ZainZain arrived at the hospital early the next day, eager to see his sister and new little nephew. His clothes were packed, and he was ready to go, having planned to go straight to the airport to meet Jasmine when he left the hospital.At Jasmine’s insistence, he reluctantly let her go back to her condo the night before. He just hoped nothing had happened to her before she met him, and that her father hadn’t come back.If he touched her, he was going to kill him. Damn the consequences. But no matter how eager he was to see Jasmine and see for himself that she was okay, nothing was going to stop him from being there for his sister now. He was just glad that he was there when she had the baby.When he walked in, the hospital antiseptic smell was overwhelming, more so than he’d remembered from occasional trips to the emergency room when he was a child from playing baseball or some other sport. The bright lights lit up the hallway as he stepped out of the elevator and made his way to h

Jasmine As the cab headed down the Las Vegas strip, butterflies danced in Jasmine’s stomach in anticipation. “Do you think we should just get one or two rooms tonight?” She felt like an idiot for asking, but this was all so new to her. “It’s up to you,” he replied, his eyes filled with concern. “But we’re not going to do anything until after we’re married tomorrow.” She nodded, not sure if she would be able to wait that long for him. She had never wanted anything or anyone so badly in her life as she wanted him in this moment. But then again, she had waited this long, so she could wait a few more hours. “One room will be fine, then.” He pulled her to his side and kissed the side of her head. “I promise, you’ll be safe with me.” But a part of her didn’t want to be safe. Not with Zain. She had started taking birth control pills and was ready, but she had made her mother a promise, and she intended to keep it. When the cab came to a stop, Zain paid the driver, and they carried their

Jasmine “Are you nervous?” Zain asked Jasmine as they left their hotel room, heading for the elevator. Jasmine nodded, smiling sheepishly. “A little, but I’ll be more nervous tomorrow.” Zain laughed. “I will be, too.” She arched an eyebrow. “You’re nervous?” A sexy smile lit his lips. “It’s not every day you get married.” He pushed the button when they entered the elevator. “So, where would you like to eat? There’s a Mexican restaurant, a steakhouse, a pizzeria, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Let’s do the Mexican restaurant, the steakhouse, or pizza.” She laughed as the elevator opened on a quiet floor high above the casino. “Somehow, going to an all-you-can-eat buffet the night before we get married doesn’t sound very romantic.” “Let’s go to the steakhouse then.” Zain took her hand and smiled. “We can always save the buffet for tomorrow.” She laughed, feeling more relaxed now than she had earlier. Something about Zain always sent a feeling of p

Jasmine Jasmine nodded and took off her robe as he watched, his eyes combing her body. Although she was happy that tomorrow would be their wedding day, she was sad that it wasn’t real. But it always would be for her... no matter what happened between them in the time to come. Try as she might, she couldn’t sleep, so she rolled over to face Zain. “Are you awake?” His head nodded slightly in the moonlight. “Yes, of course.” “Promise me our life together will be amazing.” She took in the sight of him lying in his bed with his arm tucked behind his head, shirtless as the moonlight illuminated his body. “I promise.” There was a pause in the dimly lit room. “Look. We’re committing to each other tomorrow, no matter what happens on Monday. And I promise you, that commitment will stay with me... always.” Jasmine smiled, starry-eyed as she dreamed of what tomorrow—and their lives—held. “Always.” Zain let out a contented sigh as he turned to face her, his eyes illuminated in the moonligh

Zain “Thank you, Rev. Woodward.” I smiled as I shook his hand vigorously, my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst. He chuckled. “It’s my pleasure. Now....” He placed his hands on our shoulders, looking between us. “Go and have a wonderful life.” Gladys dabbed at her eyes as she approached. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful couple.” She pulled Jasmine in for a hug. “Congratulations, dear.” “Thank you.” Jasmine dabbed at her eyes, too. Then Gladys pulled me in for a hug. “Take care of that girl,” she whispered, her voice serious as she released me. I nodded as my heart plummeted. After this, there was no way I was going to be able to let Jasmine go come Monday. “I will.” After saying our last goodbyes, I placed my hand on the small of Jasmine’s back, and we headed into the hallway. “So, where would you like to go? The Steakhouse again, the Pizzeria, or the Blue Iguana.” “The Blue Iguana?” Jasmine looked at me as if I had lost my mind. I shrugged as I hit the button