“You just focus on yourself and the baby. No stress or fighting over dinner plates or floral arrangements. Just a beautiful nightwith friends and family,” Mom replied. It warmed my heart to see Fiona clutching her hand, nodding in response.
“Perfect,” I replied, my focus completely on Fee.
Like puzzle pieces we fit together, and our lives were expanding, forming a much bigger picture around us. I could envision our future in my head, as more pieces snapped into place around us. Surrounded by love, family, and friends. Fiona had all of me; utterly and completely, and I didn’t regret a thing. Nothing would take me away from her side. Together, I couldn’t wait to see what else life had in store for us.
Chapter 30
Fiona
On a brisk December day, I walked down the aisle and legally became Mrs. Fiona Williams. Seeing Bash standing by the lake, his hair slicked back, in a classic black suit took my breath away. After some internal debate, I had decided against asking anyone to walk me down the aisle. I didn’t need anyone to give me away, to offer approval or acceptance of Bash.
This was between the two of us. I was giving myself to him with an open heart and open mind, knowing I wasn’t giving anything away. Instead, I walked forward, knowing how much more I was gaining.
My pregnant belly was not something I could hide at that point. When we had gone dress shopping, and I was struggling to figure out what I wanted. Everything felt too poofy, too lacy, too heavy.
Then Charlie found a simple crepe dress. It had thick straps and a scoop neck with an empire waist line that would highlight my growing stomach. The skirt flared out just enough to be dramatic, but nothing too elaborate. Satin buttons ran down the back, giving the dress a timeless appeal.
“Oh my! It’s just, you look stunning. Like an old Hollywood star!” Cece exclaimed when I came out of the dressing room. Charlie gasped, her hand going to her mouth as tears filled hereyes. It was perfect. I felt beautiful, and I knew I wanted Bash to see me in that dress.
On the day of the wedding, Charlie arranged stylists to do my hair and makeup. I was nervous at first, but she had given them strict instructions on what to do, and the result was perfect. My curls were twisted back into an elegant knot at the nape of my neck, with tendrils loose around my face. Vintage hair combs that looked like leaves held everything in place. The dress fit like a glove, and I felt beautiful. More than that, though, I felt loved and powerful andsafe.
Cece was sitting in the front row next to Reaper, Seph, and Jackson. We had come a long way, and I was happy my brother was there. Our wounds had just started scabbing over, no longer raw and open, but still sensitive. Healing took time, and we had plenty of that.
The rest of the chairs were filled with the Brothers, as well as Roxie and Star. It wasn’t a big group, but it was more than I ever could have imagined. When I stepped into view, I barely registered everyone standing. Guard and Bull were already standing at the altar, beside Bash. Match and Charlie made their way down the aisle, leading the way for me to follow. I was ready to say I do, to Bash and to our future.
Looking up, my eyes locked with his, and I almost stumbled. Bash’s blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears, the look on his face one of awe. As if a string were pulling me forward, I never looked away. I barely felt my feet moving as I made my way toward him, into his arms to embrace our life together.
The party was wonderful. I couldn’t believe how beautiful everything looked. The barn had been transformed into a winter wonderland, with floral centerpieces, filled with dark roses and baby’s breath. Rich fabrics in navy and green lined the tables and draped over the entrances. Twinkle lights were weaved around the entire place, and a large table was set up in the center.
Bash and I sat in the middle as our friends and family filled the seats around us. Good food, conversation, and laughter surrounded us, and it was a night I would never forget. When it was time for toasts, I was surprised when Guard stood up first, his fork banging against his glass. In his rough voice, he got everyone’s attention before focusing on Bash and I.
“I want to begin this speech by saying I love my family dearly. Remember that, despite what you may hear next.” Chuckles rang out and eyes rolled good-naturedly before he continued.
“I had heard about Fiona long before I met her in person. On a good day, it’s hard to get Charlie to stop yapping and her name quickly came up around the house. Now, that alone wasn’t too strange. What caught my attention was the changes in my daughter the more time she spent withthat girl,Fiona. Charlotte had a new sparkle in her eye, a new confidence about her. I was curious to meet the woman who brought that light to our girl.
“The first time I met Fiona was under unfortunate circumstances. On what categorically was a horrific night for this girl, she was greeted with this giant goon in her private space. We only talked for a few minutes that day, but by the end of that conversation, I finally understood. It wasn’t that we were hearing her name too much—it wasn’t enough.
“This woman had more strength and poise, grit, and resilience than any of the men in our club. She was a warrior who had seen more battles than any of us and only came out stronger. Pulling her into our family, forcing her into the fold was necessary. Not for her, but for us. Because we needed her.
“Shortly after, I realized what a magnificent woman we now had in our lives. I remembered I had a son. A thick-headed, stubborn son of a bitch who could fuck this up for all of us. As soon as I was in the room with the two of them, I knew he was under her spell. I couldn’t fault him, but Fiona was still a flightrisk, and honestly, I had concerns. Biting my tongue—something you all know is not my strong suit—I stood back and let things unfold.
“What I saw was two people, flourishing as individuals and eventually as a couple. Bash, I don’t have to tell you how precious the woman next to you is. I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow as a man and a partner. Evolving to make sure you spend every day, making sure she knows her worth. You are the man I always knew you could be, and I’m so incredibly happy for you.
“Fiona, my dear, you are my daughter in every sense of the term now. As soon as I met you, I knew there was a reason you came into our lives. You belong in our found family. So I’m not here to welcome you into the family because you’re already a part of it. I love you, Fiona dear, and couldn’t be happier to call you my daughter. Thank you to Bash, for going the extra mile to legally tie her to all of us. To the happy couple! Cheers!”
After the speech, I stood up to embrace Guard, and it felt like I was coming home. I was loved, had so much love to give, and had finally found people worthy of it all.
Our daughter came screaming into the world the first week of April. There was a part of me that was lost or distracted. I had become so focused on thebeing pregnantpart. Making sure I ate right, took vitamins, and never missed a doctor’s appointment. In a way, it kept me from having to think further than that, about what it would be like once the baby was actually there.
When they placed my baby girl on my chest, something inside of me shifted. Wrinkled and tiny, her hands looked impossibly small. Her head was covered in red fuzz. Squinting one eye open, her cries slowed down, as she seemed to evaluate me just asmuch as I was taking her in. At that moment, I knew I would give anything, do anything, move mountains for this girl.
“Hi, baby girl. I’m your mama. Welcome to the world. From this moment on, I promise to protect you, nourish your body and mind as we watch you grow. Most importantly, though, I promise to make sure you always know that you are safe and loved. So very loved,” I whispered into her soft head, memorizing the moment for eternity.
Exhausted, I watched with surreal awe as the nurse passed the baby over to Bash, who looked like an emotional wreck. The nurse guided him to a chair before passing the baby over to him. As soon as the baby was safe in his arms, looking impossibly tiny curled against Bash’s broad chest, the room quieted.
Emotional, I watched as Bash muttered softly to the baby, his big hand spanning her entire back as he held her tight against him. We got the night to ourselves before our hospital room was invaded by visitors. I couldn’t complain, though. We were family, after all.
After helping us home, stocking our fridge with enough food to last a zombie apocalypse, our first night as parents began. I didn’t know much about motherhood. I’d never had any real positive examples, and I didn’t spend a lot of time around kids.
