Don't tell anyone.' He brushed his lips over hers and realised it was a mistake. Kissing Sophie simply wasn't enough. They needed to get out of this secluded spot and into public fast. When he made love to her again, it would be a declaration and a celebration of their feelings for and commitment to each other.

Chapter 23.

Two weeks later...

The waves rolled onto the sh.o.r.e in a rush then seemed to take their time to wash back to sea. Overhead a seagull squawked.

Will you, Logan Jackson, take Sophie Eloise Hamilton as your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep her as long as you both shall live?'

I will.'

Her gaze never wavered from Logan's as Sophie made her vows with just as much conviction.

Finally, the words she'd longed to hear - You may kiss the bride!'

Sand shifted beneath her bare toes as she stretched up to kiss him. His lips tasted of salt from the sea breeze, and being in his arms was her own personal nirvana.

It had been a perfect day with Daphne, Sue, Melissa, Amanda, Jake and Charlotte all making the trip to Vanuatu with them, and joining a couple of dozen of Logan's friends. Daphne had walked arm in arm with Sophie, and given her hand to Logan. Logan's friend, Hunter, had been his Best Man, and Jake had also been asked to be a groomsman. Sophie's ex-husband was happy to act in the role now that Logan wasn't afraid to let the whole world see just how much he loved Sophie. Charlotte, now legally Logan's responsibility, made a beautiful and excited little Flower Girl.

The happy atmosphere at their luncheon was wonderful, and later, as the sun was setting, Logan and Sophie walked together hand-in-hand along the beach toward their honeymoon hut.

Grandfather would be so happy.' Sophie sighed. Everything has worked out for us.'

Logan gave her hand a squeeze. I'm sure if it's at all possible, he was at the ceremony with us.'

My only regret is Felix. I wish I could've saved him from himself.'

Your cousin was never your responsibility and he's the only one who can save himself. Just hope that he might re-think his life while he's serving his time, but don't let him intrude on your thoughts now and spoil this day, sweetheart.'

You're right.' She squeezed his hand. Am I right in thinking there was a buzz of awareness between Melissa and Hunter?'

Good G.o.d, I hope not.' He stopped in his tracks. We'd better go back and make sure.'

Logan!' She tugged at his hand, urging him to continue to their honeymoon hut. I'm sorry I mentioned it.'

The frown on his forehead wasn't easing. I'd love to see Melissa find someone to love, but Hunter definitely isn't the guy for her. He's the love-them-and-leave-them type, and I don't want her getting involved with him.'

Darling, I know you take your responsibilities seriously, but Melissa's a big girl now, and Hunter's one of your closest friends.'

Mm.' He didn't sound convinced.

Removing her hand from his, she reached up with her arms and drew his head down toward hers to deliver a scorching, hungry kiss.

If that was designed to make me forget my brotherly responsibilities and direct my focus to my husbandly duties, it worked.'

The smile she gave him was confident, driven by the knowledge that she wielded her own form of feminine power over her handsome husband. It's been a magical and memorable day and I'm rather hoping you'll make it an even more magical and memorable night.'

That you can count on!'

He was right. The second she opened the door to their honeymoon hut, she saw an entire room full of roses. All of them were red.

Oh! Look at them! They smell divine.' She threw her arms around him and hugged him with all her strength. All the roses have been beautiful, but you've outdone yourself this time. I've never seen so many red roses!'

One thousand and one to be precise, sweetheart.'

They're amazing!' She twirled around the room, looking at all of them. Are you about to tell me the significance of that number?'

His hands rested upon her shoulders. The number represents a faithful love that will live on forever.'

It was the perfect gesture and the ideal symbolic message for a day that had already been so romantic. That's what you've got from me, Logan. I will always be faithful to you.'

Her husband sneezed and Sophie laughed. Too many in one room for you?'

The deep masculine rumble of laughter vibrated right through her heart. I hadn't stopped to think how overpowering they'd be en ma.s.se!'

Should we call housekeeping to remove some of them?'

Absolutely not! I might not order this many again, but I will always bring you red roses, Sophie, because they are the true symbol of my feelings for you.'

Oh Logan, I love you so much.'

They say actions speak louder than words,' he told her with a wicked smile.

Without another word, she accepted his challenge and proceeded to show him just how much she loved him.

Thanks for reading Roses for Sophie. I hope you enjoyed this book, which was a follow-on story from Echoes of the Heart.

If you'd like to know more about me, my books, or to connect with me online, you can visit my webpage (http://www.alyssajmontgomery.com), follow me on twitter @Alyssaromance, or like my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaJMontgomery ) You can also follow me through my publisher's page here www.escapepublishing.com.au I am grateful for all honest reviews. Thank you for taking the time to let others know what you've read, and what you thought.

If you liked this book, there's more info over the page one my other books: Mistaken Ident.i.ty and Echoes of the Heart.

This book was published by Escape Publishing. If you'd like to sample some more great books from my fellow Escape Artists, please turn the page.

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