Accidental "I Do"

Episode 005

California Dreaming

The next day at work, Jasmine sat in the break room with her laptop perched on the small table, a cup of lukewarm coffee forgotten beside her.

The glow of the screen reflected her excitement as she scrolled through pictures of California vineyards, luxurious beachfront resorts, and cozy mountain cabins. Her heart raced with anticipation as she clicked on a travel package featuring a boutique resort in Napa Valley.

“Perfect,” she murmured to herself, envisioning the golden sunsets, the serene vineyards, and the intimate moment when she’d finally ask Tristan to be hers forever.

“Perfect for what?” came Maya’s voice, her familiar teasing tone breaking through Jasmine’s focus.

Jasmine turned to see her best friend leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face. Maya’s sleek bob framed her face, and her ever-stylish outfit — today a cropped blazer with tailored pants — radiated her usual confidence.

Jasmine tilted the laptop, so Maya could see. “Look at this. Napa Valley. Gorgeous sunsets, private wine tastings, and this little boutique resort with its own vineyard. Isn’t it amazing?”

Maya walked over and pulled out a chair, her expression skeptical but curious. “I’ll give it to you — it’s beautiful. But… are you sure about this?”

Jasmine sighed, a little exasperated. “Yes, Maya. I’m sure. This is the perfect place to propose. Everything about it just feels right.”

Maya leaned back, studying Jasmine’s face. “I know how much this means to you. But don’t you think it’s a little… I don’t know… risky? Planning everything out like this?”

Jasmine bristled slightly. “Why are you doubting me? First, last night, and now again today.”

“I’m not doubting you,” Maya said gently, holding up her hands. “I just want to make sure you’re protecting your heart. You know how I feel about Tristan.”

Jasmine shook her head, her fingers tightening on the edge of the laptop. “You don’t know him the way I do. He’s under a lot of pressure at work, and yeah, maybe he’s been distracted lately, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love me.”

Maya gave her a long look, then sighed. “Alright, fine. I’ll drop it. For now. Just promise me you’ll call me the second you propose. I need all the details.”

A smile crept back onto Jasmine’s face. “I will. And you’ll see, Maya — this is going to be perfect.”

Maya stood, her expression softening. “I hope you’re right, Jaz. I really do.”

Jasmine smiled, but a flicker of doubt crept into her thoughts. Was she living the dream? Or was she clinging to an ideal she wanted so badly that she ignored the signs Maya had pointed out? She pushed the thought aside.

---

That evening, Jasmine sat in her home’s cozy dining room, the familiar scent of her mother’s signature eggs filling the air. The walls, lined with framed photos of Jasmine at every age, felt like a comforting embrace.

Celine set a steaming plate in front of Jasmine and joined her at the table, her elegant features soft with maternal warmth.

“So, tell me, sweetheart, what’s got you so excited? You’ve been glowing since you walked in.”

Jasmine beamed. “I’m planning a trip to California. Tristan and I. It’s going to be amazing.”

Celine arched a delicate brow, her hands resting on her cup of tea. “California? That sounds lovely. What’s the occasion?”

Jasmine hesitated for a moment, realizing that her mother wasn't aware of the proposal. “I’m going to propose.”

Her mother’s teacup froze midair, and her eyes widened slightly. “Propose? As in… marriage?”

“Yes, Mom,” Jasmine said, her tone filled with enthusiasm. “We’ve been together for three years. I love him, and I know he loves me. It just feels right.”

Celine set the cup down slowly, her expression thoughtful. “You’ve certainly thought this through, haven’t you?”

“I have,” Jasmine insisted, leaning forward. “I’ve planned every detail — the location, the moment, everything. Tristan’s going to love it.”

Celine reached across the table, taking Jasmine’s hand in hers. “You know I want nothing more than your happiness, Jasmine. But… are you sure Tristan’s ready for this step?”

Jasmine frowned slightly, pulling her hand back gently. “What do you mean?”

Celine’s voice was soft, yet firm. “He works long hours, cancels plans often. It’s not just once or twice, Jasmine. It’s a pattern. Are you sure he’s as invested in this relationship as you are?”

Jasmine’s heart sank slightly. “He’s busy, Mom. That’s all. He’s got a lot on his plate, and I understand that.”

Celine sighed. “I’m not trying to discourage you. I’m just asking you to make sure. Marriage is a partnership, not something one person carries alone.”

Jasmine straightened, determination shining in her eyes. “Tristan loves me, Mom. I know he does. He’s just focused on his career right now. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.”

Celine offered a small smile, though her eyes remained cautious. “If you’re sure, then I support you. You know that. But promise me you’ll take a moment to think, just to be certain.”

“I am certain,” Jasmine said firmly.

---

Later that night, Jasmine waited at the elegant restaurant where she and Tristan had planned to meet. The table was set with a candle flickering softly, casting warm light across the crisp white tablecloth.

She checked her phone for the third time in five minutes, rereading Tristan’s last message:

'Running late. Be there soon.'

The waiter approached, offering a sympathetic smile. “Would you like to order a drink while you wait, ma’am?”

“Just water, please,” Jasmine replied, forcing a polite smile.

Thirty minutes passed. Then forty-five. Jasmine’s phone buzzed, and she snatched it up, her heart sinking as she read the text:

'I’m so sorry, Jasmine. Work emergency. Rain check?'

Her shoulders slumped as she stared at the message. Disappointment washed over her, but she quickly pushed it aside, reminding herself of all the reasons she loved him. He was dedicated, ambitious, and hardworking.

When she returned home, she found her mother waiting in the living room, a concerned expression on her face. Jasmine recounted the canceled dinner plans with a shrug, trying to downplay her disappointment.

“I’m sure he had a good reason,” she said, more to herself than to Celine.

Her mother gave her a long, searching look before speaking. “Jasmine, I know you’re excited about the proposal, but I want you to promise me something.”

“What’s that?”

“Promise me you’ll listen to your heart. Not just the part that loves him, but the part that knows when something isn’t right.”

Jasmine nodded, though her chest felt tight. “I will, Mom. I know what I’m doing.”

She retreated to her room, pulling out her laptop to finalize the trip details. She’d booked the flights, reserved the resort, and planned the perfect itinerary. As she reviewed her notes, she tried to shake off the lingering doubts Maya and her mother had planted.

This trip would be perfect. She would make sure of it.

But as she stared at the glowing screen, a nagging voice whispered at the back of her mind, questioning whether Tristan felt the same way.