N. Walters - Jackson’s Jewel

“Oh, she’s beautiful.” Emerald scooped up the kitten and snuggled her. A loud purring sound filled the air around them.

“I thought you could use some company for when I’m gone in the days.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she and the kitten bonded. “Her name is Onyx.”

“I love it.” Emerald bit her lip. “Do you think they’ll get along?”

“Only one way to find out.” Taking the kitten from her, Jackson placed it in the box with the puppy. The kitten hissed, but the puppy licked playfully at her. Onyx made a show of ruffling her fur and hissing a few more times, but the puppy was woefully unconcerned. Within five minutes they’d both settled down, the two of them curled up side by side.

“Thank you.” Emerald’s eyes practically glowed as she opened the door so he could carry the box inside. He set it down in the laundry room, making sure the kitten’s litter box was there, along with water for the two of them.

“You’re welcome.” He turned off the light and shut the door, praying the puppy wouldn’t set to howling at least for an hour or two. He leaned against the door and pulled Emerald into his arms. “Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world today.”

Her finger traced over the buttons on his crisp white shirt. His body tightened in anticipation of the night ahead. He hadn’t let her out of his arms for a single night since she’d returned to him. Not even last night, even though she’d scolded that he wasn’t supposed to see the bride the night before the wedding. He’d informed her that she could sleep wherever she wanted, but he was going with her.

He lifted her into his arms, savoring the weight and feel of her against him as he made his way through the kitchen and up the stairs. As he carried her across the threshold of their bedroom, he glanced down at her. He knew it was a cliché, but she glowed. Damn, but she was a beautiful bride.

His arms tightened as he carried her across the room and laid her on the bed. She opened her arms to him and he came down on the mattress beside her, pulling her into his arms. His mouth lowered to hers.

She belonged to him now, his very own jewel.