“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.