As Worth soaped Jessica's back in the oversized tub, she closed her eyes and let the jets work their own magic. She sat between his bent legs and played with the bubbles, stretching her neck this way and that. With everything in turmoil over the last few weeks, she was overdue for some yoga. Not that I'll waste time in Boston exercising that way when there are so many more enjoyable ways to burn calories with the Worth Vincent Method. When she gave a little giggle, Worth stopped soaping to tickle her softly under the armpits.
"Hey, that reminds me. Do you have a lease on your apartment?" he asked.
Jessica shifted so that she could look at him from the side. "It's month to month now. After the first year, I had that option and decided to take it. Why?"
"I bought a condo when I first moved back to town. It's hard to believe you've never even been there."
"You were the one who insisted on being Mr. Prim and Proper," Jessica teased.
Worth winked at her. "No more, I assure you. But I thought maybe you'd like to start moving some of your things in before the wedding. Which, I might add, I hope isn't too far away."
Jessica's heart leapt. She had no desire for a long engagement either. "I think that can be arranged." She let out a yawn. "Mr. Vincent, you have worn me out."
"Then sleep it is. I promise not to bother you during the night," Worth said as they stepped from the water and toweled their bodies dry.
"Trust me," Jessica said softly. "The welcome mat is always out for you. It wouldn't be a bother at all."
They waited until they were back at Jessica's apartment Sunday night before Worth phoned Molly and Fred. Faneuil Hall Marketplace had been as lovely as Fred had described; the champagne was much appreciated, the weekend a complete delight. At his side, Jessica punched him softly to get to the best part.
"Molly, she said yes!" Worth exclaimed, picturing the look on his mother's face.
"Well, of course, she did," Molly answered drolly. "She's a smart woman. And you were smart to wait for her. I am so happy for both of you! Now, tell Jessica to let me know all the wedding plans when she starts to make them. I can help, but I don't want to get in the way. I know a designer in Paris. In fact, I'll speak with her this week. Maybe the two of you can fly over for a few days."
"Whoa, slow down there," he said, rolling his eyes at Jessica. "I'll talk to her about it and see what she says. We're telling her mother this week, at a family dinner."
"Put my soon-to-be daughter on the line," Molly commanded.
Worth held out his phone to Jessica, which she took with a look of yikes. Her almost-mother-in-law! "Molly?"
"I just wanted to tell you personally how happy I am. Worth probably told you I'd want to run the show, but this is your wedding. Lord knows, I've had plenty of my own. I just want to help however I can. You'll keep me posted?"
"I will be sure to do that. Worth and I don't want to wait long so we may go with something relatively small."
Molly gave a little snort on the other end. "Nonsense. We can do it up right and soon." Molly launched into a litany of her many weddings and how quickly things had come together for each one. When Jessica was finally able to hand the phone back to Worth, he wrapped things up before saying goodnight. "She'll go weeks without calling, but once she gets started, that woman does love to talk," he said. "Gotta love her, though."
Jessica circled his waist with her arms. What a glorious weekend. What a glorious man. "After everything she did for you years ago, I'd say she's a treasure."
"You are a treasure, too," Worth said, stroking her hair. "My treasure." Lifting her chin, he placed a sweet, almost chaste kiss on her lips. "I'm going to go home now and let you get some much-needed sleep. I'll see you in the morning and we'll make our big announcement to the staff."
Disappointed but agreeing with the wisdom, Jessica nodded. "I love you, Worth Vincent."
"I love you too, Jessica Daniels." He kissed her again, more lovingly this time. "Which will not be your name much longer if I have any say in the matter." He laughed softly. "Now I'd better get out of here before we get carried away again." At the airport, he had reminded her of her raincheck on the mad monkey love in the back seat of a car. This time, he had parked at the top, where he reasoned that by the time they landed on Sunday, they could enjoy some privacy.
Always thinking, that one. Jessica walked him outside and waved goodbye. True enough, had he stayed much longer, their hunger would have taken over again. I just can't get enough of that man. Will it be different when we're married? She found that hard to believe. She had everything she'd ever dreamed of finding in a partner and then some. She'd lacked the imagination to ever think her life could be this rich and full of love. He certainly had been "worth" the wait. Jessica smiled all the way back inside.
The next morning, she went directly to Worth's office, where they stayed until Skip announced a staff gathering over the mic so everyone would hear. They giggled a little nervously as they listened to him talking glibly on the other side of the door. Skip would be waving them all forward, making jokes as always. Only when the hubbub settled down, did they come out of the
