Red, White & Bang

When my parents died, Ash was only six years old. Truman and I had to step up to the plate. I think we’ve done well over the years, but I know Ashleigh has suffered from not having a feminine influence in her life. She has Ivy now but that’s so very recent that I don’t think it’s done anything yet. With Gina in her life as well I think that that will smooth out her rough edges.

The second meeting is regarding an update of Clarence and David, the dumbasses who thought they could get away with stealing from this family. Yesterday, my cousin’s girl, Ava, figured it out and brought Clarence down. With a little assist from Theo, he named his accomplice. In less than twenty-four hours since the arrest, we’ve recovered most of the stolen money, but what Clarence spent on strippers and David spent on his daughter Lucy’s college education, we won’t get back. We decided as a group to continue to pay for Lucy’s education.

After all, it’s not her fault her father lied and stole to get the money. She’s pre-med at Columbia so she’ll do some good in this world. What I find most fascinating about this is that Clarence spent more on strippers then Dave did on four years at Columbia. The man had a wife and three kids I just don’t see the need to spend that kind of dough on strippers. I just don’t understand that way of thinking, I guess.

After work, I head home. Gina already there. The movers I sent to her apartment early this morning have already delivered her meager possessions.

Seeing her in my space, I know this will be a short engagement. I need her to be my wife as soon as possible.

5

Gina

Six Weeks Later

I was surprised that he let me plan an actual wedding instead of going to the courthouse like he originally wanted. My parents came in from Pittsburgh three days ago with my brother, Butch. His name is Alan Henry, Jr. but he’s a big guy. It was his football nickname and it’s followed him around since then. He was just hired on with the Philadelphia Police.

We are just having a small family-only ceremony at his aunt and uncle’s house. I asked Ashleigh to be my maid of honor and we have gotten really close. The morning of the wedding dawns and I am running for the bathroom.

Last night was the first night Quincy and I didn’t sleep in the same bed. Honestly, it was torture. When there is nothing left to throw up, I take a quick shower. By the time I’m done, my nausea had passed.

Opening the bathroom door into my bedroom, I see my mom standing there in her ever-present bathrobe. Every birthday, Christmas, and Mother’s Day that’s what she asked for and that’s what she got.

“Hey, Mom. Did I wake you?” I ask.

“Yes and no. How long have you known that you’re pregnant?” she asks. Is it crazy that I cannot wait to get that Mom superpower that lets you know when your kid is sick? I smile.

“I don’t know for sure, but I thought about it for the last couple of days.”

“I’ll go get you a pregnancy test. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say hugging her. She leaves and I start to get ready despite the amount of money I suddenly I have access to I’m still going to do things my way. That includes doing my own hair and makeup. My parents bought my wedding dress and paid for the wedding. The rehearsal dinner was done by his aunt and uncle. Damn, if it wasn’t fancier than the meal, we’re having today but it is very important to me that this is not about money. My parents are upper-middle-class and those are the values I was raised with. While I was excited to leave by craphole apartment that is the extent to which I have actually utilized my man’s money. He has explained to me that once we are married none of that shit will matter. He’s probably right but until we are married, I will stand firm in my convictions.

I leave my robe on until my mom gets back from the pharmacy. Ripping the box open, I head for the bathroom to take the test and wait.

Walking over to the test, I see the word “PREGNANT” before I even think about it, I just start shouting. Running into the bathroom, my mom takes one look at the test and folds me into her arms. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I decide to wait to tell Quincy until after we get married. I finish getting ready and my father walks me down the aisle. Quincy is handsome as hell with his tux on with a peach-colored vest. He is staring at me as if nothing else matters.