Quiet Ground

Jasmine’s pov

Life before was filled with challenges, lessons and hard decisions. Being in a headspace that makes you question your humanity, really does something to a person. Really gives you a new perspective too. Having something to call yours was a distant dream that seemed far fetched. I’ve worked hard and faced things many people would’ve surrendered without hesitation. 

Meeting my husband seemed like a chance encounter. An out of body experience. We met at a military gala, ironic no. He had a quiet power about him. Moved with precision and grace. Standing near the bar talking with comrades, our eyes met. He stared at me as if I was the only one in the room. The staring was so intense, I looked away first. Deciding that fresh air was definitely needed. I made my way towards the balcony. I felt his stare on my backside as I walked out. When I made it outside, I released the breath I didn’t know I was holding in. I gave myself a pep talk. “Get yourself together. You act like you never seen a man before.” I heard a chuckle behind me. I slowly turned around and realized he was standing there with a small smirk. 

I was so…shocked ? Embarrassed ? Shamed that he caught me talking to myself. He walked closer and stared again. Then said, “I didn’t mean to rattle you. I’ve never seen you before.” It took a minute for my brain to catch up. He smiled and patiently waited for me to respond. Once my brain started working again, I responded, “You didn’t rattle me.” He looked at me like he wanted to see me. The real me. And I couldn’t help but wonder why he was even talking to me. 

“What’s your name ?” Simple question but held so much weight to it. “ I’m Zamir King” I stared and questioned whether or not to do the same. After a minute, “I’m Jasmine Rhodes.” He looked satisfied that I answered him. “Why did you come out here ?” I replied “Needed fresh air, this isn’t my usual scene” while chuckling lightly. His lips twitched slightly and nodded. “Do you mind if I join?” I didn’t expect him to stay out here but his presence was calming. So I agreed. He talked like he was trying to pull back every wall I’ve built around myself in order to keep foolishness out. He wasn’t what I expected. Caught me off guard.

A month later, we met again. I was shocked to see him again. He was too but never showed it. He asked me out and I said yes. One date turned into spending more and more time together. And a year later, he proposed. I was emotional because I realized that maybe this isn’t all that’s for me. Maybe I’m meant to be more. Meant to have more. And as people would say - the rest is history. We’ve been married for 10 years now. The best years of my life. Once we both retired, we really wanted a life away from missions and dark memories. A peaceful one. So, we both decided to move to a nice neighborhood to start said life. 

Moving started fun and exciting but towards the end you….on those feelings. My husband came in from moving boxes and saw me sprawled across the floor and chuckled. He said, “I told you this was going to be a process. It’s exciting yes but it’s long and tiring. We still have ways to go before we can really relax.” 

I just looked at him and smiled. “I know, I’m just taking it all in. This doesn’t seem real. I’ve always dreamed of having this and now that it’s a reality.” All I could do was shake my head with a serene look on my face. My husband looked at me with a deep understanding of what I meant. He too dreamed of having a life without our past gripping us tightly. He came over and laid beside me while I stared at the ceiling as if the stars were lighting up the sky. He grabbed my hand and said “We made it through and now we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor.” 

He’s always been my sound board. The yin to my yang. The one who has consistently made an effort to understand and balance me. I looked at him and squeezed his hand. Closing my eyes and thanking God for him and this life. Once I gathered myself and got back to unpacking, we were more than halfway finished. Calling it quits for the night, we ordered dinner and relaxed. 

The next morning, we were back at again. Determined to finish this exhausting task. Hours later, we finally finished it. To celebrate our victory, we decided to cook dinner together since I placed a grocery order last night. Seafood pasta with salad and garlic bread. Simple and delicious. After dinner, we migrated to the living room where my husband asked me to dance. I looked at him funny and said, “Now you know I have two left feet. Don’t you remember our wedding night ? I practically broke your foot.” He smirked and pulled me closer, whispering, “I remember. But I have a solution to this.”

Noticing my confusion, he slightly raised me up and placed me on his feet. Realizing that I didn’t have to overthink or try to coordinate my actions, I relaxed against him while took my weight and started swaying us around. Being in his arms was my safe place. Having him near made my nervous system calm. My mind quiet. Resting my head against his chest, I listened to my favorite song. His heartbeat. 

Feeling his hand dip lower, I raised my head and looked at him saying, “You’re treading in dangerous territory, Mr. King.” He smirked and said “I’ve encountered many territories that made men tremble, however, when it comes  to this particular area. I’m confident in my ability to seize and dominate. Are you ready?” He asked. I smiled shyly and responded, “Dominate me, Mr. King.” Wrapping his hand around my neck, he jerked me forward and kissed me so deeply, my knees buckle. Loving the pressure from my neck only spurred us further. That night ended with us tangled in sheets and skin. And him dominating me throughly.