list is slim, but a few of her friends from the hospital were able to come. She readily shows off her ring set, while the women surround her with congratulations. Claire’s by her side, smiling widely. Her eyes meet mine and send a message of appreciation. She’s been my little spy, making sure today was everything Bizzy wished for, no matter the price. Including assisting me with finding a wedding band that would be work appropriate and still send the message I wanted.
I look at my watch and set a time limit. She can have five minutes. Then she’s at my side again.
“I can’t believe you did it.” Nick hands me a scotch. “Better yet, I can’t believe she went through with it.”
“At this point, she feels sorry for him. That has to be it.” Mathis joins us.
“You do both realize I’m an excellent negotiator, right? She really never had a chance. I’d have worn her down eventually.”
I watch Bizzy gesture to our nanny to bring Brayden to her. She takes him into her arms and nuzzles him close, kissing all over his face. He giggles in delight, fisting her hair into his mouth.
A lump forms in my throat watching them together. This happens often.
Since that day in the hospital, Bizzy can’t get enough of Brayden. She dotes on him with all the love she has to give, and he adores her equally as much.
At almost six months, we forget he was a preemie. He’s grown and progressed as if he came at full term, and we’ve never had any issues. His head is full of dark hair, and he inherited my eyes. Bizzy says he’s a spitting image, and I have to agree.
“Happy for you, Shaw. I know we give you a hard time, but in all honesty, thank you for making her happy.” Nick grows serious, not taking his eyes off Bizzy. “She may be your wife, but she’s still the most important woman in my life besides Mom. I couldn’t have asked for more for her.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to mention his speech to Bizzy, but I rethink it. That was between him and her, no one else, not even me.
“Goes without saying, I feel the same,” Mathis agrees.
The lump in my throat returns as I soak in their words. There are so many things I want to say, but the only thing I can mutter is, “Thanks.” It’s no lie I’m a pussy whipped fool, so professing my all-consuming love and devotion to her would only give them more ammunition to abuse me.
A few guests stop by to congratulate me, and when I glance across the room again, Bizzy’s crowd has grown. It’s apparent Brayden is enjoying every bit of the attention from the ladies, but stays close to Bizzy, still gripping her hair.
He’s definitely like his dad.
“What the hell?” Nick growls as we watch Darren Jackson approach Bizzy.
He pulls them both into an embrace, kissing her on the temple, then looks at me and winks. Next to her side is Joe, doing the same. Once I see Perry making his way, I take off, knowing exactly what these idiots are doing. Nick laughs behind me as I make a beeline to my wife, sliding behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. There’s a roar of laughter from the group, the loudest from the three fools intentionally riling me up.
“You three looking for new representation?”
“We were only congratulating the bride,” Joe defends, raising his hands in the air.
They continue to laugh, making Brayden giggle loudly. He punches his little fist at me over her shoulder, and I catch it, shaking it in the air.
“He’s a cute kid, Shaw. Surprised he’s yours.” Perry keeps laughing at his own attempt at a joke.
“Perry, laugh all you want, but remember, your endorsement deals run through me. I think something came across my desk last week about a male enhancement drug looking for a new face.”
His face freezes, and it’s Bizzy’s turn to giggle. Darren and Joe scoff, quieting immediately.
“You’re a tough son of a bitch.” Perry sulks.
Nick and Mathis join us, and Brayden lurches at his uncles. Mathis gets him first, giving me a perfect opportunity to take Bizzy to the dance floor.
The band starts up as I take her in my arms. “I distinctly remember you telling me numerous times you don’t dance, even last year at this same resort.”
“I didn’t enjoy dancing until last year with you. It all changed.”