Logan leans against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Saw her looking a little upset as she walked out to her car.”
Ozzie snorts. “How’s she the upset one whenshe’sthe one that cheated?”
“Because that’s life,” I answer plainly. “People’s feelings don’t always make sense.”
“What’s next for you and Solana?” Cash asks. He’s crossed the room and sat down on the armrest of the office’s leather sofa.
This time, the grin does come to fruition. It tugs at the corner of my mouth as I look over at the engaged man. “What do you think? We’re gonna continue to be together. We’ve got time. She’s my future, but she’s young. I want to take it slow with her. Let her finish school, figure out who she wants to be. No rush.”
Logan nods approvingly. “Good call.”
Ozzie, never one to let a moment stay serious for too long, smirks. “Meanwhile, Mace and Logan over here are dealing with pregnant wives sending them on three a.m. runs to the drugstore for pickles and string cheese.”
“That was only once,” Mace grumbles, scrubbing a hand over his face.
“Onceso far, my friend,” Ozzie corrects. “You’ve still got five long months to go.”
“I had no clue pregnancy cravings start so damn early,” Mace mutters. “She’s barely showing and already has me running all over town for weird shit. She texted me earlier saying she wants bacon chili cheese dogs for dinner.”
Logan chuckles. “I’m already prepared from Teysha’s first pregnancy. Stocked up the fridge, freezer,andpantry with all her favorites just to be sure. Learned my lesson last time.”
“Smart man,” Cash says with a grin.
The conversation shifts as I return to my seat behind the desk. Mace’s gaze drops to the finance documents spread out in front of me—the same ones I was reviewing before Rachel showed up.
“Club business?” he asks.
“Always.” I tap the stack of papers. “This’ll be your problem soon enough. Once I step down in a few years.”
“I did the prez thing temporarily when you were in the middle of your divorce, remember?” Mace asks. “It’s how I met Sydney.”
“Yeah, I know—and you proved you were up to the task. You did a damn good job,” I explain. “Ghost’s got no interest in the crown.”
Logan shakes his head in confirmation, shooting his younger brother a subtly amused glance. I’m amused too as I hold Mace’s gaze and continue.
“You’ve always been prez material, Mace. Pretty sure everybody else would agree you make the most sense to take over.”
Cash and Ozzie are on the sidelines, arms crossed and nodding along too. I couldn’t be stating something more obvious.
Everybody really does agree on it, whether Mace realizes it or not.
“It’s always been something I’ve wanted,” he concedes. “Chalk it up to wanting to follow in Tom’s footsteps. Even if we never got along. But at the same time… after how much of a piece of shit he turned out to be... it’s complicated.”
I lean forward in my chair. “You’re a better man than your father ever was, Mace. You’re gonna lead this club the way your father should’ve led it. You’re not him. You never were.”
Ozzie claps Mace on the shoulder. “We’re here for you, brother. We’re your backup. Your right hands.”
“Always,” Logan agrees, as stoic and steady as ever.
Cash nods. “Whatever you need.”
I study the four of them, pride swelling inside my chest. These men are the next generation. The next generation that’ve come up after me and Tom.
And they’re going to be better than we ever were.
That’s how life works. Your successors take the lead, and you step back and watch on in pride. You give them the tools, the wisdom, the foundation, and then you trust them to build something even greater.
Mace is hot tempered and aggressive, sure. But he’s dedicated and tough, forever a fighter who’ll never go down without swinging. He’ll lead this club with everything he’s got.
