Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)

“I think you created a monster, Pop,” Blanche says dryly as she elbows me in the ribs.

“What? She takes after her old man. Ain’t nothing wrong with that,” I say with a grin.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m a total Daddy’s girl,” Whitney teases.

B huffs, but she can’t hide the smile pasted across her lips. We’re unconventional, but happy, and that’s all that matters to us.

The tattoo only takes an hour. Whitney sits really well. I’m proud of the way she managed her pain, and the fact she wanted that level of closeness with me. I’m not sure what I’ll get for my girls, but there needs to be something. I’m still mind blown over the way things have played out. I have a mother who opted to stay at home and let us young people go have fun, a daughter, and a wife. Over the past few days, I’ve spent enough time with Karen to know a friendship isn’t what either of us wants.

It’ll be hard forging new bonds, but I think we’re both up for the challenge. It’s the perfect frame of mine to be in before we unit in front of our families.

Epilogue

Blanche

I’m a bundle of nerves as we make our way toward the airport. The honeymoon had been Jagger’s baby. He insisted that I allow him to do the planning, since I did all the leg work on the wedding, pun intended. He enjoys leg humor. Mostly because I think it takes people who don’t know him by surprise. He still has his moments of disappointment and depression, but they’re few and far between. I’m proud of his progress. Going back to work for the club, five months ago, and getting his adapted car had a lot to do with it. He no longer has to rely on others so much, and he is back in his element. In some ways, being the Treasurer has placed him in the inner circle, making him vital to the club’s well-being. He needs that.

I admire his profile as he drives. Instead of being dropped off and picked up, we’re parking our car at the airport.

“You’re not going to give me a little hint?” I ask.

He chuckles. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

I sit back in the seat and squirm. Thanks to Jess, I hadn’t even packed my own things. When the two of them put their heads together, nothing was impossible. We pull into the parking lot and unpack. I grab our suitcases and follow him into the airport. We walk up to the counter, and I hold my breath as he pulls out the tickets with our I.D.’s.

“Two tickets to Turks and Caicos.”

My jaw drops.

“We’re going to Turk’s and Caicos!” I squeal.

He laughs and nods. “I found a wheelchair accessible resort. The only thing I want to see for the next two weeks is you in itty-bitty bikinis, and trust me, there are plenty of them packed.”

“I can’t believe you did this,” I whisper, awed and excited. Sun, Sea, and the Caribbean for the next two weeks. The initiative he’d shown in planning the trip is a better gift than the trip itself. We’ve come full circle. He’s thriving. The last of the worries that clung to me break away. He’s going to be fine. Relief nearly takes my legs out from under me. The check in process is a blur as we head to the gate and he fills me in on the detail. Just when I think I’m full of joy, he shows me how naïve I’ve been. He’d say I expected too little because I deserve more.

“Hey,” I whisper as we wait to board.

“Hmm?” He turns to look at me.

“I love you.”

His lips curve up into a smile. “I know.”

I pinch his arm playfully, and he laughs. The rich sound sends tingles through my body. “Love you too, B.”

***

I’m speechless as we walk into the honeymoon Suite. The walls are a soft, light yellow that accents the tropical themed blue curtains with bright flowers; the blue throw rugs placed through the room over the tile are lovely. The teak wood furniture is done in beiges. The large cushiony chairs and couch, look inviting and a touch regal.

I walk forward, feeling like I’m in a dream. I vaguely register Jagger speaking to the bellhop as I explore. The bathroom is fit for a Queen with its large Jacuzzi tub, double vanity with marble countertop. The four poster bed makes my stomach clench. The curtains in the day room are beige, and the view from the balcony off the bedroom makes me gasp. Lush, green foliage with bright pink flowers surround the white lattice work railing. The bedroom door closes, and I see him wheel into the restroom out of the corner of my eyes.

I have some thank you sex to deliver to my husband along with some news I’d saved as a post wedding present. The light is beginning to wane, the sun begins its descent turning the sky into a painting as blue yields to burnt orange, rose and lilac hues.

A few minutes later, he resurfaces. I turn to smile at him over my shoulder.

“Did hubby do good?” he asks.

I nod my head. “Hubby did amazing.” I crook my finger, and he comes to me. “Let me show you how well he did.” I straddle him, and he grins cupping the back of my head as I take his lips.