“It’ll get better. Rest and keep letting Gio love on you.” Jack went quiet for a heartbeat. “So, who’s going to be your best man?”
Joker stopped and turned to him. “Really? Did you really just ask me that? I should have Chip bury you in the sand for asking such a dumbass question.”
“How can I be your best man if I’m buried up to my neck in sand?”
Joker shrugged as he started walking again. “We’ll just have the wedding around you. The altar can be next to your head.”
Jack laughed. “There’s always Ace.”
“That would mean he’d be the one planning my bachelor party, and almost dying once is enough.”
Jack glared at him, and Joker smiled.
“Too soon?”
An evil smile came onto Jack’s face.
“What? What’s that face for?” Joker asked, bracing himself.
“Just remembering that the Boyfriend Collective is active and waiting to smother you with their love.”
“Fuuuuuuck.”
“Plus,” Jack added, looking too smug for his own good. “You still have to talk to Ace.”
“Again, I sayfuuuuuuck.” Another heart-to-heart. Joker sighed. A couple of nights ago, Gio had filled him in on how Ace had ended up in a cast.
“I never thought he’d be the one to get triggered,” Jack murmured.
“Really? Mister Anston Sunshine-and-rainbows-nothing-ever-gets-to-me Sharpe?” Joker wasn’t surprised. He’d known Ace for a long time. He could see through the jokes and antics. Lucky might be the most dramatic of all of them, but Ace was the most emotional. He’d just become an expert at hiding behind his smile. “I’ll talk to him.”
Joker wasn’t oblivious. He knew the pain he’d put his brothers through, and he wasn’t the least bit surprised it had opened up old wounds. Hell, it had opened up some of his own. But they were all in very different places now and better equipped to handle setbacks. They also had each other and the rest of their family. Ace would have what he needed. Joker would make sure of it.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Joker openedthe sliding glass doors and stepped inside, Jack right behind him. Four wagging tails rushed up to them, and after getting some pets, the pups ran off to keep playing. All conversation stopped, and Joker let out a sigh.
“Wow. Nice job being subtle. Oh, wait.”
Fitz worried his bottom lip, relief coming into his face when Jack smiled, breaking the tension and silence.
“Congratulations!” Ace threw his arm up, and another handful of dog treats rained down.
“Dude, seriously,” Joker said, shaking his head. “Where are those coming from?” Was he walking around with pockets filled with treats or something? Weirdo.
“Not important. Find it,” Ace replied, smiling as the dogs ran over excitedly and gobbled up the treats. “You’re getting married!”
“Yeah, we established that,” Joker grumbled, rolling his eyes when Ace held out his arms. “Fine.” He might as well. There was no escaping it.
Ace hurried over and gently hugged him. Before Ace could pull away, Joker squeezed his arm and leaned in. “We need to talk.”
“Sure,” Ace replied quietly. “Maybe just not tonight, okay? You’re home, and safe, and it’s your engagement night. Besides, we’re working through it.”
Joker sighed. “Anston?—”
“I know. I promise we’ll talk.”
“Fine.”
