“You scared the crap out of me.”
“Sorry. Thanks for taking care of Tucker for me.”
“Of course. That’s what families are for, right?”
“Right. I’ll see you soon. Here’s TJ.” I pass the phone back, and Cody drags me against his chest, rubbing my arm.
“You okay?”
“Yes. Thanks to you and everyone.”
“We take care of our own, and I’d ride through hell to get you back safe. I hope you know that.”
I nod, that lump in my throat again.
And then he drops to one knee and takes my hand. “I’m not waiting another second, baby. I love you, Heather, and as soon as we get to town, I’m putting a ring on this finger. We’re spending our lives together, and I promise I’ll spend every minute making you happy if you’ll have me.”
“Cody.” I press my hands to my cheeks.
“Just say yes, baby.”
“Yes. Yes, to all of it.”
His brothers clap and cheer, surrounding us and giving me hugs and him backslaps.
“I knew she was ol’ lady material. Right from the start,” Green says, elbowing Jake. “Didn’t I say so?”
Jake rolls his eyes and gives me a hug. “Welcome to the family, honey. I couldn’t be happier, and Layla is going to be over the moon.”
Cole whistles sharply. “Okay, boys and girls, let’s get to the clubhouse and celebrate.”
“If we’re celebrating, I’ve got something to tell you all,” Billy says, shoving his hands in his pockets, and all his brothers turn to look at him. “Melissa is having a baby.”
His eyes go to Cole, like he’s afraid the man is going to punch him. Instead, our president moves toward him and hugs him tight, then cups his face. “I’m happy for you, Billy, and Angel is going to be thrilled.”
“Melissa has been keeping it a secret. The girls don’t even know,” Billy admits.
“I wouldn’t bet money on that,” Cole says with a grin.
Then he steps back, and Red Dog clutches his son. “I’m gonna be a grandpa? For real?”
Billy’s eyes get glassy. “Yeah, ol’ man. Think you can handle it?”
“I can handle it. Mary is going to be so goddamn happy, son. She’s waited for this day.”
“Is that why you’ve been such a bear lately?” TJ asks, giving Billy a hug.
Billy drags a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I’ve been worried sick she’d lose it.” His eyes connect with his father’s, and there must be some history there I don’t know about.
TJ nods. “I get that. Between what your mom went through and how sick Melissa was as a kid, I get you’d be worried, but there’s no reason she can’t have a healthy baby.”
Billy nods, and TJ gives him another hug.
“Welcome to the fatherhood club, brother.”
I smile at the love between them, then meet Cody’s eyes. “I love you, baby.”
He kisses me and whispers in my ear. “Maybe we can get started on giving Tucker a baby brother soon.”
