Page 85 of Time Served in New York
Hammer got up from the couch and leaned down to kiss Boo’s forehead and then Maylee’s before he murmured, “She’s fine, Mama. She’s just fine.”
“I’m not,” Maylee said as her eyes filled with tears. “I’m not okay at all. I’m going to go lay down with her. Thank you for watching her for us, Hammer.”
“Anytime, babe.”
We watched Maylee go into the master bedroom and shut the door behind her. I looked over at Hammer and said, “Thanks, man. I know we’d both rather have been with her but . . .”
“The kids were fine. I was glad to stay here and hang out.”
“Kitty and Pandora are still at the reception with the girls, but they have a key to our room. They’ll come get Jared when they’re finished.”
“Fuck . . . I’ve gotta piss. Go be with your old lady, and I’ll see myself out.”
“Thanks again, Hammer.”
“Hey, we’re family. That’s what family does, watch out for each other, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Go dry her tears and cuddle up with them. I’m good.”
I nodded and slapped him on the shoulder as he walked past me to the hall bathroom and I made my way into our bedroom.
Maylee was still in her bridesmaid dress, laying beside Boo as tears streamed down her cheeks. I laid across from her and reached out to dry her face before I asked, “Why don’t you go take a shower and wash your face, babe? I’ll lay here with her.”
“Watching that man hold Boo today was the most terrifying thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve seen some shit in my life, Enzo.”
“I’m sure you have.”
“For years, I made sure to guard my heart and never let anyone get too close, then I met her and she changed my whole life.”
“I know the feeling.”
“And you did the same thing.” I smiled at her, and she laughed softly. “Must be genetic.”
“Must be,” I agreed. “I can’t imagine my life without the two of you in it.”
“I know it started out . . . rough, but things have changed between us over time.”
“They have.”
“We’re different now, and it’s all because of Boo.”
“Things are different in the best way. She was a surprise, and so were you.”
“Me? I guess I didn’t really come off as the maternal sort, huh?”
“You took care of your girls, and I see that now, whereas before, I didn’t recognize it. But the way you are with Boo . . . and with me is a side of you I never imagined.”
“How so?”
“When we got married, it was all about Boo, but things are different now. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life.”
“You never thought you’d be married with a kid, huh?”
“I never thought I’d be head over heels for my wife either, but that’s what happened.” Maylee’s eyes widened as she stared at me in shock. I continued, “It made my blood run cold when I found out what happened with that man today and not just because Boo was in danger. You were imperiled, too, and the thought of losing you nearly paralyzes me with fear. I love you Maylee, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
“I love you too.”
