‘Are you sure you’re happy?’ CJ had asked Ethan a few days ago.
‘I’ll be happier when you’re legally my wife.’ He’d hauled her close and kissed her soundly. ‘I love you so much, CJ.’ He’d laughed with such carefree abandon that any minor concerns she’d harboured had vanished. ‘I can’t believe how incredible I feel being here, with you and our Lizzie-Jean and the people of the community.’ Ethan had shaken his head in bemusement. ‘I never thought I’d say it but... I’m glad I had that minor heart attack.’
CJ had shuddered at the mention of it. ‘I’m not.’
‘If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have re-evaluated my life, I wouldn’t have come here, I wouldn’t have found you, I wouldn’t be blessed with another family to love and cherish, for ever and ever, until death us do part.’
‘Practising your vows?’
‘I don’t need to practise them. They’re tattooed on my heart.’
And so when the time came for CJ to marry her beloved Ethan, the ceremony being held at Donna’s small vineyard, her heart had been sure and confident. Ethan loved her. Ethan loved Lizzie-Jean. She loved Ethan and Lizzie-Jean...well, Lizzie-Jean seemed to love whoever was cuddling her. The little girl was a delight and one that had only enhanced the happiness CJ had thought she’d never feel.
As she stood facing Ethan, holding his hands and gazing into his eyes, while Lizzie-Jean slept on nearby in Aunty Melody’s arms, CJ couldn’t help but laugh.
‘What’s so funny?’ Ethan stared at her and slowly shook his head, his own lips beginning to twitch. ‘You’re supposed to be saying your vows, not laughing.’
‘But I’m just so happy.’ She giggled again. ‘You make me so happy, Ethan. You came into my life when I needed you most—and then stayed. You stayed. I want you to know that I will always be here for you, that I will do my very best to always communicate with you, to share my thoughts, my feelings and my concerns with you. Good and bad. Happy and sad... But here’s hoping it’s mostly happy. I think we’ve both had enough sadness.’
‘And I promise to do everything I can to keep that smile on your face, to keep that giggle bubbling up and your eyes shining with delight. I adore you, Claudia-Jean. I love you. My heart is yours for ever...except for the part we share with Lizzie-Jean—’
‘And any other children we might have.’
Ethan nodded. ‘We’ll build a home filled with thoughtfulness, kindness, love, patience and—’
‘And a thousand other good things,’ she interjected once more.
‘Will you let me finish?’ he demanded, and a chuckle rippled through the crowd that was gathered around them, helping them celebrate this wonderful union.
‘In a minute.’ She leaned forward and kissed him firmly on the mouth.
‘Uh... I haven’t got to that bit yet,’ the celebrant said, but no one seemed to mind.
CJ pulled back and looked at her beloved. ‘I love you, Ethan Janeway.’
‘I love you back,’ he responded, then, after kissing her once more, he settled her a small way from him, his hands still firmly holding hers, and turned to the celebrant.
‘OK. Get to the part where you pronounce us a family—because we’ve got some serious celebrating to do!’
The celebrant chuckled but did as she was bidden and a short while later CJ was officially Ethan’s wife and Ethan was officially CJ’s husband. And both of them were officially ready to start their new life together.
For ever.
* * * * *
Look out for the next great story in the SYDNEY SURGEONS duet
ONE WEEK TO WIN HIS HEART
And if you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Lucy Clark
THE FAMILY SHE’S LONGED FOR
REUNITED WITH HIS RUNAWAY DOC
ENGLISH ROSE IN THE OUTBACK
A FAMILY FOR CHLOE
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from ONE WEEK TO WIN HIS HEART by Lucy Clark.
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One Week to Win His Heart
by Lucy Clark
CHAPTER ONE
DR MELODY JANEWAY brushed her hands apprehensively down her calf-length blue skirt and ensured her embroidered white blouse was tucked neatly into the waistband. Next, she smoothed a hand over her unruly auburn curls, ensuring her hair was still secured in the clip at the nape of her neck. She was ready to meet the dignitary.
Melody started to pace in front of her desk, taking deep breaths. ‘Cool, calm and collected.’ She whispered her mantra in an effort to calm her nerves. When the intercom on her desk buzzed, she almost hit the roof with fright. She pressed the button. ‘Yes, Rick?’
‘The delegation is here.’
‘Show them in, thank you.’ She closed her eyes for a millisecond. How had she ever let herself be talked into this job? Acting head of the orthopaedic department? It was ridiculous. Not that she minded the administrative side, but many other aspects of the job, such as lecturing and playing host to delegates, weren’t her cup of tea. She was a doctor, not a tour guide!
Melody opened her eyes at the sound of her office door opening. Should she be sitting behind her desk? Would that look more official?
