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“Call it a wedding gift.”
“I can’t take this.” Mamba held it out to Cobra.
Cobra twisted his lips. “You gonna make me go back to your brothers and tell them you’re nothing but an ungrateful prick who can’t accept their help.”
“It’s not about that, it’s—”
“Shut the fuck up and take it.” Cobra flashed his “don’t fuck with me face” then shoved the envelope into Mamba’s hand. “I know you’ve already made some changes in the right direction, and this is just a boost to keep the vultures off your back.”
Truth. At first, Mamba considered downsizing to a smaller house, but after selling the things they didn’t need and making other adjustments they decided they could keep the house they loved. Mamba cancelled all but one of his credit cards, cut out the pool service, discontinued all but the basic cable stations, and sold the Range Rover. Then he attended his weekly meetings again.
Mandy never questioned his decisions and made a few of her own in their attempt to budget their money more efficiently. From now on she took care of the bills and with her innate thriftiness he had no doubt they would stay on even ground.
Mamba already paid down some of what he owed to the loan sharks, but this would be a needed boost.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. In a roundabout way, even though we didn’t catch Marita, we were able to slow down the trafficking ring, so just take the cash.” Cobra leaned in close. “But you ever get yourself fucked up like that again, and I’ll take care of you personally, clear?”
Cobra didn’t make empty threats.
Mamba shoved the money into his cut and bit the inside of his lip to still the emotions swelling his chest. The Serpents truly were his family and it felt damn good to call them his brothers.
Mandy broke away from the women and climbed the three steps to the deck. “What are you men gossiping about?” she teased. “And don’t even deny it, because you guys are worse than the women.”
“Busted.” Cobra admitted, slipping from dead serious to joking. “Nothing like a good juicy story.”
“I think we should get changed,” Mandy said. “I have a special outfit I want to put on the baby.”
Mamba flipped out his phone. “Shit, I didn’t realize it was getting so late.”
* * *
Mandy waved Mitzi over.“Have everyone get seated.”
Mitzi squeezed her in a bear hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy for me too.” Harley squirmed in Mandy’s arms and she kissed the top of her head. “This really feels right.”
Mitzi spit out a laugh. “A beautiful baby girl and marrying a man who adores you.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “A hotter than fuck man who adores you and has a big—”
Mandy jabbed Mitzi, then rolled her eyes at her friends teasing.
Mamba pulled Rattler aside. “When the Justice of the Peace gets here, try not to scare him.”
Rattler flipped him off with a laugh.
Mandy angled Mamba into the house and then up to their bedroom where she had their clothes laid out. She pointed to a dark blue button-down shirt, and a pair of jeans without holes or chains. “Of course, you’ll also wear your cut.”
Mamba picked up the shirt and frowned. “For this day I would wear anything. Although I know that fucker Rattler will be razzing my ass about wearing an ironed button-down shirt.”
Mandy laughed. “The price you pay for love.”
She laid the baby on the bed and tried to control her squirming while she changed her into a frilly pink dress complete with matching shoes and headband. After Mamba changed, she handed over a wiggling Harley and ordered them both out of the room.
She’d hid her dress in the back of the closet and threatened him with harsh warnings about him peeking at it before the big day.
She carefully removed it from the hanger then stepped into the tea length, off-the-shoulder dress she’d found at a local consignment shop. The soft pink mirrored Harley’s dress and Mandy’s reflection from the mirror on their bedroom door told her it fit the occasion perfectly. Just the right combination of subtle with a touch of seduction. Ideal for marrying the man of her dreams on the lawn of their home surrounded by family and friends.
