"Elope? What happened to us having a wedding with the dinner party crew and your office people in attendance?"
"Baby, all I know is that I don't want to spend another night without you. We can get married now and then figure out the rest later. I'll throw you the biggest party ever if that's what you want, but I just want us to be married".
"I want to marry you too. But Jonathan, we aren't spending nights apart because we aren't married-we are spending nights apart because of our careers. And once this book tour is over, I'll be back here with you every night. But us getting married right now isn't going to keep us from spending time apart".
"You're right. It was a silly idea".
"No it wasn't. it was a lovely idea, it's just not the right time, that's all. Plus, we only get one wedding day. And as much as I love you, I don't really want to get married someplace that herds people in like cattle. I want to experience it, I want it to be memorable, and a reflection of us".
She kissed him.
"Don't be mad, darling. It's just not the right time".
"I've waited a lifetime for you, and that includes the years I had given up. I can wait another few weeks, months, whatever it takes".
She kissed him several times and then they headed downstairs.
"Perfect timing you two. Dinner just finished".
"Wonderful. I'm famished".
"Me too".
"You didn't have to wait for me to get home to eat, darling. I would've understood".
"Oh that's alright. We had an office breakfast meeting and then I had a very late lunch".
Max lit them some candles and brought their plates to the table.
"Thanks Max".
"Thanks Max".
"Enjoy".
Max did the dishes while they ate.
She told him all about the book tour and the different cities and engagements.
"How is Meredith treating you?"
"Much better, actually. I think once the kinks got worked out, that helped a lot."
"So, what do you have planned for tomorrow?"
"I want to sleep longer than 5 a.m. I want to take a bubble bath, and I want to sit outside in the sun and just relax for a little bit".
"That sounds wonderful. I have a couple meetings at the office, but I should be home around the early afternoon".
"Wonderful".
She took their plates to the sink, and rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher.
Max came out of his room.
"Ok you two, I'll be back later. I hear a poker table calling my name".
"Good luck, Max".
"Have fun, Max".
As soon as they finished cleaning up the kitchen, they turned out the lights and headed to the bedroom.
She quickly changed into a nightgown and then put all her dirty clothes in the hamper.
Jonathan was in the bathroom changing into his pajamas.
"I'm so excited to sleep in our bed tonight".
"Not as excited as I am to have you sleep in our bed".
"I've only been gone 2 weeks, but it feels like I've been gone a month".
"Yeah, I know what you mean".
He came and climbed into bed beside her and they turned the news on. They managed to catch the tail end of the broadcast.
She nestled back against him and he rubbed her shoulders for a few minutes.
"Oh, that feels amazing".
He rubbed her shoulders for almost a half hour and really got all her knots out.
He kissed her neck a few times and then just wrapped his arms around her and held her.
"Darling, I was thinking the other day about something. Hear me out".
"Jonathan, if this is about my father again-"
"It's not. I promise".
"Ok, so what is it?"
"Well, after the book tour, you and I are going to be buying a house and planning a wedding, and I hope you want to stay here with me, and if you don't that's fine. But I was thinking, what if we pack up your apartment and move you in here so that you don't have to pay rent on a place you aren't staying at? I can hire a moving company and take care of it, if you want."
"Sure, I'd love that".
"Wonderful. I thought I was going to have to convince you".
"Jonathan, am I really that hard to talk to? We are getting married, darling. I was going to move out of there eventually".
"No you aren't hard to talk to. I just pictured you resisting the idea, that's all".
She turned around and kissed his chest.
"Do you have any other ideas?"
"I might. Want me to tell you about them?"
"No. Show me".
"You got it".
He reached up and turned out the light and then made mad, passionate love to her for a couple hours before they both crashed.
***The next morning***
Jonathan and Jennifer slept all night with their arms wrapped around each other.
When his alarm went off, he reached over and hit snooze and went right back to sleep.
Ten minutes later, he turned off the alarm clock and kissed her a few times and then got up and headed for the shower.
When he was ready to head to the office, he came and sat on the edge of the bed and kissed her a few times.
She woke up and reached for him.
"I love you. I'll be home soon".
"I love you too".
She kissed him again and then went back to sleep for a few hours.
He was home around 1:30. He came and found her in the bedroom. She was sitting on the bed folding laundry and watching tv.
"Hi".
"You're home! Hi".
She leaned over to kiss him.
"How was your meeting?"
"Good, actually. I closed a couple deals that I didn't think would ever get closed".
"Wonderful!"
"Darling, I know you only have a short time at home, but I was wondering. While you are home now, or while you are home later, what would you think about doing a book signing at the office?"
"I'm open to that".
"Good. So, I was thinking, what if I buy a certain number of books, and then everyone at the office can donate to our fundraiser, and when you donate, you get a book? If they want it personalized, they can donate, say $10 more, maybe. And all the proceeds will go to the Mission Street Orphanage".
"I'm open to that, but we will have to talk to Marcia. And really, let's do it at the end of the tour. I don't want to work on my vacation from the tour, darling".
"I completely agree with that".
He helped her fold the laundry, and then she got up and put it all away.
"I took off the rest of the week. What do you say I take you to dinner tonight and we take a lovely drive up the coast?"
"I would love that".
"Pack a bag in case we stay overnight".
"You got it, Mister".
She leaned over and kissed him again.
"When do you want to leave?"
"As soon as we get packed".
She tossed a few things into a bag and then they headed out.
She grabbed a few wedding magazines to read in the car.
"How far up the coast are we talking?"
"Well, you get to pick. We can go to this amazing restaurant that's only an hour away with minimal coast driving, or we can go to this amazing restaurant that is 3 hours away with lots of coast driving".
"Up to you, darling".
"Ok, let's go to the one that's 3 hours away".
"Perfect".
She looked at her wedding magazines while they rode along, and asked him for input a few times.
"Darling, what do you think about us getting married in Napa valley?"
"Well, I like that idea, but we would have to arrange transportation for all our guests".
"Oh, this place looks nice. It's an old inn that has been converted into a wedding hall."
"That sounds nice."
"Yeah, it looks absolutely gorgeous. Too bad it's out our price range".
"Who said we had a price range?"
"Darling, the bride's family typically pays for the wedding. And thanks to my father's attitude, I'm the family. And I cannot afford a $30,000 wedding".
"Jennifer, you aren't the only one getting married here. I'll pay whatever it costs, it's fine".
"Ok, well we need to set a budget, I suppose".
He laced his fingers through hers and kissed the back of her hand.
"Sky's the limit".
They discussed how expensive they wanted it to be, and while he did have a few limits on some things, he basically told her that money was no object.
By the time they got to the restaurant, she had basically picked out everything except music and flowers.
"How soon do you want to get married?"
"As soon as you do".
"Well, the tour will be over second week of April. So, how about the first week of June? Or the middle of May?"
"What about the end of May? Like May 18?"
"I love that".
They pulled up outside a hotel and parked and went inside.
After they were checked into their room, they had a few minutes to relax a little bit.
She settled on the bed and started making a list.
"Darling, I'm going to let you choose. And whatever you choose, I'll go along with, ok?"
"Ok".
"Do you want to get married early in the day, like 10 a.m.? Or would you rather get married later in the day, like 4 or 5 p.m.? If we did the morning one, our reception would have to be more low-key, and the food would be more brunch-style. If we did the other one, our reception could be more upscale, but the venue won't let us stay past 10".
"I say we go with the afternoon one, because you and I will be wanting to leave long before 10 anyways".
"Great point".
She made a few more notes and then filled him in.
"So, here's what we have so far. 4 or 5 p.m. wedding at the inn if we can book it on May 18. We have to use their caterer. I'm thinking the colors should be orchid and silver. And if they will let us, I want us to get married in the garden there and then have the reception inside."
"All of that sounds wonderful to me".
"Ok, so I will try to book it while I'm home".
"Why don't we stop and look at it on the way home tomorrow?"
"Yes, please".
Their room was on the ground floor and everyone had a private patio.
"Want to take a walk outside?"
"Certainly".
They linked hands and walked outside. They were at the very end of the floor, and had the biggest patio. Around the corner from their room was a private hot tub.
Off in the distance, they could see the ocean.
"This is so nice".
"Yeah, it's really pretty up here".
"Where are we?"
"We are in Paso Robles".
"I don't think I've ever been here".
They walked back inside and got ready for dinner.
Jennifer put on a hot pink strapless mini dress with a lopsided center bow, and some strappy black heels. Jonathan changed into a suit.
"Darling, is my tie straight?"
She stepped over to check it and adjusted it some.
"You look so handsome".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"You look so pretty".
"Well, thank you".
She kissed him again and then headed to freshen up her makeup.
"Our reservation is in 25 minutes".
"Ok, I'm ready".
She sprayed on some perfume and then grabbed her purse.
They held hands as they strolled through the lobby and out to the car.
Their restaurant was an elegant French restaurant and Jennifer absolutely fell in love with it.
They stuffed themselves on escargot and chicken Marengo, and split a bottle of chateau lafite.
Jonathan paid the check and they were gathering their things when the music started.
"How about a dance?"
"I'd be delighted".
They walked over to the dance floor and started to dance. They danced several dances and then decided to head back to the hotel.
They came into their room. Jennifer stood by the bed and kicked her shoes off.
He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"How about a dip in the hot tub?"
"What a wonderful idea".
She slipped out of her dress and into the green two-piece she had brought.
He slipped into his swim trunks while she got them two towels.
He opened the mini bar and got them some mini wine bottles, and they headed outside to the hot tub.
He helped her inside and then climbed in behind her.
He turned the jets on, and they both started to relax.
"Darling, what were some of Pam's favorites?"
"Favorites?"
"Yeah. Like her favorite flower, her favorite drink, things like that".
"I think her favorite flower was jasmine. She used to always have that growing in the backyard and she would cut some and put them in vases on the table. She also loved gardenias and pink azaleas. Her favorite drink was amaretto sours. She used to order those every time we went out."
He turned and looked at her.
"Why are you asking?"
"Well, I was just thinking that you have said before that you think she nudged us towards each other and I don't disagree with that. And I was thinking that it would be nice if we honored her in some way on our wedding day, and me incorporating her favorite flower would be an easy way to do that".
"I agree. I think out of kindness, we should invite the Chandler's to the wedding also".
"Absolutely".
She sat behind him and rubbed his shoulders for a bit.
She wrapped her legs around his waist to anchor herself and he ran his hands up and down her legs while she rubbed his back.
They switched after about 20 minutes and he gave her a deep tissue back rub that caused her to moan.
"Ohhhhh….I love your massages".
"Not as much as I love massaging you".
"Darling….when we get married, will you be ok with me just writing freelance?"
"Certainly. Why do you ask?"
"Well, it's not that I'm not appreciative of the success of this book, but when we get married, I don't want to spend all this time away from you. And you can't do a book tour when you stay home".
"Well, we could work it out. I could come with you, you could only work Thursday-Sunday, things like that. I want you to do whatever you want to do, darling. If you don't want to work, you don't have to".
"I want to work, that's for sure. I just want to do it from home, with you."
"Well, we can arrange that".
She leaned back against him and he kissed the side of her cheek.
They soaked for a little longer and then went inside.
She changed into a short pink nightgown, and climbed into bed. He turned off the hot tub, and then changed into his silk pajama shorts and climbed into bed next to her.
She nestled up against him and started scratching his chest.
"Ok darling, let's figure this out. So, in a few days I'm going to continue the book tour and you are going to come out while you can. And when I have time I'll plan the wedding. Do you think you could find a real estate agent and see if they can help us find a house?"
"Yeah, I can do that. What kind of house do you have in mind?"
"My non-negotiables are large walk in closets, a large soaking tub in the master bath, spacious kitchen, spacious patio, and privacy. I also want the option to add a pool later".
He rolled on top of her.
"Whatever you want, it's yours".
"Really? Well, that could prove to be good or bad, Mr. Hart".
"Bad? How could that prove to be bad?"
"Well, if you spoil me, I could become difficult to live with. Because you see, there's one thing I want more than anything, and I cannot live without it".
"What's that?"
"You".
He leaned down and kissed her, as he settled on top of her.
He kissed her passionately as they furiously undressed each other at lightning speed.
He focused on her first, kissing her neck and then moving his kisses to her taut nipples.
She arched her back as he lightly nibbled on her breast. She reached down and squeezed his butt and then dragged her fingernails up the sides of his back.
He rapidly plunged himself inside of her, filling her with all of himself with each stroke.
He was kissing her neck while he sank himself inside of her over and over again.
"Don't hold back baby".
Jennifer got louder and more vocal and so did Jonathan.
"You feel so good, baby".
"So….do….you".
He picked up the pace, and she matched his hip motions with motions of her own.
"Ohhhh….."
They erupted into ecstasy at the same time. She tightened around him, hoping to make it last a little longer.
They shared several kisses as they came down from the euphoria.
He moved his kisses to her earlobe and nibbled a little.
"You found some new moves".
"I'm glad you liked them".
He leaned up on one elbow and rolled off her some.
"I just have one question. Where did you learn those moves?"
"Darling, I'm sorry. But I'm a writer and you know a writer never reveals her source".
"Let's compromise. I don't have to know where they came from, as long as you agree to do them for me from time to time".
"Oh, you sure know how to drive a hard bargain".
"Speaking of hard…"
She nodded. He pulled her close and rolled her over on top of him and they made love all over again.
***The next day***
Jonathan and Jennifer had been up till 3 making love and having the greatest sex of their lives, so they slept in till almost 11.
He woke up first and snuggled her a little tighter.
She scooted back towards him and rested her head on his shoulder.
They slept that way another half hour and then woke up for real.
An hour later, they were both showered, dressed and packed up.
They headed to the lobby to check out and decided to swing through a drive thru somewhere for coffee and brunch.
Jonathan loaded their bags into the car and then opened the door for her. He slid into the driver's seat and handed her his wallet.
"Can you put the receipt in my wallet while I get us out of the parking lot please?"
"Certainly".
She glanced at the receipt.
"Darling, did you look at this?"
"Not closely, why?"
"They charged you for a few ridiculous things."
"Like what?"
"Well for starters, they charged you 4 times for a noise complaint. We weren't noisy".
He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it.
"We kind of were…"
She thought about it a moment and then blushed.
"Oh well, that was totally worth the $60 dollars."
"$60?!"
"Yes darling. $15.00 for each one".
"Want me to call and dispute it?"
"And say what, exactly?"
"That we were in the throes of passion, and that's what you do in hotels".
"Yeah, and then tomorrow morning, we can read all about our throes of passion in the paper".
"Good point".
He drove them through a drive thru and got them both a large coffee, and then they headed home.
Jennifer planned a little more of the wedding on the drive home and added things to her to-do list.
They stopped by her apartment and she grabbed a few things that she wanted to keep at his house. They headed to his house and pulled into the garage.
Max came out to meet them.
"Hi you two. Have a nice time?"
"Yes, we did".
"Miss Edwards, a lady named Marcia has been calling you. She said it's super urgent that you call her at your earliest convenience".
"Ok thank you".
She grabbed her bag and headed inside to call her.
Jonathan and Max settled in the living room and started playing gin.
About 20 minutes later, Jennifer came and joined them.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Marcia said that sales of my book have basically exploded and the publisher wants to add more dates to the book tour. So, now I'm going to be waking up super early, doing an engagement, flying somewhere, doing an engagement, flying to the next city, checking into the hotel and starting the process all over again".
"Will you still get to come home?"
"Yes, but only for 3 days next time, not 5. And the West Coast leg of the tour is now 3 times as long".
"That's wonderful. I'm so proud of you".
He leaned over to kiss her.
"I never dreamed that Journeys of the Heart would be so successful. Marcia said the publisher asked her if I had started the sequel yet".
"Well have you?"
"I haven't even thought about it. I don't know what I would do with them in the next book".
He and Max finished their card game and then Max headed to the kitchen.
"Darling, we didn't go look at the venue. Can we do that tomorrow?"
"Sure. I have a meeting in the morning, but I should be free by lunch".
"Splendid".
She went and grabbed her laptop and settled into the recliner and started working while he turned on a basketball game.
About an hour later, the phone rang.
He reached over and picked it up.
"Hello? Sure, one second".
"Darling, it's for you. It's your aunt. She says she has bad news about your dad".