“How are the nightmares? Still having panic attacks?” he asks.
I nod. “Not as often, but they do come. I don’t think that will stop for a while yet, but it isn’t as debilitating anymore. It helps that when I can’t seek out Asher, I know he is at the front gate.”
He laughs. “I don’t do that for you, you know. That’s one of the shit jobs we give all prospects.”
“Well, it keeps him close, which makes me feel safe, so thank you, big bro.” I hug him.
He hugs me back before ruffling my hair.
“Hey!” I jump back. “I just got it looking good.” I glare at him.
“I don’t think Asher will care if it’s a little messy. Are you ready for your first true family day?” he asks.
I have visited him in the past, but he was trying to keep me out of club things. He had Rain keep me occupied at her house. I never even truly stayed in the clubhouse because he wanted to protect me.
That’s not the case anymore. I am part of this community now. He is no longer stopping it and embraces me instead.
It feels good.
“I am. I pulled the mac and cheese out for Kim. Now I am finishing up the last touches on the cupcakes. Do you think everyone will like them?” I ask, biting my lower lip.
It’s the first time I’ve done something by myself for someone else. It’s nothing fancy. Just some cupcakes with icing from a recipe I found online. I decorated them with sprinkles to make them look festive.
When I was decorating them, I almost felt like a little girl again. Like it was a core memory I never got to experience, but now I do.
“They are going to love them. Now get out of here and go enjoy family day. Kim and Lisa will get all of this outside when it’s time.” He grabs my shoulder, pushing me toward the door.
“Fine. I will see you out there later then.”
I move through the clubhouse until I’m out the back door. Then I take in the sight.
We have had barbecues here with the guys and some of the girls a few times, but today is different. All the club members are here with their families. There are several small children running around with water guns, while a group of teens are by the tree line. I smile when I see them inch more and more into the trees.
The adults are just as rambunctious as the children. Many of the brothers are chasing around after the kids with their own water guns, while the others are playing different forms of yard games.
It feels like something I have always wanted but have been missing.
Family.
I spot Asher talking with Ridge and an older man, so I head that way. I have to dodge a few kids along the way, but it only has my smile growing. When I get to their side, I slide into Asher’s lap like I belong.
“Hey, baby,” Asher whispers, kissing me softly before turning his attention back to the other man. “This is the girl I was telling you about, Mustang.”
As I look at him closer, my eyes tear. I know this man. I have stayed with him at his home many times.
Mustang is Rain’s father, but he doesn’t look like the strong man I once knew. No, he has withered away to nothing but skin and bones.
“Mustang, it is great to see you again,” I tell him.
He gives me a small smile. “Aspen, dear. You stayed away for too long. I see you were able to snag yourself a prospect. You always did like breaking the rules.”
I frown. “What rule is that?”
Ridge speaks up. “Prospects aren’t allowed old ladies until they get into the club. If things were different, Asher wouldn’t even be able to look at you until he is patched in. You guys are special, though.”
I look to Asher and see the determination in his eyes.
“It was part of my conditions to join. If you were willing, I could pursue you,” he tells me.
