The Confession

“That sounds perfect. I can’t wait.” Heavenly flashed her warmest smile, complete with dimples.

“We can’t, either.” Gloria looked at Buddy with love in her eyes.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Heavenly asked.

“No, honey, but thanks.” Gloria pinned Beck with a weighty glance. “Kenneth?”

That had him sitting up a little straighter. “Yeah?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

He couldn’t imagine what, but… “Anything. What is it, sweetheart?”

Her eyes filled with tears. Then her voice quivered. “Would you walk me down the aisle?”

Him? The honor blindsided Beck. Memories of their years together flipped through his brain like pages of a scrapbook. She’d offered to take him in—three square meals and a roof over his head in exchange for protection from sometimes vicious johns—but she’d helped him heal from years of neglect and mental abuse. Gloria was one of the good ones, and Beck knew if she hadn’t saved him, he’d either be dead or still searching for his place in this world, like Zach.

When he didn’t answer right away, she laughed nervously. “Come on, Kenneth, most of my clients would love to give their wives away, even their exes.”

He laughed. “I won’t give you away if it means losing you, sweetheart. But I’d be thrilled to walk you down the aisle and give you to Buddy so you two can live happily ever after.”

“Thank you.” Her voice cracked. “I thought you’d say yes, if only to make sure the old ball and chain became someone else’s problem.”

Beck squeezed her hand. “You were never a ball and chain, and you never have to thank me. It’s my honor.”

Buddy wrapped his bride-to-be in his arms. “Aww, baby. Come here…”

Seth clapped Beck on the back while Heavenly sat between them with a loving smile. It was almost a perfect moment. All he lacked to be sublimely happy was for Seth to commit to a future and a family with him and Heavenly. The guy couldn’t hold out much longer, right?

After dabbing at her misty eyes, Gloria sat up, gulped her wine, and smiled. “Now that we’ve gotten the important stuff out of the way, let’s talk about the bachelor and bachelorette parties tomorrow night.”

Bachelorette party?

All the warm fuzzies floating through Beck’s system dissipated. Even though Seth flanked Heavenly, Beck felt Cooper tense palpably. A quick glance at the apprehension lining his face told Beck they were on the same page. It was a hell no from them both.

“Aren’t you two a little…” He wracked his brain for a tactful way to decline. If he couldn’t find one, Gloria would only dig her heels in deeper.

“Don’t you dare say old, Kenneth.” She scowled.

“Mature, then.” He smirked.

“To have fun? Just because we’re not in our twenties and not having a traditional wedding, why shouldn’t we celebrate?” She smiled and reached for Heavenly’s hand. “And you, my dear, will be my special guest of honor.”

As Heavenly’s face lit up with excitement, apprehension twisted his gut. Beck didn’t even have to look at Seth. He could feel panic rolling off the PI.

“Where is the bachelorette party?” Beck somehow managed to sound calm.

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Seth’s question came out more like a growl.

Beck frowned. He was concerned about his ex-wife corrupting his sweet little girl, but Seth sounded downright worried. No doubt, he was still struggling with his past, with the fear that if he let Heavenly out of his sight, she would be taken from him.

“Relax, you cavemen.” Gloria waved her hand. “Kenneth, you know I’m not exactly welcome in most respectable nightlife establishments in this town, so we’re celebrating at the apartment.”

He couldn’t argue with her assessment. Still, the private setting didn’t make him feel better. “What exactly are you planning to do?”

“Nothing too crazy. We’ll probably snort some blow, stream some guy-on-guy porn, then have a gang bang with the Chippendales crew. You know, the usual.”

“What?” Seth barked as he stood, looking as if he was about to blow a gasket.