Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Rayne shook his head. “This is Trent’s day, and he can’t stand her, so Bishop said she couldn’t come. Him and her have gone out to three or four dinners that he said was super awkward because he said he never knows what to say around her since all she does is talk about her new lifestyle and her wealth.”
“She is really a piece of work, that one. Some of the stuff you tell me sounds like something from a Desperate Housewives episode.”
“Bishop said he’ll maybe send her a card on holidays or see her on her birthday, but he doesn’t want to have a mother-son relationship with her.” Rayne sighed. All he wanted was Bishop to be content with whatever decision he made, and he’d insisted Mike stay out of it and let his son decide on his own.
“It was still an interesting wedding.” Chelsea laughed. “The garden was gorgeous, and this catering by Mama is to die for. But I’ve never seen so much heckling and ribbing during a wedding ceremony. What the hell? The minister could barely get to the I-do’s because everyone was joking around so much. What happened to the listening and the crying happy tears?”
Hell if he knew because Rayne had also been one of the attendees folded over in his chair laughing as well. “I guess that’s what happens when you get a bunch of ex-cons, tattoo artists, landscapers, and construction workers in one setting. It’s hard for those crazy fools to be quiet or serious for a whole half hour.”
“I’m glad I was able to be here. You guys are like my family now—I don’t know how I would’ve made it through my recovery without every single one of you. Even Edison’s book club was a much-needed escape that came right on time.”
“His discussions are the best, aren’t they?” Rayne agreed.
“No, his food spread during the discussions is the best,” Chelsea said, adding a bit more sway in her hips. “Are you coming with us to the flea market this weekend? Edison said there’s a holistic wellness shop he wants us to go to with him.”
“I can’t.” Rayne grimaced. “Mike and I have to house-sit and watch Trent’s three cats while they’re on their honeymoon.”
“Yikes.” Chelsea cringed. “Then call me later this week. We’ll have breakfast or something. You remember me talking about Rebecca? We’ve been hitting it off the past few weeks, and I want to introduce you to her soon.”
“It’s about time. I would love to put a face with the name.” Rayne kissed her cheek. “Will I see you in my class on Saturday?”
“Yes. I’ll be there. I’m also bringing a friend from work. I told her how great of a yoga instructor you are, and she’s dying to do a session with you.”
“The more, the merrier.” Rayne nodded. He loved being a yoga instructor at a small studio on the oceanfront boardwalk. He made such good money at the spa that he didn’t have to be in there all day. So, he’d made good use of his free time and took a four-week instructor’s course at the YMCA.
“Oh, and make sure you take some video of these guys if they get hammered. I don’t wanna miss it,” she said and went to Wood and Trent to say her goodbyes.
Rayne was ready to get off the dance floor. His Valentino loafers were pinching his pinky toe, and his thighs were still sore from the three yoga classes he’d taught yesterday. Maybe once the bulk of the guests left and it was just Mike and his guys, Rayne could go home and relax in the hot tub and wait for Mike to get home. He was beat from weeks and weeks of preparation for today. Though Mike and Manny had done the majority of the hard stuff, Rayne was still right there helping and assisting with anything they needed.
“Excuse me, excuse me. If I can have everyone’s attention.” Bishop had the mic to his mouth and one hand in the air, trying to project his deep voice over the many conversations.
“Hey! Shut the hell up!” Mike barked, his voice carrying across the backyard and probably over to the next street. “My son is trying to talk.”
Bishop chuckled as silence fell over the crowd. “Thanks, Pops.”
Mike gave him a quick nod and gestured for him to say what he had to say.
“Look, um. I’m not much of a public speaker, but I’m the best man, so I have to say something. However, you all know that we don’t do anything by tradition around here, so I want to have my brothers come up here because this is a toast to our father. The man who made all of this possible for us.”
Rayne gasped as Wood, Trent, and Edison all joined Bishop in the center of the now empty dance floor.