Chapter 42: All Good Things

You know…I exerted so much energy worrying and complaining about my kids that I never even thought to sit back and watch how things unravel. I never considered that things would actually turn out well for them! Jayla has been by the house almost every day like she said she would! It’s been such a pleasure seeing her in this new, adult, responsible light. I could not be more proud. And it does my heart well to see the sisters back together again.

Jayden and Maliyah’s wedding was beautiful, although everyone was dreadfully sleepy. As fate would have it, now that most of our children are grown and on their own, NOW Dee and I work the same schedule! We could have used that gem years ago! We now work 12-5, and of course Jay didn’t want to get married without us. So, first we had to wait until everyone got home, and then get everyone fed, showered, and whatever else they needed before we headed to The Chapel. Needless to say, by the time we dropped Kinzi off at daycare and arrived at The Chapel, it was like 9:30! They did it though, and I am so proud of him.

Mackinzie had her birthday, and she is just as pretty as she could be! She’s a little princess just like her mom!

At first I thought she looked just like Jazzy, but I can see both of her parents in her. This grandpa thing is not so bad! Jasmine and Joshua are doing a great job with her, and I can’t wait to spoil her properly!

I saved the best good thing for last!! Now THIS right here was soooo awesome to witness and I am overwhelmingly proud!

“Excuse me, everyone…I have something I want to say. [ahem] Mr. Pruett, I have been thinking about what you said to me when you found out I was living here, and I want to thank you for bringing those things to my attention. When I first came here, I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t even know what I was doing. Honestly, I was just glad that Jasmine chose me. But living here all this time has opened up my eyes to what a real man should look like. I watch how you are with Mrs. Pruett, and I even see some of that in Jayden and Maliyah. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m ready to take things to the next level. Before I get to my point, I just want to take this time to take ownership for the part I played in any stress I caused this family. I know we did things a little backward, but I want to make things right. So, Mr. Pruett, if you don’t mind, I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

It was soo beautiful I almost cried! I felt like I had just witnessed a miracle. This young man has transformed right in front of my eyes. Maybe I have done something right! I gave them my blessing, of course.

“JOSH! OH MY GOODNESS!! I have been waiting and waiting for you to ask me! Of course I’ll marry you!!!”

“Awww, honey! Our baby is finally getting married! I’m soo happy!”

“This is the best day of my life,” cried Dulce.

“Jasmine, my love, if I know you like I think I know you, you wouldn’t want a huge party and guests. Let’s do it right here and now with your parents. I think that’s all you really want.”

“Wow, Josh, you know me so well!”

“I love you, Jasmine Pruett. I love all of you…even in your insanity, I love you. I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving you. I want us to be a family…an official family! I want our next kid to have my name. I want to buy us a house and begin our own legacy. I promise to always be true, honest, and loyal, in sickness and in health, forever and always!”

“Joshua, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one for me. I know everyone says I’m crazy, but I was clear and rational. I didn’t need the voices to tell me that you would be mine. I promise to love and obey as long as I’m able. I hope my mind would stay as sound as it is right now, but I know it won’t. I trust you with my life. I trust that you will take care of our child if anything should happen to me. I promise to be only yours for as long as I live.”

“See, Aiden, everything worked out!”

“It sure did, Dee. It sure did.”