Page 107 of Money Shot

“Yes, Sir. I do,” Vince said.

“Sienna Ghee Boyco, do you take this man to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”

“I certainly do,” Sienna responded.

The pastor glanced at each of them and bowed his head slightly. “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

They kissed a kiss I damned sure wouldn’t have kissed at my wedding. After a few get a room remarks were shouted by various Sinners, they separated and turned to face the crowd.

I couldn’t have been more proud of one of my boys and his new wife. I turned toward Avery, smiled, and kissed her.

“I love you,” I said.

“I love you,” she responded.

Avery looked remarkable in her dress. She made me proud in what she had done with Jackson, work, life, and finally making amends with her parents. One day I would make her my wife, I was sure of it. When the day came, I would stand proud before my brothers and take the vow with honor and respect.

As the evening turned into night, and the alcohol became part of the occasion, the DJ tapped his finger on the microphone and got everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to make an announcement,” he said. “It’s time for the father-daughter dance. The song chosen was by the daughter, and I want to make sure everyone in attendance is ready. Axton?”

He motioned toward me with his free hand.

Oh shit, that’s my cue.

It was the least I could do for a member of my family whose father was deceased. Participating in the dance was a matter of respect.

I turned to the side and reached for Sienna’s hand, fully expecting a slow dance. She raised her hand in the air and pulled it away from me as she shook her head. When she kicked her shoes to the side, I realized I might be in trouble.

I wrinkled my brow and stared.

Her mouth curled into a smirk as she turned her head and shouted over her shoulder at the DJ.

“Hit it,” she said with a nod.

The music started and the floor began to shake. It wasn’t what I expected, but I had given my word I’d do the dance with her. Without hesitation, I grabbed the lapels of my jacket, pulled it off, and tossed it to Anita. I couldn’t wear a jacket and dance to the song she’d chosen, there was no way.

I glanced around the dance floor. Every person in attendance had their eyes on me.

And as “Christmas in Hollis,” by Run DMC played, I came to realize although we were all Selected Sinners, we were all different.

But for that moment, Sienna and I were exactly the same.

And I danced like it was the last time I would ever have a chance.