I would like to thank all my readers for your patience - both my beta and I had things going on in our personal lives so it took both of us a bit to get this chapter done and polished.
Good news is, the next one is also written and was just sent to my beta tonight so it should be up in the not-to-distant future! :)
Thank you to all for sticking with this - let's continue!

Chapter 24 – I Do

Jasper's eyes flew open as soon as her alarm went off promptly at seven thirty. It was unlike her to sleep up until her alarm actually went off. She usually woke up about five or ten minutes before that, but she'd been having a fabulous dream where she and Greg were drinking champagne in a hot tub and eating chocolate.

Groaning, she grabbed her phone from the bedside table and turned off the annoying music. Seven thirty in the morning on August 16th. She pressed the Facebook button and went to her memories, scrolling down until she found the photo she'd posted later on in the afternoon on this same day twelve years ago. Her smiling face – a younger face – looked out from the phone, beaming proudly as she held a small wrapped bundle wearing a pink cap. The caption read: "Look what I made – Bismuth helped."

Her mind wandered to the gifts she had waiting in store for Allie today…the makeup kit she'd promised, a new pair of high heel shoes her daughter had wanted, a gift card to Victoria's Secret so she could pick out a 'real bra' as she'd put it. But, despite the fact that in a year, she'd be the parent of a teenager and the fight for dominance would begin, there were still signs Allie was very much a kid. She'd also asked for a game called Scattergories, which apparently she'd played with Connie and enjoyed and a gift card to a bookstore. "I'd also like a new bike," she'd said. "I can ride it to school."

Yeah, that would last until the first rainy or cold day then she'd be asking her mom or aunt for a ride. Nonetheless, her current bike was too small and it was a means for her to get exercise. So, a brand new shiny blue one waited in the garage with a ribbon already around it.

Jasper got up and immediately padded down to the kitchen to make some coffee. It might be a special day in Allie's life, but it was still a Wednesday and she had to work. They'd get the family together that night for dinner – no doubt Amethyst had a feast in mind and might have already started on preparations.

She heard a yawn from behind her and turned around to see a very sleepy Allie standing there rubbing her eyes. Jasper removed her full cup of coffee from under the Keurig. "Good morning and happy birthday."

Allie smiled. "I'm officially a pre-teen now."

"That you are. Now, I asked them to close my four-thirty appointment slot so I can come home early, but I still have to work today. Your aunt, grandma and Crystal will be over mid-afternoon-ish to start on dinner and I'll pick up your cake on the way home."

"Ice cream cake?"

"Chocolate cake with mint chip ice cream as requested."

"Can I invite Steven and Connie over for cake? You could see Mr. Universe again…" She waggled her eyebrows.

"Stop that. Yes, you can invite them – tell them about seven-thirty. We should be done with dinner by then." She and Greg had been out a few more times since the movies and he'd told her Steven was also keen on this relationship working out. She'd already told Allie she was taking things slow and she'd let her know if anything exciting – like a wedding – was going to happen. So far, they enjoyed each other's company and hadn't complicated things with a physical relationship beyond kissing…but damn, was it GOOD kissing. "Hey, so before I leave for work, let's measure you on the post in the garage."

"Do we have to do that now?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Because otherwise Allie would inevitably wander in there and Jasper wouldn't see her reaction to the bike. She put an arm around her daughter's shoulders. "Because I said so."

Allie's eyes narrowed. "Why are parents allowed to say that?"

"It's one of our perks." Jasper led her out to the garage and watched as her eyes lit up at the sight of the bike. "Well, look at that."

"It's for me?" Allie ran over to it and ran her hand over the seat and she placed the new helmet over her head. "Can I ride it now?"

"In your pajamas?"

"Oh, heh…right."

"You can go out if you want and ride it after your aunt gets here. I don't want you riding around while I'm gone. That gift is from Grandma and Grandpa Cordero, so don't forget to write them a thank-you letter." Rarely did she ask Bismuth's parents for anything, but they usually sent Allie gifts she didn't really want, so she'd spoken up this year and they'd given her money for the bike. Jasper grabbed a ruler. "Now come here." Once Allie stood with her back against the support beam, Jasper made a mark on it and measured from last year's line. "You grew like four inches." She wrote down the date and looked down comparing it to the first line made when Allie was five and didn't even come up to Jasper's waist. Using measuring tape confirmed she was five and a half feet tall now and still growing.

Once Allie had retreated into the house, she ran a finger along the line drawn at the bottom. She missed those days when her daughter was small and she could pick her up and cuddle her. Now she was raising a young woman. Her mind went back to the day Allie was born and how many times during her pregnancy and labor she'd said she'd never have another baby. She'd hated her changing body and the ease with which she was gaining weight. "I'm two hundred and five pounds!" she'd told Bismuth one day shortly before giving birth. "I'm now waddling…and you want two kids? No."

However, when the doctor had delivered Allie and placed her on Jasper's torso, fear had reigned for only a moment before her daughter announced her arrival with a loud cry. Tears came to Jasper's eyes as her hand protectively covered this life she'd created and delivered. She had been so tiny and perfect with lots of dark hair. Jasper took it all in for a moment before deciding she'd go through it again – all of it – just for that moment right there.

Of course, this was minutes before they'd realized something was wrong and she was whisked away for emergency surgery. Her hand rested on her stomach – over her loose skin and scars, now hidden under dark ink, but still there. At least Allie was a blessing in her life, she mused as she headed back into the house. She stopped at the picture of Bismuth on the shelf and took a moment to remove the bit of dust that had gathered on the glass. "Our baby is twelve today. She's not really a baby anymore."

Was it weird to keep a photo displayed now that she was dating another man? Of course not; Greg still had photos up of Rose and Jasper was glad he did because where she didn't see his father in Steven, she could see his mother. Just like when Allie smiled it reminded her of her husband. She kissed her fingers and pressed them to the glass before putting the photo back next to the flag in its triangular case.

Work wasn't especially different from any other day, though Garnet gave her two gifts to give to Allie. "The small one is from me and the other is from Topaz."

"You and Topaz seem to be doing well," Jasper commented.

"We're very happy. We've been discussing the possibility of moving in together, but her lease isn't up until January, so it'll be a while."

"Hey, question – Allie enjoyed Bible camp and now she wants to go to church, but not the Catholic Church. I know you go, so what is yours like?"

"I enjoy it. Allie's welcome to accompany me if she wants. I know you don't go and Topaz is non-religious so you two can work out on Sunday mornings or have brunch or something. She'd love the company."

"Now, you know brunch is why we millennials can't afford houses." Jasper rolled her eyes.

"Just skip the avocado toast and you'll be fine."

Jasper laughed heartily. "I'll iron out the details with you before Sunday."

She returned home shortly before four and smelled something good already cooking. "What did the birthday girl request?"

"Tacos," Amethyst said. "So I am putting together a make-your-own-taco bar."

"And Allie wanted tacos? Not you?" Jasper placed the cake carefully in the freezer.

"I like tacos too!" Crystal piped up. "And Uncle Tani is coming."

Inwardly Jasper groaned, but like it or not, he was going to be a part of the family in some way now that he and Amethyst were going to have a baby. At least he'd taken the news well – not just well; he was delighted and now checked in with her sister all the time about how she was doing and would accompany her to her appointments. She'd posted on Facebook she was craving mango and he'd shown up half an hour later with a grocery bag full of them saying: "I didn't know how many you wanted."

There were still five mangoes in the bowl on the kitchen table. Jasper wandered into the living room and sat on the couch next to her mom who was busy braiding Allie's hair. Her daughter was wearing a sleeveless plaid shirt with denim overalls. So, she was still on this 90's kick. "You wearing that tonight?"

"Actually, I have this one dress I want to wear."

"Hm…" Jasper went to the closet and pulled out a wrapped gift, handing it to Allie as Penina put a hair tie in to keep her braid together. "Then you may want to use this."

Allie ripped into the wrapping paper revealing the makeup kit. "No way! Really?"

"Yep, get your dress on and I'll help you with your makeup."

She rushed off and Jasper took a seat on the couch again. "How are you, Mom?"

Penina smiled. "I'm having a good day. Allie is tall for…how old is she?"

"Twelve."

Her mother nodded. "You shot up about then. Tall as a tree by the time you were thirteen or fourteen. You got braces around then. I hate to mention it, but Allie has a gap…" She pointed to her front teeth. "Just right here."

"She has an appointment with the orthodontist to get her braces next week." Jasper took the opportunity to fish Allie's other gifts from the closet and place them on the coffee table next to the ones from her aunt and grandmother. Then she helped Allie put on some mascara and blue smoky eye shadow to match her blue, floral dress and a slight bit of bronzer on her cheeks. "Well, what do you think?"

"Wow…I'm beautiful! Thanks, Mom!" Allie hugged her and ran off.

'Well, she always has been…' Jameela sighed wistfully.

'Where the fuck were you hiding? I thought…' Didn't she leave when Jasper dropped the dagger in the river?

'I'm a part of you and I always will be…whether we're separate or not depends on you.'

It wasn't that she didn't like Jameela, but she felt much more comfortable when they were merged together. She had to find a way to make that permanent. She quickly changed into her denim capris and a light summer blouse. She applied a little bit of makeup to look refreshed after a day of work. The doorbell rang and her spirits lifted, hoping it was Greg, but then remembered he wouldn't be by until later for dessert. This meant it was very likely Tani. She rolled her eyes as she headed down the stairs. Be nice to him, she reminded herself. "Hey, Tani."

He gave her a brief hug. "How are you, Jasper?"

"Good."

Tani made his way to the kitchen where he kissed Amethyst briefly and rubbed her stomach. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Doctor's appointment Friday and they might be able to tell us what it is."

"It's…a baby."

"Brilliant work, detective," Jasper said faking a British accent. "But I believe the lady means whether it's a boy or a girl."

"Right, right…Tani Jr. or Tania." He took in the disbelief on Amethyst's face and laughed. "I'm kidding. But, really, we should talk about names."

"Let's find out the sex and take one thing at a time."

"I want a sister," Crystal told them.

"You have a sister," Amethyst reminded her. "And a brother."

"Yeah, but one who lives here. I miss Mahir. Zahir cries too much and he's messy."

"He's two." Amethyst laughed.

"Hey, Jasper, can I talk to you?" Tani asked, motioning with his head for her to follow him.

Once outside on the back porch, she crossed her arms. "What's up?"

"I was wondering when the baby's father usually schedules the baby shower."

"He doesn't. That's planned by her female family members or friends. So, I will likely plan it like I did last time." She sighed. "Of course, last time I had Mom to help…"

"Oh, I'm sure my mom will help. She's super excited about having a grandchild."

That's right…she had her aunties…the support of her community. "I'll definitely reach out to her."

"I guess considering, you know, your dad is gone and with your mom…well, I guess you're the head of the family now, huh?"

She recalled her mom talking about chiefs who led the family. Well, maybe she wasn't titled, but she supposed she was the one in charge now. "I guess so."

"Then, I have another question to ask you. Well, more of a blessing really…I want to ask Amethyst to marry me and I want your permission to do so."

Jasper blinked, a billion thoughts running through her head from 'are you crazy' to 'she's a grown woman'. She had to remain calm…how would her father have approached this? She took a cleansing breath. "I'm going to tell you what my father told Bismuth when he asked for me. Amethyst is not property – she's a person, with her own mind, who can make her own decisions. It's not for me to decide. If you ask and she deems you worthy of her love, then I will gladly welcome you into the family. I will say I'm a little shocked; you two hardly know each other."

Tani shrugged. "You know, at first I thought that too, but I grew up with her, so we do know each other and we get along great. I mean, when I first asked you out, you suggested I ask Amethyst and now I understand why. There's something there."

Oh yeah, she had said that, though not for the reasons he thought.

"Most importantly, I want to do right by her…and by the baby…I want to be a real dad to him or her, you know," he told her.

"That's very admirable – and honest – of you."

"Thank you. I already have a ring picked out."

"Wow…well, it's good to be ready, I guess." Now they were going to have to prepare for a wedding in addition to a new baby. At least he was stepping up and taking responsibility, something her father would have approved of.

"I mean, you're great, obviously – and if we'd gotten together we could have made the ultimate Samoan, you know…"

"Um…no we couldn't have…no parts, remember…" And even if she'd had them it would still have been a hard no.

"But there's just something about Amethyst I find…comfortable. Like I can be myself around her and she seems like she's herself around me."

"She's herself around everyone." Jasper rolled her eyes.

"Exactly! Amethyst is just so…real…you know. Plus, I always thought I had this ideal physical type, you know like…" Tani gestured to her. "But I kind of like that she's little and chubby – good for cuddling, you know."

Jasper forced a smile.

'If he says 'you know' one more time…' Jameela said through clenched teeth.

'Right?!' "Well, I know she's had good things to say about you too. Now, I have to oversee that my daughter has a happy birthday."

"I brought her something. I hope she likes jewelry."

He bought a twelve-year-old jewelry? Jasper raised an eyebrow. However, after dinner, while they enjoyed ice cream cake and Jasper sat on the couch with Greg while Allie opened her gifts, she saw Tani's present was a shell and rope necklace with a cross carved out of bone. He told her his mother brought it back from Samoa and he hoped she was Christian.

"This is so cool." Allie tied it behind her neck. "Thank you, Uncle Tani. I wanted a cross ever since I found Jesus at summer camp."

Jasper took a breath. She felt glad Allie had found something to believe in, but deep inside she was also a little jealous. How could she have wanted to make peace with God for years, but never have the faith to do so? However, Allie went to summer camp for a week and 'found Jesus'. Well, she and Bismuth had agreed they would not stand in the way of Allie's religious journey, so she would say nothing and let this unfold.

Later on, as Allie played one of her new games with Steven and Connie, Jasper stepped outside with Greg and sat in one of the lawn chairs. "Every year she grows up, I feel older."

He pulled up a chair next to her and sat down. "That's normal. I'm still waiting for Steven to outgrow me, but he's a late bloomer I guess – physically, anyway."

"A year ago, Allie thought boys were gross, now she's friends with Steven and at least one other named Peedee I know she's talking to. She never spoke two words about God before, but now she's 'found Jesus'. She's wearing makeup…" She's about to bust out of her training bra, her thoughts finished, though she'd never mention such a thing to Greg.

"Before you know it, she'll be driving."

"Oh geez…I'm not ready for that." Jasper laughed.

"Tell me about it. Steven just turned fifteen and he's already mentioned that he can get his learner's permit and asked if he could take the van around the block. I told him we'll see how he does in school this first semester then we'll talk." He cleared his throat. "You know, I'm forty three and I just have to ask…you aren't thinking you want more kids, are you?"

"Well…I've told you I can't have them."

"I wasn't sure if adoption had crossed your mind. I only ask because I don't. I love Steven and I'm glad to have him in my life, but having a little one again would be like starting over, so before we go any further, I just want to see how you feel about more kids."

Jasper nodded. These serious conversations were good. "I'm on the same page. Plus, Amethyst has Crystal and she'll be having another one, so if I ever get baby fever, I can just borrow one of them, remind myself why I don't want to go back to that time and hand them back to their mother. I mean, as much as I'm shocked at how fast twelve seemed to come around, Allie is at an age where I can trust her to be left by herself and she can do things around the house. She's mature and responsible. I can't imagine having to make formula and change diapers again."

"I hear you there. I mean, once Steven does start driving, he'll be able to go to baseball practice by himself, even school if he has a car."

"The only way Allie's getting one is if she saves up for it herself. I used all my graduation money to put a down payment on one right out of high school." Jasper laughed lightly. "Shipped off to boot camp three weeks later."

"And did you come back after or did they deploy you?"

"I was two weeks from graduating basic…and that September our world changed as we knew it. As soon as I found out what happened I knew I was probably getting shipped out and that's exactly what happened. 'Guess, what, you're going to Afghanistan…' You ever seen a camel spider?" Greg shook his head and she continued. "Count your blessings. Spiders here don't bother me anymore. Allie will scream about a 'huge' spider and I'm over here like 'girl, you don't even know…'"

Greg put an arm around her and she leaned in resting against his shoulder. "So, how did your school testing go?"

"Good. I have to take a refresher math class as I had anticipated, but I start classes after Labor Day. I'll be going part time at the gym, which means no more benefits, but I still have the option to get military insurance for a reasonable rate, so I guess I'll go that route. Allie may be eligible for state benefits. No more sick leave or anything either, but in a few years, it'll be worth it."

"What about her braces? Did the insurance pay for them or..."

"Nope – it's considered cosmetic, so I'm footing the bill for that one. I've been saving since her adult teeth came in. Maybe I need to shell out a few bucks every week for the lottery…can't hurt." A sound from behind them caught her attention and she turned around with Greg to see the kids with their noses pushed up against the window. The girls squealed and ran off; Steven grinned before joining them. "Wow…Allie seems to really want this relationship to work out."

Greg laughed. "So does Steven. I've dated, but this is the first time I've been serious about anyone since Rose and he doesn't even remember his mom."

"Allie remembers her dad, but he was deployed for half her life, so I'm not sure how much she remembers. Having her grandpa around helped her have a good, male role-model in her life, but…now she doesn't have one. She hasn't responded this way to anyone else I dated, even Alabaster, though he never met her."

"And he sounded like a real peach," Greg said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, clearing recalling Jasper telling him about that disastrous affair.

"You know, everyone's saying how nice it would be to have a rich guy…but I quickly realized I wasn't into the trips and parties and fancy food and designer clothes…" Jasper gestured to the backyard. "This right here – the patio, the lawn, the two of us together. This is all I need. This right here and I'm as rich as I need to be."

Greg squeezed her shoulder, smiling before gently kissing her.

"So, Allie isn't liking her braces, huh?" Amethyst asked.

Jasper was helping her set up the cupcakes on a platter for the family members and Tani who waited anxiously at the table. The white icing and dark wrappers around them gave no hint of what color they were inside. "No, she's complained the entire week. The day she got them she says 'I'm going to die…that's it, I've died and I'm in purgatory and the weight of my sins is being tested on my teeth.' I asked her if she'd like her Oscar now or later."

Amethyst laughed loudly. "Oh my God!"

"And I've never heard of an orthodontist doing this, but they said she qualified for some kind of program they have for 'low income' patients and they wouldn't take my money insisting her treatment was paid for in full. I have never heard of this and we're middle class, not low income. I don't even remember giving them any financial information. I said there had to be some sort of mistake and it should have gone to someone who needed it more, but they insisted her treatment is paid for."

"That's weird. I remember Mom and Dad talking about paying up the wazzoo for yours."

"Yeah and that was twenty-five years ago. They're even more expensive now. I'm hanging onto the money I saved in case there's a mistake, which I'm sure there has to be."

Amethyst brought the cupcakes over to the table and set them down. "I can't wait to see what it'll be. Crystal was stubborn that first appointment we could have found out and kept her legs closed. The next ultrasound, she was spread eagle and before they even told me I was like 'yep, that's the same stuff I have.'"

"We're gonna do one of those 3D ultrasounds when the baby's a little bigger," Tani told them. "Find out who it looks like. But before we do, I have a gift for you, Amethyst."

Her face lit up. "I like gifts. I hope it's diapers – you can never have too many of those."

"No, it's not for the baby. It's for you. Now, I want to get through all of this, so please don't freak out," he said, getting on one knee and pulling out a jewelry box from his pocket.

"Whaaaat are you doing?" Amethyst looked around nervously…at Penina and Tani's mom who both looked at her with joyful expectation…at Allie and Crystal who eyed the whole thing with suspicion…and finally at Jasper who shrugged knowingly.

"I thought I knew what I wanted in a woman – rather, I knew what I wanted, but I also knew I prayed for God to send me the right one…and He knew what I needed and made the perfect woman for me to spend my life with. I am blessed to have found you…to start a family with you…but I want to do it right and in the eyes of God, that requires a promise and a blessing. I know we haven't been dating long, but I also know around you I can be myself and that I love you. So, will you make that promise with me, will you stand with me so we can be blessed and walk through life together?" Tani opened the jewelry box revealing a rose gold ring with a beautiful purple stone flanked with diamonds. "Will you be my wife?"

"I…" Amethyst's eyes searched for something, as though seeking a sign. Tani's mom mouthed an obvious 'yes'. She caught Jasper's eyes. Jasper gave an approving nod, causing her sister to break out into a smile. "Yes. Yes!"

Tani slipped the ring on her finger then switched it when Jasper said: "Wrong hand!" It only went to her knuckle before it wouldn't budge any further, obviously needing to be sized. They kissed briefly, causing Crystal to let out an "ewwww" before covering her eyes. Much to Jasper's surprise, Allie watched them with a dreamy look on her face in sharp contrast to her reaction at her grandparents' vow renewal.

"Can we have cupcakes now?" Crystal asked.

Amethyst wiped moisture from her eyes. "Yeah – they're also now celebratory cupcakes." She picked one up and put it on a plate before picking up a knife. Tani stood beside her, covering her hand with his and together they sliced through the tiny cake. He immediately beamed while Amethyst's smile was more serene, but happy nonetheless.

"What is it?" Penina wanted to know.

Amethyst used the knife to splay the cupcake open revealing its blue color. "A boy."

"Awww man!" Crystal rested her head on the table in disappointment.

"Someone's taking drama lessons from her cousin," Jasper commented.

"It's going to be born around my birthday too!" Crystal complained.

"Not 'it' – he," her mother corrected.

"Tani Jr."

"No." Amethyst held up her finger at him.

"What's wrong with Tanielu? It's a nice name. It was my father's name too – and my grandfather's," he told her.

"So that would technically make him Tani the Fourth," Jasper said. As if the world needs another one…stop it, Jasper, be nice.

"Exactly – time to shake it up a bit." Amethyst picked up her half of the cupcake and took a bite. "Besides, we have plenty of time to think of a name."

"You two will want to get married soon probably," Tani's mother said. "Don't want to wait until you're too far along."

"We can always go to the courthouse," Amethyst suggested.

"We're not going to no stinking courthouse." Tani shook his head. "I'll talk to the priest – we'll likely do something small, but it'll be a proper church wedding. And we already have a flower girl. What do you say, Crystal?"

"Actually, I think I'm at Dad's that weekend."

Amethyst shook her head. "No because we haven't set a date yet and I'll probably invite your father and Nadima. Nice try though."

"Okay, but let's get one thing straight – he's not my dad." Crystal pointed at Tani.

"No, he isn't, but he is going to be your stepfather and you're going to show him some respect like you should all your elders, got it?" Amethyst said in her no-nonsense voice. "Now shape up or you get no cupcake."

Crystal retained a pouty expression, but stayed quiet as she enjoyed her dessert. Later on, as Jasper was helping her mom do the dishes, Penina sighed. "Jasper, have we gone to Samoa yet?"

"No. It'll be in October. It's only August – well, almost the end." She could hear Tani's mom talking to the girls outside even with the windows closed and she looked up to see Tani and Amethyst cuddling in a bench on the deck.

"Maybe we shouldn't go. If Amethyst could…but no, not with the baby."

"Mom, if we put it off any longer, your memory will get worse and you may not even remember growing up there. It's time; now is the time."

"It's just…I worry about you being there."

"I'll be fine. I'm healthy."

Her mother's lips pressed together in a thin line, her brows furrowed in worry. "People might say some things about your skin."

And there is was. She didn't want her 'damaged' daughter going to meet the family in Samoa. She'd rather not go than take Jasper. She'd take Amethyst, of course, if she was able to travel. Jasper released an aggravated sigh. "Are you that ashamed of me?! I mean, sure, I got some looks at the resort, but overall, it wasn't an issue."

"A resort is not the same as a village. I don't want you to get hurt – emotionally – if they don't understand." Penina rang out the dishtowel and dried her hands.

"Is that why you never mentioned that you had a sister?"

Her eyes widened. "How did you…"

"I found the pictures! You were so ashamed of her for having vitiligo that you hid her away and never said anything! And now you're so ashamed of me, you don't want me to go!"

Her mother took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with moisture. "I'm sorry you thought I was ashamed of you. I never was. You're my daughter and I love you exactly as you are. And I was never ashamed of Masina – that was her name, my twin sister."

"Then why hide her?"

"Because…when I think of what I did to her…I become ashamed of myself…"