Page 37 of Paradise Ties

She glanced at Jace, who was giving Jack a warning look as he got up and began to speak. “I’m going to make this quick as we all know the bar closes at midnight and Daniel here can jabber on like an old woman.”

“Only old woman here is you, Jack,” Daniel said, laughing.

“Yeah, yeah. First, I’d like to say that as Jace’s cousin, it was my honour to be asked to stand beside him as his best man. There are many fine men in this room, and you asking me means a lot.” Jace nodded and lifted his glass to Jack. “Second, I would like to comment on how beautiful Lucy and Lauren look today. How Dane and Jace ever managed to pull you two is beyond my comprehension. But nobody knows better than them how lucky they are.” Lauren felt Dane pull her closer, wrapping his arm around her middle and smiling to acknowledge the comment.

“Today was a day I never thought would happen, and not because I had any doubt about how they felt about each other. A blind man can see the love they have for each other but because of the hurdles that have been thrown in their way. Not least Jace taking so long to get his head out his ass. But I, for one, am thrilled to welcome you into our family, Lucy. So please join me in raising your glasses to the bride and groom. To Lucy and Jace.” Jack raised his glass, and they all toasted the happy couple.

Half an hour later the speeches were done—the room had been in gales of laughter with Daniel’s speech as he told tales on Dane—and it was time for the first dance.

“Okay time for some fun. Lauren and Dane will kick us off with their first dance followed by Lucy and Jace, then it’s a free for all,” Daniel announced.

Dane took her hand and led her to the dance floor, pulling her close with a hand on her bare back, making her shiver. “Cold?” Dane asked, smiling.

“No.”

The smile turned into a grin as the song they’d chosen began. Dane had chosen ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar, saying it resonated with him because every time he looked at her, he was amazed. Lauren had felt her heart melt when he said that and agreed she felt the same.

“Happy?” he asked as they danced, their eyes only on each other under the fairy lights and the Caribbean moon.

“Happier than I thought possible. Every day I think I couldn’t possibly love you more and then I wake up, and I do.”

Dane’s face went soft, his eyes warm. “Baby.”

“It’s true. I never thought this could be my life and it is, and every day I’m thankful for it and you and what you’ve given me.”

“Lauren, stop or I’m going to drag you from this dance floor and show you how much I love you.” Lauren laughed at that. “Seriously though, baby, I know my job makes life tricky sometimes, and I’m so grateful you stand by me. I hope you know that I’ll spend every day making sure I’m a man worthy of you.”

“You already are, Dane.” She kissed him then and while it was more chaste than she wanted, with everyone watching it was all they could do. Their song ended, and Dane led her to Meg who was with the twins sleeping in their buggy.

Lucy and Jace took to the dance floor next with ‘My Best Friend’ by Tim McGraw. It summed up the couple perfectly. When she looked at Lucy and Jace together she saw more than lovers, she saw best friends and soulmates. Her smile lit up when Jace twirled Lucy around gently before wrapping her in his arms.

Today had been perfect. She’d shared it with her closest friend, now sister-in-law, and she knew it would be one of the happiest memories of her life.

Epilogue

Drew felt a tap on his shoulder as he was getting a drink from the bar for him, Will, and Aubrey. He turned and was shocked to see Mara. “Mara, hey, what a nice surprise.”

Mara looked beautiful in a turquoise maxi dress with a green palm leaf print. Despite what he’d said to his sister, he felt a pull to this girl that wouldn’t go away. It was a damn shame she had a boyfriend as he didn’t mess around with someone who was taken. He’d have to settle for being her friend.

She tucked a strand of dark, shiny hair behind her ear in a self-conscious move. “Your sister invited me, so I said I’d try and come. We’re flying out later tonight, but I also wanted to catch you before I left.”

“Oh.” He motioned to the bar. “Would you like a drink?”

Mara nodded. “Yes please, Malibu and pineapple. Thank you.”

Drew ordered her drink and then handed it to her. “So, what did you want to see me about?” He moved to the end of the bar where it was quieter, and she followed.

“I wanted to thank you for everything you did the other day. You literally held me together. I never would’ve got through it without you, Drew.”

“I wish I could’ve done more.”

“You couldn’t have known that Annie would react like that. None of us could. You helped me, protected me, and I’ll never forget that. I always knew you were a good man, Drew, but now I know just how good a man you are.”

Drew felt his cheeks pink at her compliment but remained silent, not knowing what to say.

“Anyway, I wanted to say thanks, as lame as it is.”

“You’re very welcome, although I didn’t do a lot.”