To Happily Married Life

(A Few Weeks Ago)

“Here you go, Sweetie.” Jessie Walker handed her fiancé Mark his early morning cup of smoothies.

Mark sipped through the straw, then glanced at his watch and handed the cup back.

“Okay, so I made reservations tonight at Marcellus for 8:00. I thought maybe we should… you know, set a date?”

“Alright, I will see you later.” He headed for the door.

“Hey, hey, hey. Love you.” Jessie rested her hand on his shoulder, pouting her lips for a kiss.

“Love you too.” But Mark placed a quick kiss on her forehead instead and walked out.

Jessie returned to the kitchen table with a sigh. Her eyes caught the five-carat diamond ring on her finger, and a smile spread across her face. In just a few short months, she would marry the man of her dreams.

“Jessica!” Taylor’s booming voice filled the living room. Jessie glanced up to see her friend standing in the kitchen doorway. “The door wasn’t locked.”

“I was sure I locked it when Mark left,” Jessie said as she stood to hug her. They settled onto the stools at the counter.

“This is a beautiful day. I brought something for you.” Taylor reached into her oversized bucket-shaped bag and pulled out a bottle of champagne. “Here you go.”

Jessie examined the bottle, eyebrows raised. Taylor noticed her confusion. “It’s my new sample — apple-flavored.”

Jessie gasped. “This is beautiful, Taylor. I didn’t know you would brand a sample like this.” She grabbed two glasses, popped the cork, and poured.

“It was only branded for you. I wanted you to try it and tell me what you think. Is the packaging nice? Will they like it?”

Jessie smiled softly. “They will love it.” She passed one glass to her friend. “To happily married life.”

“To success,” Taylor replied. Their glasses clinked.

Jessie took a sip and her eyes widened. The apple flavor burst on her tongue — crisp, refreshing, and far better than any of Taylor’s previous drinks.

“So tell me,” Taylor said, setting her glass down, “did you decide to throw your dreams away for marriage?”

Jessie sucked her teeth. “We decided to leave my dream and work toward everything together. We created a list of do’s and don’ts. Mark and I agreed I would only do shows on Friday nights once we are married. Tonight we are setting the wedding date. I’m so excited, babe. I’ve waited for this.”

“I know, and I’m happy for you, but do you think that list is good for you? Becoming a full-time wife and only performing on Fridays? What if a big gig comes along that could change everything? I would advise crossing out the old list and making a new one that benefits you too. You can’t just hand your dreams over to a man. He will have full power over you.”

Jessie lifted the glass to her lips, then lowered it. “If it wasn’t for Mark, I don’t think I would be surviving today. My family wouldn’t be where they are. He sponsored my mama, Bev’s tuition fees. The least I can do is obey him and do what he wants. You know I didn’t finish school because my mom couldn’t afford it. Mark believed in me, and he loves me.” She flashed the diamond ring toward Taylor. “Look at that. I’m the luckiest girl alive. I can’t believe someone would love a girl like me.”

“I understand, but if he really loves and believes in you, he should help you reach for the sky — not restrict you or pressure you to be the perfect wife and mother. Look, Jessie,” Taylor placed a hand on her shoulder, “I don’t want you to wake up one day regretting everything you worked so hard for. You’ve always tried to be that perfect girl for Mark. You never even cry in front of him. You have to put yourself first and not be afraid to lose a man. Talk to him tonight. If he supports your dreams, he is the one for you. But if he wants you to be a stay-at-home wife, please run. He will ruin you.” Taylor sighed. “You know I love you and want the best for you.”

Jessie nodded, fear twisting in her stomach. For years she had shaped herself to be exactly what Mark wanted — the classy dresses, the constant pleasing, the perfect image for his friends and family. She was becoming someone she didn’t recognize.

Maybe Taylor was right.

She would have to talk to Mark tonight. She would tell him how uncomfortable she felt about becoming a full-time housewife while her music dreams gathered dust. She couldn’t spend years breathing the same air with him if it meant losing herself completely.

“Hey.” Taylor tapped her arm gently. “What are you thinking about?”

Jessie blinked, pulled from her thoughts. “Nothing. I was just thinking about what you said. You are right. I have worked too hard for this dream. If he loves me, he will change the list and support me. I will talk to him tonight about everything — how uncomfortable I am with this whole housewife arrangement.”

Taylor nodded and finished her drink. “I’m proud of the woman you are becoming. Mark will see it too. you are a gem, far prettier than that carat diamond on your finger.”

Jessie giggled, warmth blooming in her chest. After Taylor left, she locked the door and stood alone in the quiet kitchen. The champagne bottle and her sparkling ring sat side by side on the table.

Tonight at Marcellus, she would set the wedding date… and finally speak up about her dreams.

She hoped the man she loved would understand.