Chapter 3

Wilson and Ela didn't move from the doorway as all eyes were locked on them, wondering what to expect. Their children, now grown, stood by them just as awkward. No one knew them due to their parents having moved away. Well, Calvin, Miri, and their children knew them because they visited occasionally. Calvin was the first to step up and speak. "Pape, Mom, this is a surprise. Is everything well?" Ela spoke back as Wilson stood stiff, clearly uncomfortable. "We stopped in for a visit. We had no idea we would be interrupting". Sylvia stepped up. "Nonsense. You're not interrupting a thing". Sylvia leaned in to give her old friend a tight squeeze as I kept my hand near my gun in case Wilson tried any funny business. Sylvia stepped back. "Hello Wilson. It's good to see you all". Wilson gave a curt nod as Sylvia eyed the children. "Oh my goodness. Look at them all grown. They were just babies last I saw them.". Sylvia tugged their arm. "Come get some cake. We have plenty". They passed through, but the tension could be felt in the air. Soon, all the young ones had gathered together, chatting. At least the kids didn't feel so out of place now. I spied Sylvia in a corner catching up with Ela as Wilson sat alone with a sour look on his face. "Well?" I heard a voice from behind me. Turning, I saw Miri. "Well, what?" I asked as she sat beside me and leaned up against me. "Aren't you going to speak to him, try and make amends? " she asked. Cutting my eyes at her, I said. "I don't see him trying to talk to me, so why should I make the first move?" Miri laughed. "You both are acting like toddlers. The king I once knew would make the first move". I knew she was right. "You're an ass baby girl". Laughing, she replied. "True, but you love me". "More than you'll ever know". I said, placing my arm around her. We sat in silence for a moment before she spoke. "You know, sometimes I miss being a child and crawling on your lap. You always knew how to make me feel better and how to fix it". "And I still will. Is everything okay, Miri? I asked, concerned. "Yes, actually very good. I've just missed you, Pape". "And I've missed you, doll baby ". " Pape, do you remember the time you threatened to send me away over that boy?" she asked. I groaned. "Like it was yesterday. You ripped my heart out. However, I would have never gone through with it. I only wanted to protect you, and I still do. You're my little girl, my princess". Miri snuggled closer to me. "Even back then, I wanted to find a man just like you, but no one could live up to my Pape. Then I fell for Calvin. Pape, he's like you in so many ways, and he's good to me and the kids. I'm lucky to have both of you". I glanced over at Calvin, who was laughing with Dem. "I know I haven't always agreed with Calvin, but I am proud of him. He's good for you". "Thanks, Pape. " Miri said, kissing my cheek. I rummaged through my coat pocket and pulled out a small box. "I picked this up for you the other day". She eagerly opened it and saw a necklace with a charm. The charm represented my love for her. "I love it, Pape. Thank you". She said, hugging me tight. Just then, her mother motioned her over. "Before you return to Alabama, promise me you'll take me to my favorite I've cream place, just the two of us". "Cross my heart, baby girl". I said. She hugged me again. "I love you, Pape". "And I love you more ". I said. Miri scampered away to join her mother as I glanced at Wilson. I started to rise, but Dema bumped me. "Sup Pape?" "Just taking it all in. It's good seeing us together". "Yes, it is. So, how you been?" He asked. I laughed. "What's up, son?" " Nothing. Can't I chat with my old man? I laughed. "I can still take you". "No doubt. Think we could hit the shooting range before you return? " "I'm sure we can. Oh, and your ice cream should be here soon"". I added. "Thank you, Pape. I can always count on you". " Listen, about King. Don't let him get into any trouble tonight, son ". I said. " I've got it covered, Pape. I'm bringing extra men along, and I'm not going to drink. I'll watch over the shit". He grinned. "I know you do, son. I'm proud of all of your accomplishments. You served the name well.". I said. Dema smiled. "I learned from the best. I miss you here, peeking over my shoulder though. You always gave me that extra assurance". I laughed. "Sure, you do, son. Really, though, you've made a great king. I'm proud that you're mine". Something very unexpected happened then. Dema grabbed me up in a bear hug. "Man, you don't know how I've missed you. I know it seemed I was a mommy's boy, but it was you I looked up to. You, I wanted to be like. It means a lot to hear you say that you're proud of me." I pulled his head closer and placed a kiss on it. "You've always been special, son. You've done great thing's and King will do great things, as will all my grandchildren. You're a great man, husband, and father. You, Miri, and King have brought me much joy. One day it will be your turn to keep the family together. Promise me, son, that you will do that when the time comes." " Damn, Pape, don't talk like that. You and Mom have many years ahead". Dema said. "Maybe so, but promise me this, Dem". Dema nodded. "Of course, I will, Pape. Family is always first. You taught me that." " Thank you, son. Now go join the others ". Dem have me another firm hug. "I love you, Pape". I squeezed him. "And I love you more than life". We parted manly like, and I grinned. "By the way, I ordered the dress for Demy. I gave her permission". Dema opened his mouth to argue, then grinned. "Only this time, Pape. Only this time". He laughed as he walked off. I focused back on Wilson and made my way to him. He didn't acknowledge, not even when I spoke. "It's been a long time, friend". He snuffed his cigar out. "Friend is such a loose term, don't you think?" "And I apologize once again. I was wrong. I'm hoping we can move past it now. It's been year's and I miss my right-hand man". Wilson continued to look away. "You're a real son of a bitch, you know that, Sally?" " I've been told a time or two". I chuckled. Wilson rose. "Much as it pains me to admit, I've missed your sorry, ugly ass". We both laughed and grasped each other in a hug. Everyone stopped to smile and applaud our reunion. Once again, it was like old times as we spent a few hours catching up. Eventually, the younger ones were ready to get their party on, so we wrapped things up. We made plans to have dinner with Wilson and Ela the following night, then bid them goodbye. Calvin approached me. "I'm glad you two repaired things". "Me too". I agreed. He turned to go, but I caught him. "Your father is a great man. You remind me so much of him. Thank you for loving my daughter and being a great father. I'm proud of you." " Thanks. I appreciate it. You were always like a second dad to me". Calvin said. "And you are like my son Calvin. I'll always have your back. You've made a great King". I told him. Calvin nodded. "Means a lot coming from the best king I know". I gave him a quick hug before sending him off. I watched as the grandchildren swamped Sylvia with hugs as we prepared to leave. Next, Miri hugged her and exchanged a few words. Then King and Dema both bombarded her, fighting for her attention. Sylvia pulled both in and kissed their cheeks. "My two baby boys. You both make my heart swell, and I love you both to the max". King let go first and joined the others as Dema held on. "I love you, mommy." "And I love you. You're still my favorite boy". She whispered. Dema beamed at hearing this, but I snickered. For I knew she always told both that secretly. Finally, Dema let go, but both shared a secret look that always confirmed their special bond. Finally, we made it out the door. Sylvia was surprised when I led her to the elevator instead of our apartment we still had. "What are you up to, Sally?" She teased. "Well, we are in the city and I want to take my beautiful wife dancing". Sylvia grinned. "Sounds good to me. Within twenty minutes, we were at a mature club and I had my babydoll on the floor in my arms. "Have I told you how much I love you, babydoll?" Sylvia smiled up at me. "Only every day, but I'll never tire of hearing it." "And I'll never tire of saying it. You have made my life so much more. Meeting you was the best mistake I ever made". I whispered in her ear. "Staying that night, I find out, was the best decision I ever made. You have made me so happy. Heart, body, and soul forever". She whispered. "Heart, body and soul". I whispered back. The night wore on and we made our way out. Once in my car, Sylvia smiled. "Let's move back, Gordon". I laughed. "Seriously?" " Yes, not to work though, but our grandkids are growing up, and I want to be here. Plus, King is moving here in a month. I miss them all. I miss the city, and I miss my viewing window and chase. Let's do it, Gordon". She said excitedly. I grinned. "Okay, if it's truly what you want, babydoll". "It is Gordon". She said happily. I went to reply back but terror filled my face. "Sylvia down". I yelled as I shoved her to the floor of the car. No sooner than I did, a Hummer plowed into her side of the car. I went to shield her but felt my side of the car get pummeled by another Hummer. Before I could react, another plowed into the rear of us. I reached for my gun. An ambush. A fucking ambush.