Libby came downstairs with a glow about her. When we headed out to the car, she hugged Mom and Dad and they kissed her cheeks. It was wonderful to see, but I had to admit. I was feeling some of the same discomfort Libby had brought up on the stairs.

"Your mom wants me to stay with them… the night before the wedding," Libby said as we drove back to the lake house. "She said it's good luck for us not to see each other until I'm walking down the aisle."

I reached over and squeezed her hand, letting it rest on my thigh. It just felt so fucking good. So real to reach out for her. More and more, I was realizing just how much I enjoyed behaving as if we were a real couple.

"I'll stay at the lake and drive in early," I answered. The wedding was set for Saturday at eleven o'clock. "Are you sure you don't mind spending the evening on a plane? Our pilot's wife is expecting and due any day. He didn't want to wait until Sunday… The jet has beds that fold out, if you need to rest."

"I don't mind," she said. "It's not like we'll have anything better to do…"

I pulled into the drive and shut off the engine. "Libby…"

"It's okay, Jack." her voice was soft, firm. "I know why you've been keeping your distance since that night we were together…" She stopped and looked off toward the dark water. "It was wonderful, Jack. And I don't regret it. But I understand why it can't happen again… and I agree with you that it's the best thing…"

"It was beautiful, sweetheart. Just like you." I swallowed, keeping her hand under mine. "And I'd like nothing more than to pick up where we left off that night…"

But we're two different people… With two separate lives," she added, reading my mind. "And it could only make things harder for both of us… in the end." She turned her palm upwards and our fingers meshed together perfectly.

"Yes… it would make everything harder," I said. "If I'd met you at a different time in my life… If we wanted the same things…"

"It's all right, Jack. Really.

I'm sorry I got upset at your parents' place. I'm fine with this, truly. I came to terms years ago with the fact that I'm not the mothering kind. And I can't imagine anyone who'd make a better father than you will." She squeezed my hand and let it go. "We met at just the right time, Jack. And I don't believe in regrets." She opened her car door and inhaled the crisp night air.

"I'm good with everything, just as it is. I'm glad we're friends. We're fine, really." She took my hand and placed it on the gentle curve of her belly.

We sat, looking out over the water, only the buzz of an insect breaking the silence. Never in my life had I felt such contentment. She was right. Things between us were just as they should be.

So why did I still want so badly to possess her? To take her upstairs and rediscover every inch of her?

I was so fucking close to everything I wanted. So why was there a feeling deep down inside, that the most precious thing of all could be slipping away?

Friday

"What the fuck do you mean, the contract isn't ready?" I stood over Spencer, not giving a shit that my voice was too loud. "I'm leaving tomorrow for the next four weeks, and you're telling me it's not ready?"

He looked up, spreading his hands. "Monday, at the latest, Jack. Honest to god, I did my best. But I can fax the shit to you on the island and you can sign from there…"

"I needed this merger finished and done before I leave the country," I said, tearing through my hair with both hands. "It's not so fucking simple as a few signatures…"

Spencer got up and poured two cups of coffee. He handed me one and stood with me looking out over the city. "I'm sorry, boss. I fucked up and I know it. But you know me, Jack. You know I'll make it right. I just needed a few more days to tie up the loose ends. Wyler needed a little extra romancing, is all."

I knew he was right. I'd been on the phone with the man myself a dozen times in the last week alone. I had his promise, just like I had Spencer's. I just didn't like the idea of not being present when the deal was finalized. Still, my brothers and Dad were more than able to handle things, along with Spence.

"I'd postpone until Monday, if I could," I said. "There's just no fucking way…"

"There isn't anyone here at Mason that would allow you to," he answered. "We're all glad to see you happy again, boss." He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly.

"Go on. It's time for you to have a life, for Christ's sake. Get married and enjoy your honeymoon, Jack. I'll have everything faxed to you on Monday, and the rest of the month will be nothing but happily wedded bliss."

I stayed long after everyone else was gone. It reminded me all too well, of how obsessively I'd worked, for years to get the company back on track.

The halls were dark and silent. The only light left came from my computer screen. I'd checked and double checked all Spencer's work. He was right. Everything was right on track. There was nothing to worry about. I shut down the computer and turned my chair so I could look out over the lights of the city. It was beautiful at night. And I was way too distracted to focus on work anymore.

Libby was already at my folk's place. By now, I expected she was probably asleep. I'd called three hours ago, to wish her sweet dreams. Tomorrow was our wedding day. I could still feel her in my arms as I'd kissed her goodbye…

"The dress was snug in the waist," she'd whispered. "I know it's still just a little too soon to test, but it seems like a good sign anyway."

We'd agreed to wait until we were on the island to take our first pregnancy test. I'd already gone out and bought more than a dozen. It seemed perfect, to confirm our baby's new life on a lovely tropical island. Plus, the longer we waited, the more accurate the result. And we'd be back from the honeymoon before her first OB visit.

"It's a great sign, Libby," I'd said smiling. Ever since we'd talked in the car, things had been easier between us. "Happy Wedding Day, tomorrow."

"Yes… Happy Wedding Day," she'd chuckled. "I'll be the one looking ironic in white."

The sky was dark and clear as I thought about everything Libby had brought into my life. She had a lightness, a spontaneity about her that felt like a refreshing breeze. She was warm and kind and beautiful. And even though we'd agreed not to complicate things with sex, my body still responded to her with a ferocity that left me aching with need. Shit, nobody ever said it was going to be easy, living with a woman I couldn't have…

I loved how she looked in the morning with her hair rumpled from her pillow. I loved how passionate she was about her art. She didn't know it yet, but I'd had the contents of her studio shipped to the island for our stay. I was aching now, remembering our hands, together on the clay. And everything else that night had led to…

I loved how her eyes glittered like jewels when she laughed. And how my parents had already fallen in love with her… She'd won them over, just by being herself. Lovely, pure, honest.

I locked my office and headed down the long corridor. I was long past time I should have been home, but without Libby waiting there, I hadn't been in any hurry.

My steps fell softly on the carpet as I passed office after office. Every one was closed and dark inside. I passed Spencer's door and reached for the elevator button. There was something familiar… something I knew, but couldn't place…

It wasn't until the elevator reached the parking garage that I made the connection. That scent… I'd caught the barest hint in the hallway…

It was imported from Paris. Unusual and expensive. Sans Coeur.

I should know…

It was Elaine's favorite.