I still can't quite believe we found this place—a forgotten property just outside Pine Haven with an overgrown garden and a small lake. The cottage needed work, but the land had potential. I saw it immediately: the bones of something beautiful, waiting to be uncovered.
James saw it too. "This is it," he'd said, standing amid waist-high weeds, his hand warm in mine. "This is our fresh start."
For the past year, we've poured ourselves into this place. James and Dice rebuilt the cottage, expanding it room by room. I reclaimed the garden, coaxing life from soil that had been neglected for years. The MC helped when needed, strong backs and willing hands transforming our vision into reality.
And today, it becomes the setting for our wedding.
"You ready?" Maddie asks, entering the bedroom we've converted into a bridal suite for the day. She looks stunning in her maid of honor dress, a deep burgundy that complements her skin and dark hair. "Everyone's seated."
"Almost," I say, adjusting my veil one last time. "How does it look out there?"
"Perfect," she assures me. "The guys did good with those last-minute flowers. And James is at the altar looking like he might pass out from happiness or nerves. Maybe both."
I laugh, picturing him waiting for me. James, who faced down armed men and prison riots with cool composure, nervous about our wedding.
"Your mom's in the front row," Maddie continues. "She's already crying."
My mother, who surprised us all by embracing my new life with remarkable understanding. "You're like your father," she'd told me after meeting James. "You see the person, not the past."
A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. "Come in," I call.
Reaper, the Outlaw Order MC president, enters. Incongruously formal in a suit instead of his usual leather cut, he gives me an approving nod.
"You look beautiful, Rebecca," he says, his gruff voice softening. "The car's ready whenever you are."
The "car" is actually a vintage Harley Davidson sidecar motorcycle, restored by James and Dice as a surprise for me. I'll ride in the sidecar the short distance from cottage to ceremony, a nod to the MC world that has become our family.
"Thank you," I tell him. "For everything."
He understands what I mean. Reaper was instrumental in our new start—arranging new identities, ensuring Walsh and his men kept their distance permanently. The MC has protected us, supported us, welcomed us.
"Family takes care of family," he says simply.
Maddie hands me my bouquet—wildflowers from our garden mixed with white roses. "It's time," she says, excitement dancing in her eyes.
I take a deep breath and follow them outside to where the motorcycle waits, gleaming in the sunlight. The sidecar has been decorated with ribbons and flowers, transformed from utilitarian to whimsical.
Slowly, mindful of my dress, I settle into the sidecar. Reaper takes the driver's seat while Maddie adjusts my veil one last time.
"See you at the altar," she says, squeezing my hand before heading down the path toward the ceremony.
The motorcycle rumbles to life, a gentle purr rather than the usual roar, modified for the occasion. We begin the short journey, winding down the path I've bordered with perennials over the past year. Through the trees, I catch glimpses of our guests—a sea of faces, some in suits and dresses, others in leather cuts with patches.
The Outlaw Order MC and their partners occupy several rows. Ghost and Debbie, Blade and Kelly, Amy and Viper, and all the others who've become our extended family. Hawk has even returned for the occasion with Olivia, his girlfriend from his hometown.
My nursing colleagues from the clinic where I now work sit nearby, still sometimes bemused by my connection to an MC but supportive nonetheless. My mother waits in the front row, elegant in blue, tissues already in hand.
As we approach the ceremony area, the string quartet begins playing. Not the traditional wedding march. I wanted something different, but a beautiful arrangement of "At Last." Appropriate,I think, for a love that found its way through the most unlikely circumstances.
The motorcycle stops at the head of the aisle. Reaper helps me out of the sidecar with surprising gentleness, then offers his arm.
"Ready?" he asks.
When we realized we needed someone to walk me down the aisle, James suggested Reaper. "He's the reason we're here," he'd said. "The reason we got our second chance." It felt right.
"Ready," I confirm, taking his arm.
As we round the final curve and the full ceremony comes into view, my breath catches. Flowers everywhere—climbing the canopy, lining the aisle, floating in the lake beyond. Dice stands as best man, grinning widely, Maddie beside him as my maid of honor.
