“You are going to keep me busy in the bedroom,” I whispered.
Pretty Boy perked up and swatted my ass lightly.
“In that case, I have no objection to this arrangement.”
Ironside heaved a beleaguered sigh.
“You know, I hate growing old. But there are times when I’m looking forward to losing my hearing. Then I won’t have to listen to you two and your nauseating foreplay that makes my ears bleed.”
I laughed and opened the clubhouse door, standing back to let Brass through with the food.
While everyone grabbed a steak and took their seats, Pretty Boy grasped my hand and let out a piercing whistle. All heads turned to look at him.
“Gentlemen,” he said. “I have an announcement to make. I’ve asked Lila to marry me. And she said yes.”
A deafening roar of cheers, wolf whistles, and howls filled the room to congratulate us. When the noise finally died down, Trooper grabbed Shea’s hand and held it up, presenting the sapphire ring on her finger.
“You’re not the only one who’s gettin’ hitched, brother. Shea said yes, too!”
Everyone had seen that coming a mile away, waiting on pins and needles for Trooper to finally make his move. Another round of cheers and whistles and applause rose into the air. I wrapped my best friend in a bone-crushing hug, eager to share this excitement together.
Then I found myself scooped up into a bear hug by Dad, squeezing me so tightly that I could have sworn he would crack my ribs and break my spine.
“I hope he makes you the happiest woman in the world, sweetie,” he said. “And if he doesn’t, just say the word and I’ll put the fear of God into him.”
I smiled, burying my face in his shoulder.
“Thank you, Dad. But don’t scare him off. My personality alone is a lot to handle already.”
He scoffed.
“That kid isn’t going anywhere. He’s head over heels for you.”
Ironside poured a celebratory whiskey for everyone, passing glasses around the room for adults. Jenny gave the kids juice boxes from her massive purse to make them feel included.
“There seems to be a marriage bug going around,” Ironside said. “First Tarzan gets infected with it. Then Trooper wasn’t far behind. And now Pretty Boy has fallen.” He clucked his tongue, shaking his head. “It’s a tragedy, I tell you. A goddamn tragedy.”
Pretty Boy accepted the glass of whiskey he offered and punched him lightly in the shoulder.
“Come on, old man. Don’t you want to tie the knot and settle down?”
“I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a woman who will tolerate my cantankerous moods. I’ve been a bachelor too long. I’m set in my ways.”
“I could set you up with someone,” Keely called from across the room.
Jenny piped up. “There are a bunch of single ladies at my church who are sick of dating apps. They would love to meet you!”
Ironside glared at Pretty Boy.
“Do you see what you’ve done? You’ve thrown me to the wolves. I’ll never know peace again.”
Pretty Boy chuckled. Then he raised his glass to the room.
“Does anyone want to take bets that Ironside will be the next one among us to find his Old Lady?”
Hades raised his glass in return.
“A hundred bucks says that he will remain a bachelor for life.”