Moonlight hadn't filtered through the canopy of trees. The heavy shower pelted through the leaves, dripping rain into the swollen waters of the creek. Jet and Sloan sat on their favorite rock, submerged up to their shoulders, when the water usually was no higher than their waists. They surely would not get any sleep. It was already 3:30 a.m.

Sloan was facing Jet with her arms and legs wrapped around him. Despite the cool waters, her body was blazing. Jet was kissing her as if she were about to become extinct. He probed the depths of her mouth, exciting her. It was not a gentle kiss. It was an intensely desperate one. His head turned, keeping her mouth firmly anchored to his. The vigor of his lips raged against hers, sending volts of pleasure up her spine. Her core wound tighter and tighter, throbbing. Everywhere he played inside her mouth spread like wildfire across her limbs.

She'd pull back long enough to get air and then went desperately with him again to a place that her emotions had never known. This was only a kiss. Her imagination wanted to drag her where this intensity could really go if she hadn't committed to helping him with his vow. But for a moment she saw it, the tall grasses around the creek hiding their passion—Jet on top, sending her into merciless oblivion. The fire in her core roared, and she rocked against him, wanting the ache to go away. He kissed her harder, the sweet pressure of his tongue making her moan. Her mind wanted to say, "I love you." She so desperately wanted him to hear it, but was so caught up in the pleasure of his kiss that she pulled him even closer and he went deeper still.

Her breasts under the very thin fabric of her shirt pressed hard into his chest, sparks flew everywhere. He slipped his hands up her back, splaying his fingers. Everywhere he touched, flames lit. She couldn't take it anymore. "Oh, Jet." Her head went back. The rain battered her face, making her more sensitive. He cupped her face and kissed her everywhere the raindrops splattered. Then he went back to her mouth and took her again. She was drunk with his kisses. He pulled back breathlessly. "I don't want to stop, Sloan."

Please don't. "But we must," she whispered. She wanted to tell him so badly that she didn't want him to stop. She wanted to tell him to place her on the banks of that creek and make love to her until the sun came up, but she didn't. Her body was still throbbing. She leaned her head on the part of his shoulder that was not submerged. He was breathing as heavily as she was. For Jet, celibacy was his penitence for what he perceived he'd done to her. She wouldn't mess that up for him. It was too important.

Jet stroked the top of Sloan's matted hair, while his other arm was draped tightly about her waist. "Sloan." She couldn't move. The way her body was feeling, all she wanted to do was to stay quiet and bring her body way, way down. He kissed her on the top of her hair and called her again.

Sloan answered him gently. "Jet, I need a moment to cool off."

He grinned, thinking about how much havoc he was working in her world as well as his. "I want you to know my intentions toward you."

She gazed up at him, happy to see him smiling. She stretched up and kissed him on the cheek. I love this man. "What are your intentions?"

"I intend to keep you. I intend to erase all of the pain that I have caused you in the past. I intend to marry you—if you will give me a second chance. Please say that you'll marry me, Sloan. We'll figure out later on how all the pieces can fit together about where I live and where you live. I need to know if you will have me as your husband."

"That was so sweet." As she thought about everything she loved about Jet, she began to tear up. He'd been her best friend. The one who had been there for every up she'd had and every down she'd had. He was the shoulder she could lean on. His words were the ones that encouraged her to be all that she could be. They knew each other's secrets. His hand held hers at her grandfather's funeral. He gave her the first kiss she'd ever had. Even though he'd switched places with Justin on prom night, his intent was good. If he couldn't be there, he'd make sure she wouldn't miss it. Did it make it right? No. But it was Jet doing what he did best—looking out for her. As she leaned against him, she could have sworn that he hadn't exhaled since he'd asked the question. "I want to thank you for asking me to marry you a second time. Yes, I will marry you."

He looked overjoyed as he leaned down and kissed her. "This feeling of redemption is sweeter than anything I've ever known. I will make you happy, Sloan."

"I know that you will. Jet, we were meant to be. I have only one intention."

"What's that?"

"To get you to the altar as soon as possible."

He lifted her hand from the water and kissed it. "Thank you, my love."

***

Nora was surprised that Justin was calling her at 6:30 in the morning. She curled up like a cat and then gave a big stretch before answering the phone. He explained that Jet was supposed to be at the store at 6:30. They had agreed to get there before Robert arrived. They spent their lives knowing that their father arrived at The Trent Store at 7:30 sharp. He was hoping that arriving an hour before Robert would give them time to prepare their speech telling him about the massive changes they'd made. Justin surely didn't want his dad to walk into the daycare pickup scene without warning. That transition occurred promptly at 7:45.

"Let me go check, Justin. He always has his phone with him. Maybe he forgot to charge it." Nora pulled on a robe and treaded down the hall to Jet's room. She smiled at what she saw. It was the absolute best thing that her day could start with. "He's sleeping."

"Can you wake him up? Please, Mom, I really need him to be here."

"He's with Sloan."

Justin started laughing, "Oh, in that case I will handle Papa Bear."

"I don't know when she got here, because I saw Jet turn in last night around 10:00. I guess it was raining so hard I didn't hear her when she came in. I'll send him down to the store after they've had breakfast. Justin, I want to thank you and Jet for being here during this terrible time. I'm very pleased with how you both have handled the store."

"I appreciate that, Mom."

***

Sloan woke up feeling quite disoriented. She had to remind herself that she had stayed overnight with Jet and that she wasn't dreaming about being in his bed. She reached over to feel that man with whom she was so absolutely in love, only to find cold sheets. He must be at the store. Sloan leaned over and inhaled the sandalwood of his pillow. Then she picked it up and hugged it as if it were Jet. The scent made it so easy to drift back to the wee hours of the morning—the kiss. The mere thought in her head caused a stirring in her core. She felt want. The memories of how she and Jet used to be came flooding in. He was a sensual man, and remembering how he'd loved her made her think that she was in need of a cooling shower. This is going to be a very long road, he thought, wishing she could toss his celibacy away. How she was able to control herself in the creek was still unbelievable, based on the way she felt.

I intend to marry you echoed in her mind. She smiled. I will have my Jet at last. The smell of coffee tickled her nose. She knew Nora must be up. She climbed out of bed, wearing one of Jet's baggy shirts, and went to greet Nora in the kitchen. The joy on Nora's face made her feel good all over.

"Pancakes are on the stove," Nora said. "You have made my day. When I saw you in there with my son, I said, 'Praise be to God. I can have my daughter and my grandbabies.'"

"Nora, you're so funny."

"So when are you going to marry my Jet?"

"Nora!"

Her hazel eyes were billowing with happiness. She sipped a little of her orange juice and then passed Sloan the syrup as she sat down at the table. "You and Jet went from a war zone to sleeping in the same bed. Something significant is up, so tell me."

"No. I want to know about you and Robert."

"Don't change the subject, pretty girl. Did Jet ask you to marry him?" Nora watched as Sloan flushed. She'd gotten her answer. Nora stood up and did a happy dance. "YES!!!" She plopped back down in her chair. "Okay, I know I need to control myself, but this is simply wonderful. It's what I always wanted. I feel like all the hopes and dreams that I ever had for the two of you are restored."

The relationship between Nora and Sloan had been a happy one. They'd always been extremely close. Nora was more like a big sister to her than a mother figure. Sloan had spent plenty of days at the Trent home talking with Nora. On those rare times that Nora was not working, she always made sure to bring Sloan along wherever she and the boys went. Any trip with Nora anywhere always turned into an adventure. Nora loved to buy clothes and shoes, so whenever Sloan was with them, she'd come back with bags of new stuff. All her life she'd heard Nora say how much she would have loved to have a daughter. Sloan was as close to one as she had come.

"Nora, it's going to be nice having you as a mother-in-law. Now that I've made you happy, it's your turn to make me happy. What's going on with you and Robert?"

***

"I approve of all the changes."

Justin and Jet looked at each other in shock. How in the world was this possible? In addition to getting over the fact that they barely recognized their father when he came in, now he was suddenly a man of great generosity. Today Robert Trent looked like a classic movie star. His hair was spiked instead of the conservative laid-back style he'd always worn. The beard was something that Jet and Justin had only seen in pictures, and they couldn't believe how good it looked on him. He was wearing a new gray suit. Obviously everything he'd be wearing going forward would be new because of the amount of weight he'd lost. Best of all, those deep blue eyes were no longer troubled.

"Even the 10 percent wage increase across the board?"

"Yes, Jet, even that. It's about time we get to regular raises too. I think we can afford to give one every six months for employees who have been with us over seven years and once a year for the others."

"Dad, are you feeling okay? Jet and I have been trying to rush things through because we expected a fight."

Robert smiled at Justin. "Oh, I'm quite well. Never been better, sons. I would like to change the store policy to reflect that The Trent Store no longer will be open on Sundays, effective immediately. I think it would be good to give families the chance to go to church and spend the day together."

"What?" It was a unified response from Jet and Justin.

"I mean it. I want it changed immediately. When I was in Morocco, all I saw and heard were people paying attention to prayer and people spending time with their families. They don't live by a clock. There are going to be some sweeping changes around here. Like I will give all our female employees who have children in school an option to work the morning shift, so they can be home with the kids after school. So before you boys leave, if you can handle that too, I'd appreciate it."

"Dad, what happened in Morocco?" Jet asked. His emotions were about as unstable as running water. He surely didn't know the man who was talking. This was the total opposite of what he'd been expecting.

Justin was staring with his mouth open, and then he finally spoke. "You know, this is a little overwhelming for us. I mean, we've lived with you our entire lives, and to be honest, I have to ask myself, 'Is this Robert Trent?' Closing the store for a full day while competitors are open is a little risky, don't you think, Dad? Maybe we could open late in the day. I mean I'm happy that you want to make sweeping changes, but I want to make sure that you are ... "

"In my right state of mind, Justin? I can assure you that I am in my right state of mind. I will not reverse the changes that I set in motion, if that is what you're thinking. I'm not worried about my competition. I'm worried about families."

To Jet and Justin this new Robert was strange but also a miracle. They sat and listened to their father as he described some of the things that he saw in Rashid and Aya's family. As he spoke, there was an aura about him. They weren't looking at the man who only a few weeks earlier had sat in his room with his windows drawn or the man who was near the brink of deep depression. His eyes were vivid with excitement as he told the stories.

"You boys might have been too young to remember, but there used to be what was called Blue Laws and no store was allowed to be open on Sunday. I made it then, I can make it now. In Morocco I watched merchants shut their doors in the middle of the day, just to go home and eat with their families. Can you imagine that? They do this every day. Morocco was the best thing that ever could have happened to me. I will tell you everything."

***

"Alana, can I speak with you privately?" Misty Stanton was another attorney in the firm who had been a longtime friend. The look that Alana's cold gray eyes shot back showed that not only did she not want to speak privately, she didn't want to speak at all. But considering the source, she beckoned Misty into her office, the door falling shut behind her. Alana's look was very intimidating as compared to the cherubic look of Misty. She didn't look older than a high school girl. Those soft green eyes, dark brown hair, pouty lips and oval face made her appear to be sweet, and many had underestimated her as a result. She was a pit bull in the courtroom. Misty was one of the few people who could handle Alana's moodiness.

"I don't have long, Misty. What?" she said sharply.

"Did you realize that two of your best paralegals are on the verge of turning in their resignations?"

"No, I was not aware of that." Though she was perfectly aware of the probable cause of this situation. There had been a snapping alligator residing in her since Jet left. Surely she didn't want to lose her best paralegals. All she needed was for Jet to come back and she'd be her less moody self and they would be safe from her snapping.

"And do you realize that Mr. Porter has been telling the rest of the partners that you hung up on him the other day?"

"My phone went dead. Really I didn't hang up."

"Who do you think you're fooling? I've known you too long, and I know that you don't like Mr. Porter. However, he is one of the firm's ... "

" ... most reliable, trustworthy clients; handle with care. I've heard that a million times. And he is also a pain in the ass."

Misty chuckled, knowing full well she was telling the truth. However, more important things were at hand: The paralegal matter needed resolving immediately. "You need to apologize to Meredith and Patricia. They are the best, and you need them more than you think. What is wrong with you, anyway? No, let me guess—Jet, a man with whom you broke up nearly a whole year ago—is still in your head."

"Ten months."

"It doesn't matter, you're crazy. There are other Jets in this world. You need to find one and get on with your life."

"I told him that I loved him."

"Alana, he's gone. Get over it."

She cringed at what she felt was a callous reply. Alana got out of her chair and slowly walked toward Misty. Her eyes narrowed. "It's so easy for you to sit there and judge me. 'Just get over it,' you say, but you were not with the man for three years. You don't know how it felt for him to be there at the end of every day. When you tell someone that you love them, you expect for it to matter."

"How long have I known you?"

"Ten years."

"Don't think I don't know that there was not much between you and Jet but a bedroom. If you had broken up with him first, we would not be in this position. You feel jilted."

Alana felt the blood rush to her, face and anger followed in a surge. She stared at Misty, dumbfounded. The woman could be direct but had never been that forward with her. The truth was that Misty had x-ray vision, and she knew it. Misty continued, "I hate to be so abrupt, but we've got serious work to be done; we don't have time to find new paralegals who can handle your vast accounts. If one team member is slowed down, it affects all of us. If you can't let go, you need to get some help."

She was incredulous. "Are you telling me that I need to see a shrink?"

"No, but I think you should listen to this radio show. There is a relationship counselor named Sloan Jensen who helps women all over the world cut the crap and move on with their lives. I think she can help you see that pining over Jet is not worth the time of day. I haven't listened to her in four years, but she's good. When I divorced Sebastian, she helped to get me back on track. I am married to Sam because of her. She gave me a swift kick in the pants."

"I don't need any damn counselor. Jet and I have been through this before. I will get him back."

"Keep acting like that, and you are going to damage this firm. Just listen to the show one time. I guarantee you'll stop feeling sorry for yourself and move on with your life. Just Google 'Sloan Jensen.'"

***

"He kissed you?" Sloan watched as Nora lit up like a Christmas tree. Radiance was on her face as she spoke of deep love. Things were being rekindled with Robert, and that made Sloan feel that her trip had been successful. She walked over to the refrigerator and poured herself another glass of juice while Nora put the last of the dishes into the dishwasher. Sloan glanced at her; she still had the love-struck schoolgirl look on her face.

"I don't even remember when I was kissed like that. That first kiss woke me up out of my menopause."

Sloan choked on the juice. A bit of it spattered on her cheeks. Wiping it away, she swallowed and then laughed out loud. "Nora Trent, you didn't just say that."

"Well, I'm just saying. Things aren't quite what they used to be when you get to be my age, but, girl, I tell you I was in a tingle."

"Nora, you're crazy."

"The third time he kissed me ... "

"Wait, what happened to the second time?"

Nora started fanning herself. "I can't discuss that one—too hot."

Sloan's eyes widened. She popped out of her chair, laughing. "Okay, Nora, I've got to go. This has gone too far. I am happy that you are delighted with the fire of your husband's kisses."

"Wait, Sloan, I'll stop, but the third one was a good one too," she laughed. "It happened after he brought me back from our dinner date on Sunday. He kissed me on the front porch. It just reminded me of when we were young. It was so sweet and reminded me of my dad always flipping the porch light on, just to let us know he was watching. All of this attention has made me go back in time."

"Good, Nora. What did he say about Morocco?"

"He couldn't stop talking about it. He must have apologized to me a million times for pushing me away. He told me he loved me so many times, I can't get it out of my head."

"I hope the words will never stop playing over in your mind. You deserve it."

"Apparently his host was a gentleman about seventy years old, and he was so impressed with how much affection he had for his wife. Robert said that his oldest child was sixteen but the younger ones were seven and eight. He told me that the man didn't look over forty and how embarrassed he was to see a man old enough to be a grandfather treat his wife better than he did. It was life-changing for him."

"How all this is working out is incredible."

"Sloan, I was so angry that day that Robert missed our anniversary. When I spun that globe, it was to mock him. If my finger had stopped in the middle of an ocean, I would have taken a cruise. It was spite. I wanted to get far away from Robert. I had no idea I would run right into the providence of God."

"You know I understand that, because of what's going on between me and Jet. I hated him when I came here. Now I love him so much."

Keeping back the tears that were stinging in her eyes, Nora said, "To hear you say that touches my heart. Thank you for coming back to us, Sloan."

***

For once in Robert's life his vulnerability showed. Justin and Jet were quite pensive as they listened to their father talk about Morocco as if he'd had a visitation from an angel. No words could explain the compassion that they felt for a man who had emotionally abandoned them for most of their lives. Justin and Jet never lacked for anything but an outpouring of affection from Robert.

They knew that he loved them; he just didn't have much of a physical way to show it. That fact, combined with him having all members of the family constantly working, drove his sons to opposite ends of the United States to get away from him. It was not enough to lay him bare—Robert wanted to change their destiny as a family. He could barely talk when he showed them the ring that Rashid had given him.

"I ... I ... didn't want to take it from him, but he insisted." He held up the expensive ring. Justin and Jet marveled, instantly recognizing the worth of the object. "He said that it had been in his family since ancient times. It represented that the generations of each family would never be broken by divorce. I tried to give it back to him, but he said that our family needed it more than his family did. I was so humbled."

Jet looked at his father. This was a stalwart man, now brought so low but in a very good way. His heart ached, thinking about what this conversation must have been doing to his dad. Robert Trent was being broken. "We're going to honor Rashid's ring. I promise Dad." Justin nodded his head in agreement.

Robert gazed at Jet. His lips were trembling. He'd never let his children see him cry. It was so hard not to now. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I need to apologize to you most of all, Jet. I am the one responsible for you not being married to Sloan. It wasn't your fault."

"Dad, Justin told me that you said that, but that was something that I did, not you."

"No, son. I had many months to think about everything. This is what I know. I showed you how to be a provider. I did not show you how to love a woman." At that point Robert cracked. He put his head down on his desk and wept. Jet and Justin stood behind him and consoled him. "I ... I sat there watching Rashid. If Aya breathed, he took pleasure in it. If she walked to pour him a cup of tea, he kissed her hand and thanked her. I felt ... I felt like a worthless dog when I saw how much attention he paid to her."

"Dad, it's all right," said Justin.

"It's not all right. His two young sons sit at his table every day and watch him adore their mother. His two sons sit on the porch every evening and watch how he guards the virtue of his precious daughter while she is out watering the camels with her fiancé. He and Aya talk and touch and spend time together. They live a simple life and are happier than I've ever been. The man is seventy years old with a seven-year-old son. What does that tell you?"

"You don't need to apologize, Dad. I understand," said Jet.

"No, you need to accept my apology. I know that you love Sloan with all your heart. I also know that you saw the lack of care that I paid to your mother. You didn't want to be me. That's why you didn't marry Sloan. You were afraid that you would become me. So you walked away so that you would not hurt her. That was my fault. I set a poor example for both of you. But especially to Jet, because he was engaged."

Jet placed his head in his hands and leaned on the desk. His heart sank as he felt the weight of truth settling in. What son doesn't want to be like their father? Life gets pretty messed up when the pattern is marred. Jet began to think about how successful he was—just like his father. He thought of the habits he had that were just like Robert's. There was a lot about Robert that he admired. But inwardly he knew the dread that he never shared with anyone. This conversation with Robert would help him to make peace with himself and with his beloved Sloan.

"You're right, Dad. I lived my whole life wondering when you and Mom were going to break up. I feared that one day I was going to come home and find you gone. That haunted me. One day you and Mom were arguing, and I heard her say that love was never enough to maintain a marriage. I felt all hope was gone. Somehow my mind said, 'Why bother to marry?' Though I never voiced it, the thought controlled my life."

Robert walked from around the desk, went to Jet and held him. "I'm sorry, son."

"I accept your apology, Dad." They both cried a good long while.