He laughed as he sank into her. "I couldn't wait," he admitted. "I had to be inside you."
It was true. With Bella, he was home. He'd waited a long time for this—all his life, he realized now. He still couldn't believe that she loved him. He never took love for granted. He knew how rare it was. He knew they were stronger together than they were apart. He knew they healed each other and completed the jigsaw that made up their complicated lives. This wasn't for a night, or for a hundred years' lease, this was forever. "I love you," he whispered against her mouth, loving the scent, the taste, and the warmth of her.
"I love you Jack."
She smiled and when he made love to her this time it was different, tender, but then her hands grew demanding on his buttocks, and her mouth became hungry on his. He was only too happy to oblige, and moving deep and firm with a regular stroke, he brought her the release she needed. She was so tight, so wet, so insatiable—so Bella, that he followed moments later.
"More," she demanded, thrusting her pelvis towards him.
He laughed and took her again, moving her seamlessly from one release to the next, working with the same hunger he felt for her.
"Faster... harder," she instructed him hoarsely, and then she shrieked and fell, calling out his name. When she quieted, he turned her so she was on her hands and knees in front of him. Clutching the pillow tightly, she rested her head down and lifted her buttocks up for him. The woman he loved was truly insatiable, and so was he. He moved behind her and chose to tease her for a while. He wanted to watch—he wanted to enjoy—he wanted to listen to her hungry whimpers.
"You're amazing," she sobbed out, "but I need more."
Just as he was congratulating himself on keeping her on the edge for the longest time yet, she thrust back onto him and took him deep. Now he almost lost it, and had to think back to that first stormy day to rescue the situation.
He gave it to her fast and hard, exactly as she had asked. Holding her buttocks firmly in position, he pleasured her until she couldn't hold on, and when she collapsed into the pillows this time, he knew for certain that they would never be apart again. His libido couldn't stand another parting—and neither could his feelings for her.
"I love you, Jack Castle." Straddling him, she laughed with sheer happiness as she tos
sed her hair back.
"Are you happy?" Jack pressed her, as if he needed to be absolutely sure.
"Happy? Oh, yes, I'm happy," she confirmed. Thanks to Jack, she'd gotten her dignity back—though, admittedly, right at this particular moment, she was more undignified than dignified, proving there were exceptions to every rule. "I love that we're going to be working together."
Bringing her into his arms, Jack stared down into her face. "I've just got one more question for you."
"Which is?" She stared into Jack's laughing eyes, but when they turned suddenly solemn, she felt all knotted up inside. "What?" she prompted anxiously.
"When we get married, will you wear a red dress?"
She stared at him for a moment, and then, realizing he was perfectly serious, she said, "Yes, I will."
Epilogue
Two years down the road
(Not too far down the road...just as far as the river bank)
"Don't stop," Jack insisted lazily, hissing warm summer air in through his teeth as Bella worked her magic on the banks of the river where they had retreated for some al fresco and very private entertainment.
After a whirlwind honeymoon taking in the best that Europe had to offer, which had included a repeat trip to the Eiffel Tower, with all the trimmings—though Bella had insisted that there couldn't be a third time, as they would never get away with making such furious love up against a pillar again—they were about to get married. They were doing things backwards so the renovations on the Old Hall would be finished in time for the celebration with all their friends.
"You're sure it's not going to be too much for you?" Jack murmured, making Bella squeal as he rasped his stubble against the swell of her belly.
"Are we talking wedding? Lovemaking? Or welcoming the first youth groups to the house?"
Jack arched a brow. "All three?"
"Well, you can rule one of those out right away," she insisted, reaching for him.
She would never tire of Jack, or get enough of him. The more they made love, the more she wanted him, and, fortunately, that suited Jack.
"Can't wait to see you in your wedding dress—" As he spoke, he pinned her to the ground. "But I like you naked too..."
"I would never have guessed," she said, groaning as she anticipated the pleasure Jack would give her.