AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My pockets are empty. Grinder failed to mention that the godfather title came with a public speaking requirement.
“Thank you, Emily,” the officiant says, stepping into place again. She nods in my direction. “Godfather, you may say a few words as well.”
Grinder opens his mouth and lifts his hand as if to say it’s okay, we can move on. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to screw up the first responsibility I’m given as Lincoln’s godfather after Grinder and Serena put their faith in me.
I shake my head to let him know I’ve got this and step forward.
“Lincoln, I already know you’re lucky to have the best parents.” I sweep my hand toward the audience. “And you’ll always be surrounded by your loving family—whether you want them around or not.”
Laughter rolls through the audience. Yeah, they know exactly what I’m talking about.
This little guy will have so many people looking out for him. The corners of my mouth quirk as I continue, “So here are the few wishes I have for you, my little buddy. May your grip be strong, your heart peaceful, your mind open, and your words always be true.”
Across from me, there’s a soft aww sound. I glance at Emily. She clasps her hands together and presses them to her chest.
“That was lovely.” The officiant nods at Emily then me, and steps away from the podium, moving toward a lower table. Emily trails behind her, so I follow along. “Thank you, both. Now, if you’ll sign the naming certificate, pledging to support and nurture Lincoln.” She hands a fancy fountain pen to Emily and pushes a thick sheet of tan paper her way.
Emily leans over the table, pen in hand, and studies the paper as if she’s about to sign her life away. The front of her dress gapes and her hair slides over her shoulder, dusting the edges of the certificate. I’m going straight to hell because I can’t tear my eyes away from the tops of her breasts revealed by the fabric of her dress falling away.
As if she can hear my filthy thoughts and maybe wants to save my soul, she presses her free hand to the front of her dress, obscuring my view. Pity.
She swirls the pen in the air a few times before touching it to the paper and signing her name in an elegant, flowing script.
Emily Clementine Walker-Watts would look even better.
Our hands brush together as she hands me the pen. Like an asshole, I seize the opportunity to crowd into her space as much as possible. She stays rooted in place, her elbow touching my side. Too aware of how close she is, I quickly scratch my name over the certificate and set down the pen.
Torture. That’s what today is. Being so close to Emily physically and yet so far apart in every other aspect hurts. She steps away to talk to Serena and hold Lincoln, smiling, kissing his chubby cheeks, and laughing at his cute baby antics.
Now that the ceremony part of the day is over—and baby Lincoln has been properly introduced to the world—my mind goes into overdrive trying to figure out how to get Emily alone between here and Grinder’s house. Once we’re at the party, it’ll be impossible to talk to her without someone interrupting or offering some commentary no one asked for.
As if he hears my stalkerish thoughts, Grinder sweeps his gaze over me and crowds in closer.
“Thank you,” he says, holding out his hand. “For your words. Appreciate what you said.” He swallows hard. Is Grinder getting choked up?
Whatever snappy replies I’d usually come up with die in my throat. “I meant every word, brother.”
His gaze slowly slips toward Serena. “You don’t know what a comfort that is.”
This pensive version of Grinder is unnerving as fuck. I’m used to Grinder, the enforcer. The one who’ll crack some skulls if we step out of line. Starting a family at fifty clearly bothers him. Now I feel like an asshole for all the disrespectful old man jokes I’ve made every time he’s pissed me off.
“I’ll be here to support him.” My lips twitch into a smirk. “And gather intel to hand you when he’s a sneaky teenager.” My subtle way of expressing to him that he’ll be around to see his son grow up.
Rock and Hope join us. Then Z and Lilly. Their son’s busy trying to get a look at the baby. Serena leads him over to one of the pews and invites Chance to sit next to her to say hi to Lincoln.
I’m barely listening to the conversation around me. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Emily heading toward a small doorway at the back of the building. Shit. There’s an exit door back there. Libby’s off to the side talking to Heidi. Emily won’t leave without her sister. But I’d better make this quick.
