Meant-To-Be Marriage

“I guess you do if you left for her. Good for you.”

Sydney blinked in surprise at his reaction.

“I’ve been a Catholic all my life, but if you don’t mind my saying, I’ve always felt sorry for the priests.”

“I could never mind honesty like that,” Jarod commented. “Celibacy is against man’s nature, but many of the priests have learned to deal with it. I thought I had until Sydney came along.”

Larry smiled at her. “She kind of has that effect on men. Congratulations to both of you. When’s the wedding?”

“A week from Saturday.”

“Where?”

“At the nondenominational church in Ennis,” Sydney supplied.

“Is it going to be a totally private affair?”

She eyed Jarod, silently asking him what he wanted. The answer came when he said, “Sydney and I would be honored if you and your wife would like to attend.”

Larry nodded. “We’ll be there. What time?”

Excited she said, “I’ll phone you and Chief Archer as soon as we’ve worked out the details. Gilly doesn’t even know about it yet, but we’ll want her and Alex there, too.”

His eyes danced. “Naturally. You two were close.” He turned to Jarod. “Ranger King—woops—Ranger Latimer now, is a raving beauty just like Sydney here. It’s been hard on all the males around the Park. There’ll be mass mourning when the single guys learn she’s been nabbed by an outsider.”

“I’m that all right.”

“I meant no offense.”

Jarod smiled broadly. “I know you didn’t.”

“Well, I’d better get going before my wife starts to worry. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Jarod. After you two get back from your honeymoon, we’d love to throw a party for you. That way you can meet everyone. We have a lot of fun.”

Sydney loved him for going out of his way to make Jarod feel welcome. “Thank you so much, Larry.”

“I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with all Sydney’s friends.” Jarod stood up to shake his hand once more.

“Yours sounds like a real love story.” His gaze swerved to Sydney. “I’m glad I saw you.”

“We are, too,” she assured him. Larry didn’t know it yet, but he’d just thrown Jarod a lifeline that had helped make a difference already. “Good night.”

As soon as he’d gone Jarod said, “Shall we go, too?”

“I’m ready.”

After leaving some bills on the table, he helped her up from the chair and they went out to the car. It didn’t take long for them to reach the apartment.

“I liked him,” he said as they walked inside.

“Larry’s one of my favorite people. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone more genuine.”

“Agreed. He’s pretty crazy about you, too.” Jarod reached around her waist from behind and pulled her against him.

“I’ll bet you drove the little boys wild growing up.” His lips brushed the side of her neck, sending delightful ripples through her sensitized body.

She whirled around so she could look at him. “You drive me wild. I can’t wait to really belong to you.”

“I’ve wanted it longer than you can imagine, which is why I’m going to leave right now.”