Page 44 of An Unexpected Love

Jordan chuckled, and lifting her gently into his arms, carried her to the bed. “I’m beginning to think married life is going to agree with me.” His mouth found hers and gentleness gave way to urgency.

* * *

Five days later, when Jordan and Jill returned to the mainland, their honeymoon over, Jill was so deeply in love with her husband she wondered why she’d ever hesitated, why she’d fought so hard against marrying him.

The first person she called when they arrived at the penthouse was Shelly. Jordan had arranged to have her things moved there while they were away. Ralph lived at her previous apartment now and was elated with the extra space.

“Have you got time to meet an old friend for lunch?” Jill asked without preamble.

“Jill!” Shelly cried. “When did you get back?”

“About an hour ago.” Although he hadn’t said as much, she knew Jordan was dying to get to his office. “I thought I’d steal away for a few minutes and meet you.”

“I’d love to see you. Just name the time and place.”

Jill did, then kissed Jordan on the cheek while he was talking to his assistant on the phone in his study.He broke away, covered the mouthpiece with his hand and gave her a surprised look. “Where are you headed?”

“Out for lunch. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No.” But he didn’t sound all that sure.

“I thought you’d want to go to the office,” she said.

“I do.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, bringing her close to his side.

“I know, so I thought I’d meet Shelly.”

He grinned, kissed her lightly and resumed his telephone conversation as though she’d already left. Jill lingered at the door, waiting for the elevator. Part of her longed to stay with him, to hold on to the happiness before it escaped, before it was dispersed by everyday tensions and demands.

“Well,” Shelly said a half hour later as she slid into the restaurant booth across from Jill, “how are the newlyweds?”

“Wonderful.”

“I thought you’d be more tanned.”

Jill blushed; Shelly laughed and reached for her napkin. “It was the same with Mark and me. I swear, we didn’t leave that hotel room for three days.”

“We made several short trips,” Jill said, but she didn’t elaborate on exactly how short their sightseeing ventures had been.

“Married life certainly seems to agree with you.”

“It’s only been a week,” Jill reminded her friend. “That’s hardly time enough to tell.”

“I knew after the first week,” Shelly said confidently, her face animated by a smile. “I figured if Mark and I survived the honeymoon, our marriage had a chance. Mark wanted to honeymoon at Niagara Falls, remember?”

“And you suggested a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon.” Jill smiled at the memory. Mark preferred tradition, while Shelly craved adventure, but in the end, they’d learned what she and Jordan had already discovered. All that mattered was their marriage, their love for each other.

“We couldn’t agree,” Shelly continued. “I was seriously worried about it. If we were at odds over a honeymoon site, then what on earth would happen when it came to dealing with the really important issues?”

Jill understood what Shelly meant. She loved Jordan; of that there could be no doubt. Now she had to place her trust in their love, hope it was strong enough to withstand day-to-day reality. She was still fearful, but ready to fight for her marriage, to keep it safe.

Suddenly Shelly set aside the menu, pressed her hand against her stomach and slowly exhaled.

“Shell, what’s wrong?”

Shelly briefly closed her eyes. “Nothing bad. I just can’t stand to read about food.”

“About food?” That made no sense to Jill.

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