The older man continued, “We passed this business down to our boys, and they carried it the best way they knew how. But you, you built an empire. And now you givin’ your boys better options, choices, a life where they ain’t gotta repeat what we did.”
The room quieted. Even the kids paused you could feel something big was bein’ said.
“I respect the hell out of you for that, son.”
Seth’s jaw flexed. He wasn’t emotional in public, but I felt him swallow hard behind me.
“Here’s to retirement,” the man said, lifting his glass. “I hope this next chapter brings you every bit of love and happiness you’ve earned. And do me a favor… talk some sense into my boys. Help ’em settle down, get married, start a damn family already.”
The crowd laughed and raised their glasses.
Everyone drank, Seth included. And I watched him, proud and emotional, because hearing another man call him a curse breaker hit different. It was exactly who he’d become. Exactly who he was choosing to be.
Rich stepped up next, never one to miss a chance to grab a mic.
“Man, listen… we been down since the sandbox,” Rich started, shaking his head with a grin. “Same hood, same drama, same beatdowns. You my brother for life. We built this empire side by side, expanded business, grew our bank accounts and now… Now we get to watch your boys enjoy the fruit of all that work.”
Seth lowered his head, smiling, rubbing my waist slow with his thumb.
Rich’s voice softened. “You gave me something I never had growing up… and that’s a family. I’m thankful forever.”
He lifted his glass high. “To my brother Seth Greene.”
Everyone took a shot, the staff already sliding through the crowd filling cups and passing out another round.
Before the room could settle, Southside stepped up, smirking always had something slick planned.
“My brother,” he said, nodding at Seth. “The one who’s just one call away. Always there, always solid. I don’t respect a lot of niggas in these streets… but you” He tapped his chest. “You, my nigga. I respect you.”
The crowd hummed, agreeing.
“The kingpin. The husband. The father. The son. You play a lot of roles, and you play every one of ’em well, my nigga.” He raised his glass. “To Seth.”
And everyone again took another shot.
Seth held onto me tighter, his chest rising slow absorbing every word, every ounce of love his brothers were pouring into him. And I could see it in his eyes he needed this more than anyone realized.
“To my son,” his mom said, stepping forward with her little cup of apple juice. “You’re exactly the man I raised you to be. A provider. A protector. A leader in every area of your life.” She paused, her eyes soft on Seth. “I know this next chapter gon’ be great for you. Just let God lead the way, baby.”
She took a sip, and Jo lifted her juice cup right along with her.
Jo cleared her throat, already getting emotional. “Son-in-law, I knew it would be you.” She looked between me and Seth, her lips trembling. “I knew you’d make her happy. I appreciate everything you’ve done for her. I know she’s in the best handsnow and she can rest.” Her voice broke; she let out a shaky breath. “I thank you for that.”
Seth reached out and squeezed Jo’s shoulder, and I felt myself getting emotional too, my heart swelling at seeing the two most important women in my life honoring the man I loved.
Jo wiped her tears and laughed lightly. “Lord, look at me cryin’ at this party.”
Serena elbowed her gently. “Girl, hush. Let the tears fall. It’s a celebration.”
And for a moment, the whole room held nothing but love.
“Family, Love, Loyalty, Respect!” a few of Seth’s partners shouted in unison, lifting their glasses high like they were blessing the whole room.
“Our brother for life!” Iva and Dee yelled from the back, their voices loud enough to shake the walls.
The crowd cheered again, clinking glasses, taking another round of shots.
I stood quietly beside Seth, letting everybody else speak first. Letting every man and woman in that room give him the flowers he’d earned.
