Carley nodded. "Okay, so now let's get you fed, and then you should take a nap before you have to get ready for your date tonight. And I want you to think about your date tonight and let him admire you and show you what a real man is like because I think he's the real deal, Margo."
Margo wore a white skort and a soft blue sleeveless blouse. She'd curled her hair and played with it in the mirror. Up or down? The temperature would begin to cool in about an hour, but right now, it was still in the high eighties.
"You look gorgeous either way."
Carley entered the bathroom and sat on the little stool against the wall near the window.
"I was worried about the heat. He said casual, but I'm not sure if we'll be inside or outside."
Carley lifted and dropped her right shoulder. "Then wear it up and pull it down when the sun goes down."
Margo gathered her hair together at the nape of her neck and twisted it. She pulled it up and secured it with a pretty clip, letting the waves on the long end fall over the twist in waves.
Margo turned toward Carley and held her hands out to the sides.
Carley grinned. "Perfect."
"Thank you." Margo took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What are you going to do while I'm out?"
"I'm going to take a bath and read a book. Maybe have a glass of wine."
"Okay." Margo swallowed, and Carley leaned forward. "Remember back in the day when you enjoyed life? As in, just living? Waking up excited about what the new day would bring."
"Of course."
"Do you?"
Margo opened her mouth and closed it. Did she? She frowned slightly.
Carley stood and hugged her. Stepping back, she looked into her eyes. "Do that again. Last night, you enjoyed dancing with Jace. The pictures don't lie. Enjoy spending time with a handsome man and enjoy that he treats you special."
"Does he? Treat me special?"
"He held your hand as you walked to the dance area. He told Sierra to buzz off. He looks at you like you're the most beautiful woman on the planet. Enjoy that. And treat him nice, too."
The doorbell rang, and Margo's hands pressed against her belly. Carley shook her head. "Get yourself calmed down, and I’ll let him in."
Margo turned to look at herself one more time. She looked good tonight. The nap sure helped. Her hair looked good, and the gaunt look she'd had while Logan was in the hospital was gone. She looked healthy.
Stepping out to the hallway, she padded toward the front door as she heard Carley and Jace chatting.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you. I'm driving and I have a bottle of water in the truck. Besides, I don't drink much."
"But you make a living selling drinks."
Jace laughed, and the sound was beautiful. Deep, rich, and real. "Ah, yes, it's best not to drink the profits."
Carley laughed. "Good point."
Margo stepped into the room. Jace looked fantastic. Handsome in his grey three-button placket shirt and khaki shorts. His legs were tanned from days in the sun, serving guests. His broad shoulders stretched the soft cotton shirt in the best way. His eyes landed on hers, and her tummy fluttered.
"You look gorgeous as always, Margo."
She was speechless for a moment. "Thank you. You are as handsome as ever."
He grinned. "Looks like we should go out and enjoy it."