“Really, Tess?” Zodiac grumbled softly as he watched the twins head toward the barbecue and the big guy standing behind it.
“What? I didn’t want her to be intimidated by his size or antics.” She shrugged. “Plus, it’s the truth. The only people that need to be worried about him are the ones that get on his bad side.”
“How do you get on his bad side?” I questioned the group. All eyes turned toward me then, and I took a step, backing away from the sudden attention.
“The same way you get on any of our bad sides. Hurting the people we care about, or the people of this town.” Zodiac was the one to answer the question, and I nodded my understanding.
The president of the Celestial Sons didn’t know, but the simple and earnest answer he gave me told me a lot about him and about the club they were a part of. I knew Cap was a decent guy from the foundation he ran and the time I’d spent with him at home. Cap was right when he said that the Celestial Sons were nothing like the Hell’s Artillery. The two clubs couldn’t be further apart in the way they acted, talked, and held themselves.
Someone put on some music on a portable speaker, and the group broke off into different conversations. I moved to the low wall of the pavilion and watched the group interact and enjoy each other’s company. Zodiac and Tess danced to the music; their little girl was being passed around from one pair of empty arms to another. It was hard to imagine big burly bikers doting on a baby, but I saw it firsthand, and I kinda was loving it.
I smiled when I thought of the poor girl’s future when she starts dating one day. Heaven help any guy that would be brave enough to try to date the princess of a motorcycle club.
“What has you smiling?” I looked up to see Cap walking toward me with two sodas in his hands.
I felt lighthearted and good, so I decided to share my thoughts with him. I nodded toward the blond guy holding the baby. I watched as her hand reached up and caught a hold of his beard. He smiled down at her and disentangled the beard from her tiny fist. “I was thinking heaven help any teenage guy that will ever want to ask that girl out one day.” I laughed and popped the top on the drink he offered me as he took the seat beside me.
Cap laughed. “Any kid brave enough to ask her out will have to have a giant set of balls. Not sure if that’s a point in his favor or not, though.” He looked toward the baby.
“I don’t think she’s going to be the only princess in the club for long.” I sent a snide smirk to him and nodded to the sheriff as she curled up against her fiancé and sweetly smiled up at him. I overheard her mention that she was expecting, but the glow and baby bump totally gave her away. “Those two can barely keep their hands off each other, and they damn sure can’t stop eye fucking each other. If they wait to get married before the baby comes, I’d be surprised.”
Cap grinned and chuckled. “They aren’t engaged yet, but I think it’s coming soon. He’s been hinting about it. But we don’t know what the sex is of the baby they’re having. They could have a little prince instead.”
“True.” I smiled, “Either way, they seem like nice people. Your club is different from the Artillery. I’m sorry I painted you guys with the same brush.”
Cap’s eyes met mine. “Thank you.”
I nodded and looked back toward the group. The baby was now in a thin, young girl's arms. I think she’s the one they called Bangs. She smiled down softly at the baby, but a look of sadness flickered across her face even as she smiled. Watching this club,I saw them for what they were. They were a family, and it made me wish my own hadn’t died with Chase.
“Hey, don’t go down that road right now, Ruby. You’re here. Enjoy the moment.”
I nodded and swallowed before offering a small, sardonic smile. “You reading my mind now, Cap?”
He shrugged. “I saw the signs.”
The sun was starting to set when Bull announced that the food was done. He carried a big tray of chicken, burgers, and hot dogs over to the table. Everyone started making their way over to the long tables, ready to chow down. “Come on. Let’s go get some grub.” Cap nudged my shoulder softly with his.
We both got up to join in the dinner celebration. Plates were passed and jokes were told as they all shared the meal. The women and men all made sure to include me in the conversations. It was easy talking to these people, and even easier enjoying being around them.
Chatter and laughter never stopped. The twins were easily the class clowns and cracked jokes constantly, causing everyone at the table to laugh. The guy Tess had called Bull was a bit intimidating, but like she said, he seemed as good as the rest of the guys. According to Cap, there were quite a few members not there. A lot of them chose to stay back at the clubhouse, or haven’t been around much. I wish I could remember all their names, but I was kind of at a loss.
“I think we are going to take off before the fireworks start,” Zodiac stated as he ambled to his feet and Tess started to gather their things. “We don’t want the fireworks to startle Brooklyn. She’s a bit small for them.”
Tess came over to me. “I hope to see you again soon, Ruby.” She offered me a genuine smile, and pulled me in for another brief hug.
My eyes slid closed as I fought back tears. It had been so long since I had any human contact and even longer since I had a real hug. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying, and to distract me from the emotions.
“I hope so too,” I agreed, proud of myself that my voice was sturdier sounding than I thought it would be.
She pulled back and gave me a sly smile. “With the way he looks at you, I’m sure we’re going to see each other again. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
A quick glance Cap’s way had me blushing. I felt his gaze even before she brought it to my attention. The warmth of it had been falling me around all night long.
Before I could respond, Tess took the baby from another set of arms as they made their way to the SUV next to Cap’s truck. But they weren’t the only ones leaving. The twins decided to head to Stars and Strips instead of staying for the light show that was about to happen, and Bull had to get back to the club for work to relieve Archer.
By the time everyone cleared out, it was just Juliette, Scorpio, me, and Cap. “You want to head home or watch the fireworks?” Cap asked me, getting my attention from picking up the rest of the stuff we had brought to the cookout.
“I kinda don’t want to go home,” I admitted softly. “I felt almost normal today, and I don’t want that to end.”
