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*****
The air was crisp and clean, the day perfect. It is not too hot and humid, with just the right amount of breeze to cool things down. The park had been thoroughly cleaned and the grass pruned, the fountains gushing forth the clear water at strategic places.
Flowers bloomed at the trunks of the towering oak trees and in urns everywhere. It was a private park that Manchester Enterprises had taken over several years ago and turned into one of beauty.
When Delores expressed the desire to be married here, Deacon made that happen by putting people to work on the cleaning-up process. An arbor decorated with pink, white, and red roses with wisterias interspersed stood in the middle of the lush green grass near a fountain shaped like a dolphin.
“You are nervous,” Jackson murmured, turning his head to look at his friend.
“This is my second time. The first time, I was young and idealistic. Now I am all of thirty-five and spent years cynically believing that women could not be trusted.” He tugged at his dark blue sports jacket a little nervously.
“Now I am head over heels in love with the woman carrying my baby inside her, and there is a knot the size of a golf ball inside my stomach. I am afraid of making mistakes that will drive her away.”
“She loves you,” Jackson said simply.
“I- “Deacon’s voice petered off as the live band started the wedding march. He barely glanced at the three women coming forward to take their places. His eyes were trained on the arch at the end of the path.
His gut clenched in shock and excitement as he caught his first glimpse of the woman who would be pledging her life to his. She was almost too beautiful to be real and in a few minutes, she would be his wife.
“My God!” Jackson breathed. “She is exquisite.”
“And mine.” He found himself growling, the pit inside his stomach unfurling. Stepping forward, he barely acknowledged her brother before taking her hands in his.
“Ready to do this?” He asked lightly, bringing her hands to his lips. “If you are not, it will be too late.”
Lifting shining golden-brown eyes to his, she gave him an intimate smile that curled his toes. “More than ready.”
*****
“Tired?” He asked softly, arms wrapped around her waist as they looked out over the stunning blue of the water. The sleek yacht was being manned by the same pilot who had flown them here to the exotic island of St. Thomas.
“A little.” She admitted, leaning back against his solid frame. “it’s so beautiful and peaceful.” Turning to look at his sternly handsome face, she felt the familiar thrill of realizing this man belonged to her. “You have hotels here.”
“Three.” Turning her around, he cupped her face, his eyes sizzling. “You are mine.”
“I am, and you are mine.” They had exchanged their vows a few hours ago, which she would keep until she drew her last breath. “You will never have to wonder if I love you. Never have to wonder if I am looking at someone else.”
“I am beginning to believe that.” He bent his head to kiss her softly, ending the intimacy before it got out of control. He had made love to her two times on their journey here and barely had time to get dressed before they were landing.
“Let’s get some food inside you.” Taking her hand, he led her toward the deck, where a table was laid for them. He had arranged everything before they arrived.
John, the one manning the yacht, would dock and make himself scarce as soon as they reached the harbor, which would leave them alone. They had taken off two weeks for their honeymoon, and he had every intention of lavishing attention on her.
“How about a swim first?” She suggested.
“I thought you were starving.”
“We ate on the plane, remember?”
“Your stomach- “
“I am fine. I have not thrown up even once for the entire day, and I am praying it lasts for the rest of it.” Tugging at his hand, she led the way to the oval-shaped pool.
*****
Much later that night, with the water gently lapping at the vessel, the couple were ensconced in the elegant cream and blue stateroom, exhausted after their exploration of the island, dinner by the shore at an outdoor restaurant and back to the yacht where he had made restless love to her.
“You should be asleep.” He chided gently when she opened her eyes to look at him.
