost myself. When you told me you wanted it again and the way you looked at me, I kind of lost it," he said, his eyes showing his regret.
Carli touched his face. "You were perfect. Just because it hurts a little doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I enjoyed the rough parts too. Is there more of that roughness inside of you?"
Jason nodded. "Yeah, there is more." He smiled ruefully.
Carli bent forward towards him and planted a firm kiss on his lips. "I want to experience that too. I just need more practice," she said, chuckling.
Jason leaned back on one elbow. He looked at her and shook his head. She was something else. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I can get really intense."
Carli's eyes flew open. With eyebrows raised she looked at him. She wasn't sure any more, but she was also curious. "I want to know every side of you. Will you being intense kill me?" she asked playfully, smiling at him.
Jason laughed softly. He shook his head and answered, "No, I won't, but I may leave you achy like this. Maybe a little bruised too." He looked at her. His gaze was dark and heavy as he watched her. Carli shivered. She was intrigued and slightly aroused by what he said and the way he stared at her. Something in her wanted him to unleash everything on her. "Well, I guess I'll have to prepare then," she said, smiling seductively.
Jason leaned forward towards her. "And how will you do that?" he asked, amused, his left eyebrow raised. He loved her smile so much.
"Get enough sleep, I guess. Maybe something to lubricate me for the occasion. I'm not sure," she said laughing softly. She smiled cheekily at him.
Jason chuckled softly. He reached for her and pulled her on top of his chest. He circled his arms around her waist and sighed happily. Carli reached down to tickle him. He laughed and dropped her on the bed. She playfully extended eager fingers towards him while he laughed and tried to evade them.
After they had quieted down, he took his hands and ran them through her loosened hair, then he lovingly caressed her soft but firm body. He loved the feel of her body on him, every inch of her made him want more. If she wasn't achy down there, he would ravish her again. "Tell you what," he said, "I will try my best to be extra careful with you for now until I feel you're ready. How does that sound?"
Carli kissed his nose. "Okay, that sounds better." She smiled, feeling content as she rested in his arms. After a little while she got dressed. He cooked something for her and watched her eating for a few seconds. Then he also dug into his plate. He would have to move up the date of their engagement and wedding. He needed to do the right thing quickly.
***
While Carli was freshening up in the bathroom, Jason decided to go downstairs to retrieve her bags. He knocked on Omie's door. Omie opened the door, saw that it was his best friend and smiled broadly at him.
"Just the man I wanted to see," Omie said enthusiastically. He gestured for him to come into his apartment. Jason eyeing his friend's facial expression knew that he was in for an interrogation from him.
"I've just come for Carli's bags," Jason said.
"Yeh man, sure, but mi sure seh yuh need a likkle break. Come inside and rest for a likkle bit," Omie replied winking at him. Seeing Jason's reluctance, he opened his door wider and stepped aside.
Jason sighed. He nodded and stepped into his friend's apartment. Omie closed the door behind them. Jason looked around. "Is 'A' here?" he asked.
Omie went into the kitchen. "No enuh, she's at work," he answered.
"Really? On Christmas day, dem have her out at airport?!" Jason asked, surprised.
"Mhm, remember she's a supervisor there now." Omie had gone into the fridge to retrieve two beers. He pulled off the caps and handed one to Jason.
"Have a seat, bro bro," Omie said, smiling at his friend. He gestured towards the couch. Reluctantly, Jason sat down.
"The restaurant she work nuh?" Jason inquired.
Omie nodded. "Mhm, yeah. She's supposed to be off work by 2/2:30 pm. When she calls me I'll go pick her up." Omie looked at his friend intently. Jason's looked at his watch. It was 1:30 pm. He just needed to evade his questions for about half an hour more.
Omie leaned forward, "So what's up with you bro?" Omie asked smiling, "Wah gwaan?"
"Me?" Jason said evasively, "Mi gud man."
"Yeah, yuh supposed to be good. The way mi see yuh girl latch on to yuh," Omie said chuckling.
Omie took a sip of his beer. Jason took a sip also. "Suh how was it, bro?" Omie asked smiling cheekily.
"How was what?" Jason asked pretending to be clueless.
"Bredda," Omie said, "Nuh badda wid the foolery. Mi have eyes in my head. I could see what was about to happen. Just give your bro a little tuups of info, man."
Jason shook his head and sighed. Okay, he would tell him something.
"Yes, we made love," he said with a sigh.
"Yeah!" Omie's face brightened. "So how was it?"
Jason leaned back. "What do you think? It's been a long time, Omie."
Omie laughed softly. He nodded. "Well?"
Jason shook his head and smiled. "She's beautiful. All of her. I kind of hurt her a little."
"Eeh? Yuh tun wild man on her?" Omie guffawed.
Jason chuckled a little. He ran his fingers through his hair.
"Suh yuh love dah one yah?" Omie asked, bending forward.
Jason smiled as his mind reeled back the memory of their love making. Omie saw his expression. "Wah?!" He extended his hand to Jason. Jason briefly slapped his hand.
"Well mi glad fi yuh, bro bro!" Omie said, "Suh yah mek sure yuh wife her up?"
Jason nodded. "Yeah."
Omie nodded. "Glad fi hear, bro. Happy fi yuh!" Omie said smiling.
Omie chuckled. "Yuh finally bruk yuh ducks."
Jason laughed then sobered up. He shook his head. "I shouldn't have still. I wanted to save it for our wedding night," Jason said grimacing.
"Jase, look mi understand," Omie said, "It may not be right according to your beliefs, and nuff respeck fi dat. But weh mi a seh, yuh can get married to her and sort out dah issue deh. And the best thing is yuh love her."
Jason nodded. He leaned forward. "Yeah. True."
"Yeh man," Omie said smiling. "Suh yah guh continue fi ..." Omie made a gesture with his hands, "up to the time yuh get married?"
Jason chuckled. "I don't want to, believe me, but I don't think I can help myself. She makes me lust really hard, and now that I've gotten a taste, I don't know if I can stop," he admitted. He leaned on the back of the couch and sighed. "The good thing is I'll be down in Mobay for a while, away from temptation, but I won't be down there forever: I will be coming up during that time to attend lectures and do exams, and so on," Jason said.
"Well bro, all mi can tell yuh seh, if yuh really want to keep the order, spend less time around her," Omie replied, "Just busy up yuhself. But if yuh give in jus mek sure yuh forgive yuhself, yeh? And just plan yuh wedding quick, nuh badda waste time."
"Speaking of wedding," Omie said smiling. "I'm gonna ask Aisha to marry me very soon."
Jason's countenance lifted, "Wah? Fi real?" He was happy to hear.
Omie nodded. "Yah man," he said, "A mi baby dat enuh. Mi luv har, man. Mi did a think bout weh yuh seh and decide seh it's the right thing to do."
Jason was really happy for his friend. "A di best step yuh ah tek, bro. Best step." He extended his hand for Omie to fist bump it, which he did.
Afterwards, they chatted a little bit about his time down in Montego Bay and what he would be doing. After forty minutes had passed Omie's phone rang. It was Aisha.
"Yeah, babes," Omie answered. He chuckled. "Mhmm ... really?" Jason noted the dip in his friend's voice and figured that Aisha had probably told Omar something naughty. He shook his head and smiled.
"Arite, babes, mi ah come pick yuh up right now, yere?" Omie said. He sounded excited. Jason laughed.
Omie hung up the phone. He turned to Jason with an amused look on his face. "Suh weh suh funny?" he asked his friend half laughing, half smiling.
Jason laughed harder. Omie looked at him then laughed also.
"And yuh seh me whipped," Jason said, still laughing.
Omie grinned at him. "Yeah, I'm whipped. But her whip is the only one I want," he said. Jason nodded. He understood his friend's sentiment very well. Carli was the only one that made him feel this crazy.
Omie stood up. "Bro, mi happy fi yuh. Just plan yuh thing and if yuh need help fi deal wid it, money or otherwise, mek mi know, yere?"
Jason stood up with him. "Yeah, I will. Thanks Omie," he said, smiling.
"Yeh man, bro. It's all good," Omie replied. He slapped Jason on his shoulder. He went into the bedroom and came back with Carli's bags. He handed them to Jason who smiled and nodded.
"Thanks," Jason said.
"Yeh man," Omie answered.
Omie walked him out the door and closed it behind them. The two young men walked to Omie's car. Jason waited for Omie to enter his vehicle and drive off before he went upstairs to Carli.
When he entered his apartment he found Carli laying on his bed in a seductive pose waiting for him.
He came forward and smiled at her. He chuckled. "What is this?" he asked her.
She laughed. "Nothing much. Just playing the 'stay at home wife' who waits longingly for her husband to come home," she said smiling cheekily.
"Is that so?" Jason asked. He dropped her bags half way to the bed and came to her. He lay on the bed beside her and kissed her.
"And what do 'stay at home wives' do when their husbands come home?" he asked, his voice dropping to a seductive timbre.
Carli chuckled. She rubbed her hands over his shirt and caressed his chest and arms. "Let me show you," she said. She cupped his face and pulled him to her.
***
It was 4:30 pm. Carlos wondered if he had made a mistake allowing this Jason boy to have his daughter until 6:30. God only knows what he might be doing to her. He remembered when he was his age and dating Sharon. They didn't remain innocent for very long. He wondered about Carli and her mental state to carelessly run off to see this young man. He needed to speak with him when he brought Carli back to her aunt's house.
After he told Sharon that he was allowing Carli to stay with Jason for a few hours, she had looked at him like he had committed a murder and went into the guest room and locked the door. She was in there from 11 o'clock and now it was almost 5 o'clock. She wasn't speaking to anyone, not even Lissa who she would always dote on.
Carlos was worried about her. She was carrying their baby, their son according to her. All he could do now was wait and see what would happen when Carli came back. He needed to speak to the young man, but he definitely needed to have a word with Carli and find out what was going on with her.
***
Fallon was sleeping when she heard the phone ring. She stirred, stretched and reached for it on the night table. "Hello," she answered sleepily.
"Hey girl, it's Christina," the voice said.
"Christina ... Christina!" Fallon's eyes flew open. She was still sleepy, but she sat up quickly.
"Christina," she said, "What's up?"
"Hey," Christina replied, "Did I wake you?" It was 5:15 in the afternoon.
"Yeah, but that doesn't matter. Did you get the info I asked you for?" Fallon asked her cousin's girlfriend.
"Yes, I did indeed," Christina said, amused.
"Okay, so tell me," Fallon said. "Wait hold on." She pulled out the top drawer of the night table and pulled out a notepad and pen. "Okay. Ready, give it to me."
"Okay, so his name is Matthew Clarke. He works at a jewelry store in the Half Way Tree area," Christina said. She told Fallon the name of the place. "He only does the topless server gig part-time according to the guy he works for but the jewelry store is where he works full-time. So it should be easy to find him from there."
Christina was curious: "So why the interest in this guy? I thought you already have a boyfriend?" she asked.
Fallon chuckled. "It's not for me. It's for Marsha," she said.
Christina laughed a little. "Ohh, okay," she said, "yeah, he seems to be single, so Marsha should be able to have her way with him." Christina sounded amused on the line. Fallon chuckled softly. She knew that Marsha had a reputation of hotly pursuing guys she found attractive. She hoped that this would be the case for Matthew. Lately, her friend wasn't behaving like herself.
"Okay, thanks, Chrissy. Talk later," Fallon said.
"Yeah, okay. Say 'hi' to Marsha for me," she replied.
Fallon smiled. "Will do," she said.
Fallon placed the pen and notepad on the table. Today is Christmas. Most likely this Matthew guy would be at home on holiday and probably wouldn't be working on Boxing Day either. She would try for the 27th. The way Marsha was acting lately she couldn't let her know she had gotten info on Matthew. She would have to trick her into going to the jewelry store with her so she and Matthew could meet again. Fallon hoped this second encounter would get her friend out of her funk. She missed the fun-loving Marsha.
***
Jason told Carli that he would be seeing his mentor to seek advice. Fortunately, he said she didn't need to come with him. She figured he would be confessing what had happened between them and she felt uncomfortable.
"Why do you have to tell him anything?" she had asked him.
"He's like my spiritual father. And he's been more of a dad to me than my own father. Baby, I'm sorry. I know it seems weird to you, but he has been there for me in times when I felt lost and confused. I know you don't like talking to him," Jason said, "he can be blunt. I told you that you don't have to see him again if you don't want to, but I do." They were standing in the bedroom getting ready to go back to Carli's aunt's house.
Jason stepped towards Carli and cupped her face and kissed her. Their last love making session was very slow and tender. She brought out a warm, whimsical side of him he never knew he had, and after seeing her discomfort, he wanted to make sure to focus on her pleasure all the way. He didn't think of his own needs, but she did. After he made her feel utterly beautiful, she made sure he enjoyed every minute of it.
Afterwards, he held her close to him and whispered that he loved her and there was no one else who could satisfy him the way she did. He knew she didn't like the idea of him telling his mentor anything of what happened between them, but he needed his advice now more than ever.
He went to bathe first and then while Carli was in the shower he called uncle Pat, wished him Merry Christmas, and told him he needed to talk to him. Uncle Pat had told him he was at a corporate dinner event but would be able to see him at his home by about 8 o'clock. Jason agreed, told him thanks and hung up. Carli had come out of the shower and was getting dressed in fresh, clean clothing. She used an old brush he had, to brush her hair and pull it into a neat bun, meanwhile he told her about his plans to see uncle Pat.
Jason held her close to him. He stroked her hair. "Carli, do you trust me?" he asked.
Carli moved back from his embrace and looked into his eyes. "Yes baby, you know I do," she said.
He pulled her into him again. "Then trust that I'm doing the right thing now by going to him. Okay? I love you. All I do is for us," he said.
Carli sighed. "Okay, I trust you with this too," she said.
Jason closed his eyes as he kissed her forehead. "Thank you. I love you. I'll be seeing him after I drop you off," he told her.
Carli nodded. She closed her eyes. She loved the feel of his lips on her skin. It didn't matter where he kissed, it was mesmerizing. Jason bent his head and kissed her passionately. He kissed her like his life depended on it. When he pulled away they were both breathing heavily. He chuckled. "That is to hold me until I see you again in two weeks," he said. He was a bit out of breath.
Carli nodded. "I'll miss you, baby," she said. She tried to catch her breath.
"I know, sweet baby. I'm gonna really miss you," he said winking at her. She laughed softly.
They walked to the car holding hands. Jason looked at his watch. It was 6 o'clock. He opened her car door for her, then went upstairs to retrieve her bags. He locked his door then brought the bags and put them in the car trunk. When he slid inside his vehicle Carli reached over and gave him a light peck on the cheek.
"Thank you for today. I'm tired but I am happy," she said, giggling.
Jason chuckled softly. "Thank you too, my sweet baby. You've made my day also. You're so beautiful," he said. He briefly kissed her lips and playfully nuzzled her neck. Carli laughed. Jason looked at her and smiled. He told no lies when he said he didn't think he could live without her if they made love. He was dreading the lonely drive back to Montego Bay.
***
He was able to bring her back to aunt Sandra's house ten minutes before the deadline. Carli leaned into him, kissing him passionately, almost desperately. She opened her mouth and used her tongue to tease him, willing him to open his mouth for her. As he did so, he grabbed the back of her head and pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers. He groaned deeply as he kissed her.
Carli savored the taste of his mouth and made passionate guttural sounds as she kissed him. They were kissing for close to a minute, when Jason realized that he couldn't live without her. He just could not be away from her for too long, especially now after their intimate time together. A feeling of panic rose within him. He tore his lips away from her and clutched his chest while bent over. He was breathing heavily.
Carli was surprised. She stared at him confused then dismayed as it dawned on her that something was wrong. She placed her hands on his shoulders. Jason was breathing heavily and holding his chest. He was sweating. "Jason! Baby! What's wrong?" Jason!" she yelled. Jason was leaning into the car's dashboard, clutching his shirt.
Carli opened the car door and ran into the house, screaming for help. Carlos shot out of the house first. He looked at Jason bent over the dashboard of the car and opened the driver's door. He touched Jason's shoulder. The young man was sweating profusely. It didn't look good.
He spoke to him: "Jason? I'm gonna try to move you and help you inside. How do you feel?"
Jason gasped for air. "My chest feels tight," he said, his breathing laboured.
Carlos stooped down and lifted Jason's arm and placed it over his shoulder. "Lean on me," Carlos said to him. Jason slowly moved away from the steering of the vehicle and leaned his weight on Carlos.
Using his legs, Carlos supported Jason's weight and pulled him away from the vehicle. He helped Jason to his feet. Carlos grunted as he straightened up and tried to support him. Sandra was standing by the doorway. She opened the door wider and stepped back so that Carlos could have free passage to bring Jason into the house. With all the commotion going on, Sharon had opened the guest room door and came down stairs. She stood at the foot of the stairs watching what was happening. Carli was distraught. She was crying. Carlos turned to his daughter noting she was shedding tears for Jason. "Go and take the key from the ignition and lock the car door," he said.
Carli nodded. She went outside. Soon afterwards he heard the car alarm being armed. By then Carlos had Jason lying down on the big grey couch, his sneakers removed. His breathing was less laboured now. Sandra brought Jason water to drink. He had gulped it down and asked for more. She brought him another glass and he sipped that one slowly.
When Carli reentered the house carrying the car keys and her bags, she saw aunt Sandra sitting on the blue couch and Carlos sitting beside her. Carli dropped her bags at the entrance, came into the living room and perched on the grey couch, looking at Jason. She was worried about him. Sharon came into the room and saw her daughter's expression; the worried look on Carli's face, and something in her heart broke. She went to her baby and stroked her hair. Carli turned to her mother and cried, her body shaking. Sharon sighed. She held her daughter as she cried on her hip.
****
They convinced Jason to stay for dinner. He agreed but told them he had to leave by 7:30 to meet his mentor. He didn't tell them what for. After he had calmed down, he told them that he was probably having a panic attack. He used to have them as a child but as he got older he was able to cope with his anxiety and stress better. He never told them what triggered it this time. But he knew it was the thought of being away from Carli, of not having her by his side for two whole weeks, that drove him over the edge. He needed to watch himself or it could happen again.
Carlos observed young Jason as he ate with the family. He was no longer the confident young man he met a few days ago. Something had changed. He wondered why the attack happened. He cleared his throat, "Jason I would like to speak to you briefly after dinner, please," he said.
Jason looked over at him. Carlos smiled at him. Jason smiled back. "Okay," Jason responded. He nodded.
After they had finished eating dinner, Carli handed Jason his car keys. Carlos motioned with his hand to Jason that he should follow him into the living room. Sandra pulled out a pack of hand wipes from a kitchen cupboard and gave each man one to sanitize their hands. "I know what you need to talk about is very important, but so is keeping my furniture clean," she smiled at them trying to lighten the mood. Jason looked up at Sandra and smiled at her. He was grateful for her presence at this time. Carlos looked at the unspoken interaction between his sister in law and Jason, and smiled slightly.
Carlos cleared his throat. "I love my daughter. She means the world to me. I'm gonna level with you and I need you to be straight up with me. Okay?" Carlos said.
Jason nodded. "Yes, I will," he said.
"Have you and Carli been having sex," Carlos asked looking the young man squarely in the eyes.
Jason swallowed. He cleared his throat. He dropped his gaze to the floor.
Carlos felt awkward for asking but he needed to know. "Jason, I need to know," Carlos said quietly.
Jason sighed. He nodded his head. "Yes, we have had sex. Today was our first time," Jason answered.
Carlos leaned forward. He sighed. "I see. Look at me, son," he said to Jason.
Jason lifted his head and looked at Carli's dad. "Do you love my daughter?"
Jason closed his eyes. He took deep breaths then opened his eyes and looked at Carlos. He was going to tell the truth, come what may happen. "With all my heart, sir," Jason replied. "I love your daughter and I'm very much in love with her. She means so much to me."
"What is your intention then?" Carlos asked.
"I want to marry her, sir," Jason said, "to be honest I proposed to her a few weeks ago and she accepted. I've already been planning in my head what it would cost for a wedding and honeymoon. I want to do something I know your daughter will like."
Carlos nodded. "I see," he said. "Does Carli know you're making plans?'
"Yes, I've told her," Jason said. "Matter of fact, a few days ago I took her to a place I've been building. My own house. I would love to marry your daughter. She and I can move in after two years, after it's fully completed, so we can start our lives together. Right now I live in an apartment where I hold joint ownership of the apartment complex. My dad owns a small construction/painting company. I'm actually supposed to be down there spending Christmas with him and his crew but I needed to see Carli. She has become very important to me."
Carlos listened to Jason. He leaned back in the couch and assessed him. "You say you own a house that you're currently building?" Carlos asked.
Jason nodded. "Yes sir," he said.
"And you have partial ownership of an apartment complex?" Carlos asked his eyebrows raised.
Jason saw Carlos' expression and smiled. "Yes sir, I do," he answered.
Sharon was standing quietly by the doorway listening to the conversation. The other women including Carli had decided they would do dishes and clean up the kitchen and dining area, but she saw Carlos inviting Jason into the living room and she too was curious about this young man. After she eavesdropped on Carlos and Jason's conversation she had to admit that she was impressed, even though begrudgingly.
She stepped forward into the room and sat beside her husband on the blue couch that faced the grey couch Jason was sitting in. She smiled awkwardly at Jason.
"Sorry to interrupt," she said looking at her husband, "but Carli is my baby and I need to know my future son in law too." Carlos leaned back on the couch. "Okay, baby go ahead," Carlos said, curious.
Jason eyes widened. Did I just hear what she said? He wondered. Sharon smiled kindly at him. Jason felt his heart pounding. "I just have one question," Sharon said looking at Jason. Jason looked at her directly.
"Okay," he said.
"The panic attack you had earlier, was that because of my daughter?" she asked.
Jason smiled ruefully. He nodded. "Yes it was," he answered her.
"May I ask why?" she asked.
"Carli means the world to me. I've been celibate for a year. I'm a Christian. I have not been with anyone for a year. When I met Carli I never thought I would love her so strongly the way I do. Your daughter is such a kind, loving and caring person," Jason said. "When I'm around her she makes me forget my problems and she is very beautiful."
Jason sighed, "Tomorrow, I'll be going down to Montego Bay to work on a construction project with my dad. I'll be back and forth between there and Kingston but I won't have much time to spend with Carli. For the next two weeks I'll be down there and I won't be able to come up to see her. I guess I panicked when I realised I won't see her for two weeks."
Sharon felt her heart melting towards the young man. "You really love her, don't you?
Jason nodded. "With all my heart," he said.
Sharon looked at her husband and smiled. She nodded at him. Carlos lifted an eyebrow and looked at her. She nodded emphatically. Carlos smiled at her. "Jason, can you give us a few minutes, my wife and I need to discuss something," he said.
Jason observed the body language between the two of them and knew they had their own way of communicating that shut the world out. He admired them. He nodded. "Sure, no problem," he said. He stood up.
Sharon said, "Don't leave, okay? We know you have to leave soon but give us about five minutes."
Jason nodded in agreement. "Okay," he said. He walked into the kitchen. Carli looked up and saw him. She noted the expression on his face and went to him. She put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. "You okay, baby," she asked him.
Jason touched her hair. "I think so,' he said. Carli knew how much playing with her hair comforted him. She removed the scrunchie from her hair and shook it out. She took his left hand and led him to the dining table and made him sit in a chair. She sat on his lap. "Carli, baby I don't think this is a good idea," he said nervously.
"Yes it is, baby," she said. "All of me belongs to you now. They need to get used to it."
Jason was trying to get her off his lap, lifting her by her hips, but aunt Sandra touched his shoulder and said, "Be secure in her love for you Jason. I know my niece, once she's decided on something, no one can change her mind."
Jason sighed. He lifted his hands as if to say 'I surrender'. He looked at his Carli. His eyes shone his affection for her. Carli leaned forward and gave him a soft but brief kiss on his lips. "I love you Jason, with all of me," she said.
Jason bent forward and lay his head on her bosom. Carli inched closer and relaxed on him. She stroked the hair at the nape of his neck. Jason reached behind her and gently played with the soft curls that rested on her back. Her hair had grown so much. He looked up at her. He could see that her roots needed to be touched up. He would remind her that she could do what she wanted with the money he gave her.
When Sharon and Carlos entered the room they saw Sandra and Lissa cleaning up the kitchen but in the midst of them were Carli and Jason embracing each other. Jason's eyes were closed as he gently stroked the ends of her hair that brushed on her back. Carli's eyes were open and she looked content. Carlos cleared his throat. Jason opened his eyes and was about the stand up, when Carlos said, "No, it's okay. No need to get up." He took his wife's hand and entered into the kitchen/dining room. Lissa and Sandra looked at each other.
"Maybe we should leave," Lissa said looking at her mother.
Sharon smiled at her. "No Lissa, honey, that's fine. If we're all going to be a family soon, we all need to hear what Carlos is about the say," she said.
Carlos released his wife's hand and went to sit in the chair opposite the love birds.
"Carli," he began, reaching out for his daughter's hand. Carli clasped her hand in her dad's, "from the moment I saw you right after you were born, I swore to myself that I would be there for you, that I would protect you and that I would listen to you, and make sure I understood you."
Carlos looked at Jason and smiled. "I wish I had known about you sooner, but never mind, I am willing to accept you as a part of my family and as long as you take care of my baby, you'll always have a dad in law to come to when Carli gives trouble," he said.
"Hey?!" Carli said protesting, but smiled at her dad.
Jason chuckled. He leaned on Carli's shoulder.
Carlos laughed softly and squeezed his daughter's hand.
Sharon moved closer to Jason and Carli. "Jason, I'm sorry for my behavior before now. Carli is my baby, and for a long time my only baby, until now," Sharon said touching her belly. "I hope to get to know you better and I believe you will make my daughter happy. Also we've decided," Sharon looked over at Carlos who winked at her and nodded, "if Carli wants to visit you, not live now, just visit you in Montego Bay while you're down there, that's okay with us."
Jason eyes lit up. He smiled broadly. He hugged Carli tight and laughed. Carli smiled, her mouth open, her eyes wide in surprise. She was ecstatic. She moved to get up from Jason's lap. He released her and she went to her dad and hugged him. She started crying quietly. Sharon reached for her and held her in arms. "Oh baby, I thought you would be happy," she said.
"I am happy mommy," she said smiling at her. Her voice was a little shaky. "Thank you mommy and daddy. Thank you!"
Carlos cleared his throat. "We have one condition for the visit though," he said.
Jason spoke up, "Okay, what is it?" He was curious.
"We don't want you guys to be having sex down there. I know it sounds ridiculous to say because you will be alone, but I want you guys to work on building a relationship that is strong without the sex clouding your judgement," Carlos said looking at Jason directly.
Jason nodded. He felt the same way. He didn't want to let Carli's parents down either. He looked at Carli. She nodded.
"Okay. Agreed. I'm staying with my dad at a friend's house. I can put Carli up in an Airbnb and she can visit on the weekends," Jason said smiling at his future in-laws. He was happy.
'Thank you God,
Please help us to get over this hurdle,
I love her and I want this to work.
Help us, please.'
He prayed in his heart.
Carli came to him and sat in his lap again. She wrapped her arms around Jason's neck. Carlos watched the two of them and smiled. "Come hun, let's give them some time alone. He has to leave tomorrow," he said. Sharon agreed and she took her husband's hand and went into the living room.
"Congratulations!" Lissa beamed. "Happy for you guys." She looked at her mom who winked. She hugged her cousin and smiled at Jason.
"Yeah, so we're just gonna go watch TV," Lissa said grinning as she looked at them. She and her mom also stepped out of the kitchen/dining room to give the young couple some privacy.
Jason leaned his head on her bosom again. Her breasts were nice and soft but firm. He loved them. Carli stroked his hair. "I love you," she said.
Jason grunted. "I love you sweet Carli. I love you with all of me," he replied.
At 7:20 pm, Carli got up from his lap, opened the fridge door and took out the Black Forrest cake for him. She placed it on the table. It was a 6-inch sized cake decorated with white chocolate icing, chocolate chips on top and sprinkles. She had stored it in a clear cake box.
"You wanna taste it now?" she asked.
Jason shook his head. No, not yet. He had a better idea. "No, not just yet. I think I know someone who I will love to share this with," he said smiling. Carli shrugged her shoulders.
"Okay," she said.
Jason stood up and pulled her to him and planted a firm kiss on her lips. "My beautiful wife to be, I love you. The money I've given you, do what you want with it," he said. He used his fingers to playfully rub her scalp.
Carli chuckled. She touched her hair. "You know, I was thinking about it," she said. She reached up on tiptoe to kiss him. He bent forward to meet her lips. After standing firmly on her feet, Carli smiled up at him. She could hardly believe this handsome guy was in love with her. She looked at him in admiration. "I love you baby," she said, "thank you."
"You're welcome, baby," he said. He straightened up. "I gotta go."
Carli smiled sadly. "Okay, baby. Think of me," she said.
Jason laughed softly. "Everything I do I think of you Carli. Everything." He leaned forward and kissed her brow. He squeezed her in his embrace then released her.
"Merry Christmas, my sweet Carli," he said gazing deeply into her eyes.
Carli smiled lovingly at him. "Merry Christmas, baby," she said.
Smiling at her, he picked up his cake from the dining table. He blew her a kiss and walked away.
Carli watched him leave. Her feet couldn't take her to the door. He had stepped briefly into the living room and told her folks 'Merry Christmas' and that he was leaving. They all replied and told him 'Merry Christmas' and 'good night'. She heard the front door open and close.
Carli collapsed in the chair Jason was sitting in. Not only was she exhausted from their lovemaking, she was also emotionally drained from the meeting with her parents. She also didn't want to see him leave, knowing that tomorrow he would be many miles away from her. She rested her head on the table. She felt dejected. Sharon came in and saw her. She pulled out a chair and sat with her daughter.
"You okay, baby?" Sharon asked.
Carli looked up at her. She nodded. "Yes, just tired," she replied.
"You know, I never told you I'm sorry for the slap I gave you," Sharon said. She touched Carli's hand. "Baby, I am so sorry. Jason is a nice young man and seems to have his head on his shoulders. He also seems to love you very much. He told us that his panic attack was because he wouldn't be able to see you for the next two weeks.
"We're taking a big risk saying you can go down there, baby. We want you and Jason to have a solid relationship, one that is not based on sex alone. Sex can fade. Your father and I still enjoy each other like that, but we're not as young and frisky like we used to be." Sharon paused. She saw Carli's expression and laughed. "What? Is it TMI?" she asked amused. Carli smiled awkwardly at her mother.
Sharon smiled at her daughter. She squeezed the hand she held on to. "You need more than the physical to sustain a healthy, loving relationship." She touched her daughter's face. Carli nodded and smiled more comfortably at her. "Thank you, mommy," she said. She leaned forward and hugged her mother. Sharon squeezed her baby to her.
****
On his way over to his mentor's house, Jason stopped by his mom's house. He would usually spend Christmas with her and his siblings but she already knew he should be down in Montego Bay with his dad. He would surprise her and give her a piece of Carli's cake. He knocked on the door. He heard his little sister say, "Who is it?"
He listened carefully and heard tiny feet come to the door. "Who is it?" Jason heard Lisa ask again. He knocked even harder. Lisa finally opened the door, an annoyed look on her face. When she saw Jason, her mouth opened in a beautiful smile. She rushed out to him and screamed, "Jason! Jason!" She ran back into the house into her mom's bedroom.
"Mommy, Jason is here! Jason is here!" she said happily.
Jason stepped into the house and closed the door behind him. He had the cake box in his hand but covered it with a black plastic bag. When his mother came into the small living room space she smiled at him, surprised. She rushed to him and gave him a hug. "I thought you were in Montego Bay?" she said to him.
Jason hugged her grinning. "I was, but I came back," he said.
Bridget stepped back and looked at him. "You just came back?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No. Been back since about 10/11 am," he said. He sat down on the old couch. Lisa, the baby of the family, climbed onto Jason's lap. He kissed his little sister on the forehead and bounced her on his knees. She giggled and looked up at him.
Bridget looked at her son perplexed. So where was he all day then? She wondered.
"I brought something for you," he said. "Well, half of something." He extended his hand with the cake in it for her to take from him.
Bridget took the plastic bag from him and untied it. She looked inside to see a cake in a clear plastic cake box.
"What sort of cake is this?" she asked.
"Black Forrest cake," Jason answered.
She grinned at him. Jason smiled back at his mother. He patted the space beside him, gesturing for his brother Joel to come sit beside him. Joel climbed up on the couch and sat beside his big brother. He leaned his head on his shoulder. Jason put his arm around him and squeezed him close to him.
Bridget watched her three children and smiled. She was happy. "So you're sleeping over?" she asked.
"No," he said, "going back to my place, and I won't be able to stay long. I just dropped this off because I know you like the cake, but I can only give you half to share. The other half is for me and my mentor."
Bridget was surprised to say the least. "So you're seeing him tonight?" she asked.
"Yeah, he and I need to talk about something," he replied.
"What about?" she asked.
Jason held his tongue.
"Okay," Bridget said, "I can take a hint."
She looked up at him. "So where were you all day?" she asked her son.
"I spent the day with Carli," Jason said.
Bridget focused her gaze on him. Something unsaid was lurking behind his eyes.
"You guys had sex?" she asked plainly.
Jason nodded, crossing his arms over his chest, his body shifting back as he leaned against the refrigerator. Bridget stared at him thinking how much he looked like his dad when he was serious. "Do you love her, Jasey?" she asked him.
"Yes, mommy, I do," he answered. Bridget nodded.
"Okay, whatever you need me to do to help you young people let me know. Okay?" She stepped forward him and hugged her son briefly.
Jason hugged her back. "Thanks mommy." He straightened up to his full height, tucking his hands in his jeans' pockets.
"How is she?" Bridget asked smiling. She liked Carli.
Jason noted her smile. He was happy his mom approved of his bride-to-be. "She's doing great enuh. Her parents came by to visit her. Her mom is pregnant," he said.
"Really?!" Bridget said. She was happy to hear it. "So you met them today?"
"Actually, I met them a few days earlier, but we got the time to speak today," he said.
Bridget looked up at her son and smiled. "That's good. They like you?"
Jason nodded smiling.. "Yeah, they do," he said.
Bridget nodded. "Good," she said.
She turned towards the cake. She placed her and the kids' half on a plate. She covered the other half with the cake box cover. Jason watched what she was doing. He hadn't yet told her that Carli had baked the cake. He wanted to see her reaction first. He himself hadn't tasted it. He wanted to live vicariously in other persons' experience first before he tasted it for himself.
The half that she cut for her and the kids, she cut off a small slice and tasted it. She chewed it carefully and swallowed. Her eyes lit up. She cut off a bigger piece, chewed and swallowed.
She smiled at him. "Hmm ... Jason this tastes good! Where did you buy this?" she asked.
Well ...," Jason said pausing for effect, "the cake was baked by Carli."
Bridget's eyes flew open. She cut a smaller piece and bit into it. She looked up at her son. "Really?!" she asked, surprised. "This is store grade, bakery grade quality," she said.
Jason took up the small crumbs that were around the larger piece of cake and put them in his mouth. He closed his eyes as the flavors hit him.
Oh wow, I am one lucky man! Carli's cake is so tasty and creamy, just like her. He felt a stirring in his chest and cleared his throat. Focus!
He had to convince Carli to take her hobby more seriously. Now, he understood what her aunt was saying those weeks before, when she had taken him to get his car registered. He wouldn't let her give up on her dream. She was really good at this! Jason stayed with his family for five more minutes then left.
It was ten minutes past 8 o'clock. Uncle Pat was calling him. He answered the phone, putting it to his ear, "Yes uncle, I'm on my way. I got held up at my mom's, coming to you now." He heard Uncle Pat hang up. Jason placed the phone in the right front pocket of his jeans.
When he arrived he exited his car quickly, closed the door and armed the vehicle. He had the other half he would share with uncle Pat in his hand. He came up to his mentor's front door and knocked on it. He heard shuffling on the inside. "Coming." He heard Uncle Pat faintly say. His mentor opened the door and looked at him.
"Merry Christmas, uncle Pat!" Jason said. He shoved the cake in his mentor's hands. Patrick was pleasantly surprised. "For me?" he asked smiling.
Jason chuckled, "Partially for you. I got this cake and thought I would share it with you."
Patrick nodded. "Merry Christmas. Okay, come inside." He stepped back and let Jason into the house. Jason went into the living room and sat on the couch. Patrick pulled the plastic bag off the cake box and admired the pastry inside.
"Wow," he exclaimed, "this is one nice looking cake!" He looked up at Jason amused. "So where's the other half?" he asked.
Jason chuckled. "I gave half to my mom and siblings," he said.
Uncle Pat nodded. "Okay, rhat's fair. You say you're sharing?"
Jason nodded. "Yeh man. I haven't eaten any yet," he replied.
"Okay," uncle Pat said. He went into the kitchen and cut the half piece of cake into four slices. Two for himself and two for Jason. He brought their plates with silver forks and laid them on the coffee table. He went back into the kitchen and poured two glasses of sorrel chilled with ice cubes. He brought them over to where Jason was sitting and put them both on two coasters.
Uncle Pat sat down and prayed on their behalf, "Lord we thank you for this cake, though small we are grateful for your provision. We thank thee in the name of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
"Amen," Jason said.
Jason took his fork and broke off a piece and placed it in his mouth. He chewed slowly savoring the taste, knowing that in a few months the woman who baked this cake would be his wife. He smiled to himself. The cake was amazing. He looked over at uncle Pat, who had already finished eating his first slice. Uncle Pat went into the kitchen to retrieve two paper napkins. He came back and handed one to Jason.
Patrick thoughtfully wiped his mouth with the napkin and looked at his mentee, a sober look on his face.
"Jason," he said, "in all my years of eating Black Forrest cake this one has to be the most enjoyable." He smiled at his young charge. "Thank you for sharing it with me. I know the last time you were here with Carli. Things were a little, you know, tense, but I actually like her. She seems like a nice young lady."
Jason smiled. He was happy to hear it. Now was the time he would tell him who baked the cake! "Well uncle," Jason said. "I'm glad you said that because that 'nice young lady' is the one who baked this cake."
Uncle Pat's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?!" he asked. He took up his fork and bit into the last slice he had. He closed his eyes and chewed. He opened his eyes and looked at Jason. He pointed to the small piece of cake left. "Carli baked this?" he asked in disbelief.
Jason nodded. He smiled broadly. His heart filled with pride for his girlfriend. Patrick looked at him. He nodded his head in approval. "Well now, that is wonderful. Does she have a business or something like that?' he asked.
Jason shook his head. "No, but I want her to start thinking along that line. She bakes during this time of year, for the holidays. Her aunt gets the orders for her and she bakes. She earns income from it, but she's afraid to pursue it because of her parents' expectations for her," Jason said.
"Well, I wish I could speak to her parents, because she can't afford to waste talent like this. She's really good, Jason. I hope you've been encouraging her," uncle Pat said.
Jason nodded and said, " I have. I plan to talk to her dad about it. Her mom is nice, but she's the stern one ..."
"The one who didn't want her to get baptized?" uncle Pat asked interrupting Jason.
Jason smiled ruefully. "Yeah," he answered.
Uncle Pat grunted. "I would love to talk to Carli again. Do you think she would be willing?" he asked.
Jason shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure," he said, "but I'll try."
Patrick looked disappointed.
Jason sighed. "I'll try, I promise," he said smiling.
Patrick's countenance brightened. "So that's what you wanted to talk to me about?" uncle Pat asked.
Jason cleared his throat. "Well, actually... no," Jason said.
"Okay," uncle Pat said, looking curiously at him.
Jason cleared his throat again and sighed. "Carli and I made love," he said. He watched uncle Pat for his reaction.
Uncle Pat sighed. He stuffed the last piece of cake in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "Do you love her?" he asked Jason.
Jason relaxed. "Yes, I love her, with all my heart," he told uncle Pat.
"Have you told her about your assets?" Patrick asked.
Jason nodded. "Yeah, I have and showed her the house," he replied.
Jason picked up the whole left over piece of cake on his plate and put it in his mouth, chewed and swallowed quickly.
Uncle Pat sighed. "I can't say I'm not disappointed because I am, but when you first came and told me about her, I figured this would eventually happen. You were so smitten with her, and since you've brought her here I can see why. Along with this cake." Uncle Pat gestured at his empty plate. "Jason, the Lord Jesus Christ loves you and he loves Carli. He wants you both to live a holy life before Him. I am pleading with you not to fall further into sin by continuing to have sex with her before she is your wife. It seems that she loves you also."
Jason nodded. "Uncle, she does."
Patrick nodded. "You leave me no choice then," he said standing up. Uncle Pat went into his bedroom and came back with a brown envelope. He handed it to Jason. "Open it," he said looking at him.
Jason took the envelope and tucked his hand inside of it. He took out three documents. He looked through them and read them carefully. He stared at his mentor. "What are these for?" he asked. They were documents that would give the holder rights to dividends from three top companies in the country. "Why are you showing me these?" Jason asked confused. He knew uncle Pat was a great investor, but wasn't sure why he was showing these shares to him.
"Jason, I love you like a son, the son I never had. As you know, I have only daughters. I want you to live a good and pure life before God and sometimes to do that, you have to be prepared, especially as a man. This is my gift to you. I am offering you this gift of my shares of dividends worth $2 million dollars if you will plan your wedding quickly and make Carli your wife." Patrick said leaning forward.
"As you know I also have a small condo in St. Ann, Priory to be exact. It's a beautiful place. It's currently unoccupied but there's a caretaker there and his wife, the Blacks. You can have your honeymoon there. If you can wrap everything up by the end of the two months you're down in Mobay then you can have the condo for your honeymoon spot and I'm giving you the shares."
Jason was flabbergasted. He didn't know what to say. "I don't know what to say," he replied.
"Say you will take my gift to you. I am not angry with you, son. I understand how it goes. Carli is a beautiful girl, and you gave in. But now to honor God I am asking you to quickly make plans to make her your wife. Have you proposed to her?" uncle Pat asked.
Jason nodded. "Yes I have and she accepted," Jason said smiling.
"The Bible says, he who finds a wife finds a good thing," uncle Pat said smiling back at him. "You need to make her feel secure as well and show her that you are the man that deserves her."
Jason was happy he came to his mentor. He nodded. "Thanks, uncle Pat."
"So?" Uncle Pat said clasping his hand together. "Will you take this gift? Consider it a reminder of Christ's love for us. He gave up so much for us when he came as a baby to redeem mankind to his Father. Isn't that what this time of year is about?"
Jason agreed. "True, uncle," he answered.
"Christ came so you and I, and Carli can have the gift of abundant life, but to do that he had to come among humans and live as they do and be subject to being tired and hungry, and other human ailments. Ultimately, he gave up his life so we can receive the gift. The gift of eternal life through his sacrifice, through the shedding of his blood," Uncle Pat said smiling.
Patrick looked pointedly at Jason. "I love this time of year," he said. "The lights and all, but I have to remember that this time of year is about Him. The love Christ shared by giving himself up so we can avoid his Father's wrath and live is unmatched. In the spirit of this time of year, these shares are a gift to you towards your wedding. I am giving them to you. I won't ask for them back. And the condo is optional, you can decide to go there if you want or go somewhere else."
"I was thinking of marrying her in June, a few days after her birthday, but now I want to push it up to April. Just after my final year exams. I'll be back and forth to Montego Bay and here up until February/March," he said. He was mulling things over in his mind.
Uncle Pat looked at him. He was proud of him. He was beginning to see the responsible man he wanted Jason to be. "It's perfectly doable. Talk to Carli and tell her that this is my gift to you guys. I'm willing to help with arrangements, if you need any help."
Jason nodded. "Thank you, uncle. For everything," he said sincerely.
Uncle Pat chuckled. "No problem. I was a young man once, Jason. I know the weakness a man has for a beautiful woman," he said.
Jason stood up and extended his hand to uncle Pat for a handshake. Patrick grabbed his mentee and hugged him, slapping him on his back. After they pulled away from each other, Jason put the papers back into the envelope and tucked them under his arm. He nodded at uncle Pat. Patrick smiled at him.
"Remember to honor her as the weaker vessel, son," Patrick said.
Jason nodded solemnly. "I promise I will. I'll do my best to honor God and lead in waiting until our wedding. I'm gonna set a date in April. I'm gonna talk to Carli about it," he said.
Patrick nodded. "Good," he said.
Jason moved towards the door. Uncle Patrick accompanied him. Jason turned around and looked at him. "Thank you so much, uncle," he said.
Patrick nodded. "You're most welcome, Jason. I will pray for you both," he replied. He slapped Jason on his shoulder. Jason turned back to the door, opened it and stepped outside. He unlocked the car door and sat in his car. He was stunned. He never expected what just happened.
He bowed his head and thanked God. He took his car keys out of his pocket, put it in the ignition and started the engine, driving off slowly. He would call Carli tomorrow morning before he left for Montego Bay and tell her the good news. He was happy. Again, he thanked Jesus for all His help. Jason was even more resolved to do the right thing from now on.
Next: Chapter 18: Like father like son
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