Wicked Jake Darcy by Iris Johansen

Author:Iris Johansen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Large type books, General, Love stories, Fiction
ISBN: 9780816153008
Publisher: G.K. Hall
Published: 1992-05-15T05:00:00+00:00

Six

After the ceremony Reverend Duclair gave them the required documents and departed with a smile and good wishes.

"He's a very nice man," Mary said as she watched the minister move toward the terrace door. "More the cozy parish priest type than Las Vegas justice of the peace. He told me you brought him and his wife from Jamaica and built a church for them here on the island."

"The islanders needed a minister. It was a benefit to the hotel guests too." His eyes were suddenly twinkling. "After I take their money at the casino, I offer them spiritual solace. It works out very well."

"No, really. Why did you bring him here?"

He didn't answer immediately. "I like a sense of substance connected with everything I own," he finally said quietly. "This hotel and casino may be gone tomorrow, but values endure."

"Are you a religious man?"

"I grew up in such a hodgepodge of Eastern and Western culture that it's difficult for me to believe completely in the philosophies of any one religion. But I have certain beliefs. Doesn't everybody? I believe there has to be something out there. I believe people should help each other." He looked up to meet her gaze. "And I believe in destiny. I've had proof of that truth."

Mary quickly lifted her glass of wine to her lips and nodded at the documents on the table. "Will you give the marriage license to your lawyer tomorrow?"

"As soon as we get back." Jake set his glass down and stood up. "Come for a walk in the garden with me." He smiled coaxingly. "Do you realize we've never taken a walk together?"

"That's hardly unusual. We've never done anything together except—" She stopped.

"Make love," he finished. To her relief, he didn't pursue or take advantage of her gaffe. "But you're wrong. We've done other things." He pulled her to her feet and led her across the terrace toward the stone steps leading down to the garden. "Let's see: We've danced together, we've eaten together, we've taken a shower together. We've ridden in a car together. When you consider, all of those activities qualify as a courting ritual." His gaze moved over her. "I like that lacy dress. You wore white the first time I saw you."

"I'd rather not talk about that night." She hurriedly changed the subject. "When we get back to St. Moritz I'd like to arrange for a tutor for Kalana. She says she hasn't been to school for over five years." Mary's brow furrowed. "But that's all I can get out of her. She won't talk about herself or her family. But she appears very bright, doesn't she?"

Jake nodded. "She was quick to grasp the situation and all its implications when I came to the cottage. She's evidently used to coping and making the best of life."

"What was the cottage like?"

"Tiny, shabby, immaculately clean. No family pictures or memorabilia. When we left she packed only the baby's things and a few clothes for herself and left the house without a backward glance.

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