EPILOGUE
Twenty-five years later
– NORIE –
Being on the back of my old man’s bike is always a special moment.This one right now?It holds a little more meaning because it’s the final one for us in this spot.Tonight, Fatal is handing the gavel to our son, Rhymes.Yes, we gave our son, who was born twenty-three years ago, Fatal’s birth name.It’s not like he was using it anyway.
After tonight Rhymes will take lead, and Heart’s son, who will become the new VP, will ride in Heart’s place.It’s a shift in leadership, and with it the workflow and responsibilities of both Fatal and Heart will lighten.Which means there will be more free time for them to enjoy other things.
It’s not exactly a retirement, but I am liking how it will be easier for us to take more than a weekend off to spend at our Lexmore Beach condo.Fatal might not be president anymore, but he did take over from Swade and is now the one in charge of the brewery.Which also comes in handy when we head to Lexmore Beach for meetings with Sevrin about their brewery.
I tighten my arms around Fatal and close my eyes for a heartbeat to imprint this special moment inside my brain.My last time as the president’s old lady, and I couldn’t be prouder of our son.
There is a side of this brotherhood I’m not included in, and to be honest?I’m glad to be kept out of the loop.Fatal might have allowed me some knowledge at the start of our wild ride of life, but ever since he’s shielded me from the 1% side of the club.Now those responsibilities land on the shoulders of Rhymes.
He doesn’t have an old lady and I doubt he’ll retire his playboy ways anytime soon.Yet, I never thought I’d find the one man who would simply grab hold and pull me into a direction where my life took a tailspin.Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.Even if it almost cost me my life.
Fatal places his large hand on my thigh and gives me a squeeze.Warmth fills my chest at the intimate move.Like I said, riding together is always a special moment.The gate of the clubhouse comes closer and a few breaths later Fatal hits the kickstand after he’s parked his bike.
Fatal holds his hand out for me to take and I gracefully get off the bike with his help.My smile is intensified by the time I take off my helmet.Fatal is wearing a proud look while there are cheers and loud music coming from the clubhouse.
We follow the rest inside and right before we go through the door, Fatal says, “This is a vivid reminder why we got our own place when Rhymes was born.Parties are nice and all...but I can’t wait to go home after a few hours.”
I snicker and silently agree.Especially when Fatal roughly yanks me against his body to avoid colliding with a naked woman.
“Why wear clothes when your birthday suit is the answer to tonight’s dress code,” I grumble.
Fatal brushes a kiss on the top of my head.“We’re heading home as soon as we’re finished in church and have a drink or two to celebrate.”
“Agreed.I’ll be at the bar.”I squeeze his arm affectionately and he lets me go.
The members all disappear into church and it’s only a handful of prospects, some scantily clad women, and my father who is sitting at the bar.Swade is still wearing his cut, but he’s not an active member anymore.Hence the reason he’s still sitting at the bar instead of dragging his old ass into church.
“Hey, Dad.”I place a kiss on his cheek.
He shoots me a grin.“Hey, darlin’, did you enjoy your final ride as the president’s old lady?”
“Can I have a Jack and Coke?”I ask the prospect behind the bar and he instantly reaches for a bottle of Coca-Cola.
