Jamie - The Journey Begins Ch. 28

"Do that again, Benjamin, and I'm gonna throw you down right here and scare the kids," I warned him as I slapped his butt with my hand.

"Ohhh... a floor show! Nice! Hey Lucas, make it fun for your wife - join in... go on."

My eyes went wide. As I broke Ben's kiss, I looked at Hailey. She was looking dead at me trying her best not to laugh. Lucas had turned his head sideways in disbelief at what his wife had just said. "OMG Hailey, what have we done to you? You were once so sweet, butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, girl. Now you're organizing public threesomes and with your husband participating... Damn, Hails! You make me so proud."

At that, we all burst into laughter. "Ok I'm going to get us all a drink. Back in a second," Ben hopped up and sat in my seat as I walked away, Lucas tagging along.

"Mate, that was hysterical. I never thought Hailey would ever say shit like that! Too funny Lucas, too funny."

"Ahh, she knows we're both full of it. You wouldn't throw Ben down with his Mom and dad here and the kids. Remember how reserved she was when I first met her, Jamie?"

"I know, right. What have we done?" I remarked, grabbing each other around the shoulder and heading to the supplies. First stop - the cooler, grabbing a selection of colored bottles to take back. I was past caring what we were drinking now. "Hey Lucas, one sec, this way." We wandered towards Aiden. "Hey buddy, how's it all going?"

"Hey, Jamie, Lucas. Not bad = the kids are pretty good. I just gave them the iPad and said no cursing, remember who is here," as we all turned our heads to the Mr. and Mrs. Rush chatting away. "It set them straight. Don't you worry with pop and grammy sitting there."

We all let out a half-snort, half-laugh. "Hey, Aiden - can I request a song? I want to sing something please,"

"Sure, Jamie. You're up next."

"Thanks, man." I quickly scooted back to Ben and Hailey, handing out drinks when Pink's Get this party started finished.

"Hey Ben, you got a sec?" Puzzled, he stood up,

"Yeah -- what're we doing? What are you up to, Jamie?" He leaned in closer and whispered, "My parents are still here, you know."

"Yeah, I know," I smiled. "Trust me."

We walked the 4 yards toward the impromptu stage area. I grabbed an empty chair with my other hand while leading Ben along. "Please sit down."

Jack ran over, handing me a mic. "Here you are, Uncle Jamie."

"Thanks, Buddy." I looked up at Aiden when the music video of Hey Soul Sister by Train came on. I smiled at Ben. He knew that Train was one of my favorites. I probably looked like an idiot but moved around Ben singing along, swapping soul sister to soul mister. It was a song I played often when we were driving around, singing it to Ben while holding his hand. This song was so us in so many ways, plus it was the second song we danced to at our wedding.

Halfway through, Ben stood up, resting his left hand on my neck, pulling us together, turning it into a duet. That moment, we were alone. We were in our space singing, our eyes locked, looking lovingly at each other. The place could have exploded and I doubt we would have known or cared really. When the last 'tonight' rang out, Ben shifted his weight quickly and tipped me backward, holding me in his arms. I was looking up at his face. All I saw was this huge smile, but his eyes said so much more. He closed the gap between us, just before our lips touched.

"I love you, Jamie, today-tomorrow-forever."

I felt myself melt in his arms. After a few seconds, the cheers and whistles brought us back to earth. We stood up, both a little embarrassed by how the moment grabbed us just for a second. I couldn't wipe the silly look I know was on my face, but I didn't care.

We exchanged looks. "Let's get some people up here, hey Jamie?" Ben called out to "Lucas, Hailey, Daniel, Ella, Amber, Trav. Come on guys," waving his arms. "Come on Aiden, Amanda - you too."

Once we were all grouped up, Ben pressed play. 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse. My mind split for a nanosecond to the video montage I watched years ago to 'Back to Black.' I wasn't able to listen to Amy for years, not that song, but her soulful voice just dragged me back. Valerie was such a great song and lent itself to this mad group so well. Ben kissed me on the cheek as it started, and Ella did the same on the other side: they all knew about my past that came out when I was in the hospital. "Thanks guys," I said, hoping I was returning the favor.

We sang long into the night. It was a fantastic way to spend one of my last nights in Texas before heading off.