Page 72 of These Deadly Vows

Goat and Capone shake their heads, nearly doubling over in laughter.

“Did you hear what that dumb fuck said to me?” I take a swig from my jar of moonshine, watching my wife as she dotes on Capone’s daughter, giving her another popsicle. It isn’t often Tamsyn allows Bree to come to the clubhouse, but she has a new boyfriend, so he’s been getting to see her more frequently. She’s dating some hot shot corporate lawyer. Capone told him if he ever hurts either of his girls, he’ll cut off his dick and fuck him in his own ass with it, then shit down his throat.

The bastard laughed until he realized Capone meant every word.

I don’t know how he does it. Watches the woman he loves with another man. Allows that man to spend time with his kid. I asked him about it once and he said he’d rather see her happy than not have her in his life at all. Shit is completely fucked.

It’d be a cold day in Hell before I ever let Adeline ride off into the sunset with another man. Maybe that makes Capone a better man than me. Either that or a complete idiot.

“Bree’s taken up to your woman. Won’t be long before you’ll have a runt of your own driving you bat shit crazy.”

“That’s the plan.”

“You making any progress in that department?”

“She sees the doctor tomorrow. Then we’ll know for certain.”

“All your sacrifices are paying off.”

“Our sacrifices, man. I didn’t get this far on my own.”

“You know I’ve always got your back.”

“Why do you think I made you VP?”

“No doubt.”

“Daddy me go wim. You wim wif meee.” Bree grabs him by two fingers, giving a tug. She has a problem pronouncing S sounds, but Tamsyn says she’ll grow out of it.

“Thanks for watching her,” Capone thanks Adeline as she secures an arm around my middle. “But just so you know, when the time comes for the two of you, I don’t do diaper changes.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” My wife tucks further into my side.

“Wim. Daddy. Wim.” Bree yanks on him again.

“Duty calls.” Capone tosses his tee onto a nearby lounger and enters the pool, holding his arms out to catch his daughter as she stands at the edge, ready to jump.

“She’s adorable,” Adeline murmurs.

“She’s a cute kid, but don’t be getting any ideas. I want a son. First,” I tack on, and she gets this far off expression on her face. “Don’t worry. If we have a girl, we can always try again.”

“Right.” She blinks, seeming to snap out of whatever had her mind elsewhere. “How many kids do you plan on us having, anyway?”

“At least four. I don’t ever want my children to be alone. With four, the odds are better stacked.”

“Were you…do you have siblings?”

“No.” My mind goes to Santiago. I can’t help but wonder what he’d think of how my life has turned out. I always thought our children would grow up together like we did.

His was another life lost too soon at the hands of Adeline’s father. At least I can now say his death hasn’t been in vain. Our first son will be named in his memory.

“What’s she doing here?” Adeline snaps me out of my thoughts. I glance across the rooftop to see Boo in a red polka dot bikini and denim cutoff shorts with the waist rolled down. Next to her is Axe. The bitch just had to align herself with the national Prez’s son. The only person one step up from me in the chain of command. His ass is more trouble than he’s worth.

I owe Rebel Black. That’s the only reason I tolerate his son’s presence. The only reason he’s allowed to walk into this event with a whore on his arm.

“Have you tried Goat’s hot dog sauce?”

“Don’t change the subject.”

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