Jasmine declined softly. She was exhausted. "Baby, I'll be okay. I just need to take a nap. After I rest, I'll probably feel better. But let's wait until later to tell everyone about the pregnancy. I want the whole family to be together when we share the news."
Paul agreed to her wishes, though he was too happy to go back to sleep. Still buzzing with joy, he changed into some old clothes, then went outside to ride the four-wheeler around town.
As he rode through the back roads, he couldn't stop smiling. The Lord had finally answered their prayers. Tears rolled down his face as he thanked God for the blessing. When he finished riding, he stopped by his parents' house to visit them.
Meanwhile, Jackie and Michelle made their way to the conference venue, pressure buzzing in the air as they prepared to unlock the doors for the caterer, sound technician, and decorator. Jackie's heart raced with excitement—he had poured out his heart and soul into planning this year's conference, convinced it would be the most memorable one yet. With a lineup of special guests and a few surprises up his sleeve, he felt that this event would truly stand out.
After they meticulously ran through their checklist to ensure every detail was accounted for, Jackie and Michelle finally took a moment to sit together on a nearby bench. The ambiance around them was very crowded with staffers trying to get last-minute preparations for the conference done.
Michelle gazed into her husband's warm, loving eyes, reflecting on their shared journey. "Thirty-five years ago, did you ever envision your life unfolding like this?" she asked, her voice tinged with memories.
Jackie smiled gently, a mix of fond memories washing over him. "Like this? Hosting a conference? No, that wasn't in my daydreams. But I always imagined us building a good life together. I didn't know what form it would take, but from the first moment I spotted you at that basketball game, I felt an undeniable pull—I knew deep down that I wanted to spend my life with you."
A soft blush crept across Michelle's cheeks as she recalled that wonderful day. "Here we are, thirty-five years later, and you still give me butterflies. Handing over my number that day turned out to be the best decision of my life. Just look at how far we've come and how much God has blessed us. I truly wouldn't want to weather life's storms with anyone else. Even during those tough times with your gambling issues—just look at how God worked everything out."
Jackie nodded, the weight of their shared experiences evident in his expression. "God has indeed blessed us beyond measure. I do wish, though, that He'd let me keep the feeling in my legs," he joked, a light-hearted smile breaking the seriousness of the moment.
"But on a serious note, I consider myself incredibly blessed to be right here with you. You've been my rock through everything. You never wavered, even when I was caught up in my own mess. Thank you, baby." A testament to their unyielding bond built over years of love and resilience.
Jackie reached into his backpack, pulled out a light blue envelope, and handed it to her. Michelle opened it and gasped—it was a card with two tickets to Greece inside. Tears welled in her eyes.
Before she could speak, Jackie said, "Baby, you've held me down through everything—my hospital visits, my recovery, my struggles. You supported me even when I wanted to give up on myself. You've been the rock for me, Jasmine, and the whole family. I know how bad you've wanted to go to Greece, so I got these tickets for us for New Year's—to start the year off right."
Michelle wiped her eyes and kissed him. "Thank you, baby. I'll always be by your side. I meant it when I said 'for better or worse.' I'll love you until God calls us home. I'm your rider for life. And I'm glad you gave me this before I put my makeup on—because I'd have to fight you for making me cry."
They laughed together, then headed home to get dressed for the conference.
Chapter 6: When a Good Conference Leads to a Horrible Night in the Hospital
Start from the beginning
