Page 95 of Here Comes the Judge

She giggled. “Oh, you ain’t said nothin’ but a word. Don’t threaten me with a good time!”

Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and drew him in for another kiss…

EPILOGUE

…One year later

The all toofamiliar clank and thud of the iron prison doors opening echoed through the chamber. Jude walked in, immediately assailed by the odor of strong coffee and bleach. Iris and Pete accompanied him to the long table where Cain sat. Cain’s complexion was splotchy, and his eyes a bit puffy, as if he’d been up all night, restless. They all greeted one another, hugged each other, happy to be together again. Family.

“Hey, Iris.”

“Hi, Cain.” Iris smiled at him as she rocked the baby in her arms, placing a bottle to his mouth.

Cain had met Iris once before, when she was about eight months pregnant. Pete had been up to see his father several times during the past year, and things were running a bit smoother now. Cain said he’d been looking forward to this day. He’d wanted to see the newest member of the family.

“Can I… Can I hold him, Iris?” He sniffed, got up from his seat, then reached out to the baby.

“Yeah, sure.” Iris carefully handed her bundle over to Cain, across the table.

A tear trailed down his brother’s face, then he smiled, and a peaceful expression took over, the kind only new life and new beginnings could bring.

“My first nephew. Lynx Angel Cooper. Boy, you’re a damn handsome devil!”

They all smiled at that.

“Dad, Mom says he’s got your, my, and Uncle Jude’s nose. We all got the same one. What do you think?”

“Yeah… I can see that.” Cain looked over at Iris, and grinned.

“I hate that I had to miss y’alls wedding. I know I said this before, but I got to see it online at least.” He rocked the baby gently. “Jude told me you were pregnant way back then, and how excited he was. I told him there were no words to describe it.” He tossed a glance at Pete. “First time father… that feeling is indescribable. Now, he’s gotten to see for himself.”

Jude nodded in agreement.

“Yeah… it was love at first sight, Cain. From the moment Iris had to go into the hospital, till nine hours later when he came out, I was a mess. The first time you see your child does somethin’ to ya. You see the world different after havin’ a child. At least, I do.”

Cain ran his finger slowly along the baby’s ear. Lynx looked up at Cain, a curious expression on his sweet face. The baby had jet black hair with a slight wave, his complexion was the color of wheat. He had Iris’ eyes but looked like a combination of the two of them.

“He’s beautiful, Iris. Like you.”

“Thank you, Cain. Your brother I think had a little to do with that, too.”

Laughter ensued.

“You still okay, man? Need any crossword puzzles to pass the time?”

“I’m straight. You got everything together real nice.” They gave each other an all-knowing nod.

Cain didn’t seem in a hurry to hand back the baby, but eventually did. Jude cleared his throat, ready to make his move. “Hey, baby,” he ran his fingers along his beard, “can you and Pete go to the waiting area for a minute? I need to talk to Cain about something.”

They both left without much fanfare. When the coast was clear, Jude turned to Cain, who was visibly confused.

“Something wrong, man? Is business going well? Last we spoke, you said the distillery is doing real good, and that your jewelry store and pawn shop were doin’ mighty fine, too. Also, Iris’ lady store—”

“Boutique. ‘Lily and Iris’…”

“Yeah, that it was ready for the grand opening soon.”

“Yeah, all that’s fine, man. Her plans are going well. She’s got a few more classes, we’ve bought the storefront, everything is falling into place.” Jude briefly closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Now, I want you to listen to me real good.”

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