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“He’s a good man.”
“Something else I realized.” I laughed when Cayman suddenly scooped Anthony into his arms, swinging him around in circle after circle. My little boy couldn’t seem to stop giggling.
“I heard you asked Viper to be Tony’s godfather.”
I took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling. “You’re my godfather, Max, as well as Raleigh’s. I wanted little Tony to also have a strong bond with Viper. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh, my God. Of course not. That kid is so special.” A few seconds passed, both of us content. “I also wanted you to know that Christiana asked that I walk her down the aisle of flowers.”
I nodded several times, trying not to become emotional. “She told me. She already feels very close to you. Thank you for the honor, Max. It means a lot to both of us.”
“I’m the one who’s honored, Francesco. And I have a small wedding gift for you.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket, turning to face me.
“Uh-oh. What’s this?”
“Just open it. Jesus.”
I fumbled with getting the single piece of paper from the envelope, noticing nothing more than a date. “What is December 31st?”
“The date of my retirement party. We already booked a caterer. After that, you will be Don Arturo, taking your rightful place.”
There was so much to say to him, so much history between us, but at this point instead I gave him a dip of my head as a nod of respect. “As you wish, Don Powers.”
He chuckled as only Max could do.
As the women suddenly clambered around Christiana, I sensed it was almost time for the wedding. They would take her for the last moments of being prepared to accept the position of wife. Whatever that meant.
“I wanted you to know that we’ve decided on Tony’s full name,” I said to him. “It will be formalized at the christening.”
“What did you two decide on?”
“Anthony Maxwell Arturo.”
Max slowly turned his head, surprise in his eyes. Then he pulled me in for a bearhug. “You’ve turned out to be something, kiddo. Your father would be so proud.”
“Yeah, I think he would.” I finished off my drink, suddenly needing another one. I wasn’t used to the mushy shit.
As my sister approached, I could tell she had something on her mind. Raleigh usually did. In her hand was a boutonniere, the single white rose a favorite of Christiana’s.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with the bride, oh sister of mine?”
“I thought it was time for some sisterly advice,” she said as she adjusted the collar on my tropical shirt, taking her time to attach the flower.
“Stick me with the pin and there will be hell to pay.”
“You are still a mean brother,” she snarked, giving me a hard look, her nose scrunching as it used to when she was a kid.
“And I plan on staying that way.” Max and I laughed while she shook her head.
Then she rose onto her tiptoes, kissing my cheek. “I love you, little brother. I always will. I’m so glad to see you happy. But if you fuck it up with Christiana, I will disown you. Do you hear me?”
She pointed her index finger at me, her expression serious.
“Yes, ma’am. I realize she’ll be your sister first and foremost.”
“You got that right.” She gave Max a sly look then backed away. “Enjoy your last few minutes of freedom. There won’t be any more of them.”
Her laugh sparkled into the breeze as she walked away. In her place Viper, Cayman, and Dominick approached, the priest looking almost every bit the part since he was performing the ceremony, except someone had convinced him wearing shorts in the heat was acceptable.
