I checked the rearview mirror, making sure no one had followed us from the airport before answering."Well, little man, today is a special mission.Your mom and I are going to have a ceremony, and you get to be part of it."
"Like a superhero initiation?"
I glanced at Ophelia, unsure how much she'd explained.She gave me a small nod, permission to continue.
"Yeah, kid.Your mom and I are going to get married.That means we become a team, officially.And you'll be our special helper."
His eyes widened."Like when Aunt May and Happy almost got married in Spider-Man?"
I had no idea what he was talking about, but I nodded anyway."Sure, exactly like that."
"Do I get a special job?"
"The most important one," I assured him."You're going to hold the rings for us."
This seemed to satisfy him.He settled back in his seat, processing this new development with the gravity of a UN diplomat considering world peace.
"Will we live in your house after?"he asked finally.
"Yes," I said, navigating through the mid-day traffic with one eye still on the mirrors."My house has a yard and an extra room that can be all yours."
"Does it have a pool?Uncle Jason has a pool."
"No pool," I admitted."But there's a park nearby with a great playground."
This compromise was deemed acceptable after brief consideration.
Our hotel came into view—one of the newer luxury resorts on the Strip.Not the flashiest, but high-end enough to have serious security and private enough to keep us under the radar.I'd called ahead from the plane, making arrangements that wouldn't be traceable to any of us.
The valet approached as I pulled up to the entrance.I handed him the keys with a twenty folded between my fingers.
"Take good care of it," I said, the message clear in my tone.
"Yes, sir," he replied, understanding perfectly.
Inside, the blast of air conditioning was a relief after the scorching heat.Dante stared open-mouthed at the elaborate fountain in the lobby, while Ophelia looked almost as overwhelmed, her eyes tracking from the crystal chandeliers to the marble floors with disbelief.
"Stay with me," I said quietly, guiding them toward the VIP check-in desk away from the main lobby traffic.
The manager greeted us with practiced warmth."Mr.Hernandez, welcome to The Oasis.We have your reservation right here."
I'd used my real name for the booking.Easier to flash club credentials if needed, and Tyler's people would be looking for a woman and child traveling alone, not a family under my name.
"We're here for our wedding," I explained, laying my credit card on the counter alongside several folded hundred-dollar bills."Looking to make it special for my family."
The manager's eyes flicked to the cash, then to Ophelia and Dante, his expression softening."Of course, sir.I see you've booked our deluxe suite, but I believe we might have an upgrade available to our honeymoon suite in the tower.Private elevator access, excellent views..."
"Sounds perfect."
While he processed the upgrade, I felt a small tug on my jeans.
"Are we really staying here?"Dante whispered, eyes huge.
I crouched down to his level."Sure are.What do you think?Pretty cool, right?"
He nodded solemnly."It's like a castle."
"Only better.Castle bathrooms were terrible."
