The biggest one is an art easel. There are also canvases, pretty much every type of paint, and a set of beautiful paintbrushes and pencils. It’s every art lover’s dream, and I’m blown away by it all.
Gage watches nervously as I open each one. “I wasn’t sure what your favorite style was, so I just got them all. I thought this way, you can try your hand at them all.”
“It’s perfect,” I say in awe as I stroke the beautiful leatherbound sketchpad I just opened. “Thank you.”
“Don’t forget that one,” Gage says, pointing to a small envelope.
I open it, expecting a birthday card, but instead I find a gift voucher. It’s a training course to become a tattoo artist. I look at it, dumbfounded, before looking up at Gage.
“You said you wanted to become a tattoo artist. We want to help you achieve that dream. One of the guys in the club owns a tattoo parlor. You can check it out, and if you want it, he’s happy to offer you an apprenticeship after your course,” Gage says. He looks a little sheepish as he admits, “I showed him some of your sketches, and he said you have real potential. Even if you find that tattooing’s not for you, he’d be happy if you designed him some flash art.”
Tears well in my eyes at his thoughtfulness. “Gage, this is incredible, but I don’t have the time. I can’t work full-time and study.”
“Which is why you’re not going to work. We’re going to support you while you train,” Ace interjects.
“I can’t expect you to do that,” I say, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of being a kept woman.
“You can help out at the club and our other businesses when you have the time,” Ace insists, knowing I won’t want to feel like a complete freeloader.
“Plus, you can give us free tattoos,” Gage adds with a grin. “I want you to tattoo me, remember. It’s up to you, but don’t let things like money get in the way of your dream when we can support you.”
“Okay, I’ll do it, thank you,” I reply. My heart feels as if it might burst out of my chest. I’m so happy. Gage hugs and kisses me, and I turn, expecting to see Cash behind me, but he’s disappeared, silently leaving the room while I was distracted.
“Cash has just gone to get your gift. Open some others while we wait,” Ace says.
“Who are they all from?” I ask in awe. I’ve never seen so many presents in my life.
“The Road Renegades, of course,” Ace says. As if it’s totally normal that these people I hardly know would buy me birthday gifts. “You’re our old lady now and part of the Road Renegades family,” he adds by way of explanation.
Each gift is thoughtful, and I feel myself welling up with the generosity of my new family. I vow to take the time to get to know them all and thank them personally. At that moment, Cash reappears carrying a large, wrapped box. As he gets closer, I can hear strange sounds coming from inside it, and it appears to be moving. My eyes widen with surprise as Cash sets it down in front of me. I look between him and the box. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Open it and find out,” he replies with a smile that tells me it’s precisely what I’m thinking.
I open the lid of the box, and inside there’s the most adorable black and tan puppy I’ve ever seen. I pick it up and breathe in its puppy smell as I hug it. The puppy doesn’t protest or wriggle, looking at me with big, trusting brown eyes. “It’s just like the one we had when I was a kid,” I say in awe.
“The very same. When we were thinking about getting a dog, we asked Eli. I hope you don’t mind that I got you a pet without asking?” Cash asks worriedly. “I know that’s not a thing you’re meant to do these days, but it’s just that you’ve talked so much about how much you loved that dog and would like to have one again someday…”
“I don’t mind at all!” I exclaim, falling in love with the puppy already. “Does he have a name?”
Cash shakes his head. “No, I thought you’d want to decide that. And it’s a she. I thought you had enough men around the house that you could use some backup with another woman in the house,” he says with a chuckle.
“Well, that’s true,” I laugh. “Are you gonna help me boss these big old men around?” I say in a cute voice to the puppy who yips and licks my nose.
Gage laughs. “I think that’s a yes.”
“She’ll get a lot bigger, so she’ll be a good guard dog to keep you safe, too. I thought she might help with your bad dreams and everything,” Cash adds.
“What are you going to call her?” Gage asks.
I look down at the pup and at the tattoo on my arm of a moon going through its phases, symbolizing new life and new beginnings. “I think I’ll call her Luna,” I say with a smile. The puppy yips again, wagging her tail and licking me as if she approves.
“That sounds like a perfect name,” Cash says with a smile.
“Thank you, Cash, I love her. I love all of my gifts,” I add, looking to the others. I’m blown away by the kind, thoughtful gifts from my men.
“Which is your favorite?” Ace says, ever competitive, though he’s only teasing.
“I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite when all three gifts are so incredible.” The same goes for my men, I think. “Although maybe this morning’s gift might still be the best,” I purr, only half teasing. I gesture for them to come to me, and they do, surrounding me and touching and kissing me. “Perhaps we could have round two?” I suggest.
