Page 74 of Seductive Nights

They clapped, and Marcus cleared his throat. "Can we eat the cake now?"

Jace laughed. "Yes. Eat the cake. Save us a piece."

Marcus laughed. "You two should take the first pieces."

He cut the cake and plated them each a piece. They all dug into their cake and laughed and chatted. Jace whistled to quiet everyone down, then said. "We have an announcement for you all."

They stopped talking and stared at them. Jace looked into her eyes, a beautiful grin on his face. "We're getting married next Saturday, right here. You are all invited and won't have to work."

There was a smattering of claps and some questions, and Jace patiently explained how it would all work. As he finished, the doorbell rang, and Margo nodded. "That's me. We're up."

She strode out to the restaurant and found a younger couple at the hostess stand waiting. "Welcome to Sarge's Sandbar. Would you like to eat inside or outside?"

The young man said, "Actually, can we eat upstairs?"

Margo smiled. "You sure can. Follow me."

Their evening passed in a whirl. They were a full house most of the night. The music was fantastic, and the energy was high. Some of that may have been from the cake, but the staff was happy and so proud of the restaurant and bar area.

Her sisters, Carley, Holly, and Josseline, had come to celebrate with them. Holly and Josseline were staying at Carley's this week and would be here to help her get ready for their wedding.

A couple of times during the night, she thought she saw Mason staring at Carley, but when he saw her watching him, he busied himself. She'd have to ask Jace about it later.

One week later...

Margo was in her wedding dress. It was a tea-length silver gown. She didn't want to wear white. And as she shopped, she saw this one in the store window and fell instantly in love with it. She had her hair piled high, a few dark tendrils trailed down, and white roses were tucked in here and there. As she looked in the mirror now, she was completely and totally happy with how she looked.

Jace was getting ready at Sid's place, and they'd be down here in about a half hour.

Her sisters were getting ready in the various guest bedrooms here in the governor's mansion. She still couldn't believe she lived here. She stepped out of her bedroom and started down the stairs when Carley stepped from her room. "Hey."

Margo stopped and looked at her sister. "You look absolutely beautiful, Margo."

She smiled. "Thank you, Carley. You look beautiful, too."

Her sisters were wearing different color tea length dresses. Carley wore a soft pink color, Holly wore a light blue, and Josseline, the only sister with light brown hair, wore a light green. They all wore matching shoes. She'd purchased each of them a single diamond necklace with a gold chain. They were simple, elegant, and perfect. She'd used the money she'd earned from selling off the necklace Logan had stolen and given to Sierra. It was the perfect use for the money, and her sisters were overwhelmed and happy with the gifts.

She stood at the top of the steps with Carley as her sisters stepped from their guest rooms one by one. They stood together, holding hands in a circle. Margo glanced at her gorgeous sisters and smiled. "Thank you all for being here with Jace and me today. It is, without a doubt, the happiest day of my life."

Josseline sniffed and Carley said, "Nope. No tears. Let's go get a new brother-in-law."

The women walked the path from the Governor's Mansion to the Sandbar. A few cars were already in the lot, waiting for the wedding to start. They entered from the back and slipped into the office. A knock on the door had Carley telling her to hide behind the door in case it was Jace.

Margo laughed but did as her sister asked. It was the photographer asking to take some pictures.

They dutifully obliged, and then Grace found them on the upper deck. "It's time to get married, Margo. Jace is pacing downstairs."

Margo smiled. "I'm ready. So very ready."

She stood inside the restaurant as her sisters each walked up the aisle. Jami Hart sang a soft, pretty rendition of “Faithfully” to serenade them. It was beautiful.

She stepped from the restaurant and to the end of the aisle, and Jami started singing “Heavenly” by Bryan Adams, one of her favorites. She walked down the aisle toward Jace, who had to swipe a couple of tears from his cheeks. It was hard for her not to cry when he was emotional. But she made it.

As they stood face to face, she smiled at her handsome, almost-husband, "You're crying. This is supposed to be a happy day."

He chuckled. "I've never been happier. Never."

The pastor cleared his throat lightly, and they turned to face him. He prayed with them, and he spoke of love and fidelity and marriage as a partnership. He mentioned communication and understanding. And, finally, since he knew them well, he told them to make sure they danced every day. They both agreed. Their vows were said. Rings exchanged. And finally, the kiss.

Jace held her head between his hands and stared into her eyes for a long time. She loved looking into his eyes. It was her new favorite color of brown. He whispered. "I love you, Margo Marriott."

She smiled at him. "I love you, Jace Marriott."

Finally, he kissed her. And it was beautiful. She remembered their friends and employees clapping and cheering for them. But all she had her mind focused on was Jace.

The pastor then said, "Ladies and gentlemen. I'm proud to introduce you to Mr. & Mrs. Jace and Margo Marriott."