Chapter 35
35
J ace carried out the tables and put them in place. Hanna had a diagram, and he was happy to oblige.
He glanced at the diagram every so often just to make sure he was putting things where they needed to be. As he set the tables in place, Carley and Margo draped them with the tablecloths, secured the corners, and tucked the smaller bouquets of artificial flowers into each corner knot. Carley showed Margo how to fold the matching napkins to look like a rose and set them at each table setting. He enjoyed watching them work together. They chatted and laughed often. And he loved watching Margo comfortably organizing the finer details for his friends' wedding.
The flower shop van arrived, and Margo met them at the edge of the parking area. He watched her turn and point to a table at the edge without a tablecloth on it. The man nodded, and Margo was handed a large white box. She carried it to the table, and Carley hustled to the van to help. He hustled to the van to help as well.
He carried a large white box, which had some weight to it, to the table. Margo had opened the first box and stood staring at the array of flowers in the box.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind and looked over her shoulder, which wasn't hard. He was nearly a head taller than she was.
"Those are pretty," he whispered near her ear.
"They are. This is going to be such a beautiful wedding."
He kissed her ear. "It is. You're doing a fantastic job of decorating."
She chuckled. "It's not hard with this to work with."
He chuckled. "That’s true.”
Marching toward the van once more, he saw Carley trying to carry a crate, which looked heavy for her. "Hey, let me take that."
Carley smiled. "Thanks, Jace. It's heavier than I thought."
He hefted it to the table and peered inside. Margo glanced inside the crate. "Oh, there they are."
She gently reached inside and pulled out a small glass vase with a colorful arrangement of flowers. She set one in the center of each table. He picked up the crate and followed her. "This way you won't have to trudge back each time."
She smiled at him, and it occurred to him, he'd do anything for her if she continued to smile at him like that. Once the flowers were set on the tables, they went back to the other flowers awaiting disbursement.
Carley had an open box of small bouquets in front of her. "What are these for, Margo?"
"Ah, those are for the arbor." Margo picked up the box and moved it to the arbor. She began tucking the small bouquets into the vines. That detail brought out the effect of the arbor, and he thought the scene for his friend's wedding was spectacular. Margo finished tucking the flowers into the arbor and stood back to stare at her handiwork. He moved to stand next to her.
She smiled up at him, then turned toward the arbor. "When you stand here and see the arbor and the water behind, you can see what a gorgeous wedding this will be. In a couple of hours, while they are saying their vows, the sun will begin to set, and it's going to be magical."
"It sure is. Hanna had this vision and you've made it come to life. Bravo."
Margo laughed, and he thought she was much more of a vision than the scenic one before them.
"I only added flowers. This is Hanna's vision, and it's stunning."
He kissed her temple; he'd have to agree to disagree with that statement. But he was excited for his friend and the beginning of his new life. He'd been through hell with his ex, and he sure deserved this happiness he'd found now.
He was also excited about his business and the changes on the horizon.
He was excited about everything right now.
Margo was meandering around, adding flowers to the large blue pots on either side of the arbor, then she tied a bow around the top. He couldn't believe how this transformed his beach bar.
He stepped back and took pictures of Margo and Carley decorating. He took pictures of the staff setting up for the buffet that would be feeding the wedding guests in a couple of hours. He snapped photos of the tables as they were fresh and clean. He got it all. He'd likely start a photo album of the various events that were held here. In the future, hopefully, there'd be many. He could offer guests some ideas. He watched Margo a moment and grinned.
He pocketed his phone and strode across the beach to where she was now cleaning off the table that held the flower boxes. There was one large box left.
"Do you have room in the cooler for these flowers?"
"Sure. What are those for?"
She chuckled. "These are Hanna and the wedding party's flowers."
"Oh, of course. I'll find a safe place for them."
He hustled to the kitchen with the box of flowers and found a spot high on a shelf for them to rest. As he stepped back outside, the transformation of the beach and what he usually saw as he came out here, was a sharp contrast to the usual.
Margo neared, and he said, "This is stunning. I think Hanna's going to be thrilled."
Margo turned and took in the entire beach as it looked right now. "Thank you. I think it came together beautifully. I didn't pick out the colors, Hanna did, so I only get credit for putting them in place."
He chuckled. "Well, you're doing a good job with it. Even if you're being modest."
He kissed her lips lightly. When he pulled away, he looked into her eyes. His thumbs brushed her cheeks. He swallowed the lump of emotion that formed and smiled softly. "I love you, Margo."
Her eyes rounded. Then they glistened. She stared at him a moment. Her lips quivered. "I love you too, Jace. I was afraid to say it."
"I know what you mean. I was a little afraid myself. But I know in my heart how I feel. And what I feel for you is love. I love you. The time we've spent together has been the best in all my life. I look forward to each day with you. I especially like the nights," he chuckled.
She chuckled and socked him in the arm. "Okay."
He laughed. "I didn't mean I only like the nights. I meant I especially like the nights. You're a seductress. We have such— well, what are they? Seductive nights. The thought of being with you makes me eager to come home. And the nights when I come home, and you're there waiting for me? Oh, man, do I love that. I actually think you should just move in with me so I know that you'll be home with me every night."
She swallowed, but her eyes didn't veer away from his. She whispered. "Wow."
Her arms slid around his waist. "I hadn't— I guess I hadn't thought about that."
"Margo, you'd be perfect in the Governor's Mansion, don't you think?"
She chuckled. "Oh, is that why you want me there? To be a little pretty thing in the Governor's Mansion for you?"
"No. I like you being my playmate. That's a fact. But I really want you there because I enjoy spending time with you. Think about it." He kissed her lips. "Think about moving in with me."
"I will." She took a breath. "Think about it, I mean."
He kissed her lips. Carley called out from the beach, "Come on, you two. We've got work to do."
Jace turned and laughed. "All right, all right, all right."
He kissed Margo's lips once more before sauntering back to the restaurant to bring out more of the burners for the buffet set up.
His phone rang. "Marriott."
There was a hesitation on the end and then a woman's voice. "Hi, this is Krystal Jones. I met with you earlier this week for the server position. Or the bartending position. You said both were available to me if I was interested."
He nodded. "Oh, yes, yes. Hello."
"I'm interested." She hesitated. "I mean, I'd like the job, please. I'm nervous because sometimes I shake. Remember, I mentioned that. It's my PTSD."
He took a breath. "Krystal, I only hire veterans. Also, we all have something we deal with here. My friends and I offer community discussions at our Legion here in Blossom Springs. And my friend, Quinn, is bringing in a counselor once a week to help those who need it. It's our commitment to help others."
"Yes. I remember. It's why...I mean, I'd like to be included."
"I promise you'll be included. When is your first availability?"
She cleared her throat. "I can start next week. Monday or Tuesday."
"Perfect. How about ten o'clock next Monday? And I'll get you set up with a schedule and training."
"Thank you, Mr. Marriott."
He chuckled. "Jace. Call me Jace."
"Okay. I'll see you Monday."
"Thank you, sir."
"I'm just Jace."
"OK. Thank you, Jace."
"I look forward to seeing you on Monday. Have a great weekend."
He hung up the phone. One more thing off his plate. He stepped inside the bar.
"Mason, we have a new bartender and waitress starting on Monday. I'll have Theresa train her on Monday to wait tables and I'll have her with you on Tuesday to learn the bar. Will that work?"
"Yep. It's all good."
Margo poked her head inside. "Carley and I are leaving to shower and change. I'll see you in about an hour."
She kissed his lips, waved to Mason, and left without another word. He watched her walk out the door. His heartbeat kicked up a notch. He took a deep breath and stepped into the kitchen to check on the progress of the meal tonight; then he'd run home and shower and change for the wedding.
J ace saw Margo's SUV pull into the lot as he checked the drink situation in the Tiki Bar. He strode across the beach to greet his lover.
She stepped out of the car, looking gorgeous as always, in a light blue sundress and low-heeled matching sandals. Her long, dark hair flowed down her back.
She wore a blue necklace, a blue bracelet, and she carried a little blue clutch purse. She was a vision.
Carley walked around the passenger side of the car as he neared. She looked beautiful in a yellow dress, similar in fashion accessories with her necklace and her purse. The two sisters were stunning together.
He grinned as he approached them. "You two look fantastic. You're going to show up the bride."
Margo laughed. "My God, I hope not. That's not the intention of today. Let's not start fights here."
He laughed. "No fights. No fights whatsoever."
He kissed her lips. "Well, come this way. You two are seated in the second row right behind Hanna's family."
"That's wonderful. What a great spot. I'll have to thank her."
"Yep, you can do that. She called a few minutes ago to make sure you two were up close after all the work you've done to help out."
"Aww. That's so sweet of her."
He escorted them to their seats holding Margo's hand. They stopped at the second row near the aisle.
Carley stepped in first. Margo sat on the aisle.
He kissed her lips. "I'll see you after the ceremony."
"Sounds good," she whispered back.
He then sauntered back to the bar where Quinn and Sid were waiting for him. Grace stepped out of the ladies' bathroom.
Sid held his arm out to her. "Come on, sweetheart. I'll walk you to your seat."
They exited the room, and Jace turned to Quinn. "Are you excited?"
The smile on Quinn's face was huge. "I'm so excited. Thank you."
"Has Tisha been a problem?"
"Not a peep. Hanna befriended her somewhat, and that has kept her out of our business."
Jace nodded. "I'm happy about that." He took a deep breath. "Are you ready to marry your girl?"
"I'm very ready."
Jace nodded. "Pastor just got here. I see his car outside."
The door opened, and the pastor stepped in. Sid entered from the back door, strode over to him, and shook hands.
Quinn did the same.
Pastor grinned. "All right, gentlemen. Are we ready to go?"
"I'm ready," Quinn said.
The three friends followed the pastor out the back door. Guests had been arriving and were being seated by the ushers. Nearly every seat was filled.
The pastor glanced at Quinn. "You gentlemen, follow me, please."
They followed him to the arbor. Jace stood between Quinn and Sid, but his eyes were locked on Margo. Her eyes were locked on his. He winked at her, and her smile grew.
It affected his heartbeat speed. He hoped that would never end. She was exciting.
The band began playing the processional, and Hanna's friend, Jalyn, slowly walked down the aisle.
When she got to the arbor, she turned to their left and stood facing the aisle.
The band's volume increased, and everyone stood as the Bridal March played. Hanna began floating down the aisle with her father. Her eyes were on Quinn's.
Jace chanced a glance at Quinn and saw he was watching, a happy smile on his face.
Hanna's father stopped before him and shook Quinn's hand. "You be good to her."
"I will."
Her father turned to her and kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you, Hanna."
"I love you too, Daddy."
Her father then sat with Hanna's mother in the front row, and Hanna stepped forward toward Quinn.
The pastor said a prayer and asked them to face each other and say their vows.
Jace watched somewhat, but his eyes were always darting back toward Margo.
Hers were doing the same. He liked that. It made him feel special and loved. She'd watch him as much as their friends joining together.
The pastor said, "You may kiss the bride."
And the crowd clapped.