The office is small but professionally appointed—a reception desk (currently unmanned as Tyler's still interviewing for that position), his private office, and a conference room. The sign on the door reads "Jackson Security: Protection, Surveillance, Peace of Mind." It's become one of the most successful new businesses in Hope Peak, with contracts from most of the local shops and even the elementary school.
What most clients don't know is that in the back room, behind a secured door, is where Tyler occasionally meets with his brothers from the Outlaw Order. True to his word, they've kept any questionable business far from Hope Peak, using the town merely as a comfortable outpost where one of their most trusted prospects—soon to be a full member—makes his home.
"Knight called," Tyler says, pulling me from my thoughts. "He's coming this weekend and finally bringing his new girlfriend. Thought maybe we could all go fishing at the lake."
"Sounds perfect. I'll make my mom's famous fried chicken."
Life has settled into a strange new normal these past months. By day, Tyler runs his legitimate security business. Some evenings and weekends, he rides with his brothers, handling club business that he never fully explains and I never fully ask about. It's an unusual arrangement, but it works for us.
Devin left town a month after the motel incident, his auto shop now under new management. I heard through the grapevine that his knee never properly healed, leaving him with a permanent limp, a fitting reminder of the consequences of his actions.
As for me, I've found my voice again. The woman who was afraid to leave her abusive boyfriend now stands tall, respected not just as Tyler's partner but as a valued friend to many of his club brothers and their families. I've even earned a nickname of my own—"Teacher," simple but spoken with genuine affection.
Tyler wraps his arms around me, pulling me close.
"I was thinking," he says, his voice rumbling against my ear. "That spare bedroom in your house—our house. Maybe it's time we thought about putting it to use."
I pull back to look at him, my heart skipping. "What exactly are you suggesting, Mr. Jackson?"
He grins, but I can see nervousness behind his eyes. "I'm suggesting that maybe it's time we think about filling it. If you want to, that is."
"A baby?" I whisper, joy bubbling up inside me.
"Or two. Or three." He shrugs, trying to appear casual though I can see how important this is to him. "I always wanted a big family. Brothers and sisters looking out for each other, like the club but... you know, actual blood relations."
I laugh, tears of happiness springing to my eyes. "I think that sounds perfect."
His smile could light up the entire town. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." I kiss him softly. "I love you, Tyler Jackson."
"I love you too, Olivia Wright." He holds me close, and I feel the steady beat of his heart against mine. "Always have. Always will."
In his arms, I know I've finally found the kind of love my parents had—the epic love story I always dreamed about. It may not look exactly like I imagined, with its complicated edges and occasional darkness, but it's real and it's ours.
And I wouldn't change a single thing about it.
Epilogue – Hawk
Three Years Later
The sound of giggling pulls me from a deep sleep, followed by tiny hands patting my face none too gently.
"Daddy! Wake up! Sun is up!"
I crack one eye open to find my eighteen-month-old daughter, Emily, sitting on my chest, her chubby face inches from mine. Her blue eyes, exactly like her mother's, sparkle with mischief as she pats my cheeks again.
"Em, let Daddy sleep," Olivia's voice calls softly from the doorway. She stands there in one of my t-shirts, her hair pulled into a messy bun, a mug of coffee in each hand. Even after all this time, the sight of her still makes my heart skip a beat.
"It's okay," I say, sitting up and lifting Emily onto my lap. "I needed to get up anyway. Knight and Dice are coming by later to discuss that new contract."
Emily squeals at the mention of Knight's name. "Unc! Unc!"
"That's right, princess," I tell her, kissing the top of her head. "Uncle Knight is bringing you a present."
"Another present?" Olivia sighs, handing me a coffee mug before sitting on the edge of the bed. "That man spoils her rotten."
"He can't help it." I sip the coffee—black, strong, perfect. "Besides, it's not just Knight. The whole club treats her like their collective princess."
