Chapter Eight: A New Life Together

April

The arrival of spring and the late Easter season meant there was only two days before Nate would start a new chapter of his life. He and Maggie made finally preparations for the quaint wedding they had been planning since they got engaged a year ago.

Guests flew in from different parts of the country and some even made it the journey from outside. It was a talk of the office and there was always a culprit who had it all set up.

"You aren't a single man, Ford," Sterling said. "And it's my duty as your best man to remind you that you still have two days to celebrate."

"You're in good spirits today, Jim. Are you drunk again?"

"Just seeing a little clearer." Sterling opened the door.

Nate glanced at his watch and looked over at Sterling. "Where is everyone?"

"I forgot to tell you, Ford, there's a board meeting."

Nate stopped and looked at Sterling and he shrugged. "You forgot."

"Had a lot of my mind, had court the last three days to see one of those dirty, rotten, scoundrels drown for stealing. But, look we aren't late so I need to get a report tell them I'm printing out a presentation." Sterling rushed into his office.

Nate shook his head and headed towards the conference room. He stopped short as he entered to find no one there. He glanced around and turned on his heels and headed back into the main part of the office where everyone waited for him to surprise him.

"Congratulations, Ford!" his co-workers shouted.

Sterling walked from behind and Nate looked at him.

"You did this didn't you?" Nate shook his head.

"Oh, Ford, I'm surprised at you, that you would accuse me, your friend."

"We'll see how much longer we'll be friends after this," Nate joked.

Sterling gave a chuckle and glanced at their co-workers. "We have to take a moment of silence as we put to rest Ford's stag days to rest and hand him the shackles of marriage."

"Really, Sterling?"

"Really, Ford." Sterling smirked.

There was toasting and celebrating the soon to be married man. Nate circulated with his co-workers.

By the end of the lack of a work day, Nate and Sterling went to up to the roof to have a drink.

"Maggie and I put down for a house last week," Nate said.

"Good, get out of that slum of an apartment. That's no way to start a marriage in a cramp space." Sterling looked over at Nate.

"It wasn't too bad; you just have to organize it where you have a balance." Nate sipped the Scotch. "How's your new place?"

"Small and just right for a bachelor like me. I don't need a lot of space," Sterling said.

"Well, if you ever have a two am call we have a guest room." Nate smirked.

"No more of those, I promise. I have a new purpose in life; things are going to change drastically for me. I think I need a little more excitement in my life."

Nate sighed and sipped the drink. It kind of sent chills up his spine the way he talked about a new purpose. Something had changed him since he returned back from his last investigation.

"Just don't let it control your life, Jim, you're a good guy not a conniving bastard."

Sterling gave a slight smirk and Nate looked out.

The day of the wedding came quicker. Nate sat outside on a bench and listened to the sounds around. It was calming and gave him a chance to reflect on what new responsibilities he'd have as a dedicate husband. Nothing could be left to chance and now every risk he took in the past couldn't truly happen now that he would be married. He'd have to think of how it would affect Maggie and possibly their children.

"Here," someone presented a drink to him.

Nate glanced up at Sterling and took the silver flask. Sterling took a seat next to the thinking groom.

"Courage in a bottle," Sterling said.

"And a good companion during a hard day's work," Nate remarked.

Sterling chuckled and nodded. "That flask has gotten me through a lot. I got it from an old friend of mine. Someone like myself."

Nate glanced looked at him and smirked a little. "She must have been something to know you need a drink every once in awhile."

Sterling chuckled and shook his head. "She was a pain in my ass and like my sister. Got me out of several tight spots. But she gave me a flask to remind me of the old days."

Nate chuckled and said. "There's been something that's bothered me the last few months about you, Jim."

Sterling looked at him.

"What's that?" Sterling asked.

"You seem very in tune with the married life and yet you're not married. How is it you are in tune with it?"

"I'm not in tune with anything of the sort. I plan to keep my sights on that corner office at work." Sterling smirked. "Big fat promotion and live off the fruit of the land."

"You might have a challenge."

"Oh, I do plan to get what I want." Sterling chuckled.

"I'll split it with you," Nate joked.

"I don't share well." Sterling smirked.

The sound of the church bells broke their conversation and Nate glanced at his watch. He stood up and tossed Sterling his flask.

The two walked to the side door and fixed their appearances.

"Good luck," Sterling said to Nate as he shook his hand.

There was nothing, but celebration for Nate and Maggie. Their guests made sure the bride and groom didn't forget how they were a big part of their lives. And Maggie's father reminded Nate that he didn't want to see his little girl cry. Nate only shook the slight threat off. He would never hurt Maggie and he didn't plan to hurt her.

When they actually got a moment Maggie and Nate sat down to have a small bite to eat before they continued the festivities.

"It's too bad we couldn't find a date for Jim," Maggie remarked.

"I think he's just fine, Maggie, no sense in knocking down a wall that he keeps rebuilding anyway." Nate looked at her as he took her hands into his.
Maggie smiled and kissed Nate. "I'm just concerned that's all. He's our friend, Nate. And if it weren't for Lane's father being a crook I think they would have hit it off."

"Maggie," Nate sighed.

She turned and kissed Nate on his cheek. "Don't worry I'm not going to trying anything. I promise."

Nate kissed her and stood up and grabbed her hands.

"How about a dance?" Nate asked as he helped her stand.

Maggie smiled and followed him onto the dance floor while other guests joined the bride and groom.

After several hours of celebrating, Maggie and Nate were given the best send off to start their lives together.