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Trista gestured to the large screen that’d been set up in the corner of the stage. The lights dimmed, and Hades tightened his hold.
“What gift?” he asked, and Vada looked over, smiling.
“You’ll see.”
And he did, along with everyone else. For the next ten minutes, a variety of photos put to music played over the screen. The commentary from the crowd only added to it.
“Grain, you were sexy!” Phoebe shouted.
Grain scoffed. “I still am fucking sexy.”
There were collective cheers from the women and groans from the men when an older photo flashed of Meg, Regina, and a few others seated around a pub table with a familiar pink drink. Certain photos sparked chatter of “remember that” and the occasional “Oh fuck, we almost died that night.” Others got more of an emotional reception. She noticed every time a photo of Jack Reilly showed, the room quieted a bit. It seemed as if it was a somber sign of respect.
Vada glanced over at Kase, who was seated across from her. From her view she could only see his profile. Seeing past his hardened exterior, there was a certain softness. One would have to look really hard to see it, but she did. Phoebe grabbed his shoulder and leaned in, whispering something Vada couldn’t hear. Kase gave a curt nod but kept his eyes on the screen.
Vada tried to keep the video in chronological order. There were more pictures from certain eras, and for others, there were only a handful.
Allie pointed to the screen and shouted, “That’s me and Daddy.”
There were a lot of missing moments, especially when it came to Hades and Allie. But Saint had a copy of the first time Hades had held Allie after she was born. It was her favorite picture. Vada peeked over at Hades and watched his harsh features soften. It’s his favorite, too.
A few minutes later, the video ended, the lights came on, and everyone in the room was clapping.
Vada turned in his lap. He hadn’t said anything, and he wasn’t smiling. Hades simply stared back at her.
“Do you like your present?”
He grabbed her neck, pulling her in for a kiss.
There was her answer.
****
Two hours into the reception, he’d only spent a small amount of time with Vada. Once the video had ended, she was whisked away by guests. A few greeted him, mostly members of his own club and East, but Vada was the focal point of everyone’s attention. Just the way he wanted it.
He couldn’t help but watch her. She mingled and danced—all with a permanent smile on her face. She hadn’t interacted much with her mother, but a few people had. It would be tempting for some to be dismissive or actually express their anger or disgust on Vada’s behalf to her mother. He didn’t fully trust Trista or Trini, but they were kind. And kept their distance. Everyone else treated her as just another welcome guest.
Hades was seated with Gunner, Blade, and Tracer. Their women had also abandoned them for what looked like an old lady convention in the corner of the room. Their camaraderie and loyalty were just as strong as the brothers. On his other side were Saint and Kase. They were two separate clubs but back in the day when they were all starting out, they were one. If this wasn’t a full circle moment, Hades didn’t know what was.
Gunner lifted his glass, taking a sip as his gaze veered over the rim just past Hades. He stilled, and a small smile emerged on his lips. Hades glanced over his shoulder, following Gunner’s stare. He could have been looking at one of three tables, but as soon as Hades zoned in on the one closest to the corner, he knew it was the one that had caught Gunner’s attention.
It was like stepping back in time. They were older, much more modestly dressed, and they were sipping their wine as opposed to shooting their whiskey. But the scene was reminiscent. Meg, Maureen, and Regina were seated at a table. The original Ghosttown old ladies.
Trick walked over with a couple beers in hand. He’d just placed them on the table and was about to sit when Karia grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the crowd dancing. The music was commandeered by Joe, and he played a good selection. But every once in a while, he slowed it down.
“Come dance with me.”
Trick gave her a look that said it all. Hades was very familiar with it. It was the same he’d given Vada anytime she brought up dancing.
Karia arched her brow. “Or I could ask someone else to dance with me?”
Hades covered his mouth, biting back his laugh. She definitely knew what to say and how to work her man. Trick sighed and rounded the table.
“Oh, this I gotta fucking see.” Blade laughed. “You ever dance before, Trick?”
Trick shot up his middle finger and continued to escort his woman onto the dance floor.
Hades grabbed his drink to take a sip when he heard her.
