Jennifer and Jonathan arrived at Hart Industries around 9:45.
They parked and went inside to begin the cleanup.
They worked about 6 hours, and then called it a day.
"Darling, I want to have an employee meeting with everyone in the press room. I'm going to have Deanne summon everyone who isn't here and tell them to be here in an hour. I'm thinking I need to repay my employees for helping out. And I need to address what has happened".
He leaned against his desk. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I'm happy to stay as long as you want to".
"I think, I'm going to order lunch for everyone. Not today, but one day next week, as a way to say thank you".
"That's a lovely idea".
He wrote out some bullet points on what he wanted to say and then they headed down to the press room.
"Darling, where is the head of security now?"
"The one we talked to last night, is in jail. I just promoted Keith Anderson to the position".
They walked into the press room and stood near the front of the room.
Once everyone was assembled, he called the meeting to order.
"Thank you, guys so much for coming to help with the cleanup. If you hadn't come in, we would we still be at it. So, to thank you guys for coming, next Wednesday, lunch is on me. It will be in the conference room, and it will be a drop-in thing. HR will organize that, or Deanne, somebody. I also wanted to set the record straight regarding what happened. From what the police and the fire investigators told me, our former head of security, someone who came highly recommended to me, and someone who I considered to not only be an employee but also a friend, was apparently the ringleader of a theft ring. And unfortunately for us, he struck here last night. Unfortunately for him, he got caught and arrested. He is no longer an employee here, obviously. Due to some digging, and a comment that a very gorgeous redhead made to me, I uncovered that he turned off the alarm system, then the sprinkler system, and then he robbed the building. He then intentionally set a fire in the lab, to cover his tracks. It is my belief that he thought the fire in the lab would blow up the whole building. But thanks to our amazing fire department in this city, it was contained to the lab and extinguished quickly. Keith Anderson, one of the smartest guys I know, is now the new head of security".
Everyone clapped for him.
"And one final thing-I am sure that some of you have heard rumors, and that you are wondering when I am going to address those rumors. Well, I am going to address them now. This lovely lady next to me is the beautiful Jennifer Edwards. She is a journalist, formerly of the New York Times. She has been by my side ever since we got the news about the fire last night, well, before that as well, and she didn't hesitate to come help with the cleanup today. She's wonderful, intelligent, incredibly generous and kind, and in 20 days or so, she's going to be starting a new life, as my wife".
He leaned over and kissed her as everyone clapped and cheered.
"Now, thanks for your help, everyone is dismissed. See you all tomorrow. We will slowly replace everyone's missing equipment as best we can, and we thank you for your patience".
Everyone came up and congratulated them, and finally about 30 minutes later, they were able to head back to his office.
He gathered a few things and they headed to the car and then drove home.
He pulled her into an embrace when they got inside.
"It's Thursday. Max always plays poker on Thursday. So, what do you say to having dinner delivered, and just lounging around in our pajamas?"
"I say yes, pretty please".
They both showered and changed, and then came downstairs.
He ordered them dinner and got her a huge salad from the Bowl Builder, and got himself a steak and baked potato.
As soon as they finished dinner, they headed up to the bedroom to watch a movie.
She climbed on top of him and gave him a long backrub.
"Ohhhh, that feels amazing".
She spread the massage oil on his shoulders and really kneaded it in.
After about an hour, she got up and got a warm washcloth and washed his back off.
"Darling, do you think the false alarm call and the fire were related?"
"I've been wondering about that. I'm thinking that maybe he was doing a trial run to see if the alarm system would pick up that the door was open. If not, then he wouldn't have to disarm anything. And if it did, then he would have to reconfigure his plans. I just really can't believe he did it at all. I never would have figured him for someone who would have stolen from anyone".
"It's always who you least expect. But like you said yesterday, you were rebuilding things this time last year, and you can do it again".
"Darling, I didn't mean to say you were the reason that I was rebuilding".
"It's ok. I didn't think you meant it the way it sounded".
She snuggled up to his chest.
"I can't believe we are going to be married in 22 days".
"I know. And then we get a 2-week honeymoon, and then it's back to real life".
"Two weeks?"
"Yeah, I think two weeks would be just perfect. Especially with the location I have in mind".
"I see. I cannot wait to find out what it is".
They were just about to fall asleep when the phone rang.
He reached over and got it.
"Hello?"
He talked for a few moments and then hung up.
He wrapped his arms around her again.
"Do you have to go to the office?"
"No. That was the head of HR. They want you to come to the office next Tuesday. Everyone wants to have lunch with you and get to know you".
"That's so sweet".
"Yeah, it is".
"22 days, darling".
"22".
She kissed him and started playing with his chest hair.
"Do you think….maybe…..you could give me a hint about the honeymoon?"
"A hint? You want me to give you a hint?"
"Just one. Just a little something to look forward to".
"Oh, you want something to look forward to? I can definitely give you something to look forward to".
He rolled on top of her and kissed her passionately.
"Now darling, I'm good at a lot of things-business, romance, fishing, sailing. But one thing I am not is psychic. But if I had to guess, I would say that maybe, you and I could spend our honeymoon time doing a little of this…."
He started kissing her neck.
"Oh, I love doing that".
"And a little bit of this".
He slipped her nightgown off her shoulders and started kissing her breasts.
"Mmmmhmmm".
"That's it. Nothing else".
"Jonathan!"
"Well, I mean I guess if you beg me…"
He flashed her that grin that drove her crazy.
"Jonathan!"
She leaned up and kissed him.
He made love to her and then they fell asleep together.
***The next day***
Jennifer went shopping while Jonathan was at work, and picked out 4 china patterns and 4 silverware patterns. She bought a place setting of each, and brought them home for him to look at.
She took inventory of their kitchen appliances and registered for a few more, along with basic things like towels, and a new mattress and bedspread.
She was sitting on the couch when he came home.
"Hi darling".
"Hi handsome".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"I have something to show you".
She got out each place setting, and set them all up.
"which one do you like best?"
He looked at all of them, and narrowed it down to two.
"I like this plain white one and the square white one with the silver edge."
"I like both of those too".
They went back and forth and then decided on the square white pattern with the silver edge.
"Which silverware do you like? I like the more modern looking one, more than the traditional scroll".
"I like that one too".
"Ok, I will pack the others up and take them back and register for a complete set. Do you think 12 place settings will be enough?"
"Yes, that should be fine".
"I also registered us for some towels and a new bedspread and mattress".
"I see. Where are we registered?"
"Crate and Barrel, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Just kitchen stuff, the towels, bedspread, mattress, and tomorrow, I'll add the place setting and silverware".
He helped her wrap the other pieces and put them back in the box.
"What do you want to do tonight?"
"How about a drive up the coast? It's a beautiful night".
"I'm good with that".
They took the place settings and silverware back to the store, and registered for 11 more of the pattern they had picked, and then headed up the coast.
They drove up the coast about an hour away, and had dinner at a very elegant restaurant that was in the top of a lighthouse.
"This is The Beacon at Pleasure Bay".
"It's absolutely beautiful. I love this place".
They took the elevator up to the top, and walked in.
"Darling, we are the only ones here".
"That's because I rented out the restaurant for the evening, so it would just be us".
She turned to him and kissed him.
Just then, a string quartet started to play "Let Me Call You Sweetheart".
They danced right next to their table, and then sat down to eat.
"I had the chef prepare a special menu, with two choices for each course".
She looked over the menu and saw that he had asked the chef to make all her favorites. Grilled chicken, or grilled shrimp, sautéed zucchini, tomatoes and onions or a chopped salad, steamed asparagus or loaded sweet potato, and devil's food cake or sliced fruit with a peach honey drizzle.
"This is so sweet, darling. What is the occasion?"
"Well, next weekend, we have a charity event at the orphanage in San Francisco. And the weekend after that, I have a feeling that Jack is throwing me a bachelor party. I'm not supposed to know about it, but I have my suspicions. And then the weekend after that, we are getting married. So, this is our last weekend to just be us, before we get married. And I thought that it would be nice to have a last romantic weekend".
"I love this. This is so wonderful".
After they ate, they danced some more, and then went back downstairs to the car.
They walked along the beach for about an hour and then headed to the car.
Jennifer thought they were headed home, but soon, she realized they were headed in a different direction.
"Where are we going?"
"The second part of the surprise. I booked us a room for two nights at the SeaScape Resort in Santa Costa".
"Darling, that's wonderful. But I didn't bring any clothes".
"I packed you a bag this morning before you woke up, and it's in the trunk".
"What? How did you….?"
"I have my ways".
She grabbed his hand and kissed it.
"I don't deserve you at all".
He kissed her hand again, and then they arrived at the resort.
They held hands as they walked inside and he checked them in.
Their room was gorgeous, and was actually a 2-room suite. They had a king-size bed in the main room, and 2 queen beds in the other. Their bathroom had an oversize soaking tub for two, and a private plunge pool on the patio.
"Darling, why do we have two rooms?"
"Well…I wanted the plunge pool. And this was the only way to get it".
"I see. Did you happen to pack me a swim suit?"
"Yes, I did. Actually, I told Deanne that I was taking you to a resort with a pool for two nights and asked her to make a detailed list of what you might need in your suitcase and then this morning, I packed it".
She wrapped her arms around him.
"You are the most romantic man that has ever existed".
She kissed him several times.
"Did I mention that the plunge pool has a setting that will turn it into a hot tub if we want?"
She rested her forehead on his.
"Are you sure we can only stay two nights?"
"I'm positive. But, we can come back here if we like it".
He put their bags on the bed and then called and ordered them some champagne.
She opened her bag to see what he had packed and found the bathing suit he had picked.
He went and turned the plunge pool to hot tub, and then came back and changed into his suit.
As soon as the champagne got there, they headed out to the patio and climbed in.
"Ahhh".
He popped the cork on the champagne bottle, and then poured them each a glass.
"Cheers".
"Cheers".
"Darling, did you tell Max what we were doing?"
"Yes, I did".
"I feel bad. We should take him with us sometime".
"Darling, he's fine. Trust me".
He pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her waist.
They shared a few sexy kisses, and several sips of champagne.
"So this is our last weekend to relax together".
"Yeah, things are going to get busy".
"Darling, I don't feel right staying in a hotel room by myself the night before the wedding".
"So, don't. Ask Susan to stay with you".
"Do you think she would mind?"
"Not at all".
"That's a good idea. And it's only for one night, and it will be nice to have to someone help me get ready the next day".
"You and Susan can stay at the townhouse, and Max and I can go to Jack's".
"No, I can't do that. The townhouse is you guy's place together. I thought about seeing if Savanna wants to spend the night with us in the hotel, but I don't want her to drive Susan nuts, and we might be up late. Maybe we should just get her for a special breakfast instead".
"Now, there's an idea. I bet she'll love that".
He rubbed her shoulders for a few minutes and she refilled her champagne glass.
"Darling, is our honeymoon location going to have one of these plunge pools?"
"I think it might".
"I see. And do you plan on spending a lot of time in the plunge pool?"
"As much as you want".
She turned and straddled him and hugged him as she set her glass down.
He grabbed her face with his hands and kissed her lightly.
She moved off his lap and sat in front of the jets and rested her head on his shoulder.
They soaked and drank champagne for another half hour, and then climbed out and went inside.
She put on a nightgown and poured some more champagne.
She climbed into bed and got under the covers, and turned the bed down on his side for him.
He came out of the bathroom and climbed into bed with her.
They snuggled up together and watched a little bit of a movie.
About half way through, he rolled on top of her and started kissing her neck.
"Mmmm".
She grabbed the remote and turned off the TV, which plunged them into total darkness.
"Sorry, I'll turn it back on".
"NO, don't. This could be interesting".
"Jonathan, I cannot even see you".
"That's the interesting part. If you can't see me, you don't know where I am. Just trust me".
He felt his way through taking her nightgown off, and then he quickly stood up and shed his boxers.
He climbed back into bed and rolled back on top of her.
Their lips found each other's, and they shared some very steamy kisses.
He fondled her breasts and kissed her neck, while she ran her hands up and down his back.
He kissed across her chest, and down to her belly button, and back up.
He was really enjoying feeling Jennifer tremble as he kissed her.
He wound his fingers through her hair, and smothered her lips with his.
Just as he broke the kiss, he plunged himself inside of her, and buried himself in her over and over again.
"Ooohhhhhh".
A few minutes later, he took them both over the edge together, their hands laced together and clinging on tight.
They laid together a few minutes, trying to calm down.
Before long, they were both asleep, in each other's arms.
***The next morning***
They woke up to a storm, and decided to stay in bed a little longer. They spent a few hours making love, and then went and got in the plunge pool.
Jonathan ordered them room service and a beverage cart.
"Darling, are you traveling this week?"
"Not that I know of. As far as I know, my next trip is our honeymoon".
"I can't wait".
She leaned up and kissed him and wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm so ready for us to be the Harts".
"Me too".
They stayed inside that night, and just laid around giving each other massages and watching TV. It was truly one of the last nights they could just be lazy together before the wedding.
***The next morning***
Jonathan and Jennifer checked out of the hotel around 11 and headed home.
They pulled up and saw Max waiting outside for them.
"Mr. H., Miss Edwards, you two gotta go to Dr. Kendall's office right away! She called here and said her car is broken down and she can't get a wrecker. I offered to go, but she said she doesn't trust me, she wants you two".
"Ok, let's go".
They turned around and got back in the car, and headed to her office.
As soon as they pulled up, they saw her sitting outside.
"Hi, thanks for coming".
"Sure, what happened?"
"My tire is flat, and I'm supposed to be at the house in a half hour when my daughter gets home".
"Well, it just so happens I have a compressor in the trunk. I will have you back on the road in no time".
"Wonderful!"
He pumped her tire right back up, and put the cap back on it.
"All done".
"Thank you. Listen, I insist-you two come to my house for dinner tonight. It's the least I can do".
"Sure, that sounds fun".
"Max too. 6:30".
"Ok, we'll bring him".
They shared some hugs and then headed home.
Jennifer took a long bubble bath, while Max and Jonathan watched a baseball game and ate hero sandwiches.
She emerged from the bedroom to find Jonathan coming up the stairs.
"Hi, I was just coming to check on you".
"And I was coming to check on you".
"What time are we supposed to be there?"
"6:30. Max is getting ready, and I was just going to change my shirt".
"Perfect".
They headed out about 10 minutes later, and pulled up at Susan's right on time.
Susan answered the door after they rang the doorbell.
"Hi. Thanks for coming. Everything's all set. Right this way".
They walked into the living room and the lights came on.
"SURPRISE!"