His eyes returned to the horizon.
“Ghost, you once had a conversation with me about what it took to be an ol’ lady, remember? Back when Shades and I were struggling to work things out.”
He smiled. “Yeah, I remember, Hotrod.”
“Is that what this is about? That you don’t think she has what it takes.”
He shook his head. “No, that’s not it at all.”
“Then what are you afraid of?”
She stayed silent, which made him eventually fill the silence. “There’s something from my past. Something she doesn’t know about. Once I tell her…I’m afraid she’ll never look at me the same.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But you owe it to her to come clean. Only way this works, right?”
He turned to her, bumping her shoulder with his. “When did you get so smart?”
She bumped his shoulder back. “I had a good mentor.”
“Is that what I was?”
“Friend?”
“Always.” He pulled her into his arms. “Come here, girl.”
She went, her head resting against his chest as his arms enfolded her.
“Have some faith, Ghost,” she whispered. When he didn’t respond, she said, “Promise me you’ll tell her.”
He replied, his voice soft at her temple. “I promise.”
“Hey, you tryin’ to steal my woman again?” Shades asked, coming up the stairs.
“Always,” Ghost replied winking down at her.
Skylar laughed, pressed a kiss to his cheek, and then went smiling into her husband’s arms.
***
As the party wound down, and the cake was cut, and the garter thrown, Skylar took one last minute to speak with Jessie before she and Shades made their exit.
She found her in the courtyard, alone and looking up at the pretty lights.
Skylar walked up and hugged her, looking up at all the work that had gone into the decorations. “Thank you so much for doing all this for us. Everything was so beautiful.”
Jessie hugged her back. “You’re welcome. You were a beautiful bride.”
Skylar grinned. “Thank you.” Then she studied Jessie’s eyes. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine.”
Skylar reached up and brushed a lock of hair back from Jessie’s face. “Everything between you and Ghost okay? You work everything out?”
Jessie shrugged. “It will take some time for him to trust me again. I’m working on it.”
Skylar nodded, searching her eyes. “Can I tell you something? A little advice about Ghost?”
Jessie smiled. “Sure. Apparently, I could use all the help I can get.”