Ace
Ace got to the courthouse early after picking up Arabella. He couldn’t wait to get the paperwork done so that they could get to the ceremony portion of their afternoon. Trinity had gotten her friend, Judge Grimes to marry them, so the least he could do was stand in line to get their marriage certificate.
Trinity showed up in time to answer her part of the questions on the certificate and sign on the dotted line. She looked beautiful in her white gown. It was simple yet elegant, just like her. “You are breathtaking,” he whispered to her after the clerk handed them over their marriage certificate.
“Thank you,” she said. “Just a little something I found late last night when I was too excited to sleep. I had the boutique express ship it to the penthouse and it got there just in the nick of time.” She twirled around, “So, you really like it?” she asked.
“I do,” he agreed. “And those heels are sexy as fuck.”
“Okay, didn’t we agree that you wouldn’t cuss in front of Bella?” she asked, taking his daughter from his arms and the baby smiled up at Trinity.
“We did agree that I’ll try to control my cussing,” he agreed. “You know, you’re going to be a wonderful step-mom to Bella. She’s so lucky to have you, Trinity. We both are.”
She started to tear up and groaned. “Ugg Ace, don’t make me cry. It took me forever to get my make-up just right. But, I appreciate you saying all of that. I love her as if she was my own—that will never change. Not even when we have children, Ace.” He knew that she meant every word. He wondered how he had gotten so lucky in finding Trinity.
“Hey guys,” Knox said. He hugged them both and took Arabella from Trinity. “How’s my favorite girl?” he asked, kissing Bella’s little head. “You look beautiful today, princess,” he gushed. He looked Trinity over and whistled, “You look pretty hot too, Mama,” he said.
“Hey—I’m not sure that I like you hitting on either of my girls,” Ace grumbled.
“Sorry I’m a little late,” Beck said, rushing into the clerk’s office. “Did I miss much?” she asked.
“Nope,” Trinity said. “You know Ace.” Beck hugged and congratulated him. “And, this is his best friend and business partner, Knox Heart,” she said. Beck shook his extended hand and Trinity didn’t miss the way Knox looked her up and down. “Knox, this is my friend, Beck Dax.”
“You left out that I’m also his best man,” Knox said.
“Sorry,” Trinity said. “My bad. So, did you end up having to work after all?” she asked Beck.
“Not really. I ended up cleaning out my desk. I quit just after you left this morning. I can’t stay at the firm without you, Trinity,” Beck said.
“You can’t just give up your job because of me,” Trinity insisted.
“Sure I can. Besides, I’m sure there are lots of places looking for a good assistant. I’ll have another job in no time,” Beck promised.
“Wait—you’re an assistant?” Knox questioned.
“Yes,” Beck said. “Well, I was Trinity’s assistant until this morning. Now, I’m a free agent, I guess.”
“It just so happens that my assistant left me high and dry this morning. Would you like her job?” Knox asked.
“Shit,” Ace grumbled.
“Ace,” Trinity chided, nodding to Arabella.
“I’d love to tell you that I think that this is a good idea, really I would. I love you like a brother and I like you very much, Beck,” he said. “But, this is a shitty idea.”
“How so?” Knox asked. “I think it’s a brilliant idea, honestly. Beck here needs a job and I need a new assistant.”
“It’s a bad idea because if things don’t work out with the job, it will jeopardize the four of us being able to hang out together,” Trinity said. “You are Ace’s best friend and Beck is more than just my former assistant—she’s become my friend. If you two end up parting ways, Ace and I will have to choose which one of you we want to invite over. But ultimately, this is your decision, Beck.”
Beck looked between Trinity and back up at Knox who was still holding the baby. “I think I’d like to take your offer,” Beck said. “On a trial basis, if that’s all right with you, Mr. Heart.” Knox didn’t bother to look over at Ace. Maybe he’d know what he was going to find staring back at him. Ace thought that this whole idea was a huge mistake, but the deal seemed to be done and he knew there would be no changing his best friend’s mind.
“I’d like that, Ms. Dax. We can talk more after the ceremony. Will you be joining us back at the casino for the celebratory dinner?” he asked.
“Yes,” she agreed.
“Perfect,” Knox said. “We can talk more then and I can even show you around. When can you start?” he asked.
“Um—next Monday?” Beck asked.