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Gia chuckles. “Uncle Colin called Hunter in.” She glances toward the house. “He’s on the phone.” She shrugs. “We’re going away once the case is well and truly closed. He’s told Uncle Colin that he’d resign before he was given another case, if he doesn’t get a long overdue vacation first.” She grins. “He values Hunter too much to say no.”
“And so he should.” Jarrod tugs Gia into his arms. “How are you really doing?”
“As long as I have Hunter then I’m fine.”
The man himself appears behind her, a soft look on his face for his wife. He wraps an arm around her shoulders once Jarrod releases her. “And everything is right in my world when I’m with you, babe.” He kisses her upturned lips. “I think we should have a break in St. Thomas.” He grins.
Jarrod laughs and everyone looks at me. I feel like I’m about to burst with excitement. “Really?”
He nods, laughter and love in his gaze.
I screech and jump into his arms, my legs going around his waist. Tears fall from my eyes with happiness. “I love you so much,” I whisper, hardly able to get the words out.
“I love you too, honey.”
37
Jarrod
It has taken three months to get everyone’s schedules synced so that they could join Ivy and I, here, on the Island of St. Thomas for our wedding.
My beautiful bride to be is currently running around the suite at the Ritz Carlton while I quietly watch her from the balcony. Our space for the next two weeks is utter luxury and the best the hotel has to offer.
I smile now that she’s come to a halt and realizes that I’m watching her. I could watch her all day, every day, and I do sometimes.
“I can’t believe we have this suite,” she gushes. “It’s so beautiful.” Her voice softens as she pads over to me, her hands resting on my chest. “Thank you, for everything.”
My hands rest on her shoulders. “I’d do anything for you.” I pull her against my chest and turn us to face the ocean. “And this is a beautiful setting to marry my beautiful fiancée.”
“Mmm.” She snuggles deeply against me and makes me feel content.
Only Ivy has the ability to settle me and that’s because I consider her home. Wherever she is will always be my home.
“I can’t believe that I’m going to be your wife in a few days,” she mumbles.
“Neither can I.” I kiss the top of her head. “I never imagined that I’d ever have you in my arms, let alone as my wife.”
Ivy lifts her head and smiles. “I’m so excited, Jarrod. I wish we didn’t have to spend the night before our wedding apart. I hate tradition sometimes.”
“Me too, I’m probably going to be awake all of that night wondering whether you’re sleeping, or whether you need me besides you to do that.” I place a kiss to her waiting lips, and hover over them.
“It’s only one night. We can do it.”
I laugh. “Who are you trying to convince, honey?” I stroke my thumb over her knuckles as she stares at me with so much love in her eyes.
“Me… Both of us.” She shrugs and bites her bottom lip before she grins. “We could still sleep together, but no sex, and I could sneak to the girls room before you wake up.”
Shaking my head, I say, “As much as I like that idea, I really want to do the ‘traditional’ with you. I want everything perfect and as is should be. I don’t want anything to bring us bad luck.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “You’re right.”
“Oh, honey.” Pulling her down into my side, I settle us on one of the sun loungers on the balcony. We have an amazing view of the beach and ocean, and it looks like we’re in paradise. There is a light breeze that is enough to keep us comfortable, but not enough that we’re chilled.
“If being apart is upsetting you then we won’t do it. I want you happy.” I caress down her back while watching the yachts at sea.
“I’ll survive one night, and only because I’ll be with Gia and Parker.” She smiles, lifting her face to meet my gaze. “We’re not the only ones who will be spending the night without each other.”
I chuckle. “How’d Gia take that?”
