Page 195 of Fury
“Speech time,” Jericho thundered.
The chatty group fell silent.
“Thanks, brother,” Carrera said. “Happy Fourth. We’re celebrating our country’s day of independence, but it came with a lot of bloodshed, a tremendous loss. But I promised you last year that I would keep my toast positive?—”
“Bless you,” Luciano said, and the group laughed.
“We’re living fast-paced lives, raising families, running successful companies. I appreciate that every year we come together for our own celebration. Thank you to my employees at Carrera Cruises, especially to my Dad for stepping up?—”
His dad cleared his throat, glanced over at Jazz.
“It’s all good,” Jazz said with a smile. “I loooooove my new job.”
“I’m glad it worked out,” Carrera said to his sister. “Congratulations to Gracie on her promotion.”
Gracie raised her flute to him.
“To my close friends, I love you all. Nothing I wouldn’t do for any of you.”
“Same,” Rebel replied.
“We love you, brother,” Hawk added.
“To my family,” Carrera raised his glass. “Love you guys.”
“We love you, cuz,” Teddy replied. “Especially the free cruise, great food, and open bar.”
Everyone laughed.
“To Slash.” He raised his glass. “The best part of my life.”
“Who-hoo!” Brit cheered. “That’s the best news.”
“To Carrera and Slash,” Addison added. “We love you guys.”
Lots of clinking glasses while they toasted to the evening.
Before he sat, he kissed Slash.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
With the annual toast over, conversations resumed.
Russell stood. “Excuse me.” He waited until all eyes were on him. “Hi, I’m Russell Fitzpatrick, long-time friend of Carrera’s.” He grinned. “I hope ya’ll don’t mind if I make a little speech ofmy own.” He smiled at Jazz. “Jazz, you were always Carrera’s annoying baby sis, so I put up with you when we were kids.”
The group laughed.
“Now, you’re the most important person in the world to me. I hope you say yes.” He knelt, opened up a ring box. “Jasmine Santini, will you marry me?”
She squealed. “Yes! Oh, yes, I’ll marry you!”
He slid the ring on her finger and stood. They shared a quick peck before he grinned at the group. “The future Congressman Santini and Mrs. Santini.”
Silence.
No applause.
Everyone was staring at everyone else. Carrera jumped his gaze from his grandmother to Luciano, then back to his sister who looked deliriously happy.
