“I do,” I say hurriedly, worried he might add further embellishment.
“Trixie, Patricia…” he leans in, placing his lips by her ear. “What the fuck do I call you?”
I don’t want the last name of her fucking dead husband to cross her lips – she doesn’t deserve the reminder, not on this special day – and neither does she apparently. “We can go with just Trixie.”
He shrugs. Well, he won’t be signing any official documents today. We get her name legally changed on Monday. “Trix…”
“I do,” she says fast.
Words rolls his eyes. Then, he states in a serious tone, “Freak, Trixie, I now assure you that memories of your single days will live long in our hearts. I now join you together forever as...”
Ace jumps in before he can finish. “They’re married!” he shouts. “Dad and Mom, husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Levi Moore.”
I don’t even get to kiss my bride first, as my son gets in before me, flinging his arms around her and holding her tight.
And you know what? I don’t even care. I’ll get my chance later. And right now, I have a bone to pick with someone. The someone who’s backing away from me with his hands held up in supplication.
“Now, Freak, you don’t want to ruin this pretty face, do you? It would be bad for business.” He takes another step back as I advance. “I did warn you I was more used to conducting funerals.”
He takes another step back, and then his speed starts to increase. But I’m faster. My hand shoots out, but instead of punching him, I use it to grab hold of his and pull him in close. Then I slap the back of his cut and tell him, “Words, I wouldn’t have had it any other fuckin’ way.” I pause, then add, “And personally? I still think you were a step up from Smooth.”
Hours later, the Kings are still partying, well, those still upright that is. I glance over to where my son’s dancing with the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen. As I’m watching them, a lazy smile adorning my face, I feel a presence beside me.
“You’ve done good, son.” I think that must be the first actual praise I’ve heard come from my ma’s mouth.
In an unusual display of affection, I put my arm around her, and she hugs me back. “Never saw this day coming, but you chose a good one for both you and Ace.”
I glance over toward my son and wife again. They’re clutching at each other and laughing.
“She’s the best, Ma.” The absolute best.
The moment is broken when Rat comes stomping toward me. Losing his footing, he stumbles, pushing me and Ma apart.
“What the actual fuck?” I growl.
He doesn’t apologise, just tosses an excuse at me. “There’s trouble at Royals. That fuckin’ new girl.”
“Silky?”
“Nah, the other one. Her useless sister. I’ve got to go and sort her out.”
I watch him leave. At least problems at the strip club aren’t on my shoulders tonight. Nevertheless, I idly wonder what’s upwith Ames. That is, until my wife comes to join me, and I realise there are far better things to have on my mind.
That dress for a start, and how quickly I can get her out of it.
It’s hours later, and the grills have burned down. Copious bottles and empty cans are strewn about. Dum, Dee, and Knight are walking around despondently, filling black garbage bags with the litter. They’ve already done the circuit a couple of times.
Most of the evening, I’ve been content just watching Trixie enjoying herself, proud as fuck of how well she fits in as an old lady. I even saw her deep in conversation with Big Daddy’s Gwynee. They seemed to be getting on like a house on fire, going by all the laughter. Can’t hurt our chapter none. I’d seen Big Daddy smiling at them.
She’s taken time to speak to most of the brothers, out-of-towners as well as homegrown. She’s drunk with them, laughed with them, guided them to more food. She’s even danced with some of them – and while I watched carefully in case of roving hands, I was content just to look on. She’s mine, and I’m the one she’ll come home to at the end of the night. And every night. Forever.
Trixie’s approaching me now, favouring her sore ankle, having pushed it to the limits over the last few hours. Maybe dancing so much wasn’t such a great idea, but I’m not going to berate her. This day won’t come around again.
I place my arm around her as she leans into my side.
“Today was supposed to be all about Ace,” she gently reprimands.
“You mind?” I ask, placing my lips to the top of her head.
