“Yes,” Addison said with a nod. “Having meals with those you love is more important than the clothes they wear at the dinner table. Appreciating someone’s need to be vital, to work with their hands, to create something that all can enjoy is better than condemning them for something you’re not yet able to see. And instead of fearing the future, you need to remember there’s no guarantee any of us will have tomorrow. If you walk away...if you run away, you’re losing time you can’t get back. So, instead of worrying about what lies ahead, cherish what you have, while you have it.”

Addison looked down at the baby in her arms. Sheridan seemed quite content sucking down her dinner, so taking a deep breath and holding it, Addison gingerly got to her feet. Pleased that her movements hadn’t disturbed Sheridan, Addison carefully knelt down in front of Joanna. “I’d like to say something. It’s something I’ve said to you before, and I’m not really sure if I can remember exactly how it goes, but I’d like to try. That is if you don’t mind.”

There was no reason to feel anxious. Addison’s tone was soft and her expression, loving and kind, but that didn’t stop Joanna’s stomach from fluttering. “Um...okay?”

Sensing Joanna’s nervousness, Addison offered her a warm smile before she began to speak. “From this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and ‘til death do us part, I’ll love you with all my heart...and I’ll never leave your side again.”

Joanna’s eyes overflowed with tears, and leaning forward she met Addison half-way so they could share a kiss. It was gentle and tentative, lasting for only a moment, and even though it wasn’t meant to arouse...it did.

“I love you,” Joanna whispered as she rested back in her chair.

“I love you, too,” Addison said, returning to her seat.

“And I know you meant what you said, but eventually you will have to go back to work.”

Addison lowered her chin, and letting out a sigh, she looked over at Joanna. “There’s...um...there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Will it make me cry again?”

“I don’t know,” Addison said as her eyes met Joanna’s.

Once again, Joanna’s stomach fluttered seeing the sadness in Addison’s eyes. “Okay, what is it?”

“I...um...I walked away from the company yesterday. I’m no longer its president or CEO, and AK Investments doesn’t take very much of my time, so as far as work’s concerned, I really don’t have any.”

Joanna paused, holding back her grin as best she could. “You owe Fran a raise.”

Addison jerked back her head. “What are you talking about? I just told you—”