"This is Orla's family we are talking about," I agree with a humorless laugh.
"Damn, I can't believe how big Liam is getting," E-Z says, watching my son. He's been a doting uncle. That’s just a reminder that I’m not the only one that’s going to be missing E-Z’s presence in our lives. "I'm happy for you, man," he adds.
"You need to find you a good woman," I respond. I've seen the envy in his eyes when Belle is around. It’s not that he loves my wife. E-Z has always wanted a family, he just doesn’t think he deserves it.
"Yeah, right. Who am I to deprive so many women of the pleasure I can give them?" E-Z jokes and I snort. He's always been a ladies' man, looking like a model covered in tattoos, not to mention his hair. That man works more with his hair than any woman I’ve known.
E-Z stands to go, and the finality of this moment begins to sink in.
"Be careful. I don't know what present the Russians sent to the club, but I can guarantee that the members that remain won't like it," I warn him.
"That will just make things interesting," E-Z says, laughing as he starts walking away.
"This is not goodbye. You better visit or I’m turning Belle loose on you. She’s already pissed you’re leaving.”
“I’ll be back, Killian,” he promises.
“Good, and you better check in regularly," I call out after him.
"Always," E-Z says as he turns the corner.
He doesn’t look back. Then again, E-Z never does.
I look down at my son and smile. I concentrate on him and everything I have in my life with Belle. I’ll miss E-Z, but we will talk often. I have a family that will help take some of the sting away from saying goodbye to my right-hand man.
I hope whatever waits for him in Phoenix brings him as much happiness as my Belle has brought me.
He deserves that.