Stroke of Sapphire

Epilogue

Sapphire stood on the magnificent grounds of her parents’ home in upstate New York, admiring the lights twinkling in the trees, the soft music drifting out of the snow-white tent and the murmur of voices all around her.

Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and pulled her against a hard chest. “Happy?”

She looked up at her new husband and smiled. “Completely.” She lifted her hand and admired the plain platinum band that nestled next to her diamond ring. The bracelet she’d made wrapped around her wrist, sapphires sparkling in the light. “You?”

Jake pressed his face against her curls and kissed her head. “More than I ever thought possible.”

Her heart skipped a beat before settling again. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Jake had started opening up more with her, telling her some things about his past. He’d always be more self-contained than most, but that was okay. He loved her. His telling her that was the same as saying he trusted her, and that meant everything to her.

“Topaz and John look happy.” That was an understatement. Her sister was practically glowing and John looked as proud as a peacock.

“They do, but not as happy as us.” He nipped at her ear, making her shiver.

“Your grandfather is having fun. I think he’s hitting on Mrs. Whittaker.” Sadie Whittaker was her family’s former housekeeper. She’d been retired for ten years, but was still a close family friend.

Jake chuckled. “Wouldn’t surprise me. Granddad’s still got a lot of life in him.”

That was an understatement. Bernard Knight had driven up from Brooklyn in his ’68 Camaro last night. He was fit and spry and looked like a man closer to sixty than eighty-two. She’d met him for the first time several weeks ago and knew where Jake had inherited his stubborn streak. Mr. Knight lived his life by his own rules and paid no mind to what others thought.

“Look, Mom and Dad are dancing.” She pointed at her parents as they took to the dance floor as if they owned it. Her father twirled her mother around while she laughed.

“They can move.” Jake rocked her from side to side. “Did I tell you how gorgeous you look in your dress?” She felt something hard prod her backside and knew Jake was getting aroused.

“You didn’t tell me, but I guessed you liked it.” She rubbed her butt against his growing erection.

“Tease,” he complained. “I know we’re not getting out of here for at least another hour.”

“You’re not having fun?” She turned in his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Oh, I’m having fun, but I’ll definitely have more later.” He started to kiss her, then stopped. “Shit.” He turned her so she could see Topaz and John walking toward them. “Don’t move,” Jake warned her and she barely kept from giggling as he kept her strategically placed in front of him to hide his obvious arousal.

“You left the party.” Topaz shot Jake an accusatory look. John simply rolled his eyes.

“Actually, I was the one who left,” Sapphire offered. “I just wanted a moment to let it all sink in.”

Topaz smiled and then twirled around in a circle, arms extended. “We’re married. Can you believe it?”

Sapphire enjoyed her sister’s enthusiasm. From the moment she’d suggested a double wedding, Topaz had thrown herself into the preparations with undisguised glee.

“Here comes the other Jewel,” Jake whispered in her ear. Sapphire peered around Topaz to see their sister Emerald coming toward them with her husband in tow. Jackson kept one arm around his wife as they approached. Emerald had stood as matron of honor for both of them. Jackson had stepped in to act as best man for both grooms.

“Congratulations to you both.” Emerald hugged both sisters. “I hope you’re as happy as Jackson and I.” She glanced at her new brothers-in-law. “You both look like you’re getting ready to bolt.” She gave her husband a knowing look. “I recognize the expression on your faces.”

John held up his hand. “Guilty.”

Sapphire glanced up at Jake, but he simply scowled. “We can’t leave for another hour.” She knew then that he was staying for her. If he had it his way they’d already be on their way to the hotel to spend their wedding night. She loved him even more for wanting to do what he thought she wanted.

“One more dance and then we can say goodbye to everyone,” she promised.

“Really? You don’t want to stay longer?” She could see the growing hope in his eyes.

She shook her head. “One more dance and I promise we’ll leave.”

Jake grabbed her hand and started dragging her toward the opening in the tent. “Hurry up, woman.” She ran to keep up with his long strides, laughing as she went. She glanced back to find Emerald holding her sides and laughing while Topaz simply shook her head at them like they were unruly children. Then John grabbed her sister’s hand and started pulling her behind him. Seemed he was following Jake’s lead.

Then they were on the dance floor, whirling in a circle as the strains of a waltz wafted around them. As Jake spun her around, she saw all her family and close friends smiling at them. She smiled up at her husband and knew she’d made the right decision.

“I love you, Jake.”

His gaze turned tender and he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I love you too. Now let’s get out of here.”