“I get it, Violet. We didn’t have a bad mother, but after Stone got sent away, it was hard. We all just usually worked holiday hours. This year with Stone home, I can see the relief on everyone’s faces,” Frankie said.
Violet hugged her back but had to laugh a little. Frankie was a fashion diva and tonight was no exception. She had on high-heeled boots with a cute skirt and a fringed jacket. If Violet wore high heels across a field, she’d end up falling on her face.
Violet had gone for comfort and cute. Beth had dropped by and helped her pick out something to wear. Violet wanted to be warm but look cute for her man because she finally had one.
As they got to the edge of the orchard, the Christmas music changed to another song. She didn’t recognize it, but it was gorgeous.
Speedy and Deacon were walking toward her, with Deacon clutching a bouquet in his hands. A hand on her back gave her a nudge forward.
“Go to him,” Beth said.
Violet walked toward them, following Speedy’s hand motion to come a little closer.
“Violet, I wasn’t looking for someone when you came into my life, but somehow, fate led us together and gave me that womanwho was perfect for me. You make each day brighter, and when I’m with you, it feels like home. We have a couple questions, and Deacon would like to go first,” Speedy said.
Deacon handed her the bunch of flowers. “Lettie, I love you and Tessie loves you. Will you be our mommy?”
Violet knelt down and pulled Deacon into her arms. “Oh, Deacon, nothing could make me happier. I love you and Tessie so much. I will be your mommy.”
Her throat tightened and tears welled in her eyes. This sweet little boy was going to be hers.
“Now, Daddy,” Deacon said, tugging her hand to make her stand up. Speedy’s hand was there to help her.
“Violet, you’re mine and I need the world to know it. Will you be my Ol’ Lady?” Speedy asked.
Deacon tugged his hand. “She’s not old.”
Speedy chuckled. “It’s a sign of respect in the biker world. It’s like a wedding.”
Deacon nodded. “’Kay,” he said.
“I will,” she said, turning when Roam brought him the cut to put on her. The leather settled over her shoulders. Whistles and catcalls came from their friends—no, their family—because Bluff Creek was a family.
When she turned around, Speedy was on one knee in front of her.
“When I found you, I knew I wanted it all. Will you marry me?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. Speedy took her hand and slipped a vintage silver diamond ring on her finger.
He pulled her close. “If you want something different, I’ll buy you whatever you want. This was my mom’s ring,” he said.
She bit her lip and knew she couldn’t hold the tears back. This evening was perfect. Every dream she’d ever had was coming true.
“It’s perfect and you’re perfect for me too,” Violet said.
“Then we should probably make it truly official by sealing the promise with a kiss,” Speedy said, pointing above them, where strings of lights with mistletoe attached were hanging.
Violet grinned. “Yes, we should,” she said, kissing her man until their friends pulled them apart to congratulate them.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Violet washed her face and brushed her hair before bed. It was almost midnight. She and Speedy had tucked the kids into bed and waited an extra-long time before putting out Christmas gifts.
They’d placed the wrapped ones under the tree, and then the gifts from Santa were unwrapped and were put on the fireplace under the kids’ stockings. Violet didn’t have any experience with getting gifts from Santa, so they’d discussed doing it like Speedy had grown up with.
It had taken them about two hours to set up the toys, wrapping the gifts between kisses. Violet adored how tactile Speedy was, wanting to touch her or hold her hand. The time had passed quickly because Speedy had an agenda.
They’d talked through Anita’s house and contents in Las Vegas. Speedy was going to ask Halligan and Dex if they’d be willing to extend their trip a little longer and stick around while a company Speedy had called packed it all up. Violet had realizedhow much Speedy didn’t want to go to Las Vegas, and neither one of them wanted to leave the kids so soon.
