***The Next Day***
Jonathan called into the office, and put Stanley in charge and then took the next two days off to spend with Jennifer.
They headed to the beach first, and had breakfast while they sat in the sand and watched the waves. After that, he took her shopping for a gown for the ball. She looked at hundreds, but finally chose a strapless bright blue satin evening gown, with a sequined and sculpted bodice, and a very full skirt.
After they paid for it, they headed to lunch, at a lovely little coastal café with a view of the ocean.
They had just finished eating when some people approached them.
"Hi Jonathan!"
"Hey! Darling, this is Dr. Susan Kendall, and her husband Drew, and James Monroe and his wife Laura. This is the beautiful Jennifer Edwards".
"Hi, it's lovely to meet all of you".
"So, the rumors are true-well, at least the ones we saw on tv last night?"
"Yes, they are".
Jennifer blushed.
"We don't mean to embarrass you, it's just that it's rare for us to meet anyone Jonathan is serious about".
"We were sort of blindsided by that report, last night".
"Well, Jennifer here is the one that got away, only lucky me, she agreed to come back. What are you guys doing here?"
"Well, we are taking a trip together, the four of us, so this was like a planning lunch. Maybe next trip you and Jennifer can join us".
"We'd love to".
"How long have you lived out here?"
"Well, I lived here several years ago. But this trip is just a visit. I'll go back to the East Coast Sunday, and I haven't decided how soon I'll be back yet."
"I've been drafted for Jury Duty in New York, and have to go once a month, so we see each other when I'm out in New York also".
"That's wonderful. I must say, I've read your column for years. You're a very talented writer".
"Thank you very much. Writing is my passion".
Jonathan paid the check and they all walked out to the parking lot together.
"Are you all going to the ball this weekend?"
"We wouldn't miss it for the world".
"Same here. It's my favorite event of the season".
"I can't wait. I've never been to a ball before".
"It's a lot of fun, you'll love it".
"Well, thanks for stopping by our table. We are going to head back to the house. We will see you all Saturday night".
"See you then".
"It was so lovely to meet all of you".
"Lovely to meet you as well".
Jonathan and Jennifer got in the car, put the top down and headed back to the house.
***Jonathan's House***
Max was home when they pulled up.
"Hey Max, how was the poker game?"
"Not fair. But such is life. I'll get them all next time".
Jennifer looked at her watch. It was almost 3.
"Dinner will be ready in about 2 hours. Miss Edwards, you can pick. We can have chicken tacos, or we can have shrimp scampi".
"Whichever is the easiest for you to make, Max. And I'm telling you now-I'm doing the dishes".
Jonathan wrapped his arms around her chest from behind and Jennifer reached up and grabbed them.
"That's why we love her, Max. One of the many reasons. She volunteers to do the housework so you and I can drink a beer".
"Ha! You're helping too, mister".
"Ok, if you insist".
Max refused any kitchen help, so Jennifer and Jonathan retreated to the bedroom till it was time for dinner.
"Darling, did you ever tell Max that we were back together?"
"Not officially. But I told him that was my goal and that if you and I could make it happen, that I would ask you to the Ball, and since you're here this weekend and the ball is this weekend, I think he's figured it out".
"Good. The less secrets we have from people, the better".
They snuggled up and watched tv for a bit, and they both ended up falling asleep.
Max came and woke them for dinner, and they had a nice dinner on the patio.
After the dishes were done, Jennifer painted her toenails while Jonathan and Max watched a game on tv.
"Darling…will there be an opportunity for us to get our picture taken tomorrow night at the ball?"
"Several. We have to walk the red carpet when we get there, and we will have some photographers circulating the event and taking photos. And there will also be a photo booth as well".
"Wonderful! I hope we get some good shots of us".
"I'm sure we will".
After the game was over, they locked up and headed to bed.
"Night Max".
"Night Max".
"Night you two".
Jennifer slipped into a soft pink nightgown and brushed out her curls, and then climbed into bed with Jonathan.
"Darling, depending on what the job offer is and how that goes, on my next trip out here, will you help me find a place?"
"A place for what?"
"A place to live".
"Why not just come here?"
"Jonathan, I can't just come here whenever."
"Jennifer, you can just come here whenever."
"You're sweet, but you know what I mean. I don't want to be in the way, and if things go the way I'm thinking they will, I'll need a space to work and have all my office stuff".
"Jennifer, you could never be in the way. You make this house so special and wonderful. When it's just Max and I here, it's just a floor with walls and a roof. When you're here, it's a home. I mean that. And I'll get you whatever you need to work wherever you want to work. I'll do anything for you, you know that".
"I do know that. I just don't want to cross my boundaries".
He leaned over and kissed her temple.
"You and I have no boundaries, darling. You can push them all out of the way, smash them to bits, whatever you want. We'll deal with whatever it ends up being".
"You're wonderful".
She leaned over and kissed him a few times.
"And I can't wait for everyone to get to know you and see how gorgeous you'll be at the ball tomorrow night".
***Saturday***
Jennifer woke up first, all content and happy on Jonathan's chest. He felt her moving and tightened his arm around her.
"Morning".
He shifted his weight and kissed her on the forehead.
"Morning".
They laid there a little while longer and then woke up.
Jonathan went and got them breakfast and they had breakfast in bed.
After a couple hours of being lazy, they got up and got ready.
Jonathan took Jennifer down to the beach for a bit, and they played around in the water for a while.
After a very fun couple of hours, they headed back home and got ready for the ball.
***Jonathan's House***
"Darling, can you check this tie?"
"Certainly".
She straightened his bow tie and then kissed him.
"You are going to be the most handsome man at the ball tonight, Mr. Hart".
"And you are going to be the most beautiful woman at the ball, Miss Edwards".
He wrapped his arms around her and started kissing her and then moved his kisses to her neck.
"Well, not if I don't get dressed I won't".
She took his hands off her waist and disappeared into the bathroom.
She slipped on her dress and then came out to Jonathan.
"Darling, would you mind helping me zip?"
"Certainly".
After she had her strappy stilettos on and her makeup and hair were flawless, she started putting on her jewelry.
"Damn! Damn, damn, damn!"
"What is it?"
"First world problems. I brought the wrong diamond necklace to wear tonight and I can't wear the one I brought because the clasp is broken".
Jonathan got up and opened his bureau and reached into the back, pulling out a small wrapped package.
"So, try this one".
"What's all this?"
"Open it and see".
Jennifer unwrapped the package and opened the box to find a gorgeous diamond necklace with a 4 carat round diamond set in diamonds on a diamond and silver chain.
"Jonathan! It's absolutely stunning".
"Just like you"
She leaned up and kissed him several times.
"Thank you".
"You're welcome. Want me to help you put it on?"
"Yes, please".
She turned around and he slipped the necklace on her and fastened it.
"It's so gorgeous".
"Ok, we better go. Car service is going to be here in a few minutes".
Jennifer quickly switched purses, and then they headed out.
***Los Angeles Children's Museum***
Jennifer and Jonathan pulled up to the red carpet and were let out of the limo by the limo driver.
They clasped hands and walked the red carpet together, and then posed for several pictures.
"Mr. Hart-who is your date?"
"The incredibly gorgeous and amazingly brilliant Jennifer Edwards".
They shared a couple of kisses and then made their way inside.
They quickly made their way to the bar.
"White wine please".
"And I'll have a scotch, neat".
Jonathan paid for their drinks and then they headed to their table.
Pretty soon, Dr. Kendall and her husband, and James and Laura were joining them.
"Hello".
"Hi! Oh, I love your dress!"
"Thanks. I love your dress! Where did you find that?"
"A little boutique that Jonathan took me to. He was a good sport, because I tried on about 200 dresses and this was the last one I tried on".
"I love your necklace! You're like a walking fashion model!"
"Thank you. That was another surprise from Jonathan today".
The men went outside to smoke a cigar and left the women to chat at the table.
"So, how long are you in town for?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, when I came out here I didn't know. But, the news report about my story has thrown all my plans out of whack. And now I have a job interview for Monday, so I'm flying home tomorrow night, sadly".
"Is Jonathan going with you?"
"I don't know if he's going with me tomorrow but he'll be back in New York by the end of the week for Jury Duty".
"Well that's good".
"Yeah, I think so too. And with any luck, I'll be back this way sooner rather than later".
"That would be nice. And when you do get back, we need to have a girl's day. Nails, toes, lunch, shopping. I insist".
"Oh, that sounds fun! I haven't had a day like that in ages!"
"Great! Just have Jonathan give you my number when you're back in town and we'll make some plans".
The men came back to the table then.
"Darling, we better go get our plates. I'm going to have to give the opening remarks soon, and then you and I have to dance".
"Ok, lead the way".
Everyone went and made their plates, and brought them back to the table.
Pretty soon, it was time for Jonathan's speech.
He went up and took the microphone and thanked everyone for coming.
"I hope that you all are in a giving mood, as tonight's chosen charity is a good one. The Los Angeles Zoo. The zoo sits on over 100 acres, and is home to over 1,000 animals. Some of those animals are classified as endangered, and some are not. It takes a lot to feed and care for animals, and you can't just provide a home for them and food for them, you have to train people to take care of them in the best possible way. The Los Angeles Zoo sees around a million people each year. Now, if you have children, there are two places that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your child's face-where we are right now, the Children's Museum, and the zoo. Your donations will help them continue to put smiles on the faces of children for years to come. So, in light of that, we are all going to act like kids tonight. The workers are getting it all set up now, but we have a carousel, a ball pit, some swings and slides, a bubble station, and also face painting. Now, as is customary, it's time for the first dance between my beautiful date and myself. Food tables are open, the bartenders are ready to pour you a liquid masterpiece, and after the first dance is over, the dance floor will be open to everyone else. We will be back later in the evening, when the live auction starts."
He motioned for Jennifer to come join him, which she did.
He took her in his arms and they began to move around the dance floor.
"Wonderful speech, darling".
"Thanks. Could you tell I was nervous?"
"Not at all."
"Maybe it's because I knew you were watching me".
"I don't want to leave you tomorrow".
"I don't want you to leave".
"Come with me."
"Wish I could. I have a meeting Monday morning that's pretty important. But I can maybe fly out Monday night late, or Tuesday".
"That would be wonderful".
"Maybe one day we'll both live out here and we won't have to fly back and forth to meet each other".
"If I were to live out here, can we dance like this every now and then?"
"Every now and again, sure".
They chuckled as she kissed him and they finished their dance.
Everyone clapped for them as they made their way back to the table.
"You two danced very well".
"Thank you".
"It helps when you have best dancer in the whole world as your partner".
They each had another plate, and then Jonathan took Jennifer to walk around the museum.
They rode the carousel a few times, and then swung on the slides for a bit.
"Want to get in the ball pit?"
"Jonathan…there is no dignified and lady-like way for me to get in the ball pit in this dress and these heels".
"Who says you have to be dignified and ladylike all the time?"
"You are crazy. Next time, for sure".
"You got it".
They shared a few kisses and then headed back to the table.
He stopped to check on the donations, and was pleased that a lot of people had made very generous donations already.
For the rest of the night, they danced, had their fill of the buffet and bar, and just enjoyed each other's company. Jennifer made sure to drag him to the photo booth for a few photos of the two of them.
It was almost time for the final dance, so they headed to the stage. Jennifer waited patiently while Jonathan gave his final speech and then announced the total of donations.
They danced the final dance, completely oblivious to anyone else around them.
"Did you enjoy your first ball?"
"I've had the time of my life tonight, Mr. Hart".
"Well, you deserve it."
"Does Hart Industries throw this ball every year?"
"Yes, this is the 3rd one. We always spotlight a charity, and we always make it a night to remember".
"How amazing".
"So, what happens now?"
"We go back to the house and have our own ball".
"Oooh, I like the way you think".
Their dance ended, and then Jonathan thanked everyone for coming.
They made their way to their table, and said goodnight to everyone.
"Thanks for coming".
"Thanks for having us. Have a safe trip home, Jennifer".
"Thank you, so much. And thanks for keeping me company earlier".
Jennifer and Susan shared a long hug and then the Kendall's headed out.
Jonathan laced his fingers through Jennifer's and they headed to the limo.
Jennifer curled up on Jonathan's shoulder for the ride home.
She slipped her shoes off and flung her legs across Jonathan's lap. He grabbed her foot and started giving her a foot massage.
"Darling, tell me something. What was your favorite part of the ball tonight?"
"Dancing with you".
"Yeah, that was nice."
"And I loved the red carpet, and the live auction was pretty neat. What was your favorite part?"
"Dancing with you. The food was good this year, and the band was pretty good, as well".
"It's strange. I'm ready to get out of this gown but then again, I'm not."
"Well, go ahead. Take it off".
She looked at him incredulously.
"Not on your life. Some things are for your eyes only, you know".
"Lucky me".
They shared a few kisses and then before they knew it, they were back at Jonathan's place.
They came inside and found Max in the living room.
"Hey you two. How was the shindig?"
"Great Max. Jennifer was the most beautiful woman in the place".
"You're sweet. It was fun, Max".
"Glad you two had a good time. Mr. H., you had a few calls while you was out".
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I wrote them down. The main one was from some smooth talker, Elliott Manning. He's going to be in town in a couple weeks and he's wanting to do business with you".
"Thanks Max".
"Night Max".
Jennifer and Jonathan headed to bed, leaving Max in the living room all by himself.
Jennifer was in the bathroom, taking off her jewelry, when Jonathan came up behind her and unzipped her.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine".
"Max didn't mean to upset you. He doesn't know anything about Elliott. He was just giving me the phone messages".
"Jonathan, he didn't upset me. He didn't upset me because I'm not upset. I'm fine".
"You sure?"
"I'm here with you. I don't need anyone else, and I for damned sure don't need Elliott".
He helped her step out of her dress, and then she went and hung it up and slipped a nightgown on.
She started putting on a layer of baby oil, and then went and stood next to Jonathan at the sink.
"I guess I need to get my ticket to fly home tomorrow".
"Nonsense. Take my plane. He can turn around and fly back and then I'll fly to you either Monday night or Tuesday".
"You sure?"
"I'm positive".
She kissed his arm and then headed to bed.
He joined her a few minutes later and wrapped his arms around her.
She yawned as she began to scratch his back and he buried his head on her shoulder.
"You looked so handsome tonight in your tux, darling".
"And you were absolutely gorgeous".
"I felt gorgeous because I was with you".
They spent a few hours making love and then fell asleep all wrapped up together.
As Jennifer drifted off to sleep, she realized that everything in that moment was perfect, and more than anything, she didn't want the moment to end.