Page 82 of Street of Dreams
One year later
The courtroom echoed with old weathered wood that had seen people’s lives destroyed and others triumph. The jacket and tie Mac wore suffocated him, but his kilt counteracted the stifling upper half of his wardrobe. The twins sat next to him, even more uncomfortable in their starched shirts and ties. Part of him wanted to chuckle at the sight of these two hooligans wearing designer suits, but the fact that their lives could be torn apart in a few moments reminded him of the seriousness of the situation about to take place. Ben, who sat between the twins, looked absolutely adorable in his own little suit, swinging his legs as if he were bored.
Mac glanced at the other people sitting in the courtroom and wondered about their stories. Were they here for moral support, involved in a proceeding, or as spectators who were just plain nosey? None of them appeared on edge. He was the anxious one in the room, bouncing his knee and clenching and unclenching his sweaty fists. His gaze drifted to Jake, sitting with his attorney at the table facing the judge’s bench, and he wondered how the guy remained so calm and confident. He leaned forward in order to get Jake’s attention, although he didn’t know what he’d say. He only wanted to make eye contact, but Jake didn’t turn around.
“They’re going to decide in Jake’s favor,” Skylar whispered, from the seat next to him. She said it with certainty, as if she had inside information. Really, it could go either way.
On the other side of Skylar sat her new husband. Next to Mateo sat Mac’s parents, who looked on with only mild concern. Practically the entire front row was there to support Jake.
The judge walked into the courtroom, causing nerves to roll through Mac’s belly. Everyone stood up, and Jake finally turned around. He wore his signature crooked smile, filled with cocky assurance, and winked at Mac. Then he looked at his brothers, rested his eyes on Ben and nodded reassuringly. Ben returned a thumbs up. It seemed that Mac was the only one nervous about today’s outcome.
Everyone sat when the judge took his place behind the bench. He read the contents of the folder in front of him without expression. Then he removed his half-rimmed glasses, dropped them on top of the folder, and looked at Jake.
Jake, with his hair slicked back and wearing an expensive designer suit, looked as if he belonged among the ranks of the Finestra Family. Maybe it was too much. Maybe it reinforced his ties to organized crime. He should have played down his appearance and newly acquired wealth.
“Mr. King,” the judge began. “After careful review of your file, outstanding recommendation from your social worker, compliance with mandatory parenting classes, and after the lovely interview in my chambers with the minor in question, this court hereby grants you full custody of Benjamin King. Since the other minors in the household are now of legal age, their guardianship is no longer an issue.” His gavel came down with a bang, ending the months-long custody hearing.
Mac jumped to his feet and threw his fists in the air. He expected the entire room to erupt into a bout of cheers, or at least applaud the outcome, but no one reacted except the King family.Hisfamily. The twins fist bumped each other and hugged Ben, who literally jumped up and down, then ran out of the row and straight into Jake’s arms. The kid leapt into the air, arms and legs outstretched, and Jake caught him like a monkey. Wearing a smile that practically cut his face in two, Jake nodded for the rest of his family to follow him out of the courtroom.
Once in the hallway, the boys all shouted loudly with unrestraint. Jake, who normally would have told them to keep it down, was laughing and celebrating just as profusely. Then he quieted and walked up to Mac.
“You did it,” Mac said, placing his hands on either side of Jake’s waist. “I knew you would.”
The corner of Jake’s mouth drew back in a cocky grin. “Did you doubt me, Mackenzie? I go after what I want. And I fucking get it. I got you, and I got my brothers.” He stared at Mac with love in his eyes and his smile turned humble. “I want one more thing.” He lowered his gaze for a second, then peeked up at Mac with the corners of his cheeks tinged pink.
“Are you . . . blushing? You are! You’re blushing!” Mac laughed. “What’s gotten into you?”
“I don’t know how to do this. I know I’m doing it all wrong. Just don’t hate me for being a jerk about it. OK?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I love you, Mac. My life’s been hell. You turned everything around for me. When we first got together, it was the first time I was ever happy. Can you believe that? In 21 years, I had never been truly happy before.” Jake shook his head as if he still couldn’t comprehend it. “I was on top of the world. And then, it all fell apart.” He gulped, his brow wrinkled, and he clutched his chest. “It felt like my insides got ripped out. I honestly don’t know how I got through it.” He cupped Mac’s face in the palms of his hands and looked him straight in the eyes. “I’m never letting you go again. Marry me. Right now. Right here.”
“What?” Mac leaned back with surprise.
“I love you. You love me. We’re in a courthouse. Our families are here. Let’s get married.”
The deer-in-the headlights look on Mac’s face had him frozen in place, unable to respond.
Jake’s smile deflated. “Unless you don’t want to.”
“I do.” Mac’s reply was easy and instant. “I really do. But we don’t have a marriage license.”
“Are you underestimating me again?” Jake slowly blinked. “Remember that form I had you sign last week? The thing I said I needed for court?” He pulled an envelope from his inside breast pocket. “Marriage license,” he said in a sing-song voice. “You really should read shit before you sign it, by the way.”
Mac laughed. “Are you kidding me?”
“Nope. Serious as a fucking heart attack.” Jake waved the envelope. “What do you say? Everyone’s all dressed up. You’re wearing that sexy kilt.” Jake reached out and grabbed Henry in a playful headlock. “When am I ever gonna get these two to wear a suit again?” He let go of his brother, who laughed and socked him in the arm before scooting away.
Jake stuck his hand inside his jacket and pulled out a small box. He shook it slightly and smiled broadly. “I even got rings.”
Mac’s mouth fell open. “This is crazy.” He looked at his ma, who had tears in her eyes, and he swallowed before gazing at Jake. “We’re getting married?”
“That’s up to you, Mac. What’s it gonna be?”
“We’re getting married!”
The ceremony was short on words, but big on love, and before long, they were husband and husband. They kissed with more passion than the officiant was ready for, and the boys cheered way too loudly. Jake gazed at Mac and sighed. “I love you.”
