Boswell, LaVenia (17 page)

            “Sir, if I may suggest,” Jason began, realizing his future father-in-law had very limited funds, “Jenny’s gown alone will be quite expensive, I imagine.  Most women have dreamed of their wedding dress for years.  If you could help her with that cost, that would be far more than enough contribution as far as I can see.”

            Before her dad could answer, Jennifer bounced up, went to her dad, and said, “That would be perfect Dad!  And I know the store where I’ll most likely pick it out.  And you have to buy yourself a new tux, the old one is just old, and there’s mom’s dress,”

            Jason cleared his throat.  “Huh, Jen, hon, Mom said to tell you she knows a designer who’ll be happy to design your dress and your mother’s as well if you both would like her to.”  After casting a glance at her dad he added, “And at a reasonable discount for being so close to Mother.  Mom’s sent her many referrals through the years and her work is red carpet quality, so she might do this just for the cost of materials.”

            “Design my dress?  Are you joking, Jas?” Jennifer asked in awe.

            Her mother’s eyes lit up and they grabbed each other’s hands and bounced, just like young teenaged girls will do while actually squealing together.

            “Well, if you need help with the expenses, we are more than willing to carry our share, but this is awful short notice.  Especially with all the graduation expenses we’ve just paid out,” her dad stated a little hesitantly.

            “Got it completely covered, Mister Franks.  There will be no problem here,” Jason responded with a smile as his future father-in-law stood and shook hands with him and Mrs. Franks gave Jason a big hug as welcome.

            Jennifer’s mom and dad began admiring her ring as soon as Jason replaced the engagement ring on her finger.  He’d removed it so as not to upset them, until they could share with them the news.  Jenny swore her finger had been crying over the loss of it for the past few days.

            Jason asked with a laugh, “Is your finger happy again?” as they headed for his car.

            “Much!  Don’t ever remove it again!”

            “Only once more, to place our wedding ring closest to your heart,” he answered with a happy smile.

11 – JASON’S FAMILY REACTS

They were headed to Jason’s house for his family to officially welcome Jennifer into their family. 

            Jenny didn’t know what was ahead of her or he wouldn’t have been able to talk her into the car.  He laughed aloud with the happiness he was feeling as he closed her car door.

            In the car he asked, “Did you really think I would let you buy your wedding gown knowing someone else has chosen the same style?  You’re too special for that, Jen.”

            “Jason, you don’t know it, but I’m a Thrift store shopper and I go to consignment shops to purchase most of my clothing.”

            “Can’t tell it.  You always look well put together,” he remarked and dropped the topic.

            Jennifer had picked out her clothes for this evening with care.  Confronting her parents and then visiting his house for the first time in over two years, she wanted to look extra presentable.  She wore a pair of blue slacks with a flowing flower print handkerchief hemmed duster, and a white scooped neck pullover under the duster.  She made her necklace and earrings to match.  Jason had bragged to excess on her outfit upon seeing her.  She’d considered wearing her
Alice
wig, but decided that too much shock might upset Jason.  He told her he loves her long hair, but that her pixie wig looks adorable on her too.  Being he liked her real hair sort of settled it for her.

            “Don’t let go of my hand,” she pleaded as they walked to the side door beside his families’ four car garage.

            Hugging her tight up against him and giving her the tenderest smile he opened the door and they walked in.

            “SURPRISE!” rang out from about fifty people the moment they entered the house.  Lights began flashing and many seemed to be holding a video camera.  Everyone was smiling, greeting her and him like they were long lost children. 

            Jennifer murmured to Jason as he bent his head to hear her, “I had no idea you had so many aunts, uncles and friends.”

            “Oh, sweetheart, this isn’t even a fraction of them all.  You’re seeing mostly my brothers and sisters and their spouses along with just a few uncles, aunts and cousins.  Like I told your father, we have a really large family,” he announced smiling. 

            Jennifer noted that even he seemed as surprised as her to find so many people there for their surprise engagement party.

            Jason’s parents came forward and gave Jenny hugs and kisses of welcome.  In a short while many of the women descended upon them with shouts of, “Let’s see the ring!  Show us the ring!”

            Jenny held up her hand and flashed the beautiful, sparkling stone at them, while grinning so big it made her cheeks hurt from the action.  The women were stunned at how big and lovely her diamonds were.  Several of the men in Jason’s family teased him terribly, loudly alleging that he must have spent his entire inheritance on the thing. 

            Jason simply smiled and stated, “I saved back enough for us to live on for a few years.”

            Everyone seemed so happy and jubilant it lifted Jennifer’s heart, especially after the scene her dad had made.  Although, she and Jason had discussed before hand what her dad’s reaction would probably be and neither were disappointed, they never the less understood his hesitance.  Jenny was still thrilled that Thomas had managed to calm their dad and made him see reason somehow.  He’d promised Jason he would try.

            Jason’s family was completely different.  Not one word was mentioned about their ages or that they needed to rethink the proposal.  Their love for one another was accepted with obvious joyful jubilation.

            They both quickly discovered the whole house was festooned with decorations and candles.  A Congratulations on Your Engagement sign hung high in the foyer.  The large and long dining table along with several sideboards were filled with so much food Jennifer found it amazing.

            Jason was one of eight siblings.  He was the baby, like her.  He had three sisters and four brothers.  All of them were here, along with their spouses and children who were running around making all kinds of racket while the adults didn’t seem to notice or care.  At least the kids were laughing and seemed to be nice, just loud. 

            Jenny discovered that one of his brothers - the second eldest - was still single.   She’d thought he’d probably gotten married by now so was surprised when Jason told her no, he was still a bachelor.  A confirmed bachelor it seemed.

            Jennifer quickly discovered that Jason was certainly a beloved uncle.  That became very clear with all the children coming to him and the little ones dragging books or toys along wanting him to play or read to them.  He adored them in return.

            After about thirty minutes of greetings, hugs and introductions he guided his bride-to-be to a loveseat.  He was diligently making sure none of the males in the family flirted too boldly with Jenny.  It was their way and they meant nothing serious by it but she wouldn’t know that.  Whether it was their Italian or Greek heritage or both or none of it, he didn’t know, just that it was.

            “Are you ready to be part of such a large family?” he asked Jennifer.  “They’re a little loud but it’s always a happy occasion for births and weddings.  Dad told me he made mom keep this evening down to a few close relatives,” Jason explained between speaking to all the well wishers who came to repeatedly congratulate them.  

            Seeing how surprised she was with that statement he laughed, “Wait till the wedding!  I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s not over three hundred by that time.”          Seeing the look of fear on her face he squeezed her next to him and quickly added, “Or not.  Whatever makes you comfortable?”

            “Wow,” is all she managed to say feeling overwhelmed with so many kissing and hugging strangers.

            When the news their Pre-Marriage classes would begin in a few days the jokes and innuendoes began.  Women descended in what felt to them like droves, offering them one type of advice or another about the classes.  Men kept handing Jason glasses of wine for them both and winking.

            With a serious face Jason stated to her, “Today we celebrate and since I’ll be driving you home I will limit my drinks to one per hour, but you can have all you want.”

            “Gee thanks,” she retorted.  Jeeze, he was serious, she realized; always so careful and always so proper.  “Jason,” she asked in all seriousness, “can’t you just relax, today?”

            “Sweetheart,” he stated as he leaned toward her ear so she could hear over the loud talking in the room, “I am as relaxed as I’ve ever been.  I’m thrilled and full of thankfulness and praise to God for you.  You are looking at a very happy, very blessed man.”

            “Awww, you’re so sweet,” she cooed back giving him a little peck on his lips.

            There was a commotion when the door bell chimed and almost everyone left them to greet the newcomer.  Jenny wondered who it was, but didn’t have to wonder long as everyone began parting to reveal her parents, and on their heels were Thomas and Celeste and right behind them was Father Jose.

            “Hail, hail, the gang’s all here,” Jenny muttered nervously.

            Mister and Mrs. Zonelli came forward to generously welcome them all.

            Jason stood and lifted her hand to join him as they received their new guests.

            Jennifer’s dad seemed to know a number of people there and her mom too, which surprised Jenny.  They quickly came and hugged them.  Her dad admitted he was indeed giving them his blessing for the marriage.  That was a big concession for him.  Jenny kissed him and he smiled genuinely.

            It seemed the Zonelli’s had called her parents right after they’d left and asked them to join them here for a celebration of their children choosing to share the rest of their lives together.  Jason told Thomas about it days ago.

            Thomas and Celeste flew to Jason and Jenny. “Well, Bro, seems we’re gonna be true brothers after all, doesn’t it?” Thom asked while slapping Jason’s back and giving each of them a swift hug.

            Suddenly a glass began ringing from being tapped with a spoon.  Jason’s dad was calling everyone to attention.  “I want to make a toast to my wonderful son and his lovely bride-to-be Jennifer.”

            “Here, here,” was called out with a slight drunken slur from someone, and several people began snickering.

            Jason’s dad made the most beautiful toast, filled with love and welcome Jenny could have ever hoped for.  It made her eyes overflow.  Jason kept kissing her hair as she tried several times to hide her tears in his neck.  She was embarrassed by her lack of emotional control in front of all these people.

            “That was so beautiful and sweet,” she declared sniffling as everyone in the room came to hug and kiss them again.

            The food was fabulous, everyone bragged on each item.  Seems all of Jason’s sisters, sister-in-laws, aunts and cousins had brought a dish to share with the gathering.

            Father Jose had spoken to them several times during the celebration and had assured Jennifer that he was very happy for them and he prayed they would have a life filled with love and joy. 

            That eased Jenny’s fears of his rejection a lot, for a while.  It also puzzled her a wee bit.  Jason was such a religiously pious man, and here she was very much a non-believer and yet everyone acted as though she was already one of them and they didn’t seem to mind that she had no faith or religious beliefs.  She was received with open arms.  It angered her a might, feeling that Jason deserved better than her.  He should have someone who shared his beliefs.  She was pretty positive it would never be her.  But there was no way she was going to give him up, because she knew she was just too selfish for that.  He was hers.  Period.  No matter her beliefs, she would not offend his.  She could offer him that, and at the moment she felt that was quite a lot.