Page 19 of Need for Speed

“I’m getting Kynlee’s name tattooed on my ring finger. That way even when I don’t have my ring on, it’s like it’s still there,” Ace explains.

“Well, I guess that makes sense,” I tell him. “So, are you ready for today?”

“Yes, hell yes. I’ve been ready for a while now,” Ace tells us. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he means it too.

“So, what’s the plan for today?”

Ace smiles. “Well, after this we are going to the arcade. You know the one we used to all go to when we were younger. Then I figured we can grab lunch and I want to get my haircut before the wedding.”

“That sounds great,” I tell him.

Jagger adds, “I could use a shape up on my hair as well.

Jovi makes his way back to me. “Can I get my haircut?” he asks, leaning down so the others won’t hear.

I give him a questioning look. “You sure?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’m sure. It’s time to make a decision.”

Well, I guess it was.

****

After spending hours in the arcade playing every game imaginable, multiple times, we all head to lunch. Ace’s best friends, Jaxx and Pierce, joined us while at the arcade. We are all sitting around eating pizza, which is Ace’s favorite, and catching up. I take a look around the table and just try to stop time for a moment. A few years ago, I never thought I’d see this. Jagger back in L.A., Bowie actually happy, Ace getting married, and Jovi making the biggest decision of his life. I feel so proud of all of them. I’m proud for them. Life has thrown us some major curveballs but somehow, we managed to survive. We managed to stay together and find happiness again.

I smile to myself as my brothers and friends joke around with one another. Jagger leans toward me, “What’s with the creepy ass grin?”

I laugh. “Just taking it all in. Trying to appreciate it all.”

“Okay, that’s not creepy at all,” Jagger replies with a laugh.

I nudge his shoulder. “Shut the hell up and look around.” Jagger takes a moment and observes the table. “Did you ever think we’d see a day when we are happy at the same time? I mean come on Bowie is married toHollisand has a little girl. Ace is actually getting married. Jovi is graduating high school and you,” I say while squeezing his shoulder, “Are married and have a baby boy. I never thought this would all happen.”

Jagger nods his head slowly, allowing my words to sink in. “You know what? You’re right, I never really thought it would either.”

After lunch we all head to the old-fashioned barber shop. Our dad came here for as long as I can remember, and we’ve followed in his footsteps. We each got our first haircuts in this place by Billy. When we enter, he turns around to greet us thenhe realizes who we are. “The James brothers! Well, it’s been a while since I’ve seen some of you. What can I do for you guys once I finish up here?”

“Well, I’m getting married in a few hours and I want to look my best, so I need you to fix me up,” Ace tells him.

Billy stops and pulls Ace in for a quick hug. “Well, congratulations my boy! I’ll get you all set in a few. What about the rest of you?”

Jagger and Bowie both tell him they need to be cleaned up. Jovi tells Billy he’ll go after them and I figure I might as well since I’m here. We all leave with fresh haircuts and Ace riding high on cloud ten. We head over to Jagger’s to get ready for the wedding.

Once I’m dressed in my black slacks and red button down shirt, I decide to text Sadie.

Axell: I can’t wait to see you.

Sadie: Haha oh really now?

Axell: Yes ;) I know how good you look in red.

Sadie: So, you say.

Sadie: By the way I changed my hair today.

Axell: What? You too?

Sadie: Yes. It’s golden brown now. Did you change your hair?

---