Chapter Thirty

Stephen

As the sun began to rise, my wife and I were still tangled in each other’s arms, lost in our love. We’d spent the entire night like this, unable to get enough of each other. The pent-up emotions of the past few months had finally reached a boiling point, and this was our release. We needed this closeness, this intimacy.

Eventually, we lay spent and satisfied, our bodies intertwined, our breaths heavy. We were trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that had swept us away.

Trinity - You’re a beast, Mr. Gotti.

We both laughed, still panting from our exertions.

Stephen - I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or an insult.

Trinity - If it were an insult, do you think we’d be married and still going at it like teenagers?

Stephen - I’d hope so. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.

Trinity - Always the charmer. I should get up and shower. The kids will be awake soon.

Stephen - Think you have another round in you?

She threw her head back and laughed, her face lighting up with that beautiful smile I loved so much.

Trinity - Come on, baby.

We got up and headed for the shower. While I didn’t get the encore I was hoping for, there was plenty of kissing and touching that left me satisfied for the time being. Afterward, we went downstairs to the kitchen, keeping an ear out for Jay on the baby monitor while we made coffee.

As we sat outside with our coffees, I pulled her onto my lap. It wasn’t long before Benji and Maddie joined us, looking just as worn out and content as we did.

Trinity - Looks like we weren’t the only ones who didn’t get much sleep last night.

Benji - Straight to the point, huh?

Stephen - She’s never been one to beat around the bush, mate.

We all laughed and enjoyed our coffee. When we heard Jay stirring, Trin went to get him. I filled her in on the text I’d received from Clint. He, Mia, and baby Maddison would be home today.

We decided to stay at the house, not knowing exactly when they’d be back. Plus, I wanted to wait for Clint before we told everyone what had happened. The more people around, the less likely Trinity would blow up at me for making a decision without consulting her first.

As the day wore on, Benji, Dave, and I played with the kids in the pool while the girls talked with Maddie. They were going through the legal files Maddie had managed to keep and organize while she had time to think in isolation.

The girls seemed to be making progress on whatever they were working on. Every now and then, we’d see their excitement when they thought they’d made another connection.

Benji - Do you guys feel like we’re going to be sidelined watching them?

Stephen - I’m always sidelined in my marriage. That woman’s brain is incredible.

Dave - Do you think I could steal Felicity away long enough to convince her it’s time for us to get married?

Benji - Funny you should mention that.

Dave - How so?

Benji - Everyone who matters most to us is here right now, right?

Dave - Yeah, mate.

Benji - So why not make it both of us? Let’s both make it official. I just got her back after thinking I’d lost her forever. I don’t want to ever feel like that again. We can do something small, intimate, and later, when all this has blown over, we can do something bigger. I just want to know she’s my wife and that it’s my job to protect her.

Dave - Let’s do it, mate.

Stephen - Whatever you need, boys. You know I’ve got your backs. Clint too. But I’m still going to use this to my advantage.

Dave - You want us to drop this first before you tell them what we did, don’t you?

Stephen - If I say yes, does that make me an asshole?

Benji - You’re already an asshole, so no harm, no foul, right?

Stephen - Hahaha.

We talked a bit longer before getting the kids out of the pool and putting them down for a nap. The kids had been asleep for about an hour while we were all relaxing and chatting when we heard the front door open. Mia and Clint walked in with their baby girl.

Stephen - Woo! Welcome home, kids! Now give me my new niece.

Mia - Haha, hi everyone. I’m glad you’re happy to see us!

We all got up to greet Mia, Clint, and the newest addition to our family. We made some coffee and a tea for Mia—she was breastfeeding and didn’t want too much caffeine—and sat outside.

Mia - What’s going on?

Trinity - What do you mean?

Mia - Look at them. Those boys are up to something. It’s written all over their faces.

Damn Mia! I love her like a sister, but she doesn’t miss a thing.

Felicity - What did you guys do?

Dave - Why do they always assume we’re up to no good?

Trinity - Because we’ve lived with you long enough to know better. Look at where we are right now.

Maddie - And I just came back from the dead.

Clint spit out his drink, and the rest of us nearly choked.

Maddie - Too soon?

Everyone burst out laughing, and Benji pulled Maddie close.

Benji - It’s always too soon. Don’t ever mention that again, baby.

Maddie - Sorry, my darling.

She stroked his face gently, and he kissed her.

Benji - Actually, since you all have suspicious minds, it was good news.

Dave - Felicity.

Felicity - Yes, baby?

Dave - I don’t want to wait any longer. All this has made me realize we don’t know what the future holds. But one thing I do know is that whatever happens, I want to spend it with you as my wife. I want to marry you, and I don’t want to wait any longer.

Everyone smiled, touched by the love in Dave’s voice.

Felicity - Okay. I love you, Dave, and I want this. I want our family.

Dave pulled Felicity into his arms and kissed her tenderly.

Dave - Thank you, baby. Thank you for loving me as much as I love you.

We all congratulated them and hugged them.

Benji - Maddie.

We all turned to see Benji down on one knee.

Benji - Baby, I already had to face the prospect of living without you once, and it terrified me. I was a broken man, and I never want to be that man again. While I don’t have a ring for you yet, I will. And I’ll give you everything in this world that your heart desires. All I ask is that you give me you. Be my wife. Marry me.

Maddie - Benji! Are you . .

Benji - “Don’t you dare ask me if I’m sure. I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.”

Maddie - “Yes. Yes, baby, you’re my future and you’re my life. Yes.”

In a burst of joy, Benji springs up, lifting Maddie off the ground and pulling her close. He plants a soft kiss on her lips.

Trinity - “Alright, Benji, let her go so we can congratulate you guys.”

Benji - “Hahaha, back off, she’s mine.”

Stephen - “Hey, asshole, don’t talk to my wife like that.”

Benji - “Hahaha.”

We all join in, hugging and congratulating the happy couple.

Dave - “Well, we’re glad you both said yes because you’ve got two weeks to get it sorted. We’re all getting married together.”

Mia - “Holy shit! I’m so excited. Finally, something good to look forward to. This is exactly what we needed.”

Stephen - “Well, I’m glad you feel that way.”

Clint - “Because we need to tell you girls something.”

Dave - “And we need you to listen before you react.”

Stephen - “And please try not to be angry. We hope you can understand we did this for you because we love you and we love our family.”

Trinity - “What did you guys do?”

Stephen - “Well . . .”