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“Jesus Christ.” Inara can’t help but laugh, and Tony shoots me a look of triumph.

I shake my head. If she isn’t careful, he’s going to wear her down sooner rather than later.

Jim closes the distance between us, and I lean into his warmth. “Speaking of the program, I have some more good news. I pled our case to the IPP committee and they agreed that no terms were violated since when you filled out the application, everything was valid. They’re going to tweak some protocols going forward, but we’re in the clear.”

“Oh, thank God. Thank you for taking care of that.” One of my last two stresses, gone for good. Now Jim and I can truly focus on each other.

Pressing a kiss against my shoulder, he murmurs, “My pleasure. So, excited about tomorrow?”

I look up at him, and one brow raises in question. “Duh. Marge is baking, and Inara is bringing the alcohol along with sparkling cider just for me.” I lean in and whisper seductively, “We’re having a tea party with Leslie, and we’re pretty sure Fisher-Price is the perfect size for shots.”

“Sounds like one hell of a bachelorette party.” He chuckles as if he and the boys aren’t going to be nearby, keeping an eye out.

I nod solemnly. “You have no idea. Marge says Leslie can have extra marshmallows in her hot chocolate. Shit’s going to get real. We may even stay up past ten.”

“You wild woman.” He leans in, and I lose myself in the power of his kiss.

“Only for you,” I purr against his lips and pull him down for more. In that moment of bliss, the world, both the good and the bad, takes a back seat to something so much sweeter, and completely of our own making.

The End

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