Underworld Ties

Surprises

The clinking of cutlery and low chatter filled the air as Bobby and his brother, Mike, sat at a long dining hall table, surveying the venue for Bobby's upcoming wedding. The place was decked out with twinkling fairy lights and ornate decorations, but Bobby could hardly focus on the ambiance. He was more concerned about the damage it would do to his wallet.

"Man, this place looks good, but damn if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg," Bobby said, shaking his head. "I could've bought a brand-new car with what they're charging here."

Mike laughed, leaning back in his chair. "You're not kidding! This isn't a wedding; it's a freaking bank heist!"

Just then, the venue manager approached them, clipboard in hand, her smile wide as if she were about to unveil the crown jewels. "So, gentlemen, let's talk about the deposit. I have the bill right here."

Bobby's heart sank as she handed over the document. He glanced at it and felt his jaw drop. "What the hell is this? You've got to be shitting me!" He practically shouted, eyes wide as he scanned the numbers. "This isn't just a deposit; it's a small mortgage!"

Mike peered over, his eyebrows raised. "Dude, is that the price for a wedding or a down payment on a house? You sure you're not getting married in the Hamptons?"

"Don't give me any ideas, bro! I can't afford to buy a house and a wedding at the same time!" Bobby retorted, running his hands through his hair in disbelief. "This better come with a lifetime supply of liquor or something."

The venue manager chuckled, unfazed by Bobby's outburst. "Well, we do have some great add-ons available for the reception. Would you like to hear about them?"

"Add-ons? Like what, a personal chef or a freaking butler?" Bobby scoffed.

"Actually, we have a few options," she said, flipping through her clipboard. "We offer a chocolate fountain, a photo booth, and of course, the ultimate—an ice sculpture of your wedding cake."

"An ice sculpture? Who the hell needs an ice sculpture? I'm not marrying Elsa from Frozen!" Bobby exclaimed, his frustration bubbling over. "What's next? You got a DJ who can moonwalk while spinning records?"

"Actually, yes! Our DJ can do that," she replied, completely serious. "We also have a live saxophonist who can serenade you during dinner."

Bobby looked at Mike, incredulous. "A saxophonist? What are we, in a 90s R&B video? I mean, come on! I just want a good time with my family and friends. I don't need a side show!"

Mike laughed so hard he nearly knocked over his drink. "You know what would be fun? Just set a bunch of folding chairs up outside and call it a day! We can have a cookout instead! Just hit up the grill, throw some burgers on, and boom!"

"Now you're talking! That's my kind of wedding!" Bobby said, raising his glass. "Forget these fancy frills. I want my people to have a good time, not feel like they're at the Queen's coronation."

After the meeting, Bobby and Mike stepped outside, the cool air hitting them like a splash of reality. "Man, this wedding planning is a lot more stressful than I thought," Bobby admitted, shaking his head. "I just want Nicole to be happy, but this is ridiculous."

"Just remember, it's not about the venue; it's about the love, man. Even if you end up doing a backyard wedding with a grill and a little booze," Mike said, patting his brother on the back.

"Speaking of love, I've got to surprise Nicole with something special tonight," Bobby said, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll catch you later."

---

Later that evening, Bobby took Nicole for a romantic walk along the riverfront. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the perfect backdrop for what he had planned.

"Wow, this is beautiful," Nicole said, smiling as they strolled hand in hand. "You know how to pick a spot, Bobby."

"I can be romantic when I want to be," he replied, his tone playful. "But I've got a little surprise for you."

Nicole turned to him, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What is it? You're not proposing again, are you? Because I'm still trying to recover from the last time."

"Relax, no proposals today. But it's something special," he said, reaching into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a bouquet of vibrant flowers, the kind that screamed "I love you!" more than anything else.

"Bobby! These are gorgeous!" Nicole exclaimed, her face lighting up as she took the flowers. "You didn't have to!"

"I wanted to. And there's more," he said, his heart racing. "I, uh, got something else."

"Another surprise? You're making me feel spoiled!" she said, giggling.

Bobby hesitated for a moment, then lifted his shirt to reveal his ribcage. "Look! I got your name tattooed right here!"

"Wait, what?" Nicole gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "You did not!"

"I did! Right here," he said, pointing proudly at the fresh ink. "See? 'Nicole' in fancy script. Isn't it sweet?"

"Bobby, this is insane!" she said, her voice a mix of shock and delight. "You're not joking, are you?"

"No jokes here, babe. Just a man who's committed," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "And you know what they say: 'He who finds a wife finds a good thing.'"

Nicole laughed, shaking her head. "You're quoting the Bible now? Who are you, the new-age preacher?"

"Just trying to impress you!" he said, pulling her close. "But seriously, it's true. You're a good thing, Nicole. You make my life better in every way."

She looked into his eyes, her expression softening. "Bobby, you don't know how much this means to me. You're really not just saying this, are you?"

"Nope, I'm dead serious. You're stuck with me, and I'm sticking with you. Through thick and thin, crazy venues, and all," he said, his voice earnest.

"I wouldn't want it any other way," she whispered, leaning in for a tender kiss.

As they stood together, surrounded by the beauty of the sunset, Bobby realized that despite the chaos of planning a wedding, the most important thing was right there in his arms. He felt grateful for every moment, knowing they were building a future together, one crazy adventure at a time.