Page 65 of Ghost

I remember when that’s what we were.

Punk teenagers getting into trouble and pissing off our parents because we had nothing better to do. We thought we understood the club back then, but all we really saw was the abundance, drugs, guns, and women. We didn’t understand the responsibility we’d eventually be faced with when we took those seats in church.

We didn’t see the real danger of people relying on us when we operate outside the law.

Glancing down at Bea, I remember looking up to Legacy’s dad and his friends like she looks at us now. Like we’re good. Like we’re protecting something.

I suppose we are, even if it doesn’t make us heroes.

The sins I’d commit to protect Beatrice King would send me straight to hell. And the same thing goes for Luna.

“Do you think my daddy’s ever gonna fall in love again, Uncle Marcus?” Bea stares at the glass sliding door.

Legacy is standing on the other side on his phone. He pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly stressed.

“I’m pretty sure he has all the love he needs right here.” I tickle her side, and she giggles.

“I mean, like he loved Mommy.” Her laugh fades.

She’s too young to understand Legacy never loved her mom. They barely even knew each other before Sera got knocked up and disappeared. When she came back, it was long enough to let Legacy know he had a kid and that she wanted nothing to do with either of them.

That was that.

He didn’t love Sera, and Sera didn’t love anything but pills and booze.

If anyone finds happiness and love, I hope it’s my brother. He’s a good guy beneath the cut, and he deserves it.

I lean back in my chair, watching Legacy disappear deeper into the house. “Someday, probably.”

Bea turns to me. “Are you lying, Uncle Marcus? Daddy says it’s always better to tell the truth, even if someone isn’t going to like it.”

“He told you that, huh?”

Bea nods sharply, crossing her arms over her chest. “Except he didn’t like when I said I was the one who got the paints on the carpet, and I didn’t lie.”

“Well, paint can be tough to get out.”

“Yeah.” She frowns.

“In that case, I don’t know. Maybe your dad will love someone, and maybe he won’t. But do you want to know a secret?”

Bea nods, and I lean closer to whisper.

“No matter what happens, you’re the only love he needs in the world. I mean it.”

A smile lights her face, and she grabs my arm, hugging it. “I love you, Uncle Marcus.”

“Love you too, Honey Bea.” I kiss the top of her head, brushing my hand over the back of her blonde hair.

“Just in case Daddy doesn’t love anyone, can I throw the flowers when you and Auntie Luna get married?”

“Who said I’m getting married?”

“Daddy.” She nods sharply. “He said you two are silly but that you love Luna a whole lot.”

“He did, huh?”

“Yes.”

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