No More Mr. Nice

Epilogue


As Jess and Lucas entered his hospital room, Norman Roxbury glanced up from his book and beamed in surprise. She thought he looked much better today. There was new color in the elderly man’s cheeks, and he’d gained some needed weight. “I can see you’re feeling better, Norman,” she said, as she and Lucas came over to stand beside his bed. Leaning down, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He grinned that elfish grin. “Finally taught the chef to make a proper blueberry flapjack.”

Lucas chuckled, dropped an arm about Jess’s shoulder and drew her close. Jess still could not quite believe her good fortune. Had it only been two days ago that Lucas had proposed? So much had happened since then.

Lucas had insisted on taking a six-month leave of absence for an extended honeymoon. Then, to Jess’s amazement, he’d installed a glowing Mamie in his home as his “executive assistant.” It meant she had a phone, an office, and accounts at local florist, stationery and gourmet-food shops. Her duties were minimal. She was to keep their social schedule straight and play hostess when business meetings were held at the house. If Jess hadn’t already loved Lucas with all her heart, she would have loved him solely for what he’d done for her mother.

Not only that. When Takahashi had learned the reason Lucas had missed the Tokyo meeting, he’d rescheduled. It seemed the Japanese drug tycoon had a particular soft spot for his own aging mother, and thought Lucas’s reason for dropping out was highly noble. Sol would attend the meeting in Lucas’s place, however. In a week, he’d be fine.

“Well, my boy,” Norman was saying, “you look pretty fit. A little tired, perhaps. And I don’t believe I’ve seen you in jeans since you were a boy.” He laced his fingers behind his head, and added, “I understand the Thanksgiving Retreat went off nicely. I want to thank you for your help.” Jess noticed he was taking careful note of the possessive arm about her shoulders, and his eyes began to glisten. “Did anything happen I should know about?”

“Nothing you didn’t plan, you old devil,” Lucas admonished with a chuckle. “But I want to thank you for your meddling.”

Norman laughed, and the sound of it was heartier than it had been in a long time. “My boy,” he offered sheepishly, “forgive an old man his wiliness. But I’ve always loved you as a son, and I’ve grown to love Jess like a daughter.” He shrugged thin shoulders. “Seemed only natural to get you two together.”

Jess bent down and kissed him again. “We’re grateful, Norman. More than we could ever repay.” She straightened and smiled lovingly at the wonderful man she’d met right here in this room. “Lucas and I have something for you, Norman.”

The old man’s bushy eyebrows rose in question. “Oh? What is it?”



“Your doctor tells us you’ll be well enough to travel by New Year’s.” Lucas pulled an airline ticket from his breast pocket. “So, we want to thank you for pushing us together by sending you to visit your niece and her twins, in Hawaii.”

Norman’s surprise was evident. “Why, I—That’s fine of you both,” he said. “I’d love to see Lucia and the children, but don’t forget I have the Senior Citizens’ New Year’s Eve Party to plan.”

Jess grinned down at him. “Lucas and I will handle it.” She reached up to squeeze the large hand that rested on her arm. “We thought we’d help you out with that, and the Teenage Mothers’ Camp every summer. Along with the Mr. Niceguy program, of course.”

Jess was touched to see tears form in the old man’s eyes. He settled back against his pillow, looking happy and at peace. “I’ll accept that, gladly. I’ve been thinking of semiretiring. Your offer is a great weight off my mind.” He looked at Lucas, his gaze shining with affection. “But I have to say, my boy, the best gift you’ve given me is seeing you regain that wonderful compassion of your youth. That was my true hope.” He indicated the sparkling diamond engagement ring on Jess’s left hand. “And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was rooting for this, too. When’s the wedding?”

Jess smiled, feeling suddenly shy and terribly blessed. “Christmas Day. And it wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t give me away.”

“My dear child,” Norman said, with a mischievous wink, “I did that the day Lucas walked into this room and met you.” He chuckled. “But, of course, I will be happy to oblige. Couldn’t ask for better incentive to get back on these old legs.”



ON THE WAY HOME in the limo, Jess snuggled into the sheltering warmth of her fiancé’s arms. She sighed contentedly. “It seems you’re the official Mr. Niceguy from now on. Happy?”

“Very. But, I’d think being married to Mr. Niceguy would bother you,” he murmured, rubbing a finger seductively along her jaw. “After all, as the saying goes, Nice Guys Finish Last.”

She shifted in his arms, and her tongue teased his earlobe, as she said softly, “Ah, but I’ve found that to be a ‘stroke’ of luck if you happen to be making love.”

He flashed an all-too-sexy grin that sent her world careening crazily around her. Her only reality became his heady scent and the exquisite passion in his dark eyes. “Unfortunately,” he reminded in a low, husky tone, “we don’t happen to be making love.”

With lighthearted abandon, Jess closed the shade between the driver and the passenger area. She slid her arms about his neck and drew his lips down to graze hers, coaxing, “Want to make a bet—Mr. Niceguy?”