Chapter 53

"With all my heart, Adele. I'd lay down my life for her if need be. I know I'm older, but I'll protect her until the day I die," AJ said, with as much conviction as his heart held.

"Good, then I know that I am leaving her in good hands. Between you and Tom, you'll love and take care of her. Just remember that she is a special lady and always treat her that way!" she told him. Then reaching up, she kissed his cheek before lying back on her pillows.

"She's my lady and will always be treated with respect and with all the love that I have in me," he said, kissing Adele cheek before turning to go. He saw Tom standing in the doorway. "Tom, I meant every word I said, I promise you."

Emotion filled Tom's voice as he said, "I know you did, AJ. Remember I could always tell when you were lying! I just want you to know that I feel the same way about your sister, and as long as you continue to feel the way you just described to Adele, then you truly have my blessing to marry my daughter."

"That means more to me than you know, my friend," he replied. "You might want to reinforce that to Julianna, I know she's worried about your approval."

"I heard him, AJ," came the tearful whisper from behind the two of them. They turned to find Julianna standing in the hall, "I didn't mean to overhear, I just wanted to say good night to Adele, but I'm glad that I did hear you both."

"Darling, I love you more than life it's self. Words could never express the way I feel for you, my love." he said, moving past Tom and taking her into his arms. "Soon, my love, you will be my bride."

"I can't wait, my love!" she whispered and pulled his head down for a kiss. "Now that Adele has gone to bed can we go too?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea," he grinned and taking her hand led her to the guest room.

Tom just shook his head and went into Adele's room closing the door behind him. He still was not comfortable with his daughter and his best friend sleeping together, but he guessed he better get used to it!

Seeing the look on his face Adele said, "Tom, at least you know AJ will be gentle with her," she smiled at his reaction.

"Yes, I do, and I think he loves her almost as much as I love you!"

"Oh, Tom, if only we had more time," she cried.

"I know! But let's make the most of what we have, darling. Just think, soon you will be my wife!"

"The times I've dreamed of being Mrs. Thomas Boone and now my dream is coming true," she sighed.

"I want to make all your dreams come true before we are out of time, Adele, tell me what else you would like before we run out of time," he sighed at the thought of losing her so quickly after finding her.

"I would have loved to given you a son," she said sadly.

"You gave me better than that, my love. You gave me a daughter that I didn't know that I had and now I will always have her in my life to remind me of how you brought us together!" Tom kissed her tenderly as he held her close.

Returning Tom's kiss she melted into his arms.

"Umm, so was there any other of your dreams I could make come true, my darling?"

"Give me a few minute to gather my strength and then make love with me," she winked.

"Not tonight, darling. The pain medication will have you asleep in just a few minutes. But I promise that I will give you a wake up call you will not forget!" he winked back at her as he caught her yawning.

"Promise, Tom?" she asked as she started drifting off to sleep.

"I promise," he said as he held her. Watching her sleep for a long while before sleep took him too, he wondered how he would live without her.

To be continued…