by Tia Wylder
Jack gave me a mischievous grin. “Barnes,” he said. “I figured he could meet a decent girl, for once in his life.”
I flushed. “Okay,” I said. “Let me go find her, and then we’ll be right back.”
Jack kissed me tenderly. “Okay, baby,” he said. “But hurry back. I’ve missed you so much.”
His words made me smile so widely that my cheeks ached. Everything is perfect, I thought as I pushed through the crowd in search of Lisa. For once, everything in my life is wonderful.
--
An hour later, Jack, Lisa, Barnes, and I were seated at one of Boston’s toniest restaurants. Jack ordered two bottles of champagne for the table, and when it came, he stood up and cleared his throat.
“Toast,” Jack said, holding up his flute. He winked at me, and I flushed. “To two of the Boston’s brightest women.”
“Aw,” Lisa said. She glanced over at Barnes, and I watched as her expression changed from merely curious to intrigued.
“It’s true,” Barnes said, clearing his throat. “And Adele, I have to thank you again. For saving my best friend.”
I laughed. “You owe me,” I said, shaking my head and taking a sip of champagne. We all clinked glasses, and Jack sat down next to me. I felt his hand on my thigh under the table, and I flushed.
“So,” Jack said softly, leaning in close. “What do you think of our friends?”
I bit my lip as I looked over at Lisa and Barnes. They were glaring at each other, and I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing.
“I think this set-up might have failed,” I said, wrinkling my nose. “Oh well. Can’t win them all, I guess.”
“They’ll find someone eventually,” Jack said. He smirked and leaned in for a kiss. “I love you, you know. I’m so proud of you.”
“I know,” I said happily. “And I love you, too. I can’t believe you surprised me like that!”
Jack grinned wolfishly. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he said seriously. “You’re going to have to trust me on that.”
After eating a sumptuous meal of lobster thermidor, oysters Rockefeller, and a delicious chocolate mousse that was almost better than sex, I felt stuffed and exhausted.
“What are your plans for later?” Jack asked. He raised an eyebrow at me.
“Nothing,” I confessed. “Lisa and I have been packing up our place, that’s all.”
Jack nodded. “Think you can take a break for a few hours?”
I pretended to think about it. “For you? Maybe,” I said coyly. “But only if you promise not to drag me into a hurricane ever again.”
“I think we can manage that,” Jack said. He winked at me. “Hey, come on, I have to ask you something.”
Lisa heard Jack’s words, and she looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. She lifted her left hand from the table and wiggled her ring finger at me.
I flushed but ignored her.
“Okay,” I said, getting up from the table and pushing my chair back. “Let’s go.”
Jack led me onto the balcony of the restaurant. The sun was sinking low in the sky, and the weather was perfect – warm and dry, with just a hint of a breeze. All around us, couples were lounging on expensive wicker furniture and sipping fourteen-dollar cocktails. For once in my life, though, I didn’t feel disdain for them. If anything, I only wished that everyone in the restaurant was having as good of a day as I was.
“So, what did you want to ask me?” I asked, cocking my head to the side. My heart was pounding like a drum as Jack led me over to the edge of the balcony. “Something important, I take it?”
“Yes,” Jack said. “Very important, in fact.” He cleared his throat. “Adele, I wanted to tell you first how proud I am of you. You’re the smartest, most driven woman I’ve ever met in my life. I never thought I would meet someone like you.”
Oh my god, I thought as I watched his handsome profile in the twilight. He really IS going to propose!
“Thank you,” I said shyly.
“No, thank you,” Jack said. He reached for my hand and linked his fingers with mine. “You’re so important to me – the most important person in my life, actually. And that’s why I want to ask you something very serious.”
My mouth went dry as I started picturing the engagement ring Jack would offer. I hope it fits, I thought, looking down at my hands and wishing I’d gotten a manicure. I can’t believe this is happening!
“Okay,” I said. I licked my lips and swallowed as Jack got down on one knee.
“Adele, would you accept the offer of a job?”
“What?” I blinked. “What are you talking about?” My head began to spin, and for a moment, I thought I was going to faint. I clutched at the balcony railing.
“A job,” Jack repeated. He grinned at me. “When I was away, I did some research…and I purchased a company that I’d like you to be in charge of if you’d like.”
I frowned. “With your company?”
“No. It would be your own separate thing – I’d be a shareholder, of course, just to help manage the financial side. But it’s a small company based out of the Caribbean that works with marine scientists to develop solutions for saving species and habitats. I thought it would be perfect for you.”
“I can’t believe you’d do that for me,” I said softly. “I don’t know what to say.”
Jack grinned. “Well, I already bought the company, so you’d better say yes,” he said. “I think you’d be the perfect person to manage everything. It’s not huge, and you wouldn’t have to worry about any of the business dealings…just decide what you want your research teams to focus on, and start leading the way.”
For the second time that day, my eyes filled with tears and I began to cry.
“Yes,” I said excitedly. “Yes!”
“Good,” Jack said. He got to his feet and pulled me into a deep kiss. When our lips parted, he looked lovingly into my eyes. “I’m just glad I make you happy, Adele.”
“You…you make me happier than I ever thought possible,” I said honestly. I bit my lip. “You really do. I love you, Jack.”
Jack grinned. “Well, that’s good,” he said. “Because I have something else to ask you, too,” he said. I gasped as he pulled a red leather ring box out of his pocket and dropped back down to one knee.
I covered my mouth with both hands as Jack began to speak.
“Adele, I’ve known from almost the very beginning that you were the only woman for me,” Jack said. “Your charm and wit, your intelligence, and your beauty were too much for me to pass up. I’ve fallen so deeply in love with you that I want to spend the rest of my life as your husband if you’ll have me. So, Adele, will you make me the happiest man on earth? Will you marry me?”
I began to sob in earnest as I nodded up and down. Jack got to his feet and opened the ring box, showing a marquise-shaped diamond solitaire on a band of platinum.
“Yes,” I said tearfully, still nodding my head as Jack took my hand in his and slipped the ring on. It fit perfectly, and I threw my arms around Jack and pulled him close. He dipped me down into a low kiss and wiped my tears from my cheeks with both of his thumbs.
“No crying,” Jack whispered in my ear. He gently nipped at my neck. “Not for you, my love.”
The entire balcony was applauding and cheering by the time we ended our passionate kiss.
“That’s the second time I’ve gotten a room full of strangers to clap for me today,” I said, biting my lip and looking down at my ring. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry that I’d ever seen.
Jack smirked. “Wait until you start working,” he said. “You’ll find that kind of thing happens a lot.”
I slipped my hand into his and squeezed. “That may be,” I said softly. “But I don’t think any of it will feel as good as it did today.”
Jack kissed my cheek. “You’re right,” he said. “This is the best day of my life.”
I looked up at Jack and felt my heart swell as the sun flickered over his handsome fac
e. “Me, too,” I replied. “Me, too.”
Epilogue
Adele – Three Years Later
“Honey! Could you come in here!” I stood in the kitchen of my house with my hands on my hips and sweat beading on my forehead.
Seconds later, Jack came rushing in. “Oh, god,” he said. “Is it happening yet?”
We both looked down at my huge belly, and I burst out laughing.
“Adele, this isn’t funny,” Jack said exasperatedly. “If the baby’s coming, we need to go!”
I blushed as I tried to stop guffawing. “It’s not happening yet,” I said. “Trust me. I just need your help getting up there.” I pointed to the space on top of the wooden cabinets where I’d stored our extra copper cookware.
Jack sighed. “You’ve got to stop freaking me out like that,” he said, shaking his head.
I grinned. “Come on,” I said. “You know you love it.”
Jack took my hands in his and kissed my forehead, then my lips. “No,” he said quietly. “I don’t love it. Do you know what would happen to me if I lost my wife and our first child?”
I fell silent. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I shouldn’t have laughed. It was just…the look on your face was too funny.”
Jack didn’t reply.
“Sorry,” I said again. “Really, Jack. I am.”
Jack kissed me tenderly. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me close – well, as close as possible. At eight and a half months pregnant, I was feeling like a blimp. My pregnancy had been so easy, at least until the past couple of weeks. Ever since the baby dropped low, I’d been suffering intense backaches, and I felt like I always had to pee. I was more than ready to give birth and meet our little one…not to mention, I was welcoming the end of the constant aches.
Jack pulled away. “So, what did you need?”
“The double boiler,” I said. “I want to make cheese fondue.”
Jack burst out laughing.
“I guess it’s my turn to look offended,” I said, putting my hands on my hips.
“Sorry,” Jack said. “But Adele, it’s ten in the morning. Don’t you want something lighter for lunch? It’s beautiful, maybe we could eat outside by the pool. I could make you a chicken salad, maybe? Or an avocado with a fried egg?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Both of those sound disgusting,” I said.
Jack laughed. “Fine, baby,” he said. “You want me to make your fondue for you?”
I shook my head. “No. Standing up is the only time where I feel like I’m not going to explode.”
“You know you’re still beautiful,” Jack said. He took a stepladder from the kitchen closet and climbed up to reach the pans. Carefully, he handed me the copper double boiler and climbed back down.
“You know, I think I actually want something else,” I said, staring down into the pan. “Thanks, though.”
Jack kissed me on the cheek. “Of course,” he said. “So, out by the pool?”
I frowned. “Let me make something to eat first, and then yeah, sure.”
“You sure you don’t want me to make you something?” Jack frowned. “I could actually go for a pizza,” he said. “Want me to order one?”
“Oh, god, no,” I said. “I can’t stand the idea of pizza right now.”
Jack shook his head. “Tsk-tsk,” he said. “If only Lisa could see you now.”
“Oh, she’d be happy,” I said, giggling. “That way she could have the whole thing to herself.”
“Probably,” Jack said. He stepped closer and put an arm around my massive waist, pulling me close. As our lips met, I moaned softly. Jack nibbled my lower lip and slipped his tongue into my mouth. Arousal began to build in my lower belly, and I pushed my body against Jack’s muscles as our kiss grew more intense. I wanted him so badly, but something about sleeping with my husband while so hugely pregnant seemed…strange to me. Another reason for the baby to come, I thought as I reluctantly pulled away, nibbling at my lip. Because damn, do I miss the sex!
“So, Mrs. Nathan,” Jack purred. “Feel like coming to bed with me?”
I licked my lips. “As soon as this little one gets here,” I said, patting my stomach. “And then trust me, I’ll be all over you.”
Jack grinned. “Good,” he said. “Because I don’t think I can wait much longer.” He stared longingly at my breasts. “And I miss you so much.”
I flushed hotly. “I miss you, too,” I said.
Jack kissed me again and sauntered out of the kitchen, humming under his breath. Against the brilliant white of his clean t-shirt, his muscular skin looked browner than ever. Living in Nassau had given us both permanent tans. I’d stopped complaining about skin cancer, as avoiding the sun was nearly impossible, but I was careful to always wear sunscreen. Jack, on the other hand, preferred living like a bronzed god.
Not that I minded. He’d been sexy before, but now I found him more irresistible than I ever could have possibly imagined. It wasn’t just the pregnancy hormones, either – Jack and I had an intense, passionate connection that I was sure would never break. Loving him had given me a new purpose in life.
As I looked around the kitchen for something palatable, I thought about how much had changed in just three years. After graduation, I’d taken over the company Jack had gifted me – Cerulean Skies. The work had been different than what I’d expected, but I’d adjusted quickly. Now, I had four teams of researchers combing the Caribbean for ways to improve the quality of marine and aquatic life. Plus, every year we held a massive fundraiser and donated all the proceeds to hurricane relief. I knew that without Jack, I never would have lived the life I was living…but I didn’t mind that as much, now. I’d worked hard to achieve everything I’d done, and somehow that alone was satisfying to me.
Jack and I had moved to Nassau about a year after he proposed. I’d been reluctant to leave Boston and all of my friends behind, but after graduation, we’d all drifted. Lisa and I were still close – she’d even come to our wedding, at the Hotel St. Charles – but most of my other friends were off, doing their own thing. I was glad they were all happy…but I wouldn’t have traded my life for anything in the world.
It truly seemed that things had worked out perfectly.
Why don’t I have more of an appetite, I thought, frowning as I rested against the wall with both hands on my belly. The baby had been an active one, kicking and kicking (mostly during the nights!) but she hadn’t moved in a few days. Maybe she’s not hungry right now, either, I thought as I gnawed at my lower lip. Or maybe I should eat anyway, just to keep my strength up.
I was only a few days away from my due date, but I was wondering if the baby would be early. My mom had told me that I was exactly three days early – when I was a kid, she’d joked about the experience had always made me so promptly. But whether my baby was early – or even just a bit late – I didn’t mind. I just wanted a happy, healthy baby in my arms…and out of my belly.
Reluctantly, I walked across the massive kitchen and started making myself a sandwich with croutons, peanut butter, and marshmallow fluff. Just as I was slicing into it, I heard a noise behind me that made me jump.
“Oh! Miss Adele! I didn’t mean to startle you!”
I turned around to see our cook, Grace, standing there with an apologetic look on her face.
“It’s fine,” I said. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make a mess for you. I’ll clean it up.”
Grace clucked her tongue. “No, no, Miss Adele,” she said. “You go relax with Mr. Jack. I’ll take care of everything.”
I nodded. Taking a bite of my sandwich, I chewed thoughtfully.
“You should be eating whole foods, Miss Adele,” Grace said, wagging her finger at me. “You know that!”
I rolled my eyes. “Thank you,” I said. “But this is what I wanted right now.”
Grace giggled like she knew something I didn’t. “Ah, you eat what the baby wants,” she said, shaking her head. “Baby must be coming soon, now!”
“I ho
pe so,” I said drily as I plated my sandwich and walked out of the kitchen.
Jack was sitting by the smaller pool, adjacent to the deck of our master suite. He had his laptop out on the table, and he was clacking away furiously at the keyboard as I gingerly lowered myself down onto a chaise lounge.
“Hey, baby,” Jack said. He leaned over and gave me a kiss, typing all the while.
“Can you put that away? I’d like to have lunch with just my husband,” I said slyly.
Jack flushed. “Of course.” He closed his laptop and slid it out of sight before reaching over and lacing his fingers with mine. “What did you settle on?”
