“Lois Lane is no one’s prize. She’s an intelligent, loving woman, to be respected and treasured - not a possession to be put on display like a trophy.” He took in a deep breath, gently squeezed her hand and continued. She’s the woman I love who I hope one day will accept me as her husband.”

“I will marry you Clark Jerome Kent.”

“*Mrs.* Lois Lane-Kent.” The names fit together like perfectly preserved pages in a love letter, scented faintly of red roses, its heady bouquet making even the most tentative of lovers blush. This last name was a perfect fit, this name meant warmth, laughter and a great deal more. Clark, with all his maddening Midwestern quirks was her best friend, partner and everything else in between. He understood her as no one else before. Putting up with Mad Dog Lane moods, chocolate and caffeine propelled investigations and hair rising, sometimes heart stopping schemes.

Lord knows, Clark was a handsome man.

She studied the man before her, his lips parted, however no words ushered forth, too overcome with emotions; he was seeing the woman he cherished with all his heart and soul adorned in a wedding dress … a wedding dress she was wearing for *another* man. He took one firm step and then another as he came closer and looked down at her. With infinite care, like he was touching a precious, fragile gem, his hand cupped her cheek and he whispered with that familiar sexy rumble, “Lois, I had to come. We’ve said some pretty harsh words to each other over the past few months…”

Lois placed a small trembling hand over his larger one and then entwined her slender fingers with his. The reassuring familiarity and warmth gave her courage to answer. Her fine brown eyes filled with pain, sadness and shame for realizing too late just what this man meant to her. “Fighting over this situation was wrong. I … I’ve missed you so much.”

“So have I. Lois, I came to say…”

Her voice sounded so small and young, “Yes?”

“Please, don’t do this to yourself … to me … to us.” He whispered and then, at the last, his voice broke and the transformation of warrior king into a young prince was complete. He stood entreating one last time for the hand of his lady.

Tears sprang afresh to her eyes and suddenly she didn’t care about the make-up or the designer’s lacy confection of a wedding gown. All she wanted was to be held by the man before her. Words, so many words, kept shuttling about in her mind. All of them useless, empty and pale in comparison to the three words this tender, loving man so richly deserved to hear.

The strong, clean masculine scent of his cologne which always reminded her of fresh cut wood and wide open blue skies, enveloped her at the same time as his strong arms. At last, the uncertainty and sadness vanquished from her once aching heart. The long denied words emerged, joyous and clear, “Clark, I love you!”
Looking up at Clark, she knew these words had touched him, like a nurturing balm to his soul. He was shedding tears now, tears of profound relief and rejoicing. What was he thinking? She prayed those simple words had given all the dreams of his life substance and form. Now they had *hope*.

But for once, prudence and convention were cast aside; as he leaned down and tenderly brushed his lips to hers. The kiss held love and deep, abiding ardor, her heart jumped and she felt a happy trill of desire. *Definitely* not the innocent kiss of a friend, but the kiss of a man wishing for a deeper, richer relationship, one of an intimate natu

“Lois Lane is no one’s prize. She’s an intelligent, loving woman, to be respected and treasured - not a possession to be put on display like a trophy.” He took in a deep breath, gently squeezed her hand and continued. She’s the woman I love who I hope one day will accept me as her husband.”

“I will marry you Clark Jerome Kent.”

Releasing her hands and backing to the center of the roof never taking his eyes off of her, he removed his glasses and his lips turned into a sheepish, almost frightened smile. Suddenly he began to move, spin at an impossible speed and suddenly stop.

Lois’ eyes grew wide, than a tiny gasp of surprise escaped her throat, taking in the sight of the man before her and realized she had indeed been saved by a warrior king…

Happiest. Revelation. Ever.

I like the ending a lot. I was expecting it when they went in the elevator. No way was he actually going to easily get past the crazy media.

Wow--I loved this story [Hyper] . I didn't get a chance to read the original version, so can not compare the two, but I REALLY enjoyed reading this story tonight! LOL--Originally I sat down with a snack to enjoy while reading this, and snack was completely forgotten about, I was so enthralled--until now, that is [Clap]

Lex Luthor’s wealth and status deemed his wife wear such a ring. Was it a foreboding symbol of their pending marriage?

Yesterday, during the rehearsal dinner, Lex had kissed her hand and called her beautiful. Sadly she didn’t feel that way; he had fixed her with the gaze of a hunter keenly studying its prey. No doubt in eager anticipation of their wedding night.

Instead of the perfectly composed Ellen Lane, standing before her wearing a black polo shirt and charcoal pants and looking better to her than if he were sporting a hand-tailored Armani tuxedo, was the only person she truly wanted to see right then…Clark!

“Oh no Clark, letting that … that snake oil salesman near me was a mistake. From now on it’s *us*, as a couple, the way we were supposed to be. Starting right now ...”