***Saturday***
Jonathan and Jennifer woke up and had breakfast with her dad and then headed to the stables.
He laced his fingers through hers as they walked down the driveway.
"That bacon stuffed French toast was amazing".
"Yeah, it was. That was one of my mom's signature recipes".
They got to the stables and selected their horses and got saddled up.
She showed him all over the backside of the property, where she used to ride, the trails, her old treehouse, all of it.
They got back just before lunch time, and headed into the kitchen.
"Hi Miss Jennifer, Mr. Jonathan. You two are just in time. I made a lunch meat plate, and got out the special toaster".
Jennifer giggled and kissed Walter's cheek.
"What's the special toaster?"
"It toasts baguettes. It's like a combo toaster and toaster oven. Pa doesn't like it, so we have to keep it in a cabinet when we aren't using it".
She made herself a loaded sandwich, and Jonathan made himself a turkey bacon and cheddar.
"I knew Miss Jennifer would make a loaded sandwich".
"Walter, you know me so well".
"What's a loaded sandwich?"
"Oh, darling, it's the best. You put cheese on both sides of the bread, and toast them, get them good and melty. And then you put the same toppings in the same order on each side, and then load them together. So, if you were to look at it from top to bottom, it's like a mirror image."
"So, why do you call it loaded?"
"I learned how to make one of these when I was in boarding school. And we called them loaded because the bread couldn't handle the weight of the toppings, and would fall apart".
"Interesting".
She fed him a bite and he declared it to be wonderful. He fed her a bite and she did the same.
After lunch was over, they did the dishes and then headed to the living room.
"Darling, come with me".
She took his hand and led him down the hall to the back patio, and around to the side of the backyard.
They walked down a trail and came to a small little shed.
She led him around to the back, and grabbed a hammock stand.
She went into the shed and grabbed the hammock and he helped her set it up.
They climbed in and got comfy.
"This is so nice".
"Yeah, it's really relaxing back here".
They stayed out there about an hour, napping in each other's arms.
Jonathan woke up when it started to rain, and he and Jennifer just made it inside before it was a downpour.
They snuggled up on the couch and Jennifer turned on the tv so they could watch a movie.
He kept rubbing his neck.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just have a little headache".
He scooted down and leaned back against her chest and she rubbed his temples for him.
"Ahhh, that feels great".
After she was done with his temples, she started massaging the base of his neck.
About an hour later, her dad came in.
"Hello, hello".
"Hey Pa".
They sat up and she turned off the movie.
"How was your horseback ride?"
"Fun."
"Very nice".
"Jennifer, this box is for you to take back with you. I won't tell you what to do with it, but I would advise you to open a safety deposit box, since that's where it came from".
"Got it".
"I have one, darling. I'll add you to it and you can just put it in there".
"Great idea".
"Well, I guess we'd better get ready for dinner. I can't wait to see which of your favorites he will make tonight".
"Me either. Darling, do you need some headache medicine?"
"No, I think I'm ok".
They headed upstairs and got dressed, and then came back downstairs.
They were seated at the table when Walter came in.
"Cheese and artichoke stuffed grilled chicken, parmesan baked tomatoes and mushrooms, and parmesan risotto".
"Love it".
"Darling, by any chance is your favorite cheese parmesan?"
"Very funny".
Stephen and Jonathan talked about sports and politics all through dinner, and Jennifer was ecstatic they were getting along so well.
After dinner was over, she took the dishes to the kitchen while they retired to the living room.
"Sir, I realize that Jennifer doesn't think marriage is necessary. I just wanted you to know that I'm going to do everything I can to change her mind. I would love nothing more than marry her and take care of her for the rest of our lives, and I hope that we have your blessing on that. I love her more than I ever thought possible, she's simply the greatest thing that's ever happened to me outside of Max".
"Who is Max?"
"Well, he took me in when the orphanage threw me out. And he made sure that I knew the basic things that I needed to know in order to be a man, and did father-like things for me, such as buying my first suit, making sure I had an education. He's the closest thing to a parent I've ever known."
"I see. I'm glad you had someone like him in your life, son. You were very fortunate".
"Yes, I was".
"Son, as long as Jennifer is happy with you, I'm happy with you. You have my blessing. Now, here's a warning. If I have to step in, it won't be pretty. I stepped in when she got mixed up with that nincompoop Elliott, and thankfully, he was smart enough to heed my warning to leave her alone and not make me get my lawyers involved. However, I fear that he still keeps tabs on her. Don't make call the law on you, son. That's all I ask".
"I promise I won't. I can also promise you that I will protect her from him as best I can".
"I appreciate that. Do you know if he's still sniffing around?"
"He is. He owns Greenleaf Global. She and I haven't discussed it further than that, though. I have two theories on what he's doing-either he's punishing her for the Senate hearing and that's why they didn't offer her a job when they took over the paper, or he's punishing her for leaving him".
"Knowing him, it's the second one".
"Either way, I'm prepared to keep him away from her as best I can".
"Thank you. If you need my legal team, you just call".
"I'll keep that in mind".
Jennifer came and joined them, and cozied up with Jonathan.
Jonathan and Stephen continued their political conversation which segued into a conversation on political conspiracy theories. Jennifer read a magazine and just listened.
Jennifer started yawning, and then her dad said he was going to bed.
"Goodnight Pa, we'll see you in the morning".
"Goodnight you two".
As soon as he was out of earshot, Jennifer turned the lights out and took Jonathan's hand and led him upstairs.
They went into her room and she closed the door and then grabbed him and kissed him.
"You were so sexy talking to my dad about politics and conspiracy theories".
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, you were. I was so proud of you".
He kissed her again, and then whispered into her ear.
"John F. Kennedy was assassinated by the mob".
She started laughing.
"You're so crazy".
She turned around and held her hair up.
"Can you unzip me, please?"
"Certainly".
He planted a few kisses on her neck while had her hair up.
"Mmmm…that feels nice".
"There's more where those came from".
She quickly changed into a nightgown, and then climbed on the bed.
"Come snuggle".
"I don't want your dad to catch us".
"The bells, remember?"
She snuggled down onto his chest.
"I'm torn because I don't want to leave at all. I love being here where I grew up. But I absolutely cannot wait to make love with you again".
"I miss it too".
"You've been a great sport, honey. I really appreciate it".
"Anything for you, darling. But damn, I sure hope Max has a poker game to go to tomorrow night".
She chuckled against his chest.
"His sex radar is on point".
"Well, he is my father, for all intents and purposes".
"Good point".
"Darling, where do you see us in 50 years?"
"Probably, in a nursing home, crashing our walkers into each other, or sitting in side-by-side recliners holding hands".
"You really think we'll make it that long?"
"I know we will. I refuse for us to not make it that long. Where do you see us?"
"On one of those senior cruises, watching sunsets and sipping champagne".
"That would be nice too".
"Darling, you know what we need?"
"What's that?"
"We need to take one of those stay-cations, where we check into a hotel in town not far from the house, and we spend the whole time in bed".
"That's a great idea."
"Darling….what do you think about us throwing a dinner party?"
"For what?"
"Well, we go to a lot of dinner parties, darling. And it's our turn".
"I like going more than I like hosting. It will be a lot of work for you and Max".
"Consider it charity".
"I already gave at the office".
"You know what I mean. We could highlight a specific charity and have everyone who attends donate to it".
"So, you want to throw a charity fundraiser? That's a lot different from a dinner party".
"Yeah, I suppose it is".
"I just think if we don't host at least once, everyone is going to stop inviting us".
"I'm sure that's not the case".
They continued chatting till she started yawning.
"Ok, that's my cue. I love you".
"I love you more".
"I love you the most".
"I'm pretty sure I love you the most".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"And I promise, as soon as we are on the plane and have time to ourselves, to show you just how much".
They shared several long kisses, and then he finally headed to bed.
***Sunday***
Jonathan and Jennifer headed downstairs for breakfast.
"Morning Pa".
"Morning sweetheart. Morning, Jonathan".
"Good morning".
"I can't wait to see which of my favorite breakfasts Walter is making for us today".
"Something smells great".
Just then, Walter brought it all in.
"Miss Jennifer's favorite breakfast casserole, plus waffled hash browns and sliced fruit".
"Walter, you're the greatest".
"Sweetheart, here is your birthday present. You can open it now or save it till your birthday, your choice".
"Well of course I want to open it with you".
She unwrapped it and found a gorgeous pair of sapphire and diamond earrings.
"Oh Pa, they're exquisite!"
"They were your mothers. I gave them to her on her 28th birthday, when you were 5 months old".
"I love them, and I love that they were hers".
She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you".
"You're welcome, sweetheart".
Jonathan took a bite of the breakfast casserole and gave it a thumbs-up.
"Sweetheart, do you and Jonathan have big plans for your birthday?"
"We haven't talked about anything".
"I have it all planned sir. I'm going to take her to the Burger Barn, and let her play on the playground if she eats all of her fries".
"Ha ha, very funny. Jonathan is dying to get into a ball pit".
"Don't knock it till you try it".
"I'll keep that in mind".
"You always were especially fond of the slide, sweetheart. The taller, the better".
"Pa, don't give him any ideas".
"Duly noted, sir, and much appreciated".
"Jonathan!"
"Birthdays are special, darling. Now, eat all of your hash browns and I'll buy you a swing set".
"You are crazy".
"About you". He leaned over and kissed her temple.
"Darling, did you call Jack?"
"Not yet. I will after breakfast".
"Do I have time to get one more ride in?"
"Sure".
"Want to come with me?"
"Sure".
"Sweetheart, I hate to disappoint you, but Sunday mornings is when the stable hands bathe all the horses and put them in the pasture to dry and graze a bit. Horses won't be ready for riding till after lunch".
"Darn. Oh well, next visit".
As soon as they were finished eating, Jennifer took the dishes to the kitchen, and helped Walter with cleaning up, while Jonathan headed to call Jack.
An hour later, they were packed up and headed for the airport.
"Bye Pa, we love you. I'll talk to you soon".
"Bye sweetheart, I love you too".
"Thank you for your hospitality, sir".
"You are welcome here here anytime, son. It was a pleasure".
"Thank you".
Jonathan and Jennifer got in the car and she waved to her dad as they drove away.
"What a nice visit".
"Yeah, it was. You were great with him".
"As far as father's go, he was middle of the road, on the easy/hard scale".
"I figured he would give you somewhat of a hard time, but I knew he wouldn't go full throttle on you".
She laced her fingers through his, and held his hand as they drove along.
They made it to the airport right on time.
They boarded the plane, and got settled.
As soon as they were up in the air and Jack turned off the seatbelt sign, Jennifer took hers off and leaned over a little closer to him.
"Meet you in the bedroom in 5 minutes".
She got up and headed to the bedroom, closing the door behind her.
By the time he got there, she was undressed. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her and started kissing her neck.
She was wearing a white strapless teddy, thigh-high stockings and a garter belt.
"I haven't seen this before".
"You like it?"
"I love it. I love anything you wear".
She sat on the bed while he stepped out of his pants and took his shirt off, and extended her leg towards him so he would undo the clips on her garter belt holding her stockings up.
He kissed her as he undid them, and seductively peeled the stocking off each of her legs.
She barely got the snaps on her teddy undone before he was tugging it off of her.
Once they were both naked, she climbed under the covers and pulled them back so he could join her.
He took her in his arms.
"I love you, so much".
"Yeah? Show me how much".
***Wednesday***
Jennifer was at Jonathan's house, searching the want ads for a job and updating her resume.
Around 10:30, the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"May I please speak to Jennifer Edwards?"
"This is she".
"Hi, this is Deanne, Mr. Hart's secretary. He is requesting that you come to the office, and he says it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes, tops".
"Right now?"
"As soon as possible, ma'am".
"Ok, tell him I'm on my way".
She hung up and went to freshen up, and then headed out.
***Hart Industries***
Jennifer pulled up and parked next to Jonathan's car, and headed inside.
Deanne met her as she was coming off the elevator.
"Hi. I presume you are Miss Edwards?"
"Yes, I am".
"Hi, I'm Deanne. Mr. Hart is right in here, in the conference room".
She opened the door and let Jennifer in.
Jonathan was sitting at a long table with about 10 businessmen.
"Hi darling. Come on in. Thank you, Deanne. Darling, would you like some water or anything?"
"No, I'm fine".
She walked over to him and hugged.
"Gentlemen, this is my girlfriend, Jennifer Edwards. She's the real reason we are meeting today".
Jonathan could tell Jennifer was embarrassed.
"Darling, what's this all about?"
He pulled the chair out for her and she sat down.
"Darling, these men are all very influential businessmen on the West Coast. And at some point in the last month, they and I have all received the same offer. My offer came in two days ago. I immediately planned this meeting, and these gentlemen and I struck a deal".
"What kind of deal?"
"Gentlemen, starting with Bill at the head of the table, if you are staunchly opposed to doing any kind of business with Elliott Manning, Greenleaf Global, or any of his other companies, please raise your right hand".
Slowly, like dominoes falling one by one, they all raised their right hand.
"Darling, it's unanimous. This means that effectively, he will be restricted to the Midwest, east coast and gulf coast. The other businesses here in California especially, aren't big enough to hold his interest. This all but ensures that he won't ever own companies in Los Angeles again, and if he relocates one here, he will be hard pressed to find anyone to do business with him".
She leaned over and hugged him.
"Thank you, darling".
She turned back to the board.
"Thank you, gentlemen"
"Yes, thank you, gentlemen. This meeting is adjourned".
Jonathan and Jennifer went and stood by the door as all the other businessmen left, and then he took her hand and led her to his office.
As soon as the door was closed, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately.
"You are the most romantic man I've ever known".
"I will do absolutely everything I can to protect you, no matter what. You know that".
They spent a few more minutes kissing and holding each other.
"What time will you be home tonight?"
"Around 5. And Max is going to the track, so it's just going to be you and me in the house".
"Wonderful. Want me to make us a special dinner?"
"You can if you want. Or we can have it delivered, whatever. Only thing I don't like is peas and beans".
"Got it. Well, I better let you get back to work. I love you".
"I love you too".
She gave him a long goodbye kiss, and then headed out.
As he watched her walk to the elevator, he thought about how thankful he was that she had come into his life.