The trip back to the United States was uneventful. They landed in New York to refuel and restock the plane. Jonathan and Jennifer decided to visit Jennifer's apartment to pick up some things she might need. On the trip from New York to LA, Jennifer decided to take a rest while Jonathan took care of some business, then he too got some sleep.

It was past 9 p.m. (6 a.m. England time) when they arrived at Jonathan's LA penthouse apartment. Too tired to do anything but nuzzle together, they went to bed.

Jonathan awoke at 6 a.m. feeling refreshed. He liked traveling east to west best because the jet lag didn't seem so bad. He looked over at Jennifer and again marveled at her beauty. Although he wanted to spend the rest of his life wrapped in her arms, he knew he had business that needed attending. He got out of bed and hopped into the shower. He stood for a minute letting the hot water massage his back. He felt a cool draft and then warm hands on his back.

"Good morning," Jennifer said as he turned around.

"Good morning," Jonathan said putting his arms around her, "What are you doing up?"

"All of a sudden it was lonely in the bed. How could I sleep?"

"How could you indeed," Jonathan smiled and leaned over to kiss her. Jennifer picked up the bar of soap and began to wash Jonathan's shoulders and chest, "You need to work today?"

"Yes. I have some explaining to my staff to do," he said rubbing her back. "But, I plan to be back about 1 or 2 this afternoon."

"Will Max be here?" Jennifer asked beginning to wash Jonathan's stomach.

"Yes, I was thinking he could help you work on wedding plans. I suspect you will need to contact the church and reception location as soon as possible."

"I guess he will know good locations?" Jennifer said beginning to stroke Jonathan's groin area.

"Max is an expert on great places in LA," Jonathan said beginning to lose interest in the conversation. He leaned over and kissed Jennifer softly. Jennifer responded by pressing herself closer to him. The combination of the steam, water spray and the touch of her hands, sent chills through Jonathan. He pushed her up against the shower wall. Lifting one of her legs up, Jonathan began to press himself into her. Jennifer groaned also overcome with excitement as a result of all the sensory experiences. Holding him tightly, she moved rhythmically with him. Jennifer grabbed him, digging her nails in his back as she exploded with pleasure. Hearing her gasp and groan with pleasure increased Jonathan's arousal as he too erupted in complete ecstasy.

Jonathan kissed Jennifer on the lips and neck, "God, I love you."

Jennifer smiled then kissed him back.

Max was still asleep when Jonathan, after a small breakfast with Jennifer left to go to work. He was curious about how his closest advisors would take his whirlwind romance. Just thinking of Jennifer brought a grin to his face. He decided to park in the parking garage of the Jonathan Hart building and take the elevator straight up to his office instead of parking out front and encountering any and all employees while trying to make his way to his office.

"Good morning Deanne," he said as he got off the elevator.

"Mr. Hart! Good morning," Deanne said dying to know what was going on.

"Can you get all the VP's in my office..."

"They are already in there," Deanne said referring to his office.

Jonathan smiled, "Great. Can you also get Stanley Friesen and then join us in my office?"

"Yes Mr. Hart."

Upon entering his office there was a barrage of questions from the 10 top officers in the LA office of Hart Industries.

Jonathan held his hand up, "Please, please, I will explain everything." All the men sat down and starred at Jonathan.

"The Kingsford deal has been completed without too much complication. I will be sending Bob Atkins over to England in the next couple of weeks to oversee the changes being made there. And, I was thinking with the...."

"Jonathan, we know the Kingsford deal is done, we are more curious about this Jennifer Edwards," Steve Elding, VP of Marketing, said holding up the morning newspaper with a picture of Jonathan dipping Jennifer on the steps of the Ritz.

Jonathan grinned, "She's beautiful isn't she?"

"Well, it is kind of hard to tell. Your lips are in the way," said Craig Weiss, VP of Finance. Again everyone started asking questions. Deanne and Stanley entered and were pleased that not all the questions had been answered yet.

"Come in Deanne and Stanley," Jonathan directed. Then turning to the expectant crowd he said, "Robert Shipp should have called you all...."

"Details Jonathan," called another VP.

"Okay, okay. I met Jennifer in England. She is .... everything I ever looked for in a woman. And while I am not one to make rash decisions, I am known for jumping on a good thing when I see it."

"Are you sure you know enough about her?" asked Craig.

"Jennifer Edwards, born in Maryland to Stephan and Susanne Edwards. Stephan is a museum curator and art collector. Ms. Edwards was educated at Vasser with some post-graduate work in places like the Sorbonne. She is currently a freelance journalist....."

"Stanley!" Jonathan called.

"Yes, sir?"

"You researched Jennifer?"

"Well, yes sir. That is what I do. I get background information on all your ventures."

"Stanley, this is person not a business deal."

"All the more reason to know what you are getting into sir," Stanley explained. Stanley had always felt honored to be working for Jonathan and always put 110% effort into his work, sometimes to Jonathan's dismay, particularly when they worked into the wee hours going over charts and graphs.

"Look, I know this is all very odd to you but you need to trust me and be happy for me. Jennifer is the best thing that has ever happened to me and that's all I need to know."

The men ceased trying to understand their boss's quick engagement and Jonathan sent them back to work.

"Deane and Stanley, could you stay a minute?" Jonathan asked as the others left.

Craig butted in, "Jonathan, how about you bringing that beautiful fiancée of yours to dinner tonight at La Notte say at 7?"

"Oh, thanks Craig but, its her first night here...."

"Now come on Jonathan. Gail is all in a tizzy. We all are actually. We are dying to meet the woman who did what no other woman could, steal Jonathan Hart's heart. And she did it in 3 days!"

Jonathan acquiesced, "Ok, but it will be a short evening."

Craig left.

"Deanne, I want you to call Betty Crammer at Bel-Air Realty. Tell her to pull together possibilities fitting this description," Jonathan asked handing Deanne a paper. "Oh and see if she can meet me at 2 at my place with the information."

"Yes sir."

"Stanley," Jonathan started shaking his head at Stanley's investigation of Jennifer, "I need you to see what you can find out about a ring called La Coeur de La Vie. Here is what we have been told."

Jonathan handed Stanley a paper with the information.

"Yes, sir Mr. Hart. Right away."

"Thank you Stanley," Jonathan said.

"So what have you learned?" Fisk asked Arthur and James. It was late in the evening in England.

"They have returned to the states. He has an apartment in a secure building in Los Angeles, California," Arthur reported.

"I see. You sound like security could be problem..... it has never been a problem in the past."

"The problem with this building is that there are several security systems, not just one. Plus, there really is only one way in or out. We can do it but it will take some planning."

While Fisk was annoyed at his henchmen, he knew they were the best when it came to by-passing security systems. He sometimes marveled at their knowledge or ability to get details about layouts and technological fact of buildings and security features.

"Well, get working on it then," Fisk ordered.

"Hello Darling, I'm home," Jonathan called as he entered the apartment. He could see Jennifer on the patio. She was wearing a pair of shorts that revealed much of her long legs. Jonathan grinned to himself.

Jennifer looked up, "Oh hello,"

Jennifer got up and greeted Jonathan with a hug.

"Where is Max?"

"He had to do some shopping," Jennifer replied. Jonathan stood back to admire Jennifer's more relaxed look.

"What are you looking at," she asked fully aware he was admiring her.

"I have never seen you in casual wear. I like it," he said.

"Perhaps you could do the same for me sometime," Jennifer responded.

"Soon but, we have an appointment in about 20 minutes."

"For what."

"We need to buy a house."

"A house?"

"Yes. We need to find our home."

Jennifer smiled. She always had waves of pure joy whenever they talked about their lives together.

"Well, I will need to change then," Jennifer said.

"Ah, no you look great!"

"I have something better to wear for you later," she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Maybe I should cancel this appointment."

"Jonathan, you are incorrigible."

Jennifer went to change her clothes while Jonathan went to get something to eat. When Jennifer emerged from the bedroom, Betty Crammer was already there.

"Ms. Crammer, I would like to introduce my fiancée, Ms. Jennifer Edwards."

"So nice to meet you," the women exchanged pleasantries.

"Mr. Hart, here are the home profiles I pulled up meeting your criteria," Ms. Crammer said laying several sheets of paper with home information on the table. Jonathan picked up one and began reading. Jennifer filed through the rest, glancing at each.

"Jonathan? Can I speak to you a minute in the kitchen?" Jennifer asked. Jonathan looked puzzled but agreed.

"Is something wrong?" he asked once in the kitchen.

"Jonathan, those homes are so expensive!"

"I guess now would be a good time to tell you that I have lots of money," he grinned.

Annoyed, Jennifer continued, "But, I don't. I mean I make better money than most and I do have a trust but, these homes are way out of my league."

"We don't need to use any of your money."

"But I want a 50-50 marriage, a partnership. I want to share in everything."

"Forgetting price, did you like what the homes offered? I mean if money were no object, what would your perfect home be?"

"Yes, the homes were beautiful."

"Do you want some land?"

"Yes that would be wonderful."

"Pool?"

"Yes that would be nice too."

"Horses?"

"Yes," Jennifer conceded.

"To have these things cost a lot of money here in California. And I have the money. I don't want to live in anything less than what I want especially if we can afford it. Do you?"

Jennifer looked at Jonathan. Again, he is going to talk me into his way!

"Besides, in a couple of weeks, it will be our money."

Jennifer nodded her head reluctantly.

"I have been to your apartment and you to mine. We all know who the decorator in the family is. You can put your contribution in there."

Jennifer remained quiet.

"Don't be like that. Let me do this," Jonathan said pulling her close and looking deeply into her eyes.

"Oh alright."

Jonathan smiled and kissed her.

Entering the living area they began looking at the homes again.

"What do you think?" Jonathan asked Jennifer.

"They are nice..."

"But?"

"They are little too stark and traditional for my tastes. If I could design my perfect home it would be more rustic, secluded, warm feeling."

"Warm and rustic, eh?" Jonathan asked wondering if Jennifer was just being oppositional.

"There is a home up on Willow Pond that may suit your needs. It doesn't have room for horses and it is a bit more expensive..." Betty offered leafing through brief case trying to find information on the house.

"Let's go see it," Jonathan said.

The driveway entrance to the home was protected by large gate. Once inside the gate, the driveway winded up to the main house. Immediately, Jennifer admired the wood and stone structure.

"The home was built by the famous architect Lawrence Freeman," Betty shared while unlocking the front door.

The door opened up into a large foyer. The house had an open feeling with high ceilings. In the back, a spiral staircase led to a balcony library. There was wood floors throughout and wood paneling in many other areas. The master bedroom was large with 'his and her' vanity areas, large shower and Jacuzzi tub. Jonathan and Jennifer toured the house in silence.

"There is a pool, guesthouse and tennis court we can go look at," Betty said "But so far, what do you think?"

Jonathan and Jennifer looked at each other and in unison said, "Its perfect!"

"I hope you don't mind that I set this dinner date this evening," Jonathan said as they drove to La Notte restaurant.

"No, I don't mind. I just thought you didn't feel pressure to meet social demands." Jennifer said reminding him of an earlier statement he had made.

"Well, I don't usually but, I dropped a pretty big bomb on them today."

They rode silent for a moment. Then looking at Jennifer as if to reassure himself that she was really there with him, Jonathan said, "You look really beautiful tonight." She was wearing a form fitting black sleeveless dress that dipped low in the front showing some cleavage.

"Thank you," Jennifer said, "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Jonathan and Jennifer entered the restaurant arm-in-arm.

"We are meeting Mr. and Mrs. Weiss," he stated to the waiter.

"Ah yes Mr. Hart. This way please." The waiter led the couple through the restaurant into a backroom. When the door opened, Jonathan and Jennifer encountered a room full of Hart Industries employees and a banner saying 'Congratulations Jonathan and Jennifer'.

"Oh my," Jennifer exclaimed.

"Jonathan, old boy, I hope you don't mind," Craig said shaking Jonathan's hand.

"We just couldn't wait to meet the future Mrs. Hart," his wife Gail threw in.

He escorted Jennifer into the room.

"They are all staring," Jennifer whispered to Jonathan.

"They are mesmerized by you." They looked at each other and smiled.

"Ahhhhh," the entire room sighed seeing the two lovers gaze at each other.

Composing himself, Jonathan formally introduced Jennifer. The evening was full of telling and retelling the story of how they met and showing off the exquisite engagement ring. It wasn't long before the event became tedious for the both of them. Excusing themselves, Jonathan and Jennifer began to make their exit.

As they did, a man bumped into Jennifer, spilling his drink on her.

"Oh, no, Ms. Edwards, I am so sorry," said Stanley.

"Oh that is ok," Jennifer sighed finding a napkin to wipe up the drink.

"Mr. Hart I am glad I ran into you...well not that I ran into you or actually Ms. Edwards ...."

"What is it Stanley?" Jonathan asked annoyed.

"Well that ring you asked me to look into.."

"La Coeur de La Vie?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes. Well, I did some research. The story you heard was true. The ring was passed generation to generation through male heirs. The ring was with its last owner, a Victor and Isabel La Coeur in Poland during the Nazi invasion and then disappeared. It seems that both died not long after the invasion. They did have one son who was about 14 when the invasion occurred. It seems that he somehow escaped and stowed away on a ship to America. His immigration papers indicate that his name was changed to, and you'll never believe this..."

"Oh let me guess," Jonathan said, "Heart."

"Yes," Stanley said in awe of his boss's brilliance. "Accept it is spelled H-E-A-R-T. Anyway, I haven't been able to determine where he ended up as of yet."

"Well keep looking into it, Stanley."

"Yes, sir. And Ms. Edwards, I am so sorry."

"It's ok," Jennifer said this time meaning it.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Jonathan worked hard to finalize deals and delegate work to others so that he could have a honeymoon with Jennifer. Jennifer and Max worked on all the wedding details and once the house deal was closed, they worked on furnishing and decorating it. Jonathan was glad that Jennifer and Max had time together. It was important to him that Jennifer understand that Max was like a father to him. Jennifer of course was completely aware of Jonathan's devotion to Max and vise versa. She felt honored to be included in their special 'family'. Max too was happy for Jonathan. Since meeting Jennifer, there was a marked change in Jonathan. Gone was the forlorn and lost look that had always lingered in Jonathan's eyes. Jennifer was definitely the best thing for Jonathan.

"Fisk, I think we have found an easier way to get the stone," Arthur said as the three thieves met. It was now a week before Jonathan and Jennifer's wedding. Arthur and James had hired PI's to let them know the couple's every move and wedding plans.

"Really?" Fisk asked not at all interested in the details, only the results.

"It appears that Ms. Edwards will be staying in a hotel the night before the wedding."

"That is odd," Fisk said.

"It's a wedding tradition that the bride and groom don't see each other before the wedding on the wedding day."

"So what is your plan?" Fisk asked not caring about wedding traditions.

"We'll get the ring from her while she's in the hotel," James stated. "There aren't any security systems there."

"Just make sure that you get it."

"We will need help getting to the States," Arthur said hinting at the need for money.

"Yes, yes, what ever you need. Just get the ring!"