ONCE THE NEWS of their engagement hit the press, Madi became the instant obsession of Jake’s fans. They wanted to know everything about her. She had to resign her position as RA in her dorm. There was no way she could fulfill her duties with her newfound role as Jake Morgan’s fiancée. She didn’t mind. The internship was challenging and she needed the extra time to focus on her projects at work and her last few courses at the University. She moved into the condo, and Jake spent his time flying between Chicago and L.A., helping Madi with wedding plans.
Madi was able to pull off a large surprise party for Jake’s twenty-ninth birthday in February, and they attended the Star Wars premiere together in March. While Jake was being interviewed on the red carpet, Madi watched him in admiration. She was so proud of him and who he was. She was proud to be his. Jake didn’t shy away from talking about her or having his picture taken with her at his side. He always held her hand and put her first. He was protective and loving every second they were together.
Madi completed her internship in May. The company loved the free press they received by employing her. Jake’s mother offered Madi a low-level position at her consulting firm in L.A. upon her graduation. Madi asked that she be treated the same as any other new hire. She didn’t want special treatment from anyone.
Jake attended her graduation ceremony and took pictures with her friends from school and anyone else who asked. She and Kendra threw their caps in the air and screamed together when they announced their graduating class. Kendra had decided that if she wanted to score films, the best place for her to pursue a career would be L.A. She told Madi there was no way she could let her plan a wedding without her expert advice on style and fashion. It didn’t hurt that Rob lived in L.A. He still employed all of Jake’s security, through Dave, of course. They thought they might see where dating would take them now that he no longer worked directly for Jake, although their relationship was another story altogether.
Dave and Ang seemed content together. Ang managed Jake’s life even better than she had assisted it. Gina had agreed to become her new assistant, promising not to give her brother a hard time. Ang advised her with a wink to Madi that she had some large shoes to fill. Gina and Kendra didn’t get along quite as well. Gina apparently had flirted with Rob on New Year’s Eve, and Kendra instantly disliked her from that moment on. Their budding animosity was enough to keep Madi on her toes. It didn’t help that Gina had a thing for Rob.
Jake and Madi took their time planning the wedding. When Madi moved to L.A., they decided to go house hunting. Jake’s building held too many memories, and he wanted Murphy and his future children to have a yard to play in.
They decided to build their dream home, complete with a recording studio and dual offices for both of them. They moved in two weeks before the wedding. Kendra and Jake’s mom helped them with the décor. The house was stunning and everything Madi had ever dreamed of. Jake was even more.
They decided to get married on New Year’s Eve, one year from the date he proposed. They went the traditional route and became members of St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in L.A. Madi fell in love with the stained glass windows, and Jake would never refuse her.
The night before the wedding, Jake placed his overnight bag by the door.
“You’re really kicking me out?” he asked playfully.
“It’s tradition. You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding.”
“Hmm… It’s only ten. I still have two hours. Is there anything you’d like to do?” he asked as he placed small kisses up and down her neck.
“I told you waiting a week to have sex would make it exciting.” She laughed as she tried to push him away.
“I don’t remember you telling me you were bored last week when I made love to you on your desk.”
Madi bit her lip and moaned softly as Jake began kissing her neck again. “I never said it wasboring. You are never boring,” she giggled.
“And I can’t tempt you?” he asked as his blue eyes smoldered into hers.
Madi inhaled sharply and Jake smirked.
“Stop!” she said, pushing him away. “You know I can’t resist that look.”
“That’s the idea.” His lips skimmed her jawline and hovered over her ear as his warm breath caused goose bumps all over her body. She gripped onto his shoulders to steady herself.
She panted. “In less than twenty-four hours, I will let you do anything you want.”
He lifted his head. “Anything, Mrs. Morgan?” he asked.
She smiled. “Anything.”
Jake puckered his lips as he eyed her over. Madi’s breath hitched once again.
The doorbell chimed and echoed throughout the hall. “Who could that be?” she asked in jest.
Jake sighed as she opened the door to Trey, Collin, Michael and Rob.
“Hey!” They cheered with their hands in the air. “We’re taking him off your hands.” Madi nodded as she kissed their cheeks. “He needs to sleep and eat a good breakfast,” she told them.
“What is he, your kid going for a sleepover?” Michael asked.
Jake smiled at her appreciatively as Rob picked up his bag and pushed him out the door.
“Tomorrow!” he yelled back to her.
“Tomorrow!” she replied on a giggle, holding the door.
