A/N: Thanks as always for reading, reviewing and following! I appreciate it. I know it's Sunday in most places (like where I am), but it's still Saturday in some places. That should count for me not being late, right? Anyway, it's time for Erica and Jack's wedding. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Since it was the 4th of July, Erica and Vera had chosen a specific color scheme of red, white, and blue for the wedding party. The Tasker-Montgomery family had been assigned the color of royal blue for the day. Royal blue was chosen instead of navy blue because it had more pop to it. The Slater family wore a vibrant red, and the Lavery family wore an off-white.
"Would you all mind turning around?" Greenlee asked the trio of Kane women. When they were positioned with Kendall and Bianca flanking Erica, she took a picture of the mother and daughters. Greenlee viewed the photograph and was very pleased with the results. "Now, one with all three generations of Kane women."
Miranda's and Gabby's dresses matched Bianca's perfectly just as AJ's and Danny's bowtie's matched Marissa's. The girls took their place in front of their mother. Kendall took Lexie from Opal before taking her place again next to Erica. Lexie's dress matched her mother's perfectly as well as the bowties Zach, Spike and Ian wore.
Having the three generations of Kane women assembled reminded the older Kane women of a similar photo taken many years ago with Mona. Greenlee viewed her work and smiled. She was even more pleased with these results. "Perfect." A professional photographer, who was currently in Jack's suite taking photos, would be by shortly to take countless photographs of Erica and her side of the wedding party, but the ones Greenlee took had a more intimate feel to them and would definitely be cherished.
"Thank you. Now, it's time for you and Emma to join us, Greenlee." Erica stated in a tone that said refusing the request was not an option. "You are family after all."
Greenlee had to admit she was shocked as well as very touched. This was yet another sign of how far she and Erica had come in their relationship. She nodded and handed the camera to Opal before she and Emma stood next to Kendall. Like the others, Greenlee's and Emma's dresses matched along with the bowtie Ryan wore.
"Oh my word! We have a roomful of beauties! Everyone smile and say fireworks!"
Everyone smiled brightly, and all, with the exception of Erica naturally, did as Opal asked and repeated the word. "Fireworks!"
"Well, that is pretty darn good if I do say so myself!" Opal grinned as she admired her handiwork.
A knock on the door interrupted them, and Bianca walked over to see who it was. She saw the photographers that she and Marissa had used for their wedding, and let them in. Erica and Jack had contracted them to do their wedding. "Hi, it's good to see you again."
"Good to see you too. Are you ready for us?" Brenda asked.
Erica greeted the photographers. "Yes, we are. Have you finished with Jack and the others?"
"I have to say that you look beautiful, Ms. Kane."
"Thank you."
"And getting back to your question, yes, we're done with them. We've got some great shots. Oh, Marissa wanted me to tell you that the boys are behaving themselves, all of them. Though, she thinks the younger ones are being better than the older ones, but she's got it under control."
Bianca laughed. "I'm sure, and I knew she could do it."
Taking her camera from her assistant, Brenda looked at the women. "Shall we get started?"
/
After passing through security, guests began to arrive and were escorted to the private room where the ceremony would take place. It provided an intimate setting and offered a spectacular view of the harbor. Once Erica and Jack were assured that Gabby and Greenlee were going to be alright and their families encouraged them to go forward with the wedding, they revisited the guest list and pared it down. There were certain people they wanted there. Tad was near the top of the list. He and Erica had a special relationship dating back to when his sister Jenny was alive and had embarked on a very promising modeling career. Joe and Ruth Martin were invited as well even though they were the diva's former in-laws. The three of them had been through a lot together over the years and held a special place in the other's hearts. Angie and Jesse were there too along with just a handful of others that Erica and Jack had known for years.
The newest acquaintances who had quickly become good friends were Jessica and Jo Shelton. Erica had hit it off with them, especially Jessica, from the moment they met, and whenever the diva was in New York, she made a point of seeing Jessica. Jo flew in for the wedding that morning and would be staying with Bianca and Marissa for the rest of the weekend. Gabby had another week before she would be returning to day camp so Jessica volunteered to stay and help watch Gabby and Danny before returning home. This also gave her a chance to spend some more time with Caleb who was her date for the wedding. As for the wedding ceremony, Jessica and Jo would be watching Danny for Bianca and Marissa.
Maura and Rafaela rounded out the guest list, and even though they were last minute invitees, they were definitely welcomed guests. Rafaela beamed when she saw her girlfriend again. Granted it had only been a couple of hours since she had seen her, but she had missed her. They had planned to spend the entire day together, but there had been a slight change in plans when Erica invited them to the wedding. Maura had had to rush home to change, and Rafaela had found herself missing her girlfriend immensely. While it was true they had only been dating for a short period of time, both women knew they were head-over-heels for the other. There was one step that still needed to be taken with them, going public with their relationship. It wasn't as if they were hiding it, but they were keeping it low-key. For all intents and purposes, both were private individuals when it came to their personal lives and relationships. This was especially true for Rafaela. Her previous relationships had been splashed on the fronts of tabloids and throughout social media worldwide which was not always the best for a relationship. When she thought back on it, Rafaela had realized early on that what she had with Maura was special and meant more to her than any of the others, and this made her fiercely protective of both her girlfriend and their relationship. Being together in Pine Valley afforded them the opportunity to maintain their privacy and enjoy their time together. Although, that could change soon. There had been sightings of reporters sniffing around hoping for the scoop on the model's latest flame. For now though, the couple was focused on getting to know each other better and growing their relationship into something they thought could last.
"You look absolutely beautiful." Rafaela wrapped her arms around the doctor's waist.
"When you look at me that way, Ela, I can't help but feel it. I have to say you are stunning. I can't help but wonder if Erica will regret inviting you."
"Why is that?"
"Because I'm thinking you may outshine her today, and you're not supposed to do that to the bride."
Rafaela laughed. "I am thinking you have been hanging out with Marissa too much. She is rubbing off on you. You flatter me like she does Bianca."
Maura loved her girlfriend's laugh. The doctor leaned in for a quick kiss. "I'm not taking it back because it's true. Ah, I see Jo is here."
"Let's join her. Otherwise, I may take you back up to my room, and if I do that, we will miss the wedding and reception."
"That's very tempting, but you're right. Erica did invite us."
They shared one more kiss before making their way over to where the other guests were gathered.
/
"Jo, it's good to see you again." Maura said as she greeted the other doctor.
"Hi, Maura. Hello, Rafaela. It's good to see you both. I wasn't sure who all I would know here today."
"We were fortunate enough to have Erica invite us at the last minute, and it is good to see a friendly face." Rafaela added. "Is Greg here?"
"He couldn't make it unfortunately."
"Where's Jessica?" Maura asked.
"Ah, she's over there with Caleb." Jo pointed out her mother across the room laughing with her date.
"I have to say that they are cute."
"They really are. I can't tell you how much it means to me to see her so happy."
At that moment, Jessica glanced across the room and saw the others. She smiled and whispered something to Caleb before walking over to them.
Jessica hugged her daughter tightly. She'd missed her even though they talked every night. "Jo, I've missed you. I have to say that you look beautiful as always."
"Thanks, Mom. I've missed you too. Talk about beautiful. You're beaming, and that dress is something else. I can tell Caleb likes it."
The older woman blushed. "So he said. Ladies, it's good to see both of you. You look almost as beautiful as my baby girl."
Jo rolled her eyes while Rafaela and Maura laughed with the proud mother.
"Thank you. Jo is right. You look lovely." Rafaela noted.
Maura nodded. "And she's also right about Caleb appreciating you in that dress."
"Marissa took me shopping a few days ago and said we had to find something to make his jaw drop."
"I'd say you succeeded."
"Excuse me, Dr. Shelton?"
Jo turned to find Erica's assistant. "Hi, Natalie. I've told you to call me Jo."
Natalie smiled. "Sorry, Jo. Marissa was hoping you could come take Danny. The ceremony will be starting in a few minutes."
"Oh, of course. I'll be right there. Save me a seat, Mom."
/
"Lookin' good, Thaddeus."
Tad straightened his tie and grinned. "Why thank you, Chief Hubbard. You're not looking half bad yourself. Of course, Angie has us both beat. You look fabulous, Dr. Hubbard."
"I can't argue with you on that. I am one lucky man and don't know what I did to deserve her." Jesse gave his wife a quick kiss.
"Yeah, that makes two of us." Tad smirked.
Angie chuckled. The two men may be older, but they still acted like the teenagers they were when they became friends. "Thank you, Tad. No date?"
"She had to work, but I'll see her later."
"So, what's Opal doing in the ceremony?" Jesse asked.
"Ah, you have to wait with everybody else to find that out."
"Meaning you don't know either?" Angie guessed.
"Smart and beautiful. You really don't deserve her, Jesse. I just know that I have to escort her before the wedding party."
"Mr. Martin?"
"Natalie, hello."
"It's time."
"Alright, see the two of you soon."
/
Jo found her friend standing outside a smaller room off to the side of where the wedding would take place. She assumed the men were inside there.
"Hey, Jo."
"Wow. Marissa, you look fantastic. Who knew a tux could look that good?! Has Bianca seen you?"
"Thank you. You're looking pretty good yourself, Doc. Yes, she has seen me and really likes it." Marissa grinned.
"I bet she does." Jo turned her attention to the tiny redhead in her friend's arms. "Hi, Danny. My, aren't you handsome! Oh, you are going to be a heartbreaker."
"Yes, he is. I really appreciate you watching him for us."
"It's not a problem. You and Bianca are going to be a little busy. Besides, you know I love spending time with this little guy. Who's watching Lexie?"
"Kendall has her sitter watching her, and she is great with Lexie. Okay. I better get back in there with the boys. Let's see. Danny has been fed and changed so he should be all set." Marissa kissed her son. "Be good for Aunt Jo. I love you."
Jo took Danny and waved one of his hands at Marissa. "I love you too, Mama. See you soon."
/
AJ and Spike did a great job of escorting guests to their seats and charming them along the way. With each compliment they received, the boys' confidence grew, and they puffed out their chests proudly. When the last guests were seated, AJ and Spike took their own seats.
"Who are they?" Rafaela whispered to her girlfriend as an older woman was escorted down the aisle by a man with salt and pepper hair. Both looked familiar to her, but she couldn't quite place them.
"That's Opal Cortlandt."
"Oh, I've seen her at Krystal's."
"Yes, and that is her son Tad Martin."
"I thought he was Ruth and Joe Martin's son?" Rafaela was clearly confused. She had met the Martins at a hospital function Maura had taken her to, and she remembered that's where she had met Tad.
"He's their adopted son. It's a long and complicated story from what I've heard, and I don't know all of the particulars."
"I understand. Opal is close with Erica?"
"Oh yes, she is. I know that it seems like an odd pairing, but the two adore each other. From what I hear, there's nothing they wouldn't do for each other."
"That's nice to have someone like that." Rafaela gazed at her girlfriend.
Maura smiled and whispered back. "Yes, it is."
/
When Opal was in position, Jack walked in and stood next to her. The music changed, and the wedding party started down the aisle. Marissa held her arm out, and Bianca happily took it. Both women were beaming and separated at the end of the aisle with Marissa going to the right and Bianca to the left. Greenlee and Ryan followed them next. Finally, Kendall and Zach walked down the aisle and followed the others' examples. When the adults were in position, Miranda walked down. She was a little nervous doing this on her own, but when she glanced at her mothers, they both winked telling her she was doing just fine. Miranda sighed in relief when she got to the end of the aisle and took her place next to Bianca. Gabby, Emma and Ian were next, and just like with Miranda, the guests oohed and awwed. The kids smiled knowing they were done with the hard part and could relax a little now.
The music changed again, and the guests took that as their cue to stand and turn. Now, everyone knew that Erica was a beautiful woman, but on that day, to a person, they would tell you that they had never seen her more beautiful. She was radiant, and as the guests turned to face the wedding party as she walked by, they couldn't help but chuckle at Jack's love-struck expression. From the moment she entered the room, his eyes never left her. He was spellbound. When she reached the end of the aisle, Erica took Jack's arm.
"You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you, dear."
It was then that several of the guests sitting by Tad looked his way as they took their seats.
"Is Opal going to do what I think she's going to do?" Angie asked.
Jesse followed his wife's question up with one of his own. "I want to know if it's legal. I mean, this isn't going to give them some kind of loophole to get out of it, is it?"
Tad shook his head. He'd only found what Opal was going to do right before he escorted her down the aisle. "Yes, she's going to perform the ceremony, and yes, it's all perfectly legal. She went online and was ordained a minister a couple of weeks ago by the 'Eternal Love Ministry'. That's what I was checking on my cellphone after I took her up. It's all legit."
"Well, I'll be …"
Opal cleared her throat which got everyone's attention. "Welcome everyone! Today, we are here to witness the uniting of this dashing and oh so smart man to this stunning and equally smart icon of a woman, who just also happens to be my best gal pal, in marriage. Alright, let's just get this part out of the way first, and if you know what's good for you, you won't say a peep. If there is anyone here who knows why these two perfectly matched people should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." Opal glared around the room while only waiting a breath before continuing. "That's what I thought."
Those in the wedding party did their best not to burst out laughing.
Opal turned back to the couple and smiled. "This day has been a long time coming, and I can't tell you how happy I am to be a part of it." She looked at the guests again. "And before all of you get yourselves in a tizzy, yes, this is legal. With the number of lawyers here, did you really think it wouldn't be? So if any of you need my services, you know where to reach me. Anyway, back to these two. They have loved each other a long time and really do belong together. They balance each other out and make each other happier than anyone else could, and happiness is something they both deserve. Like I said before, Erica is my best gal pal so I think I know her better than most of you. What I can tell you about her is that she loves with her whole heart, and that she is a lot more like her mother than she likes to think. Mona would be so proud of you and of who you've become. Your mother loved you more than anything, and that is the kind of love I see you have for your daughters and their families."
Erica discreetly wiped away a tear as did Kendall and Bianca. They knew what Opal said was true. Yes, they had their fights, but they did not doubt their love for each other now.
"Now, on to the main event because I know you all don't want me going on and on all day about how great I think these two are, even though I could."
Everyone chuckled and knew it was true. Opal was rarely short on words.
"Jack, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her in good times and bad until death do you part?"
"I most certainly do." Jack smiled.
"Erica, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him in good times and bad until death do you part?"
Returning Jack's smile, Erica nodded. "Yes, I do."
"Could I have the rings?"
Zach untied the rings that had been fastened securely to the pillow Ian carried in and handed them to Opal. She, in turn, handed one to Jack.
"Place this ring on Erica's finger and repeat after me please. With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow."
Jack slid the ring on Erica's finger and repeated Opal's words. "With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow."
Opal then handed the other ring to Erica. "Place this ring on Jack's finger and repeat after me please. With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow."
Erica handed her bouquet to Kendall and turned back to Jack, sliding the ring on his finger. "With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow."
"By the power vested in me by the Eternal Love Ministry, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Jack, you may kiss your bride!"
"I don't have to be told twice!" Jack grinned and kissed Erica dipping her low as everyone cheered.
The wedding party marched back down the aisle before the guests were dismissed. Jack and Erica hugged their family when they were all finally alone.
"Congratulations, Mom! I'm so happy for you and Uncle Jack."
"Thank you, Bianca." Erica turned to glance at Jack who was laughing with Kendall. The diva had to admit that she was truly and finally happy. Jack understood her more than anyone else ever had, and while he put up with quite a lot from her, he didn't let her get away with everything. Some thought he lacked spine or backbone, but Erica knew better. "This time, this time we have it right."
"I think you're right."
"Alright, if I could just get everyone's attention, we'll get started on the pictures, and then, you all can get to the reception."
Kendall and Marissa quickly ducked out of the room to retrieve Lexie and Danny so they could be in the photographs as well. Those were taken first to avoid fussy babies. Jo and Lexie's babysitter Donna were on hand to take the youngest family members back so focus could be back on the other members on the wedding party.
/
"If I could have everyone's attention." The DJ cut into the music he'd been playing. "Thank you. It is my pleasure to welcome our lovely bride and groom and their wedding party."
The guests cheered loudly as Erica and Jack made their entrance followed by their family. Soon, the wedding party found their way to their designated tables where the bride and bridesmaids deposited their bouquets before making a quick round of the room. Bianca's first stop was Jo, Jessica and Caleb.
Jo handed Danny, who was reaching for his brunette mother, over to Bianca. "I don't think I told you before, but you look beautiful, Bianca."
"Thank you and so do you. I'm really glad you made it in time, and thanks again for watching him for us during the ceremony."
"It was my pleasure. He was good as gold, and really excited to see his Mama and Mommy looking so pretty when they walked down the aisle."
Bianca tickled her son. "Is that true, Danny?" The tiny redhead giggled in reply and reached out to play with the necklace his mother was wearing. "Jessica, you look amazing."
"Oh please, I do not."
"I have to agree with Bianca. You are stunning." Caleb said as he kissed Jessica on the cheek causing her to blush.
Jo glanced at Bianca, and both smiled brightly at the couple. The doctor was thrilled to see her mother so happy because she truly deserved it.
/
"Marissa, I have to say that you good in that tux." Maura said as she greeted the lawyer.
"Thanks. I have to say that I wasn't too sure about wearing a tux when Erica told me about it at first, but I gotta say that I love it."
Rafaela was studying the outfit with a discerning eye. "I love everything about this. I think I will have to talk to Greenlee and Kendall about me wearing one for the upcoming Fusion campaign."
Maura grinned at the image forming in her mind of her girlfriend dressed in a tux. "Oh, I love that idea. Instead of royal blue, it should be emerald green."
"You think?"
"Oh, I know."
Marissa laughed at the two. "On that note, I think I'll leave the two of you to discuss that and go find my wife."
/
Soon, everyone settled down to enjoy dinner. Throughout the meal, someone would clink their glass signaling the newly married couple to kiss. The request was one they happily complied with. Once dinner was over, the wedding party circulated amongst the guests again for a little while before it was time for the first dance. Erica and Jack glided across the dance floor with eyes only for each other. They were soon joined by the adults in the wedding party. When the music changed, so did the partners. Jack and Greenlee took a turn around the floor as did Erica and Zach. Marissa then grabbed AJ and pulled him out onto the floor to dance with her. He shyly complied with his redheaded mother's request before warming up and then having a good time dancing with her. Bianca and Miranda smiled as they danced together. Greenlee finished her dance with Jack, and whispered to Bianca when she was headed towards Miranda. Bianca smiled and nodded giving her permission. Greenlee then asked Gabby if she would join her on the floor. Gabby beamed and was thrilled to dance with Aunt G. Ryan and Emma danced together while Kendall danced with Spike. Ian was too preoccupied to dance at that moment, but Kendall would get him later.
The guests were then invited to join the wedding party which they did happily. Marissa joined Jo off to the side of the dance floor and rocked Danny back and forth as they watched Caleb and Jessica dance.
"I don't know that I've ever seen Mom smile so much, Marissa. He really makes her happy."
"I think you're right. They've gotten pretty serious, haven't they?"
"Yeah, they have. I can tell something is holding her back though."
"What?"
"Me. I think she'd like to move here to be closer to him and give their relationship a real go of it, but …"
"But she doesn't want to leave you."
"No, she doesn't. We're all we've had for a long time, and Mom has given up so much for me over the years. I don't want her to give up this chance of being happy."
Marissa glanced at her friend. She recognized that look. "You have something you're working on, don't you?"
Jo chuckled. "You know me too well. Yeah, I do. Mom doesn't know about any of this so you need to keep it between us for now. Okay, you can tell Bianca because I know she won't say anything."
"You have my word."
"Greg and I have gotten very serious, as you know. Well, he's not happy at NYU. There are a lot of things going in his department that he really doesn't like so he started putting feelers out. I suggested he try PVU, and he has an interview with them in a couple of weeks."
"I'm finally going to meet him, like face to face?"
Jo rolled her eyes. Both her friend and boyfriend had been wanting to meet each other, but their schedules just hadn't worked out. "Yes, you are. He said to tell you that he will call you next week to set something up."
Marissa grinned. "Awesome! I can't wait to meet him, and get to know him better."
"I know that look. Don't grill him too much please. I beg you."
"Relax. I won't be too hard on him. I promise." Marissa laughed. "Alright, that's Greg. What about you?"
"There is an opening at Pine Valley Hospital in the psychology department, and I've been talking to Dr. Martin."
"Yeah?"
"Yep. What do you think?"
"I'm being completely selfish when I say that I think it would be amazing to have all of you in Pine Valley. My question to you is would you be happy here? You talked about your Mom and Greg being happy, but what about you?"
Jo thought for a moment. "I think I would. It's not like I don't know anyone here. I do have you and your wonderful and crazy family, and I've made a few friends while visiting you."
"So, that takes care of the personal side. What about the professional? You've worked hard to get where you are."
"I have. I honestly think this could be a good opportunity for me though. You know that I've felt a little restless for a while, and there hasn't been many chances for me to move up. Talking with Dr. Martin, I definitely see that chance. So, if it's alright with you and Bianca, I was hoping to stay a couple of days and meet with him and some of the board members."
"Of course it's okay with us. We'd love to have you. Do you have a cover story for Jessica?"
"I do. I'm just taking a couple of days off and spending it with my favorite family." Jo smiled at her friend.
"Okay then. When are you going to tell her the truth?"
"After I meet with them at the hospital and Greg has his meetings. We'll both have a better idea if we really want to do this. I'll sit with Mom and talk it all out."
"Well, you know you have my support no matter what you choose. Would I like to have you here? Hell yeah. You have to be happy though. That's the most important thing to me. Yes, Jessica deserves to be happy, but so do you, Jo."
"Thank you." Jo released a shaky breath and rested her head against Marissa's. "I'm so glad we're in each other's lives again."
"Me too. Me too."
/
It was soon time to cut the cake. When Tad began to egg Jack on about smashing it in Erica's face, the diva raised an eyebrow and glared at him. Jack simply shook his head. He was no fool, and there was not a chance in hell he was going to do what Tad was asking him to. The cake was shared between the couple ever so gracefully before it was removed to be cut for everyone to share. Next, the single women were asked to gather together. Once assembled, Erica tossed her bouquet over her shoulder, and it landed right in Jessica's hands. She hadn't wanted to go up, but Jo, Marissa and Bianca encouraged her. Jessica blushed as the others clapped.
The music started up again, and guests flocked back to the dance floor. Gabby was taking it easy so she didn't rush out with the others. The little girl found she still tired easily, and it had been a big day so far for her. Bianca and Marissa kept an eye on her to make sure she wasn't overdoing it. They knew Erica had something special planned for later and didn't want their daughter to miss it. The couple had also planned something special with Greenlee involving her.
"Do you mind if I sit with you, Gabby?"
"Hi, Aunt G. No, that'd be great."
"Are you having fun?"
"Uh huh. Are you?"
Greenlee laughed. "Yeah, I am. Do you know what I think would make it even better?"
Gabby shook her head. "No. What?"
"An ice cream sundae."
That definitely got the girl's attention. "Yeah, that'd be good."
"What do you say then, wanna have one with me? I still owe you one."
"Can we?"
"Yep. I talked with your Moms, and they cleared it with Erica." Greenlee smiled and waved over a server.
"Who would like the chocolate chip cookie sundae?" The server asked.
Gabby's eyes grew wide. "Do you want it Aunt G?"
Greenlee laughed. It was clear how much the girl wanted it, and it had been ordered special for her since it was her favorite. She was willing to give it up though. Gabby really was like Bianca. "No, why don't you take that one? I'll take the hot fudge sundae."
"Okay!"
The server placed the frozen confection in front of the girl.
"Dig in, Gabby."
She didn't have to be told twice and beamed while she ate and talked with Greenlee.
/
"Could I please have everyone's attention?"
The guests turned their focus to Erica as requested. Jack was standing next to her, the smile never leaving his face all day long.
"Thank you. First of all, Jack and I would like to thank all of you for joining us and making this day special. We're so happy that all of you could be here. There will be a larger celebration once we return from our honeymoon, and we hope you can join us again at that time. And before you ask, no, Tad, we're not telling you where we're going."
"You're no fun, Erica."
"Trust me, Tad, she's fun. We just want a prank-free honeymoon." Jack added.
Erica smiled. "Precisely. We would like to thank Opal for presiding over our ceremony."
"That would be Reverend Opal, thank you very much." Opal smiled proudly. "I am available if anyone else needs a minister."
Tad shivered. "God help us."
"Thank you again, Opal. You definitely helped make this day special, and it wouldn't be complete without you. Finally, Jack and I would like to thank our families. We wouldn't be here without you. Having all of you be here with us and being part of this means so much to us. Thank you. We love you very much." Erica took a breath. "Now, seeing as it is the 4th of July, what would this day be without fireworks? If all of you would join us out on patio, a fireworks show will be starting shortly."
/
Jack had worked on the arrangements to have a small barge on the water for the fireworks to be fired from. This allowed the guests at the Yacht Club and Pine Valley residents in general to enjoy the show along with them.
The kids were all lined up in their chairs in the special viewing area set up for them. Jo was standing nearby holding Danny. She really loved her role as aunt and had insisted on holding him. His mothers relented knowing it was easier to do so. They weren't sure how he would react to the fireworks though so they were ready to take him inside if they needed to.
Before coming outside, Marissa had removed her jacket and loosened her bowtie. The redhead smiled as two arms encircled her from behind. She leaned back into the embrace and sighed. "Hey."
Bianca rested her chin on her wife's shoulder and smiled. The brunette had removed her heels so they were now closer in height. "Hey. It's been a good day, hasn't it?"
"Almost as good as our wedding day."
"Almost. I have to say that I really like this look, Counselor. It's very sexy." Bianca purred in her wife's ear.
Marissa grinned. "I'll keep that in mind. You up for some fireworks of our own after this show?"
"Definitely."