Page 112 of Pretty Poison

“Absolutely,” Jonah said.

“I’ll record it on my cell phone, too, just in case,” Avery added.

You could’ve heard a pin drop when Marla walked onto the stage. Then the room erupted into clapping and cheering, which went on until she gestured for everyone to settle down.

“I had a hard time deciding what song to perform for you tonight. What lyrics could encompass my journey? The ups and the downs and everything in between. What one song could sum up my story? You’re the loves of my life. Each and every one of you in this room. You’ve given me more love and shown me more kindness in one lifetime than most people would experience in ten,” Marla said. “I decided I wanted this performance to be about you and how lucky and loved you make me feel. You’re simply the best.”

She gestured for the DJ to play the music. Tears filled Rocky’s eyes as soon as Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” began to play, but he joined everyone else who rose to their feet and sang along with her. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the time she finished. She might be able to whip a few of their asses, but she couldn’t take them all.

Rocky hugged Marla tight when she returned to the table. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Pretty Boy.” She pulled back and cupped his face. “The first thing I’m going to do when I get to heaven is find your mama and tell her how wonderful you are. Then, I’ll go find Bea, Rue, and Estelle.”

“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” Rocky said.

“Then we won’t,” she said. “Listen, now. I’ll never be too far away. When you get to missing me, you just need to look up at the sky. I’ll be the star burning the brightest.”

Of that, he had no doubt. Jessa Rae was right. No one shined brighter than her girl.

They gathered on a freakishly warm day in September. It was still too hot to wear suits, but the occasion called for them anyway, and Southerners were big on tradition. They’d strung lanterns and fairy lights throughout the backyard, bathing the space in a soft, romantic glow. The ole magnolia tree had never looked as majestic as when Rocky and Asher joined hands beneath it.

The backyard was packed with friends and family as they exchanged vows and golden rings at dusk. They’d gone with a simple menu and cupcakes over something elegant and fussy. It might not have been the perfect venue, but it was right for them, and everyone genuinely seemed happy.

The oppressive heat and tiny house meant people didn’t linger a long time after the ceremony, but that didn’t bother Rocky. He was ready to have his husband all to himself, but the Southern goodbye tour was lasting a ridiculously long time.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Asher said, hooking his arm around Rocky’s waist. “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Marla tell your nana goodbye three times and my mother twice.”

“They lose track during the rounds. No one stands still, so who can blame them?”

“Maybe they should line up in two rows like athletes and high-five,” Asher suggested.

“Is that what you Yanks do?”

“No,” Asher scoffed. “But we don’t make five trips around the room or yard either.”

“What do you do?”

“We stand by the door and say goodnight to everyone at once.”

“Expedient,” Rocky said. “And a little rude.” He looked up at his husband. “You won’t get away with that down here. You’re a proper Southern gentleman now.”

Asher nuzzled his nose against Rocky’s neck. “I’m not feeling gentle or proper right now.”

“Oh,” Rocky said. “Let’s see if we can’t steer these well-meaning people off our lawn before they start round six.”

“Good idea. How?” Asher asked.

“Start singing.”

“Smartass.” Asher pulled Rocky into his arms and kissed him soundly on the mouth. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Looks like it’s time for us to leave, people,” Marla yelled. “These husbands want to be doing husbandly things. Let’s move out.”

Rocky mouthed, “Thank you.”

She used her index fingers to draw a heart in the air, then blew him a kiss.