Epilogue
One year later
Bailey
“How do I look?” I tweaked my tie and stood in front of the mirror. Keston came behind me and kissed my neck.
“Hot as fuck like always. You know I love you in a suit.”
“I’ve never been a godfather.”
Keston met my eyes in the full-length mirror. “Well, me neither, but Grady and Lauren said it’s like being there for all her special occasions, and if something happens to them, taking care of her.”
“God forbid. Imagine us with a little baby.”
His gaze turned inward. “There was a time I couldn’t have pictured myself being with a guy like you, yet here we are.”
I turned and put my arms around his neck. “Yeah. Here we are. A year in this apartment, and I’m happier than I ever thought possible.”
He kissed me. “Same. I guess it was silly to worry about leaving my old place and taking on such a huge expense.”
I cupped his cheek. “No. Not at all. You’ve had a tremendous amount of change in your life—Grady, Carlos dying, taking on a business on your own. I tell you all the time, I’m in awe of your resilience.”
“Speaking of change, Belinda and Jonas seem to be working out.”
“He’s been on his best behavior for sure.” Since having baby Connor, Belinda had settled down—no more late-night calls or erratic behavior. Jonas came home every night and was the model husband and father. “Do you think I’m wrong to still be on guard?”
The struggle between wanting to back me up yet trying to remain positive was written all over Keston’s face. “I think…at some point, you’re gonna have to let them live their lives. Belinda is happy, and Jonas is behaving. That’s what you want for her, right?”
“You’re right. Did anyone ever tell you how smart you are?” I kissed him, his lips softening under mine. “Level-headed, sexy, gorgeous, perfect…”
He held my face a moment before pushing me away. “You’re not playing fair,” he panted, his eyes hazy.
I grinned. “I’m not playing at all. I meant every word.” I patted his cheek. “Let’s get going. Don’t want to be late.” I started whistling “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
We entered St. Agatha’s Church, and Lauren’s sisters were waiting for us. We’d all had a great time partying at Grady and Lauren’s wedding, and I’d helped the family with their probate and real estate issues when their mother passed a month later.
Annabella ran toward us. “There they are. The godfathers.”
I snickered. “I’m just the consigliere. Keston’s the boss.”
“Don’t you believe it,” he jumped in. “Bossy is his middle name.”
“They’re not talking about the bedroom,” I whispered in his ear, loving how he turned red.
“Don’t say that in front of women.” He yanked my hand, and I gave them a wink.
“Where are the proud parents?” I asked, craning my neck. There were some fifty people in the church already, seated in the pews.
“Grady and Lauren are waiting by the altar,” Dolores said. “Follow me.”
We walked down the aisle and passed by Weston and Brenner, who stood and gave us each a hug.
“Lookin’ good, Bailey.” Weston squeezed my shoulder.
“Especially with my fabulous eye-candy.” I winked at Keston, who rolled his eyes but managed a smile.
I knew he still held himself back from the overtures made by Weston and Brenner.
We’d gone to brunch with them numerous times, at their apartment and ours, with Grady and Lauren, and without.
It didn’t matter that I thought he could relate to Brenner, who’d also come from a foster family.
Keston simply had a hard time dealing with Weston’s wealth, but I hoped the more we saw them, the easier it would get.
No matter the outcome, I loved him for making the effort because he knew they were important to me.
Lauren hugged us when we greeted them at the altar.
Grady was holding the baby, and little Celia’s face peered up at us from the frothy confection of her white dress with pink flowers and matching headband.
Grady’s sleeve slipped, revealing the tattoo on his wrist he’d gotten with the date he and Keston reunited.
Keston had a matching one. It had been an emotional day for them both.
“Bro, you and your daughter.” Keston’s eyes grew shiny, and my heart squeezed tight. Over the past year, he’d learn to show and share his emotions. “She’s so gorgeous. Looks just like Lauren.”
“Thank God for that.” He chuckled and bent to kiss Celia’s tiny nose. The sight of big, gruff Grady with his tiny daughter was enough to make my own eyes blur with tears.
“Hello, princess,” I crooned and held out my arms. “Can I?”
“Be careful.” Grady gently handed her over, and I gathered her close. “She gets fussy with strangers.”
“Not with her Uncle Bailey.” I made a funny face at her, and she smiled at me.
“Did you see that?” I asked everyone. “She loves me.”
The minister approached, and Grady took her from me. “Sorry, champ, but it’s probably gas.”
Keston slipped his arm around my waist. “Don’t worry. When I smile at you, I promise it’s not gas.”
“Good to know.”
The ceremony didn’t take long, and Grady and Lauren had the luncheon at Gigante’s. I’d only eaten there once, and Keston had never been. Knowing how overwhelmed he still felt in these types of situations, I stayed close to his side.
“Grady’s so happy,” he said. “I can’t believe he’s a dad. A girl dad.”
I watched as Grady leaned down and smothered Celia’s face with kisses, then lifted her in the air. “He’s gonna be a great father.”
“He already is.” Keston finished his drink and set it on the tray of a passing waiter. “Remember earlier when you mentioned us with a baby? Much as I love Celia, I don’t think I could be a parent. Has anything changed for you since she was born? Feeling any paternal vibes?”
“Uh, no, not really. I’m having a hard enough time being an adult and dealing with that.”
Keston linked my arm with his. “Glad we’re on the same page. Plus, I’m too selfish and greedy to want to share my time with you, especially now that I don’t work weekends, except by special appointment.”
“And I am eternally grateful for that.”
“Yeah. And Ambrose is happy to pick up the extra work with the wedding coming up.” Keston shook his head, his glossy black hair falling into his face, but I didn’t miss the teasing smile kicking up his lips.
“Weddings, babies…I don’t know, Bailey. Ever since I met you, all this fun and happy shit keeps happening. ”
“Awful, isn’t it?” I patted his cheek.
“It’s not so bad,” he murmured against my lips. “Guess I just got lucky.”
With the whistles of our friends in the background, I kissed him hard. “Nope. We’re both the lucky ones.”