Jonathan and Jennifer lay together, still entwined and gazing to each other's eyes, too out of breath to speak. They both had both been surprised by the intensity erotically and emotionally of their lovemaking. Jonathan kissed Jennifer. It was soft and gentle; an expression of pure love.

"Do you believe in soul mates?" Jennifer finally asked brushing Jonathan's hair from his face.

"I do now," Jonathan replied. "Why?"

"It just seems so amazing to me that I have in fact only known you for three days. We really don't know that much about each other but here we are, engaged and making love like never before... It's like I have somehow known you all my life. If that makes any sense."

"I don't know the words to describe it either. I only know that I have never felt this way about any one, ever. I am not an impulsive man. I don't make big decisions on a whim. But, there was no question in my mind when I met you, that you were the one. I can't explain it except its just as Max said it would be," Jonathan stated. "Actually, I think the exact moment I realized that I was falling in love with you was when you called me 'John' and I corrected you."

"I don't remember that moment being a real earth shaker."

"It was the way you said 'Jonathan', the look in your eyes, your smile, I don't know, its just all of a sudden my heart felt full and it has felt full ever since. I have never had that feeling and I had lots of opportunities..."

"Really?" Jennifer asked retracting a bit from Jonathan.

He pulled her close, "I have had a few lady friends but, I have never felt for them like I feel for you. You are hands down the most beautiful, exciting, smart, sexy woman I have ever met." Before Jennifer could protest anymore, Jonathan kissed her. He stopped tentatively, prepared to kiss her again if she tried to press the issue further. Jennifer just smiled in complete contentment.

"Why do we have to wear these bloody suits?" asked James as they prepared for the day's adventure.

"Because we are going into the Ritz Hotel. You don't want us to get thrown out before we even reach the elevator do you?"

"I am sure there will be many newspaper people dressed worse than us."

"Maybe, but they will be outside. We are going inside." Arthur explained.

James rolled his eyes.

They headed out to the Ritz Hotel prepared to retrieve La Coeur de la Vie and whatever else they might be able to get their hands on.

"Good morning Mr.H, Mrs. H," Max said as he brought in breakfast. At first Jennifer was startled but Jonathan seemed totally at ease at having Max see him in bed. Jennifer checked and discovered that she had worn Jonathan's nightshirt to bed. She was relieved that she wasn't exposing herself.

"I love the sound of that, don't you?" Jonathan asked grinning at Jennifer.

Confused, Jennifer responded, "Did we get married and I missed it,"

"Nah," Max said, " it's just that the ceremony and certificate are formalities. As far as I am concerned you two are married... in your hearts."

"That is right, Max," Jonathan agreed.

"Oh that's so nice, Max."

"Thank you, Mrs. H." Max said. "Oh, here is the paper. There is much speculation about Mr. H."

Jonathan took the paper and read where Max had indicated:

Wealthy American industrialist, Jonathan Hart who recently saved Kingsford Motors from certain ruin, appears to have finally found his future wife. Truett Gray of Southport Signs confirms that it was Jonathan Hart who commissioned the marriage proposal displayed yesterday on the London Bridge. It appears to have been a spur of the moment decision as Mr. Gray reports he had just a few hours to make the sign and deliver it to the bridge. It is still unclear how Mr. Hart got permission from the city in such a short period of time. Perhaps the city looked the other way in light of Mr. Hart's recent investment in Kingsford Motors. The identity of the future Mrs. Hart is unknown at this time, but a street vendor who was present during the proposal indicates that the answer was 'yes'.

"Jonathan!" Jennifer exclaimed. "I write better than that!"

"Well, Mr. H, Mrs. H," Max started, "If you don't mind, I have a little date with a horse before we head out today."

"Good luck Max," Jonathan said.

"Bye," Jennifer followed.

Jonathan pulled Jennifer on top of him.

"Last night was ... incredible," Jonathan said smiling.

"It was," Jennifer agreed thinking how lucky she was. She leaned over and kissed his chest. Closing her eyes, she laid her head down on his chest, taking in the smell and sounds of his body. Jonathan rubbed her back under her nightshirt enjoying the softness of her skin and sweet smell of her hair.

"I am parched," Jonathan said, "how about you, would you like some orange juice?"

"Sounds wonderful," Jennifer said as Jonathan got up, "I think I may want a shower too. It got pretty hot in here."

"How about a bath?" Jonathan suggested.

"Ooh, that would be perfect." Jennifer went to the bathroom and started the bath water. She found some bubble bath and added it to the running water. When it was about half full, she climbed in. The water felt relaxing. Jonathan entered the bathroom with two glass flutes filled with orange juice.

"How is it," he asked handing Jennifer her glass.

"Its wonderful,"

Jonathan took his pajama bottoms off and climbed in the bath to sit behind her, "oh yes this is wonderful,"

"To us," Jonathan toasted,

"To us." They sipped from their glasses and sat quietly, enjoying the soothing water.

"So do you have any ideas about this wedding?" Jonathan asked.

"I would like something small and intimate but, I fear that won't be possible."

"Why?"

"I am sure you have many 'obligations' towards business partners and associates. I know my father has many as well. Plus, I am sure the press and the love starved matrons will want to be there."

Jonathan laughed. He loved that Jennifer could laugh at herself.

"Darling, we can have any type of wedding you want. We can elope today or we can rent out Buckingham Palace. What ever you want. Don't worry about social obligations. I have never been one to conform."

"I guess we will be in Los Angeles,"

"If that is what you want," Jonathan tried to reassure her that he would provide for any type of wedding. "Really Jennifer, what ever you want."

"Really?"

"Yes, really,"

"I want to get married by the end of September," Jennifer stated.

"That gives us only 6 weeks,"

Jennifer went on, "I would like to wear an elegant but glamorous gown. And lots of flowers. I want the smell of fresh flowers to fill the church. I want only our closest friends and family. I want a short ceremony. All the weddings I have been to it takes too long before the couple is married. I don't want that."

Jonathan laughed, "I can't argue with that."

"I think we should have it in L.A. I know that you have work you need to do in the meantime and most of your friends are there. My friends and family are scattered all over the world so it won't make any difference where the wedding is."

"We will need to get started soon to get all this done. Fortunately we will have plenty of time on the flight today to get organized."

Jonathan continued massaging Jennifer's shoulders and back. Jennifer sighed in pure enjoyment.

"It won't be long before word of my mystery bride will get out. You may want to think about calling your family," Jonathan broke the silence.

"How are the press going to know who I am?"

"I am sure there is some chain smoking love starved matron who is peeking through the key hole this very moment angling for the story."

"Oh Jonathan!" Jennifer said flicking some water on Jonathan. "Actually, I am sitting, literally, on a huge story."

"You think it's huge?"

"Enormous," Jennifer said reaching behind her groping for Jonathan.

Jonathan put his arms on her shoulders and began to kiss them, "I am glad you think so. I wonder what Louise will think?"

"You just won't stop will you," Jennifer complained turning to splash him.

"Never," he said, splashing back.

"Oh you!" Jennifer squealed turning around in the tub and grabbing his wrists to prevent him from splashing her further. She pushed his arms up and back from the water leaning into him to keep them there.

"I've got you, you know,"

"Oh yes," Jonathan smiled his mischievous smile and then leaned forward taking her breast into his mouth. Jennifer moaned, relaxing her hold on him. Jonathan used his now freed hands to pull her closer taking her breast in his mouth fully. Jennifer placed her hands on the back of his head, pressing him closer. She adjusted her legs to straddle him. She could feel his hardness on her leg. Slowly she lowered herself on to him but the confines of the tub made it difficult for her to take him in fully.

"Lets get out," Jonathan panted. Jonathan climbed out first and gave Jennifer a hand to help her out. His desire for her was too strong to wait for toweling off. He grabbed her, pulling her close. His mouth covered hers, his tongue reaching back as far as it would go. He maneuvered Jennifer over by the counter and lifted her up to sit on it. Knowingly, Jennifer wrapped her legs around him, eagerly waiting for him to penetrate her. Jonathan held tight to Jennifer's buttocks as he slowly entered her. He buried his head in her breasts, licking and biting them gently as he moved in steady rhythm in and out of her. Jennifer threw her head back. Using her legs, she coaxed Jonathan to pick up the pace. Jonathan responded, thrusting forcefully into her. As they climaxed together, they knew that for whatever reason fate had brought them together, they were clearly meant to be.

"Blasted traffic. It has taken way to long to get here to get here," Arthur said as they approached the Ritz Hotel.

"I wonder what's going on," James asked.

"I bet they are all heading to the Ritz like us. Each wanting the scoop on the future Mrs. Hart."

"Well, I doubt he is going anywhere with all these people about."

"Fisk is going to be livid if we don't get that stone to him by lunch."

"As long as we get it to him, I think he will be alright."

The two men finally arrived at the entrance of the Ritz. Outside a large group of reporters had gathered waiting to see the future Mrs. Hart.

"I haven't anything like this since Prince Charles returned from his last excursion," James remarked.

Arthur nodded in agreement. Surely people had better things to do than this!

Arthur and James headed toward the door.

"Excuse me sir," a door man said, "No reporters allowed inside today."

"Ah.... we aren't reporters," Arthur stammered, "We are with Scotland Yard. We believe one your guests was witness to a crime."

"I will need to see I.D."

Arthur thought a moment and then remembered the fake ID he had made for his last heist in Wales. He pulled it out and showed it quickly.

"How about him?" the door man gestured to James.

"He is in training with me," Arthur explained.

"Very well," the doorman opened the door for the two men.

Once inside they headed to the elevator.

"That was close," James worried.

"Yes, but it gave me a good idea for getting the rock back painlessly."

" I really should call my father." Jennifer looked at her watch. Figuring the time change from England to Maryland, she determined it was 4 in the morning. She and Jonathan were sitting at the table eating breakfast.

"Its too early to call," Jennifer finally said.

"Since when is 10 am too early?"

"It's 4 am in Maryland."

"I thought you said your father was in France now?"

Jennifer cocked her head, "I did, didn't I?"

She looked at Jonathan, "You must think I am a nut."

"Nah," he said winking at her. Jennifer got the telephone and dialed her father's number.

"Allo? Oui, Monsieur Dubois? C'est Jennifer. Mon pére, il est là?" Jennifer asked in perfect French. Jonathan was taken aback by Jennifer's finesse of the French language.

"Pa?" Jennifer started, "Its me Jennifer,"

"Jennifer, what a surprise to hear you. I thought we weren't going to hook up again until I got back from Paris."

"I know but, I have some news to share."

"I saw you got that interview with Jonathan Hart you were so anxious to get."

"Yes, yes I did" Jennifer stated smiling back at Jonathan who was watching Jennifer's every move.

"I hate to tell you dear but, you got scooped here in France."

"Really?"

"Well this morning there is a small story about Mr. Hart getting engaged."

"Hmmm, did they say who the woman was?"

"No."

"Well, then Pa, I am the one with the scoop."

"Really, why?"

"Pa? It's me. I am the one Jonathan asked to marry."

There was silence on the end of the phone, "Pa?"

She looked at Jonathan a little worried.

"What's wrong?" Jonathan mouthed to her.

"I don't know," she mouthed back. "Pa, are you there?"

"Yes, yes I am here. I am a little shocked. I didn't know you knew him or were seeing him."

"Well, I wasn't. I just met him on this assignment." Jennifer explained tentatively.

"I see."

There was silence again, "Jennifer, if he makes you happy then I am happy for you."

"Really?"

"Yes my dear. I would like to meet him first but, from what I have heard about him, he seems like an up and up guy. Certainly much better than your last beau."

"Oh, a zillion times better Pa. I have never been happier," Jennifer said again looking at Jonathan,

"I am glad for you dear. You certainly deserve it. You tell that Jonathan Hart to take good care of my girl!"

"Oh, I will Pa. Au revior."

Jennifer hung up.

"Is everything ok," Jonathan asked.

"Perfect," Jennifer stated.

" I didn't know you spoke French."

"Mais oui monsieur. Et Italiano, Et Espanol, et un peu Deutch."

"You are definitely a woman of many talents."

"Well, Mr. Hart, you bring out the best in me," she said sitting on his lap and giving him a kiss.

"I think I will go take a shower and get ready for what ever the day brings," Jennifer said.

"You do that."

Jennifer jumped and headed to the bathroom.

"Hey," Jonathan called to her. Jennifer turned around.

"I love you," he finished.

Jennifer smiled, "And I love you!"

Jonathan continued to read the paper as Jennifer took her shower. He noticed an article on a jewel heist.

"Odd," he thought to himself, "That is where I got Jennifer's ring."

Just then there was a knock on his suite door. Remembering that Max was out, Jonathan got up to answer the door. He adjusted his robe to ensure coverage and then opened the door.

"Mr. Hart?" said one of the two men at his door.

"Yes. Can I help you?"

"Mr. Hart we are with Scotland Yard. We would like to speak with you regarding a burglary and murder that took place yesterday."

"Yes, the jeweler? I just read about it in the paper. I wasn't there so I don't know how I can help."

"If we could just have a moment of your time."

"Sure," Jonathan said letting the two men in.

"I understand congratulations are in order," Arthur stated once in the room.

Jonathan grinned, "Yes, thank you?" Jonathan gestured for them to sit down.

"And your bride to be, is she here?"

"She taking a shower. We are returning to the states today."

"Yes well good luck getting out of the Hotel," James offered, "It is surrounded by press people."

"Thanks for the warning," Jonathan said. "How can I help you?"

"Ah yes, well, the jewels that were stolen were part of group of jewels that were going to a special buyer in the United States," Arthur started. "However, we discovered through some documentation at the scene of the crime that you actually bought one of those pieces; La Coeur de la Vie?"

"Yes, yes I did."

"At the time of your purchase, did the jeweler tell you anything about the piece?"

"No, like what."

"Well, why would he separate the ring from the other jewels?" Arthur continued trying to sound like a detective.

"He did mention that he had a special order of rare jewels and in it was a ring he though would fit what I wanted," Jonathan said, feeling a little uneasy at the line of questioning. He couldn't figure out how these questions fit with the crime.

"I see. Can we have a look at the ring?" Arthur asked.

"Well, you see, I gave it to her last night. It is in the shower with her." Jonathan shared, "Besides, I don't see how this ring can help you find the other jewels or the murderer."

James began to shift uneasily.

Arthur looked squarely at Jonathan, "Mr. Hart, I am running an investigation here. It doesn't need to make sense to you. For all we know you are involved..."

"Can I see your ID?" Jonathan asked a little miffed.

Arthur took out his ID and held it up quickly for Jonathan.

"I didn't get a good look at it," Jonathan said.

Not liking Jonathan's demeanor, James jumped up and pulled his gun, "Look Mr. Hart, get the blasted ring or I'll kill you and your fiancée."

"James!" yelled Arthur, but it was too late.

"Get the ring," Arthur repeated. Jonathan stood up slowly, taking time to figure out how he was going to get out of this.

"Give me a minute and I will get it," he said heading towards the bedroom.

"You're not going alone," Arthur commanded. "James go with him. I will look and see if there is anything else worth grabbing."

Jonathan knew he didn't want these men in the same room with Jennifer. He had to think fast.

"Jonathan, where are you?" Jennifer called as she entered the living area.

"Oh my," she said as she saw the two men. Arthur and James looked at her. Seeing they were momentarily distracted, Jonathan grabbed James' gun and yelled, "Jennifer, get back in the bedroom."

Jonathan punched James in the face, knocking him over the couch.

Arthur shot once but missed. Realizing that Jennifer had the ring, he began to approach her. Jennifer stepped away from him. Jonathan grabbed Arthur from behind, knocking his gun from his hand. The two fell to the floor fighting. Jennifer was shocked and unsure as what to do. She saw James get up. Looking around to see what she should do, she saw Arthur's gun on the floor and picked it up.

"Stop right there," she said to James. James eyed her trying to determine if she would have the guts to shoot him.

Jonathan delivered one last punch to Arthur rendering him incapacitated.

"Jonathan are you ok?"

"Ya, I am alright," he said checking his mouth for signs of injury. Relieved Jennifer threw her arms around him. Seeing a chance to flee, James ran out, grabbing Arthur who was slowly getting up.

"Why don't you give me that?" Jonathan said to Jennifer referring to the gun she was somewhat carelessly holding. He then headed to the phone and called hotel security.

Once off the phone, Jonathan sat down to rest.

"Did they hurt you too bad, Darling," Jennifer asked bringing Jonathan a towel with ice in it.

"No, I'll be alright," he said taking the towel.

"What did they want?" she asked.

"They wanted your ring," he answered.

"My ring?" Jennifer repeated looking at the brilliant diamond on her finger.

"I suspect that those two men are the thieves and they weren't happy that your ring wasn't part of the catch."

"What thieves, what catch?" Jennifer asked confused.

"Apparently the jewelry store I bought your ring at was robbed after I left. Your ring was part of a special purchase for someone in the US. I think the robbers were planning on your ring being a part of the gems they stole. When it wasn't, they came to get it."

Jennifer shifted uneasily in her chair, "Do you think they will be back?"

"Nah," he said moving to sit next to her.

He put his arm around her and pulled her close, "The hotel security and police will be here soon. And then later we will be heading home."

"Ya know Jonathan, I have been shot at twice in two days. I don't know about you but, I am not used to that."

Jonathan smiled, "It will be alright he said."

They sat quietly for a minute.

"What are you thinking about?" Jennifer asked.

"I am just curious about the ring. If we could figure this out, we would be able to feel more secure."

"I thought you said they wouldn't be back."

"Well, I don't think they will today, but if they really want that ring, they could try again," Jonathan shared. "I think I am going to shower and go down to the jewelers and see what I can find out."

"No, no way," Jennifer protested, "no more adventures."

"You can stay here. I will be fine."

"No. It's out of the question. I have finally found true happiness. If you think I am going to let you walk into a potentially dangerous situation, you are sadly mistaken."

"Darling," Jonathan said softly, looking into Jennifer's eyes, "We will be safer if we can figure this mystery out and then be on with our lives."

"Here, let them have it," Jennifer said beginning to remove the ring.

"No," Jonathan said. He held her ring hand in his two hands and kissed her the back of her hand.

"There very few occasions when I will give up or give in. I bought that ring because I felt it represented my feelings for you. I am not going to let two goons take away the magic of the last few days."

"I just don't want anyone to get hurt. Now that I have you, I don't want to lose you," Jennifer pouted.

"You aren't going to lose me. I am perfect for you. I am terrific for you. You can't live without me..."

Jennifer looked up at Jonathan teasing her.

"You can't resist me," he continued, "There is no sense trying."

"Oh alright, Jonathan Hart," Jennifer conceded, "But the minute there is danger I am chucking this ring into the Themes!"

"Come here," he said pulling Jennifer close so that they were nose to nose, "I love ya."

Jennifer annoyed at Jonathan using his charm to manipulate her, "I love you too."

"I really love you," he said again, coaxing her out of her irritation at him.

"Me too," she said trying to resist his charm.

He rubbed noses with her.

"I love you," he said slowly and softly.

The sound of his words sent chills up Jennifer's spine. What's the use? she thought to herself. She let him kiss her.

"Ohhhh, I love you too," Jennifer sighed.

Continue on to Part Three

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