"Oh? How's that?"

"Have you ever considered asking them for it?"

Jack's expression was so nonplussed, Gideon had to laugh. "No, I can see that's never crossed your mind."

"Don't be daft," Jack said. "Why would they just give it to me?"

"Because, believe it or not, some of them are very generous. And kindhearted. If you ever decide you'd like to do things legally and would like some help, let me know."

Jack nodded slowly, then more vigorously. "I'll do that. You bet I will. And now, I'll let ye get back to yor wedding."

Gideon watched him walk toward the door, his emotions in a whirl. Just as Jack reached for the doorknob, he asked, "Would you… would you like to come in? Meet my wife?"

Jack stilled. And then it seemed as the dust affected him as well, as his eyes turned misty. "I'm touched ye'd ask, Son. I'd love to meet her. But today's yor day. For you and her. We'll do it some other time. I'll be in touch. In the meanwhile, don't do anything I wouldn't do." After a final devilish grin, he was gone, closing the door quietly after him.

"There you are," came a soft voice behind him.

He turned and saw Julianne walking toward him. "We've been married less than one hour, and already you've deserted me," she scolded with a smile. "Whatever am I going to do with you?"

He snatched her into his arms and gave her the kiss he'd been dying to give her since they arrived. When he finally raised his head, he said, "I can't wait to show you all the different things you can do with me."

"Oh, my," she breathed against his lips. "I knew life with you would be an adventure." She brushed back his hair. "Did I hear you talking to someone?"

"Yes. My father." He took the ring from his pocket. "He gave me this. It was my mother's. Would you like to wear it as your wedding ring?"

"Oh, Gideon. It's lovely. Yes, I'd be honored to wear it." She slipped off the borrowed ring from Sarah they'd used during the ceremony, and Gideon slid the band in its place.

She looked at the plain, thin gold band as if he'd offered her the crown jewels. And bloody hell if he didn't fall in love with her all over again.

"I love you," he whispered. "If I had to sum it all up in one word, it would have to be happy. I'm just so damn happy."

She smiled into his eyes, hers filled with love and joy. "And if I had to sum up in just one word what you are, what you've done, what you've given me, that word would be everything. Absolutely… everything."

Jacquie D’Alessandro

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