Page 65

I don’t reply, but walk over, reach up and kiss his cheek. I leave the office quietly and hope that this won’t leave too nasty a taste in his mouth.

“Well done, boys. You know, from stopping her from leaving the office,” I whisper as I walk away, and feeling a warm breeze flow over me I know they heard.

Land is standing with his arms hanging loose at his sides as he speaks with me. “We have the extension well in hand. The bathroom is nearly fitted and looks good. We need the kitchen cabinets and everything on the list I gave you ready for us to fit next week, Miri.”

“I’ll make sure it’s delivered, Land. I have the list on order already, but I will contact the supplier and make sure they deliver on the Monday as I ordered.” I can see the progress that has been made in the bathroom and it’s going to be stunning. “Do you think we should flip or rent, Land?”

Land glances at me as he replies, “I think you should flip. Get the profit from this one, and then maybe do two or three more before you set that profit on one you are going to rent.”

“It is a good family house, and will be stunning when it’s finished. I am looking at decorating ideas at the moment. I don’t think painting everything white gives a warm, homey feeling, and that’s what we want. I’m checking current trends so we can offer something to a young family where they don’t have to spend a lot of money on decorating when they move in.”

“Fuckin’ good idea that, Miri. Move in and live could get a quick sale. Some houses offered for sale are basically good, but then you have to spend thousands of dollars making it worth living in.” Seeing my surprise, Land smirks, “Yeah, yeah, I’ve done some research too.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. But I will check the orders, Land. The second house purchase is finished, so it’s waiting for us when we get to it.” I turn and head out of the house and back to my car, which thankfully is now serviced, and I don’t have Joker on my ass moaning about it.

At the clubhouse as I get out of my car, Dime walks over to me and smirks, “Well, we have your house over half built now, Miri. The plans for the size of the house showed the place larger than we expected, but it’s coming along and I think it’s going to be a beautiful place to live. Are you planning on having kids soon?”

That question has me blinking a little because having children soon hasn’t even been thought about or discussed. “I’d not panic if we had children now, but it would be nice to have some time to ourselves first.”

“It’s a family house isn’t it? I’m thinking it will scream for kids running around squealing with excitement over something or other. Even fighting or having tantrums. Yeah, it’s going to be a splendid home.” Dime I’m not sure is thinking of me and Joker but may be thinking that’s what he would like. I pat his forearm, which seems to bring him out of his thoughts.

I quickly speak, as I can see he looks a little shaken. “I can’t wait to move into it, but I’ll be sorry to leave the house we are in. It’s a lovely house, and the neighbors are fantastic and I’m going to miss them.”

“Well, you can still have them over to your place or visit them. Just because you are moving from next door doesn’t mean you have to cut ties with them.”

I give a slight nod because, you know, he’s right. “I’ll do that, Dime. I’ll have them over for Sunday lunch now and then. I can still pick them up when I go shopping or take things for them. I know Rory has been so busy she’s not been seeing as much of them, but I can fill that gap.”

“We’ll get your place finished as soon as we can, Miri. Joker knows we are making good time with the build. We have others wanting a place built so we could have work for the next two years,” Dime laughs at the last comment, but he’s not wrong.

Later that day, I speak with Joker about Martin and Cora and he agrees with me we keep contact. We'll continue to see and include them in our lives. They have no-one and if anything happened to one of them, the other would be very lonely. That is not happening if we can help it.

I’ve spoken to Rory, and she agrees that she will also invite Martin and Cora to meals at their home. Truck is calling in once a week on his way home from work to do a general check if they need anything. On the whole, we are going to make sure they are okay.

Chapter 36

JOKER

Miri walks into Tracker’s office and the look on her face is priceless. Martin and Cora are standing quietly, but with huge smiles on their faces. They are decked out in a suit and Sunday dress I might add. “Come on, Miri, we are here to witness you and Joker getting wed,” Martin laughs, and I’m sure he’s laughing at my expression.

“Liam? Now?” Miri asks, standing in jeans, a t-shirt, and a property patch. Shock written all over her face.

“Yeah, now.” I walk up to her, kiss her quickly and whisper in her ear, “You look beautiful no matter what you wear, Miri. You are my heart and soul and I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Brooks.”

Pres is standing in front of us with his arms folded over his chest with an eyebrow quirked at Miri. I know he’s doing it to get a rise out of her, but she’s not one for taking the bait unless she really wants to.

I guide Miri towards Pres, and take our places. Cora takes Martin’s hand and gives Miri a bright smile. “We are here as witnesses, Miri. If you want to go out and have Martin walk you in he’ll do it?” Cora asks, and it breaks the shock Miri was in.

“Okay, let’s go, Martin,” Miri shocks everyone by saying, and they both leave the office. We all shuffle into position, Pres rubs his hands together and we wait.

Miri is led toward me, which is about seven paces I might tell you, and she’s holding Martin’s arm, who in turn has his chest puffed out and grinning.

Handing Miri’s hand to me, Martin scowls, “You best treat her right, or you’ll answer to me.”

He knows, and I know, he’ll take no answer from me, but I can let him have it, and give him a serious look. “I’d expect no less,” I respond, which surprises him, but gains me his respect.

“Okay, let’s get this show on the road,” Pres states, and winks at Miri.

“We are gathered here in my office in the company of Martin and Cora to see you getting married.”