I'd insisted Libby stay in bed the rest of the day, and I'd slept in the chair next to her bed that night. I wanted to be close, if she needed anything. And truth was, I simply wanted to be near her. I felt content only if I could see her, touch her. I had to know that she was safe and well. And I hated the fact that I had to put in at least a few hours at work on a Saturday. But I'd been leaving far too many responsibilities to my brothers. Plus, they'd be bearing the entire load while Libby and I honeymooned on Necker Island.

I'd already booked it for a full month. We'd have the entire Caribbean island to ourselves. A small, discreet staff would be on hand, and I'd arranged for a doctor to be ready to helicopter in, if necessary. Everything was ready. And it would hardly come as a surprise when, in a couple of months, we announced that we'd conceived in tropical paradise.

"I'll be back no later than two," I said, pouring us each a cup of herbal tea. She'd already finished the omelet I'd brought her. "Are you sure there's nothing else you need?"

"God, Jack. I might be pregnant. I'm not an invalid," she said sharply. "Pregnant women work and exercise and live their lives… What I need, I can get for myself."

"Okay… but keep a phone nearby. And no swimming by yourself." I reached out to touch her hair.

"Okay… Dad…," she smiled, softening toward me but still not meeting my eyes. "Now go, get out of here. You've got a company to run. And I've got a lump of clay that's calling my name."

"You're good? I searched her face.

"We're good," she smiled back unevenly, nodding.

I caught the back of her head and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then I headed out, anticipating what the day would bring.

* * *

"I've got Bill Jackson, but Wyler's still a hold out," Spence said, spreading his hands wide. "I've got dinner set up with him tonight. You know, with the wife along, keeping it social, low key." He tapped his fingers on his thigh. "I promised you I'd get him on board, Jack, and I will. I just need a little more time."

I looked out the tall glass windows… considering. I'd been absent too long. Distracted. "No, Spencer. I appreciate that you got Bill to sign, but I'm going to take on Wyler. I'll take the dinner meeting myself. Meanwhile, I want you to take another look at Warner stock. The price has been creeping up lately and I want details."

"Right, no problem… And congratulations, boss. Word is you're tying the knot again." I turned back to him, his fingers tapping away. "I got the heads up that you won't be back until the end of next month." His eyes were sharp. "Didn't know you were seeing anyone."

"And yet I was," I answered coolly. "Her name's Libby. Dad, Ben and Blake will be here full time in my absence. Reid and India will be on call. I expect the merger should be fucking close by the time I get back."

"And you've got plenty on your plate, right now Jack. Forget the deal for now. And let me take the Wyler meeting tonight. I've got this, boss. Go on and spend this time planning for your wedding."

* * *

I was halfway home, with mixed feelings about having left Spencer in charge. And I'd realized that I'd forgotten to ask why India had found their dinner meeting unsatisfactory. But my foot was heavy on the gas anyway. The closer I got to home, where Libby and the baby were waiting, the lighter I felt. Spence was right. There wasn't much time till the wedding. I needed a tux. And Libby had a dress to buy…

I'd only just summoned an image in my head, of Libby in a curve-hugging white silk gown when my phone began to buzz. I answered without looking at the screen.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Elaine's voice was piercing. "The ink isn't dry on our divorce papers and you're fucking getting married again?"

"Thoughtful of you to call, Elaine. But what I do isn't any of your business anymore." I was working hard to keep my voice calm. "You had me served, if you'll remember. And everything between us was over a long time before then."

"And you don't give a shit how this makes me look?" I held the phone farther away and took a long, slow breath. "What will everyone think, when you turn around and marry some stray off the streets right after we settled the divorce. Goddamn it, Jack. I've got my pride." Her words were long and drawn out. I'd forgotten how her southern drawl often came out along with her claws.

"You're only right about one thing," I said. "We settled our divorce. And I gave you everything you asked for…"

"Nowhere near what I deserved…," she shot back.

"We're over, once and for all, Elaine. And the woman I'm about to marry is no fucking stray." The word came out through my teeth, like an expletive. "She's the most honest and kind person I've ever known. She's everything I've ever wanted…"

"You don't fucking understand, Jack…"

I cut her off, gently, patiently the way you would an upset child. "No, Elaine. I do understand.

For the first time in my life, I really do."