"Darling, are you sure?"
"I'm positive".
She handed them the check, and they thanked her profusely.
He took her hand and led her to the dance floor for the final dance. She grabbed a champagne glass along the way.
They danced as she drank her champagne.
"Darling, I love that you wanted to make a donation, but that was a lot of money. You didn't have to do that".
"Yes, I did. It's a place that's special to you. If it's special to you, it's special to me. And honey, they didn't just help you out once or twice, they took care of you. You lived there. You are who you are, in part, because of them. And who you are is the man I love most in the whole world."
"I love you too, it's just, that's a lot of money".
"Darling, we haven't really discussed this, but I have a family trust that I will get when my father dies. I also have a trust that I will get on my wedding day my mom left me. Plus, I have a savings account from when I worked at the Times. If something happens to you, I will be ok. I plan on setting it up with the bank that if something happens to me, you are the beneficiary. It will be ok".
"I just want you to be sure, that's all".
"I'm positive".
She finished her champagne, and then kissed him and they finished their dance.
They headed to their table to get his coat and her purse, and he purchased them a bottle of the champagne as they were leaving.
She grabbed another champagne on the way out, and he hailed them a cab.
She was pretty silly the whole way back to the hotel, and couldn't keep her hands off him.
They came into the hotel, and made their way to the elevator. For some reason, she insisted on dancing with him in the elevator.
"I'm so happy".
"You're so blitzed".
He kissed her and basically held her up, and then led them to their hotel room.
She came into their room and threw her purse on the bed.
"I thought the whole party was wonderful. The champagne was wonderful. And the cake. And the champagne".
"Yeah, you said about the champagne".
"The whole thing was wonderful".
She wrapped her arms around him and started kissing his neck.
"Darling…let's open the champagne".
"No, I think you've reached your limit, baby".
"Well, if the ball is over, and we aren't going to drink, what are we going to do?"
"Oh, I love you". He flashed her the grin that he knew she loved most of all, and gave her some kisses.
She reached down and kicked her shoes off, and then started unzipping her dress.
She stepped out of it, and climbed on the bed.
"Come on, honey".
He started taking his tux off. He started with his tie and then moved to the cummerbund. By the time he had that off, she was passed out asleep.
He put on his pajamas, climbed into bed next to her, turned out the light, and held her all night long as they slept.
***Sunday morning***
Jonathan woke up before Jennifer, and eased out of bed. He ordered a breakfast cart from room service with extra coffee. She slept till 9:45.
He was reading the paper when he heard her stirring.
"Morning honey".
"Shhh".
"I have your headache medicine all ready for you, darling".
He grabbed her some pills and a fresh water, and handed it to her.
She took it, and then laid back down for a few more minutes.
"Want some breakfast?"
"No".
About 10 minutes later, she sat up and rested her head on his chest.
"Darling, what do you remember about last night?"
"I remember dancing with you, I remember the ball. I remember getting champagne to come home with."
"Do you remember coming home?"
"No. I don't, actually. And I have no idea about anything else after we paid for the bottle of champagne".
"Want me to fill you in?"
"Please".
"Well, we got a cab to come back to the hotel, and then we had to get another one".
"Why did we have to get another one?"
"Because you were all over me and the driver said it wasn't appropriate".
"So?"
"So, we got another cab for the rest of the ride home, and then we came into the hotel. We were on our way to the elevator, and you heard someone playing music in the restaurant downstairs and decided to dance for everyone. After I dragged you out of there, you and I came up here and you put on a private show, just for me".
Jennifer hid her head in her hands.
"A private show?"
"Oh yeah. The neighbors down the hall were threatening to call the front desk after you screamed my name so loud it woke them up".
"Jonathan, you should have stopped me".
"Oh, there was no stopping you. You were determined to spread your happiness".
"I think I'm going to be sick".
Jonathan started laughing.
"It's not funny".
"Jennifer, I was kidding. None of that happened. You and I got a cab here, and you behaved the entire ride, although you were a little more touchy feely than normal. You and I went straight to the elevator and you insisted on dancing with me, and then we came back here to the room."
"What about the private show?"
"You asked me to pour you some champagne. I told you no, you stepped out of your dress, and passed out before I had my cummerbund off".
"Jonathan! I can't believe you tricked me! That was so mean".
He wrapped her in a big bear hug.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself".
"I'm for sure getting you back for that".
"I expect nothing less, baby".
She went and took a shower and then came out and drank some coffee.
"I saved you some breakfast, darling".
He kissed her forehead.
"No thank you. I can't think about food right now".
He went and showered and came back out to find her laying on the bed in her robe watching tv.
"Darling, what time is our flight?"
"Whenever we want. I was thinking sometime tonight".
"Perfect".
He climbed up on the bed next to her and she nestled up against him.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. The coffee helped".
"Feel like eating anything?"
"Not really. I tried some fruit, but I wasn't into it".
She moved in front of him and he wrapped his arms around her as she laid back against his chest. She pulled the blanket up around them and he found them a movie to watch.
"I love that I get you all to myself".
"Yeah, it's nice to have time away without interruptions".
He held her for a little bit, and then he kissed the side of her face.
"Want me to open the champagne?"
"No thank you, I'm not ready for that yet".
"If you want, we can save it for the honeymoon".
"That sounds like a good idea".
He rubbed her shoulders for her and gave her a scalp massage.
After about an hour, they ordered room service again-burgers and fries this time. Jennifer was hesitant at first, but eventually took a bite. Once she realized she wasn't going to get sick, she ate the whole thing.
Jonathan dozed off near the end of the movie. He woke up when Jennifer started kissing his chest.
"Movies over?"
"Yep, it just ended".
"What did I miss?"
"Well, the girl, Brittany-she realized that she wasn't in love with Alan after all. She really was in love with Thomas".
"But wasn't Thomas about to marry Natalie?"
"Yes, but he was only doing that because he thought Natalie was carrying his child".
"So the baby wasn't his?"
"That's just it. There was no baby".
"How did they find that out?"
"Feminine wiles. Brittany forced Natalie to tell the truth".
"I see. So what happened then?"
"Well, Thomas called the wedding off. And Brittany told Alan that she had cold feet. And then she and Thomas met on the bridge like they had talked about a year before, and they were finally free to be together. And as the credits rolled, they walked off the bridge hand in hand".
"I see. Well, it sounds like it ended happily".
"Yeah, it did."
She played with his chest hair some and he kissed the top of her head.
"Darling, what do you think happened when they walked off the bridge?"
"What do I think happened?"
"Yeah, like do you think they went back to her house, or do you think he whisked her away on a romantic trip?"
He rolled them till she was on her back.
"I think, that they went to the most exclusive, private hotel he could find. And I think he got them a room".
"Oh".
"And I think he took her in his arms, like this, and gave her a little of this".
He started kissing her neck.
"I bet she loved that".
"And I think he gave her some kisses like this". He gave her a tender, romantic kiss, as he held her face in his hands.
"That's her favorite".
He reached down and untied her robe, and let it fall open.
He planted some kisses along her chest, as he worked his way to her breasts.
He let his tongue swirl around one of her nipples, before he took it in his mouth and sucked it.
"Mmmm".
She ran her fingers through his hair and lightly scratched the back of his neck.
He moved his kisses back up to her neck again, as she reached down and untied his robe.
He nibbled on her earlobe and wound his fingers through her hair.
She ran her heels up and down the back of his calves.
She reached down and squeezed his butt, pulling him as close to her as possible.
He started lightly biting her nipple as she gripped his shoulders with her fingernails.
"Oh Jonathan…mmmm".
"Louder, baby. The neighbors can't hear you".
"Jonathan!"
"I was kidding, baby".
He moved his kisses back up to her lips and parted her lips with his.
After a very sensual kiss, he swiftly and effortlessly joined their bodies together.
"Mmmmmm".
Their motions became fluid, both of them trying to please the other.
"Come on honey".
"Almost, baby".
She kissed him as he took them over the edge together.
"You're amazing".
"So are you".
He rested his head on her shoulder, and she scratched his scalp.
They laid there together for about an hour, before they finally got up and got ready.
They were downstairs in the lobby, checking out of the hotel when he turned to her.
"Darling, do you want to do dinner before we leave or after we land?"
"Up to you, honey".
"What if we fly home, and then I take you to this quaint, romantic, hole in the wall place that has the best shrimp alfredo you could ever ask for?"
"Yes, please".
She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him, just before the doorman told them their cab was there.
About an hour later, they were settled on the flight and headed back to LA.
As soon as they landed, he loaded their bags into the car and they headed up the coast just a bit.
"How did you find this place, honey?"
"One of my buddies from the orphanage, he opened it. He sold it and moved to Texas a few years back, but the owners have continued to use his recipes."
He pulled them up in front of a place called Chief Charley's.
"They have a seafood buffet, and they always have a meal of the day menu. They are known for their seafood buckets, their martinis, and their all you can eat crab legs".
"Sounds wonderful".
She laced her fingers through his as they walked inside.
He was given a table right away.
He pulled her chair out for her and helped her get settled.
He sat next to her, and they started looking over the menu.
"Want to try a martini?"
"No thank you, I think I'll stick to water today".
They both decided on the all you can eat crab legs, and Jonathan ordered a bucket side to go with it.
Before they could blink, the waitress cleared their table off, and laid down some newspaper.
About 5 minutes later, she brought them each 2 pounds of crab legs, drawn butter, some crab tools, and a bucket of sausage, mushrooms, corn, potatoes, and onions.
Jennifer had the biggest smile on her face.
Jonathan also ordered a sample of the shrimp alfredo.
Jonathan was impressed at how fast she was able to crack the crab legs.
"I grew up in crab country, darling. Picked up a skill or two along the way".
They chatted while they ate, and after about an hour, they were both absolutely miserably stuffed.
"Ok, you have to have at least one bite of the shrimp alfredo."
He fed her a bite and she looked at him and moaned.
"We can order some to go, if you want".
She shook her head no.
"After the wedding. When I don't have to fit into a dress, we are going to come back here and have some".
"It's a deal".
He leaned over and kissed her, and then paid the bill.
They walked to the car hand in hand, and he opened the door for her.
She turned to hug him.
"Thank you for dinner honey".
He kissed her and then helped her in the car.
They drove back to the townhouse with the top down, and then went inside.
"Max, you home?"
"In the kitchen".
They walked into the kitchen.
"Hi Max".
"Hey Max".
"Hey you two. How was the ball?"
"Enchanting".
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
"How was your weekend?"
"Fun. I hit it big at the track, but didn't fare so well in a poker game last night".
"Tough breaks, Max".
"You two eat dinner yet?"
"Yeah, we just did. You?"
"I ordered a pizza. Should be here soon".
"Listen, Max. After the wedding, we are going on a two-week honeymoon. And then after we get back, we are moving into the new house. So, if you wanted to go to Vegas while we are gone, you certainly could".
"Thanks, Mr. H. I just might".
Jennifer went and got the champagne and put it in the fridge.
"Darling, I'm going to go take a bubble bath".
"Oh Miss Edwards, Savanna called. She said she can't wait to tell you something. Number is by the phone in the den".
"Thanks Max".
She went upstairs and started her bubble bath, and then grabbed the cordless phone and climbed in. She dialed Sean and Julie's number.
"Hello?"
"Hello, it's Jennifer. Max said Savanna called me".
"She sure did. She's been talking about you all day".
"How sweet".
"Here she is".
"Hi Aunt Jeffer! "
"Hi lovebug. What are you doing?"
"I just put on my pajamas. I got invited to a sleepover this weekend. It's at my friend Victoria's house."
"Well that sounds fun. I'm sure you will have a lovely time".
"I hope so. I haven't ever been to a sleepover before".
"Well, I'm sure you will love it. You get to play games, eat snacks, watch movies, and you do it all in your pajamas".
"Aunt Jeffer, when I come for the wedding, can you and I have a sleepover?"
"Sure we can. That sounds fun".
They chatted about school and how she was being a good girl for Aunt Julie and Uncle Sean, and how she couldn't wait to see Jennifer and Jonathan.
"Just a few more sleeps and then you will be here".
"Aunt Julie said you and Uncle Jonathan were going on a honeymoons. Do we get to go with you?"
"No, lovebug. It's just me and Uncle Jonathan".
"Aww man".
Jennifer chuckled.
"Aunt Jeffer, I have something sad to tell you".
"What is it, lovebug?"
"Aunt Julie says I have to hang up and go to bed".
Jennifer chuckled.
"Ok lovebug. I will see you so, so, soon. I love you. Enjoy your sleepover".
"I love you too. Bye Aunt Jeffer".
She hung up the phone and finished her bath, and then came downstairs in her robe and nightgown. Jonathan was relaxing on the couch, watching a baseball game with Max.
She snuggled up next to him.
He wrapped an arm around her.
"How is Savanna?"
"Fine. I think she's just anxious. She got invited to her first sleepover this weekend, and she didn't really know what to expect".
They watched the game, and when it was over, Max announced he was headed to bed.
"Goodnight Max".
"Goodnight".
Jonathan got up then and locked up the house.
He and Jennifer headed upstairs and got ready for bed.
"Darling, do you want me to start packing up the house this week?"
"No need, darling. I'm going to have the movers from the shipping company I own come do it while we are on our honeymoon."
"Good idea".
She straddled his back, and gave him a long back massage. She used her elbows and worked out all his stress spots.
"That feels so good".
"You deserve it. You've been going overboard trying to make me happy, and you put up with my drunkenness. It's the least I can do".
After his massage was over, they switched and he gave her one.
"Darling, did you change your mind about not giving me a hint for our honeymoon?"
"No, I didn't. All in due time, darling".
"Honey, it's driving me crazy. I mean, I love surprises. But I want to know, too".
"You will find out, I promise".
He massaged her till she was almost asleep, and then climbed off her.
They snuggled up and slept all night long, all wrapped up together.
***Monday***
Jennifer got up when Jonathan did. They had breakfast together and then she walked him to the door.
"I love you, have a good day".
"I love you, too. See you tonight".
He gave her several sweet kisses and then left.
She was upstairs working on an article when the doorbell rang.
She ran downstairs and opened the door.
"Delivery for Jennifer Hart".
"That's me".
"Sign here, please".
She signed for it, and they handed her two boxes.
"Thank you".
She opened one to find a gorgeous flower arrangement, filled with black eyed Susan's, white foxglove, cap lilies, and Cardinal flowers.
She dug for the card.
"Some Maryland beauties for my Maryland beauty. I love you, Love, Jonathan".
She was so touched. He was always so thoughtful and romantic.
She opened the other package. It was two large coconuts.
"SweeTheart-I love you and I just wanted to Let yoU know I'm nuts about you. Maybe you and I Can make some pInA coladas tonight. Love, Jonathan".
She chuckled, and grabbed her purse. She headed to the store and got everything they would need for pina coladas, plus a few extra things, and then came back home.
He came in at 5, and found her in the kitchen.
"Hi beautiful".
"Hi handsome".
She kissed him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Thank you for my surprises today".
"You're welcome".
He kissed her a few more times.
"I got the stuff for pina coladas, like you asked for".
"Great. Max has a poker game tonight, so how about you and I grill out some Hawaiian chicken kebabs?"
"Sure".
"Max has the recipe in the cabinet next to the sink".
He went to change clothes and she found the recipe and mixed the marinade.
She had just poured it over the chicken and set the timer when he came back downstairs.
He made them pina coladas, and they went and sat on the couch.
He turned the news on and wrapped an arm around her.
They were sipping their drinks when the phone rang.
He reached over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Jonathan, it's Jack. I was wondering, Friday evening, can I fly you somewhere? Consider it a wedding gift".
"Certainly. What time do you want me to be at the airport?"
"7. It will be an overnight trip".
"Ok, see you then".
He hung up the phone.
Before he could tell her who it was, the phone rang again. He reached over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, it's Susan. Is Jennifer available?"
"Sure, hang on a second".
He passed the phone to Jennifer.
"Hello?"
"Hi, It's Susan. Listen, this Friday, me and Kelly and Myra and Marlene are taking you on a trip. Consider it a bachelorette party, if you will. Everything's all arranged, you just need to pack a bag for two nights. The rest is taken care of".
"How sweet. Thank you".
"Have Jonathan bring you to the airport at 7 Friday night".
"Perfect. See you then".
She handed the phone to him and he hung it up.
"Susan's taking me on a trip for my bachelorette party".
"Oh? Jack is taking me on one".
"We are leaving Friday at 7, from the airport".
"So are we".
"I smell a rat".
"Yeah, me too".
She leaned over and kissed him, and rubbed his chest a little.
Just then, the timer went off.
"Hold that thought".
She went and turned the timer off and followed the next steps in the recipe.
He went and turned the grill on and then came back and got the chicken from her.
She made them some brown rice, and a chopped salad, and then went and sat on the patio next to Jonathan.
"Darling, I want to do something. And I'm hoping you are ok with it".
"What is it?"
"I want to call Julie and Sean. I want to see if they will bring the kids early. Like Wednesday before the wedding. I want to book them a very nice hotel room in the city, and give them a break. And I want you and I to take care of the kids, just us and Max, before the wedding".
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am. What do you say?"