Page 59 of Jonathan

“Darling, that’s in two weeks.”

He grinned. “And she wants a big wedding, Here at the ranch. Hire a wedding planner or several, but I am not waiting.” Jamming his hat on his head, he grabbed his thermos. “Talk to her and make the arrangements. Her friends are here, so they will be of some help. Oh, we will be going to her home in a couple of days.” With a wave, he was gone.

Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she went to sit at the table, her mind buzzing. She had just taken a sip when Helen breezed into the room, bearing a tray of glazed ham and sizzling bacon.

“You look pensive…” She noticed as she put the loaded tray on the sideboard.

“Jon just gave me some very good news. He’s getting married.”

The housekeeper’s smile came as she clapped her hands in delight. “Praise the good Lord! Finally! My baby is getting married.” She searched her mistress’ face and saw the doubts there.

“You do not approve of the young woman.”

“No.” She shook her head and wrapped her hands around the cup. “I have gotten to know her over the past week and realize that she is straightforward. She makes him happy, that’s clear as day. But she is accustomed to bright lights…”

“And we have been down that road before.” Comfortable in her position as not just an employee, Helen poured some coffee into a large mug and joined her at the table. They were still in the process of making the jam and there was the picking of vegetables and fruit to be arranged.

There were also a very large order of various pies as well as the guests to see to. But that could wait, and she had every confidence in the staff under her care. They would do the job without having to be prodded.

“She’s different. Ms. Kamilah is very different from that woman who thought she could steal our boy away.”

Leonie nodded, tears gathering. “He looks so happy. I have never seen him like that before.”

Placing a hand over hers, Helen smiled. “That’s what we were praying for. A wedding! Here at the ranch. Oh, I am so excited.”

Leonie glanced out the window, the winter light casting a soft glow over the ranch. She could almost see the preparations unfolding before her eyes - the decorations, the guests arriving, and the joyous celebration that would fill the air.

Despite her initial reservations, she felt a surge of warmth and hope. Perhaps, this union would not only bring happiness to her son but also draw new, vibrant life to their beloved ranch.

Helen's voice broke her reverie. "We have a lot to do to get this place ready for a wedding in two weeks."

Leonie smiled through her tears, a sense of determination settling over her. "We'll make it work. We always do. Let's start making lists and getting everything organized. This will be a wedding to remember."

Helen nodded enthusiastically, already mentally checking off tasks. "I'll get the staff on board right away. And don't worry, we'll make sure everything is perfect for Jon and Ms. Kamilah."

Sniffing back the tears, Leonie nodded, eyes gleaming with purpose.

*****

Upstairs, Kamilah was just stirring. As her eyes flickered open, the memories of last came flooding in. She was getting married.

Her eyes flew wide open, and she drew herself up on the mound of pillows. She was naked. And the sheets were twisted and well used. Placing a hand on the pillows next to her that still bore the indentation of his head, she could still feel the warmth of him.

“Oh God!” She whispered shakily. “I am getting married.” She closed her eyes briefly and reflected on what he had said to her, both in the bathroom and whispered in her ear as he made love to her. The man had a way about him, she thought dazedly.

A way about him that seeped into her very pores and warmed her blood. She loved him. It had sneaked up on her unawares and she could not believe it. In a very short space of time, he had come to mean the world to her.

All thoughts of leaving here and going back home had faded. She was just where she belonged. A wedding! In two weeks. They were crazy to think that it could happen. But she sorely wanted to be his wife. The near-death experience had taught her that life was uncertain and fleeting.

She wanted children with the man she loved. She was thirty-two and she wanted a life with him. Laughing at the sheer joy of it, she swung her legs off the bed. It was early yet, but she was getting her friends up to tell them the news.

Chapter 15

He was enchanted by her. The trip on the jet was an adventure. Her friends were along for the ride and spent almost the entire journey discussing the wedding. She had been cleared to travel and given a clean bill of health.

Before they left, the entire ranch had been caught up in the excitement of the upcoming nuptials. He had been excluded from everything, except the purchasing of the ring, which was flown out the very next day.

Her excitement had been genuine. The ring, square cut diamond with smaller sapphires and rubies around the edges had been an excellent selection. And had her friends exclaiming in amazement, clearly impressed.

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