"Your father just called me son," Shadow says quietly, like he's still processing it.
"He did."
"And he's throwing us a wedding party."
"He is."
Shadow pulls me close again. "I think he's finally okay with us."
"More than okay," I say. "He's happy for us. Really, genuinely happy."
"Good," Shadow murmurs. "Because I'm not letting you go. Ever."
"Good," I echo. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
We have a few hours before the party, so we head home to change and freshen up.
Mom's already at the clubhouse coordinating everything—and I make a mental note that tomorrow, I'm having thatconversation with her about how her being here all the time doesn’t make sense.
But tonight, I'll let her have this.
I’ll let her organize and help and feel useful.
At home, I shower and change into a simple white sundress that Dakota helped me pick out this afternoon when she swung by.
It's not a wedding gown—just a pretty dress—but it feels right. Shadow showers too and puts on dark jeans and a black button-down shirt with his Shotgun Saints cut over it.
"You look beautiful," he says when I emerge from the bathroom.
"You look pretty good yourself, Enforcer."
He grins. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"
"It sounds perfect."
We arrive at the clubhouse just before seven, and the transformation is incredible.
String lights hung across the outdoor space. Tables loaded with food—barbecue, sides, desserts.
Music playing from speakers. Brothers and ol’ ladies dressed up—well, as dressed up as bikers get.
And in the center of it all, a banner stretched across the clubhouse entrance: CONGRATULATIONS SHADOW & GRACE.
"Oh my God," I breathe.
"Your mom went all out," Shadow says, grinning.
Mom appears immediately, pulling me into a hug. "You look beautiful, baby."
"Mom, this is—it's too much?—"
"Nonsense. You deserve this. Both of you do." She looks at Shadow with genuine warmth. "Welcome back, Shadow. Officially."
"Thank you, Jolene."
The party kicks into gear immediately.
Brothers congratulating us, ol’ ladies hugging me, stories being told about what went down in Houston and Shadow's reinstatement.
