N. Walters - Stroke of Sapphire

“Here comes the other Jewel,” Jake whispered in her ear. Sapphire peered around Topaz to see their sister Emerald coming toward them with her husband in tow. Jackson kept one arm around his wife as they approached. Emerald had stood as matron of honor for both of them. Jackson had stepped in to act as best man for both grooms.

“Congratulations to you both.” Emerald hugged both sisters. “I hope you’re as happy as Jackson and I.” She glanced at her new brothers-in-law. “You both look like you’re getting ready to bolt.” She gave her husband a knowing look. “I recognize the expression on your faces.”

John held up his hand. “Guilty.”

Sapphire glanced up at Jake, but he simply scowled. “We can’t leave for another hour.” She knew then that he was staying for her. If he had it his way they’d already be on their way to the hotel to spend their wedding night. She loved him even more for wanting to do what he thought she wanted.

“One more dance and then we can say goodbye to everyone,” she promised.

“Really? You don’t want to stay longer?” She could see the growing hope in his eyes.

She shook her head. “One more dance and I promise we’ll leave.”

Jake grabbed her hand and started dragging her toward the opening in the tent. “Hurry up, woman.” She ran to keep up with his long strides, laughing as she went. She glanced back to find Emerald holding her sides and laughing while Topaz simply shook her head at them like they were unruly children. Then John grabbed her sister’s hand and started pulling her behind him. Seemed he was following Jake’s lead.

Then they were on the dance floor, whirling in a circle as the strains of a waltz wafted around them. As Jake spun her around, she saw all her family and close friends smiling at them. She smiled up at her husband and knew she’d made the right decision.

“I love you, Jake.”

His gaze turned tender and he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I love you too. Now let’s get out of here.”