Dreading this moment, Liz lifted her eyes to the challenge.ྭShe blinked her confusion, for no one seemed to even take note of their arrival.
Guests were mingling, guests were laughing and talking gaily, guests were...oblivious to anything other than their immediate surroundings, apparently.
The woman sought an explanation from her companion, whose eyes danced with a silent mirth.
"...Is that a bubble machine?" She stared transfixed at the lovely floating orbs filling the massive room even as she spoke.
"I think it is." Red nodded minutely, watching the same scene unfold. There were thousands of multi-hued bubbles filling the air about them. He had noted them upon their arrival but was more intent on helping Lizzy transition back to the norm.
"...Are there even more people here than when we left?" Liz's brow furrowed thoughtfully.
"Must be considered a wonderful party if word is getting around." Red mused.
"Do they even know we've been gone?" Did Liz feel a little let down by the fact?
"Told you." Red murmured, reading Elizabeth's stunned expression well enough. "Nothing livens up a party like a touch of angst now and again...but it gets old fast, and people move on."
"Evidently." The woman felt a pout coming on, but squelched it determinedly. "... I have to find the restroom." She glanced down at the front of her gown and wondered fleetingly what her hair must look like. She self-consciously touched the soft tendrils.
"I'll make your excuses..." Red followed Liz's line of sight, for the woman had suddenly stiffened a tad, her fingers squeezing the man's more securely.
Red set his mind, lifting his head. He forced a smile. "Good evening, Mr. Kaplan...enjoying the celebration?"
The older woman's ever present stern expression alighted on Elizabeth, motioning the woman closer.
Red guided Lizzy forward, feeling the small fingers tighten almost painfully on his. "Something wrong, Kate?"
"Nothing I can't fix." Kaplan pinched her lips critically, opening her bag, inspecting its contents at length.
Red's shoulders relaxed from their tense perch when Kate came up with... a powder puff in hand.
Shaking his head slowly, Red chuckled when Lizzy trustingly leaned towards Kate, allowing the woman her every whim.
With a few quick swipes and a few flicks of her fingers in Elizabeth's hair it settled back into place, Kate looked over her handiwork with a nod of approval.
"Blot." She directed no-nonsense, whipping a small rectangular container from her bag.
Dutifully taking the tissue handed to her, Liz obediently did as commanded, no questions asked.
"You look perfect, dearie." Kaplan's husky tone crackled.
"Thank you, Mr. Kaplan." Liz demurely lowered her gaze.
"Kate..." Red leaned forward, kissing the older woman's cheek. "What would we do without you? Are they treating you well here?"
"I am the least of your worries." Kate's mouth curled into a wry tilt, as she glanced cryptically over to the gathered ensemble.
Liz glanced fretfully at the group in question. "W-What are they saying? Do they think I'm horrible?"
"Men don't think at all." Was Kaplan's opinion. "Wasn't talking about them." She jerked her head to her meaning. "Those men over there," she motioned over by the vicinity of the open bar, "are driving me insane with inane questions I don't have the answers to." The woman threw a disdainful glare. "They are worse than a bunch of old women. Go shut them the hell up so I can enjoy the rest of the party."
"I'm sorry we haven't connected more tonight, Kate." Red instinctively knew somehow this woman could have deflected the entire farce had he sought her input. "Where the hell have you been? You're never around when I need you the most." He teased affectionately.
"Eating." Kaplan said, snapping a compact closed. "I watched from a distance. I knew you two would figure it out sooner or later. Into every party a little rain must fall." She said. "Now, go cut the damn cake, I want dessert."
"Yes, ma'am." Gripping Elizabeth's hand, Red led the woman to their table, garnering the attention of everyone they passed. All smiled a greeting and raised a glass of bubbly, their eyes following after the couple.
"See, I told you." He mumbled quietly to the woman beside him. "They don't give a shit about anything but the food, drink, and merriment."
Noticing their approach, Francis bolted upright from his chair, glancing them over anxiously. He noted the clasped hands, relaxing a bit. "You two are going to be the death of me yet." He vowed sacredly.
"Don't even kid about that, Francis." Liz asked plaintively.
"That was some knock-down, drag out." The younger man laughed uneasily. "Don't kid a guy like that next time."
"All's well in Never-Never Land, I take it." Silas had put his hair back up and looked refreshingly put together again, more so than Elizabeth felt. "I, personally, would have made her suffer a few hours more, but...to each his own." He flicked Liz with a subdued grin. "Don't you feel psychotic."
"Silas." Red warned.
"It's ok, she's used to it." The man cut the other a get-real look.
Liz wasn't sure if her guard had meant... she was used to him pestering her, or she was accustomed to being psychotic? She cut the guy a look for the fact, which only increased his grin all the more.
"Knock it off." Red shrugged, glancing about his surroundings aimlessly.
Maria and Susan eyed Elizabeth critically from afar. Liz lifted a calming hand that said... Everything's fine. I'm sorry I was such an idiot. Can you guys forgive my hysterics?
"Francis," Red lay a hand on the boy's shoulder, "you are either the dumbest man around or the most loyal friend in the Cosmos. Thank you for what you did earlier."
"All this wedding was missing was a human sacrifice." The boy quipped. "I guess I was just as acceptable as the next guy...what are friends for, right?"
"Friends are around to remind other friends just how stupid their actions can be at times." Red countered quietly. "You stopped me from hurting Lizzy. By my words, I would never hurt her otherwise...I hope you know that."
"Yeah." Francis waved off the show of gratitude. "So, how long did it take for you two to make up...exactly?"
"You started a betting pool." Liz's mouth fell agape. "Francis! Really?"
"Of course." The young man rolled his eyes. "No, really, how long... exactly, to the minute."
"More pressing matters occupied my attention, son." Red reminded.
"What could be more pressing?" The statement left Francis stumped and a little more than miffed. "Well, never mind. I've won my share this evening. But now... moving onward to the cutting of the cake." The man stared blankly at both Red and Liz.
"What could you possibly bet on...involving the cake?" Liz's mind was blank.
"I can't say because it might sway the vote." The man crinkled his brow. "God, is she a novice at this, or what."
Red pressed his lips together, nodding complacently. "She is, yes."
"Hey!" Liz remembered something. "Did you buttheads bet on our kiss during the ceremony?"
"Duh." Francis pulled a comical face.
"Then you cheated by yelling out that you were starving!" She also remembered. "Did anyone notice that little tidbit... I hope!"
"I had already won," Francis snapped, "because I picked the longest time. You had exceeded it by that point. Geeze, woman...you are starting to be an embarrassment here."
"Everybody's been betting on us, all day?" Liz's tone was a mournful one. "All...day?"
"Oh, sure." Francis lifted his infamous little black betting notebook, fanning the filled pages. "You guys are covered for six months out, so far." The man's brow furrowed. "That fight tonight threw me. I'm going to have to revise some of my bets, I'm thinking. Do you think that type of shit will happen often? Not that I'm looking for an inside track, but...do you? Hum?"
Liz's mouth dropped open. She sought comfort from Red, but the man only sighed, pushing Francis out of their path.
"Let's go cut the damned cake and kill the mounting suspense." Red wrapped his arm around her waist, escorting her to the cake table. The sound of their little entourage rushing from their seats and hurrying behind them followed. Some pushing and shoving prevailed for a time, for who didn't want the best view possible.
God alone knew what might be riding on the next few minutes, after all.
"Cupcakes?!" Red gestured to the hundreds of small round cakes decorated in a host of different colored icing. "We're doing...cupcakes?" He felt a little deflated.
"Oh, Red." Liz sighed heavily. "You are such a man. The Chef said, these offer everyone a wider variety of choices plus," she held up a staying finger, "everyone can take a few when they leave. Is that not cool, or what?"
"What the hell do we cut, then?" Red was glancing around cryptically, hands spread.
"Oh, that isn't our cake." Liz cut him a nonsensical look. The woman...pointed the way.
A couple feet away, an elegant canopy fashioned from sheer organza caught his attention. The centerpiece of the structure was a crystal chandelier which lit the area in merry twinkles of light.
Under that was a one-of-a-kind creation made with Red Reddington in mind. The realization brought a smile to his lips.
"I know they typically serve these at the rehearsal dinner," Liz said, lifting a hand toward the gift, "but no way I was going to pass up this opportunity." She scrunched her nose adorably, waving at the artistic endeavor.
Chortling, Red grinned, stepping closer.
A fedora shaped cake sat upon a hat box.
It appeared so real; Red would swear the hat was brushed wool felt. Even the band about the rim, with its small, intricate bow, had a slight satin sheen.
The hat box, itself, looked vintage, with its leather strap and gold trimmed edges. Adding to the charm, the same gold lettering advertised, Cavanagh Hats, Park Avenue New York Est 1928 trademark. "That's really quite remarkable." He had to admit.
"The hat box," Liz air-quoted, "is a bourbon cake." She then pointed to the topper, her smile widening. "The fedora is a rum cake. Captain Jack Sparrow would approve, I think."
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" Red smiled slowly, his eyes approving such an inventive scheme.
"It had occurred to me, of course." She blinked innocent eyes. "It's kinda my duty, isn't it? To help you relax and all? Especially after my behavior tonight?"
Shifting his gaze, Red's mouth quirked irresistibly. "Maybe we both could use a stiff belt." He mused quietly.
The crowd was directing his attention to yet another elaborately staged setting.
The round, four-tiered cake was quite stunning, even from a male's point of view. He approached cautiously.
"My God, how did you get a woman in that thing?" Red recalled Lizzy's earlier quip.
"You're beginning to think like Francis." Liz cautioned, grinning for his wit.
Intricate purple flowers of various hues cascaded down the startling white icing in a whimsical garland. The delicate strand ended in a profuse bouquet atop an equally impressive crystal and silver stand, displaying it so beautifully.
"They sprinkled it with platinum and silver flake to give it that magical, fairytale appearance." Liz explained the sparkle effect created. "Which isn't for you, but Samantha, of course."
Red sought the crowd for the little one, but it was well past a child's bedtime now, he realized.
"Save her a piece or she will have our heads." He checked with Elizabeth. "Am I confusing her with the Queen of Hearts?"
"She's the queen of this entire ensemble's heart." Liz smiled softly. "Of course, we will save her a special piece."
"How do they do this shit?" In Red's opinion, the cake was very reminiscent of a pristine snowfall. "That's remarkable." He stared transfixed at the confection.
"It's vanilla." Liz stared too. "Isn't it pretty."
"Vanilla." Red checked. "Vanilla, you say."
She shrugged. "Everything can't be all exotic and dramatic...can it?" She held her breath. "Did I screw up?"
"At least it's not lemon." Red smiled approvingly. His first wife opted for a lemon cake and after a year, it had taken on a tart, tangy flavor. The cake, like his marriage, ended on a sour note. "You choose wisely, unlike the Nazi guy in Raiders of the Lost Ark."
"That was... creepy." Liz remembered the scene well; thankful she did not suffer such a consequence. Shrugging the matter aside, she gestured once more to the cake.
"How will we get that top off without some horrible mishap?" Liz queried, staring at the piece with a distraught eye. "If we don't, doesn't it mean some sort of bad juju? Francis says so."
Francis nodded sagely.
"The entire thing looks unstable to me." Red studied the problem from his angle. "Bad juju aside, where the hell do we start cutting to ensure layers don't crumble like the walls of Jericho?"
"I can Google that." Francis offered, pulling his phone out, checking sites rapidly.
"What are our chances of making it to the first anniversary, do you think?" Liz sought his hand.
"Wanting to get in on the betting percentages?" He smiled at his own quip.
"Hey, if anyone should make a killing on us...shouldn't it be us?" The woman was momentarily confused.
"Isn't the generous alimony I will award you enough?" He queried.
"Every little bit helps, Red. A girl has to look out for herself...wait, are you trying to tell me something?" She gasped slightly, her eyes wide on his grinning face.
"Come here..." Red said, tugging the slender body over, positioning her before his chest. "I've seen this on a hundred YouTube videos. We got this."
Handing the knife over to Lizzy, Red was just about to wrap his hand about hers when there was an unexpected surge in the crowd. Liz lifted startled eyes, her senses tingling an alarm.
Someone bumped into the edge of the table, jostling everything which sit upon the perch as people tried to vie for the best view of the proceedings.
Inhaling a sharp gasp of despair, Liz grimaced as the top of the cake leaned precariously to the right, then slid right off the pillars holding it aloft.
"No!" She reached out but was too short to accomplish her intended goal.
Watching the rounded object slide from its perch, as if in slow motion, Red hurriedly lifted his arm, catching the top-tier cake in his capable hand, instinctively stabilizing the fragile object.
Chef Henri hurriedly rushed to Red's aid, artfully relieving Red of his burden. The man carefully placed the delicate layer on a nearby plate. The temperamental chef cast a deathly glare to those gathered, jerkily motioning the crowd back... before huffily taking his leave.
A server offered Red a napkin to wipe his hands. He nodded his gratitude, smiling at the young woman.
Giving the crowd a scolding look as well, Red's mouth quirked at the corner as he wiped the thick icing from his hand and cuff.
"Another disaster averted." He mumbled for his bride's ears only.
Red retook his place behind Elizabeth. "Take number two." He murmured in her ear.
"Thank you, Red." Liz closed relieved eyes. "What a bad omen had that...fallen. As if this damned day wasn't filled with enough of those, right?"
"I don't believe in omens...now, where were we?" Red asked, wrapping his hand about Lizzy's. He checked with Francis, who motioned to the exact spot he should cut. "Well, we have our lift off point of reference, apparently." Red grinned, placing the point into the pristine icing. "When has Francis ever steered us wrong?"
"Oh, my god." Liz giggled her nervousness, following the man's lead.
Carefully placing the knife to a flat piece of cake not trimmed by flowers, the tip of the woman's tongue darted out as she began the task set before them.
Red broke off a bite-size piece, holding it aloft for Lizzy to sample. "This is probably all you'll get after Francis and Ben converge...so enjoy it."
"You better be speaking about this cake, mister." Liz batted her long lashes. Slowly taking the morsel in her mouth, she playfully slipped her tongue along Red's fingers before suckling sensually at the very tip of his appendage.
Red squelched an inkling of adrenalin as it swept his frame.
Arching a brow, Red's smoldering eyes swept her form lasciviously. "I like the way you eat cake, lady."
"I like icing, alright?" Liz smiled slowly. "Cut me some slack...Jack."
"You want more," Red wanted to know. "I have a much larger surface that we can apply it to, if so. You can suck to your little heart's content." He kept his tone quiet just for her ears, but his stare heated the hearts of the women surrounding them, all envying Elizabeth the hours ahead this night.
"I would say, I'm not that type of girl," Liz pondered thoughtfully, "but we both know I'm lying... and will test the theory you speak of later on, if you like."
"I'll remember you said that." Red said.
"Well, I should hope you would." She gingerly picked some cake up, smiling pleasantly over.
"I'm going to get the whole cake in my face, aren't I." The man nodded knowingly. "I'm assuming Francis bet on the fact?"
Liz pulled a pouty face, gently placing a small bite for him to take. "I've got your back, baby."
The man's eyes deepened systematically. Red drew the woman's finger into his mouth, licking the icing away in the very same manner the woman had used on him.
"Looks like we're gonna go through a lot of icing tonight, huh." Liz quietly quipped.
"I work well with... or without it." Red assured, placing a kiss to Lizzy's smiling lips that tasted of sweet vanilla, to the sound of the onlookers applause.
Liz smiled gently, her eyes shifting absently. Her mouth fell open, her eyes widening. "Francis Holbrook!" She gasped her shock. "Where did you get that piece of cake!"
Francis motioned to Red's groom's cake, his grimace an annoyed one. "You guys got that entire cake to yourselves. Don't be chintzy."
The sound of their guests' applause muted that of the money being slapped into Francis' outstretched hands, which were covered in cake frosting. The guy held up a hand, sticking his fork in his mouth as he attempted to put the cash into his pockets.
"Hold on...hold on..." He grumbled discontentedly to those paying off the bet.
Liz sent the guy a disgruntled sigh.
As dessert was winding down, Red pushed from his seat, tapping his wine glass. "If I could have a moment of your time."
The people in the ballroom turned their full attention, falling silent.
"I suppose you have all had your fill of speeches today," he said, "but I can't let this opportunity go by without adding my two cents' worth. So, bear with me, please. Besides, I paid for all this shit, and I've had security lock the doors. You can't possibly leave, anyway."
Chuckling, the audience relaxed in their seats.
"First, it must be said...my wife and I would like to thank you all for your well wishes and graciousness." Red smiled charmingly. "Most especially, your patience, while we turned the hotel upside down preparing for this long awaited and most wonderful of days." He said. "You have my sincerest gratitude for being so accommodating."
The people scattered throughout the room smiled kindly, most faces softening considerably when seeking out Elizabeth, which deeply touched Red.
Red wondered if most thought Elizabeth was fortunate to catch such a wealthy man. He had overheard it said several times this day in passing, after all. Little did they know he was the fortunate one. He had found someone special and unique with which to share his life. Red lived long enough to know those were not just words any longer in his world.
"Second, I suppose I should thank a few people personally. That's what I've been told to do, at least." He held his smile. "And there are those that say I can't follow a directive."
Another round of chuckles ensued.
"Let's start at the beginning...surely we owe our parents a debt of gratitude, without whom Lizzy or I would not even be here today." He dropped his hand to his side, smiling down when Lizzy curved her fingers about his. "My mother taught me a lot of things. The most important maybe is that a woman should be treated with respect and kindness and great affection...especially if a guy has been unwise enough to teach said woman to shoot a weapon during their life together."
The guests laughed quietly for the quip.
"Nor can I find one disparaging word to say concerning Lizzy's parental units," as Red expected, guests looked towards Antonio and Maria, smiling warmly at the couple, "for they produced a remarkable, delightfully engaging young woman for me to care for and love." He glanced at the woman in question, his eyes softening. "For which I will forever be grateful."
Red held his expression as Antonio and Maria played the part expected, looking proudly at Elizabeth.
"There is another man who came into Lizzy's life early on and was a constant. We remember him today, miss his presence and...honor his memory." He raised a glass, and everyone toasted...Sam. Even though none knew the identity of said man.
"For so long, my family consisted of my dearest friend, trusted confidante, and brother, Dembe Zuma." Red smiled at the man sitting beside him. "Without him by my side today and every day, I don't think I would be sane, nor as happy and content." He told the truth. "I couldn't have done any of what we have accomplished... without him." He stressed. "I sure as hell couldn't think of a better man to stand beside me today."
"I'll remember you said that!" Silas called out from the guards' table, drawing a round of laughter from the crowd. "I want a raise...have I mentioned the fact?"
Dembe chuckled drily for Silas' comment.
Ignoring the head guard, Red continued on. "Today, our family has grown to include Elizabeth," he shifted a glance to his left, waving an expressive hand about indicating "...and her minions."
Red sighed his woe when Elizabeth giggled quietly at his side, for Francis had stood instantly, offering a jaunty wave to the audience.
"I'm so blessed Dembe and Elizabeth have accepted one another with open arms and have grown to love each other," Red continued undaunted, "as much as I love them both. I look forward to spending the rest of my days with the best family a man can have."
Red smiled softly when he heard Lizzy sniffling. The large black man discretely cleared his throat and Red hoped his words had somehow touched Dembe's heart.
"We also wished to thank Amanda for sharing her beautiful spirit, kindness, and exuberance as she stood by Lizzy's side today." Red smiled when Lizzy enfolded Amanda in a tight embrace. "Thank you for helping plan this event and filling the role of so many when Elizabeth needed it most. There truly aren't enough words to tell you how grateful I am you were there supporting her."
"It's a thankless task, but someone had to do it." Ben piped up helpfully, raising his glass of beer to Amanda who offered over a very Italian gesture which produced more merriment.
Chuckling, Mark handed over a handkerchief to his teary-eyed girlfriend, before affectionately cuddling her to his side. "I'll kill him later for you, angel." He promised faithfully. He held up a don't be concerned hand Antonio's way.
"You'll have to get through me, Mark Donovan." Amy laughed good-naturedly, cuddling to her Ben's biceps. "Not that I'll put up much of a fight." She cut mischievous eyes Ben's way.
The crowd burst out laughing. Ben returned to his beer, in good enough spirits.
"Which brings me to... Francis Holbrook." Red turned his attention towards the man in question.
Francis snapped his head up, staring at Red intently for the unexpected inclusion.
Locking eyes with Francis, Red spoke directly to the young man.
"Francis has been a trusted friend of mine for so many years, I've lost count." Red remained purposely vague. "For me, he has been a great source of laughter and support through the dark periods, making those moments bearable." He spoke a truth as he saw it. "If I were to have a son, I would very much wish for him to be just like you, Francis."
Francis blinked rapidly, gulping around the knot in his throat, shocked by the words said.
"To Elizabeth, who has grown to have a great deal of affection for him, he has become a brother." Red teased. "I know she is so very thankful for him to be a part of her life. Even if some days, she just feels like blowing him up with a block of C-4. It's all in good, clean fun where family is concerned. And...Francis is our very closest of family."
Biting her lip, Liz tried desperately to control the emotional quivering as Francis sought her out.
"Some say Francis is an acquired taste." Red said. "To those that know him well... Francis is above all else, reliable, trustworthy, dependable, and kind-hearted. He has become an important fixture in every one of our lives."
Smiling at her very best-friend, Liz threw a kiss his way.
"Anyone would be fortunate to call him friend, and thankfully, we are two people who can. I thank him for his blessing today, for it touched both mine and Lizzy's heart deeply," Red stressed the words, "and for always protecting Elizabeth... even when it's from me."
Sitting straighter in his chair, Francis nodded at them both as Danny clapped him on the shoulder in open camaraderie.
"All of you," Red gestured to those at their table, "thank you for making this a very special day and sharing it with us. It could not have happened without each one of you."
Red smiled specifically to: "My lovely, precious Susan, who, by butting her nose into our affairs, landed me the sweetest gift any man could ever wish for."
Red turned his attention to Daniel. Without the young man's presence at this gathering, who knew how this day would have ended? "Daniel...you managed to ingenuously fix what was turning out to be...an impossible situation. How the hell can I thank you for what you did."
Danny's mouth lifted at the corner, nodding slightly in response. He waved the issue aside. "Silas told me to do it." He shrugged his shoulders, grinning at the large guard. "He can whip my ass...so I helped out. Glad to do it."
"I want to thank each one of you for helping and supporting Elizabeth when I couldn't." Red meant every word. "Or more specifically, when you wouldn't let me." he grumbled, eliciting a rumble of laughter. "Damned traditional wedding crap!"
"As for my lovely wife," Red glanced at the woman beside him, "...wow." He lifted a wistful smile. "That's an amazing word. Wife." He grinned, downing his head for a beat.
"I have never experienced such complete and utter contentment as I do when I'm with her." Red spoke from his heart. "Without her, there is no passion, excitement, happiness, peace or hope. She makes my every day, my very existence... worthwhile."
Lifting the man's hand, Liz placed a kiss on the roughened skin.
"I love her more than anything else in this world and hope to show her in every way available to me how much joy she has brought to my life." The words didn't come close to expressing how much, but it was a start. "I want to thank her for fulfilling my greatest fantasy, which she did when she said… yes."
Liz dabbed at her eyes, wiping away the tears before they could fall.
"I thought that was withheld for later tonight?" Silas was understandably confused, were his expression any criteria to go by. "That fantasy thing."
Liz threw the man a roll of her lovely eyes.
"Thank you, Silas, for always interjecting a bit of grace and dignity into any occasion." Red nodded regally. "And perhaps you are right, maybe this is getting a little maudlin, so just let me finish by saying," he raised his glass, "I'm kinda excited to see what the future has in store for us. Elizabeth, I love you truly, madly, deeply... and I always will."
Pulling on the hand clasping his, Red lifted Lizzy from her chair to engulf her in his arms. She sniffled quietly for a long beat, then tip-toed to whisper in his ear.
Chuckling quietly, Red nodded before turning back to their rapt audience. "Elizabeth just reminded me...in the unlikely case your mail is mysteriously diverted to the wrong address," the crowd snickered at the hidden meaning only their kind understood, "we wished to thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon us. Even though we expressly forbade you to do so."
The laughter was even more pronounced, for the naughtiness implied on their part.
Francis stood hesitantly, a fretful look on the handsome face.
Mark groaned his despair. "I'm gonna break your legs if you're going to make another speech...just saying."
The young man looked decidedly uncomfortable. Red turned his attention, his quiet stare giving Francis the nerve to say what he needed to say.
Francis mumbled quietly, "I have to say this." He spoke sheepishly. "I...gotta." He lowered his head for a long beat and the room fell silent, sensing the boy's mood was genuine.
Lifting his arm, Red pulled Lizzy close, smiling at the young man's dilemma.
"It's so difficult in this business to make close ties for so many obvious reasons," Francis' mouth fell into a deep frown, "but Red has been steadfast and supportive of me since the first day we met." He kept his head down, his words carefully chosen, it was clear. "I don't think I would honestly even be here if it hadn't been for his help and direction and guidance. He is the best mentor and friend any man could ever want."
Francis' words touched Red, for the guy clearly was speaking from his heart.
"And Elizabeth ... Lizzy," Francis glanced at his best-friend, "I can't believe you've welcomed me into your life in such a loving way." He cleared his throat self-consciously. "You guys are so much better than traditional family, because you chose to make me part of all that you are."
Francis glanced about fretfully, then lowered his head again. "Growing up... I was an only child."
Mark looked quizzically over at Red. "No, he's not?"
"Don't interrupt. He's on a roll." Red stated quietly.
"It was kinda lonely," Francis continued, "but now..." he sought those men he had come to know, trust, and rely upon. "I have one of the most bad ass big brothers God ever created." He grinned over at a reticent head guard.
Silas lowered his own head for a long beat.
"I have a best friend that is almost like my twin." Francis cut gentle eyes to Ben Gilchrist. The other young man seemed entirely embarrassed to be singled out, but he managed a sheepish grin back to a patiently waiting soul mate.
Considering the man improvised all this on the fly, Red was very impressed by how heartfelt and sentimental it was. Especially since he knew Francis hated speaking in front of a crowd.
"All in all, I say, as families go, this one is pretty damned special." He concluded. "Oh, and hey...sis..." he grinned over to Elizabeth, "if you ever really want to blow me up with a block of C-4, I know where you can get it retail...just saying."
Hugging Francis hard, Liz held tightly to her friend as Red reached, warmly clasping the man's hand in a show of open acceptance.
"Best damned speech of them all, Scarecrow." He smiled gently at Francis' diffident duck of his head. "We finished on a fucking high note, if you ask me."
Just then, Lizzy's hand was yanked from Red's grasp by Amanda and Susan, pushing the woman towards the dance floor.
Red looked after the trio quizzically. "... Or, not?"