Debt Collector's Due

I nudge a slack-jawed Kier who stands up straighter as he takes the short walk and offers Athena, his arm like a proper gentleman. My heart fills as they make their way toward me, filling an emptiness I’d long resigned myself to living with. They stop in front of me, and I fall into the warm depths of her eyes as the officiant begins the ceremony, and Kier gives her away. I twine our fingers, proud to be calling this incredible woman my wife. Nothing short of a lifetime is going to satisfy me after all we’ve been through. I understand her hesitation and doubts, but I’m a patient man excellent at turning plans into reality. I frame her face and kiss her gently, holding the ravenous beast inside me at bay. That’s for later when the boy isn’t around, and I don’t have to stop. We pull apart, and I glance at Kier. The small smile so like his mothers make me believe we’re going to be okay eventually. We post for photos before we move to the small two-tier cake with a light glaze and a fringe of tiny yellow and white flowers.

The darkness that’s settled on us lifts, and I’m grateful that the day isn’t completely marred by tragedy. We’ve all had more than our share of misfortune. It’s time for healing and rebuilding, together. Full of cake and optimism we step aside, and I can’t help but admire the greenery and fresh air. I hate the way they came to me, but I’m happy they’re here. This is more than I ever expected to have.

“How are you feeling, Kier?” I ask as we explore the area after Athena excuses herself to use the loo.

“I don’t know. It’s weird. Suddenly I have a father, my mother’s married, we’re living in England, and Papa is probably dead.” His voice cracks.

“It’s a lot to deal with at once.”

“You think?” he asks sarcastically. The vinegar dripping from his tongue is familiar. I was an angry lad, pissed at the world, and giving my mum hell.

“I do. I know you’re angry, but don’t take that out on the people who’re only here to help and care for you.”

“Suddenly, you care?”

“From the minute I knew you existed, I cared. If I had known about you, nothing would’ve stopped me from returning.”

He glances up at me with distrust. “Why lie when we got here.”

“Because there was enough to deal with and your mother wasn’t ready for that conversation yet. None of this has been easy on her mate. She’s putting on a good show of it for you, but she’s hurting. That was your grandfather, yes, but it was her father. She already lost her mother.”

His eyes widen, and I see the haze of self-centered thought begin to lift. I nod my head. He’s getting it now.

“I didn’t think of that.”

“We can never be so consumed by our own pain that we become unable to see others. You understand?”

>

“I think so.”

I pat his shoulder. “Good, lad. Usually we’d head on a honeymoon. Instead, we’re all going to stay at the Corinthia, have a nice dinner and a break from the house. Then tomorrow you’ll head home, and I’ll go back to work.”

“The day after your wedding?”

“Got to pay for the nice school you’ll be attending and keep the lights on.” And give your mother space, so she doesn’t lose her mind. We’re still disjointed and walking on eggshells around one another. I can’t stand the thought of being seen as someone who holds power over her. I remember how it negatively impacted her years ago. She needs to come into her own a bit. I understand that. I don’t mind giving her the space she needs, but I refuse to let her shut me out.

“You boys doing okay?” She asks as she nervously twirls the two karate kite diamond around her finger.

“Yeah, Mom. You look amazing today,” Kier says. Pride swells in my chest. He’s getting it. She’s done an amazing job with him. No thanks to me. I’d never forgive Porter for what he did. Part of me is glad he’s getting to experience the hell he put me through. My bones still ache when it rains, and my strenuous exercise routine is to keep my weaknesses from resurfacing. You don’t forget or forgive that. At least I can’t.

“Thank you, baby.” She kissed his cheek, and his countenance lightened.

“You ready for your surprise. We can’t go on a honeymoon yet, but I wanted to do something for all of us. It’s a special day.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” she says quietly.

“I did. It’s our first day as a family. It shouldn’t be treated like any other day.”

Her gaze softened. “You’re still sweet.”

“Only to you.” I wink and steer them away from the tiny structure where we became a family.

***

She moves to unzip her dress, and I stay her hand with my fingers wrapped around her wrist.

“What?”