“Always.” He kissed the top of her head.
“But I haven’t completely recovered from what Geoffrey did to me. When you knocked, I almost spilled my cola.”
“Give yourself a little more time. It’s only been a month. I think it’s amazing that you’ve been able to stay down here by yourself so soon. By the way, I found out what happened to the officers who took your call about Geoffrey’s harassment and didn’t do anything about it.”
She flinched. “I hope they weren’t fired because of me. They were just fooled by a really good liar.”
“The Department of Internal Affairs took your recommendation of a severe reprimand. I think they got off too lightly, but if you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me.”
“I am. I’m very happy. And I’m thrilled about your new job!”
“Then let’s begin the celebration.” He popped the cork on the champagne and filled two glasses.
“To my future husband, the cop,” she said, lifting hers.
“To our new life together.”
She started to drink, but he stopped her. “Wait. I forgot something.” He set both their glasses on the coffee table, then reached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a cigar band.
Jessica laughed as he took her left hand and tried to place the paper ring on her third finger but tore it in half in the process.
He shook his head. “Oh, man. Do you think that’s a sign of bad luck if the engagement ring falls apart?”
She laughed again and kissed him. “No, I do not. We are not going to have anything but good luck from now on. We’ve both used up our quota of bad for this lifetime.”
“I have a backup.” He reached into his pocket again and withdrew something that he kept hidden between his thumb and fingers. Again he took her left hand and slid a ring onto her third finger. Though she couldn’t see, she could tell by the feel that it was metal, not paper.
Jessica braced herself. She’d told him she didn’t want a diamond, but apparently he hadn’t taken her seriously. And it was okay. This diamond was from Cole, the man she loved more than life itself. It had nothing to do with Geoffrey, and she wasn’t going to get upset about it. Even if she did have a bad reaction, she’d get over it, and Cole would never know.
He moved his hand from hers and she looked down.
A brilliant emerald sparkled on her finger.
“You said no diamonds. I hope you like emeralds.”
Happy tears sprang to Jessica’s eyes. “I love emeralds! I love you!” She threw her arms around him.
He returned the embrace. “Now let’s have that toast…to the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
Jessica lifted her glass with her left hand. The glittering gem mirrored the green in Cole’s eyes.
They drank a sip, then he pulled her to him, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was familiar yet brand new, a kiss that spoke of the memories they’d already created and all the memories they’d be creating in the future. Those were memories she’d keep forever, stored right beside Cole’s love.
ISBN: 978-1-4603-5054-6
PRIVATE VOWS
Copyright © 2001 by Sally B. Steward.
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