“More than I’ve ever been.”
Later, as we’re getting ready for bed, Nitro receives a call from Sin. I listen to his side of the conversation, piecing together club business I’m now privy to as his Old Lady. The gold shipment went smoothly. New security measures are in place. Everything is running like clockwork.
When he ends the call, he finds me already in bed, wearing one of his old T-shirts that’s become my favorite.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“Perfect.” He strips down to his boxers and slides in beside me, immediately pulling me against his chest. “Sin and Victoria are doing great. Baby’s healthy. Vicks is glowing, apparently.”
“She is. I saw her last week. She’s absolutely radiant.”
“That’ll be us someday,” he says quietly.
I freeze. “Us?”
“If you want.” His hand splays across my stomach, warm and possessive. “Not now, not for a while. But someday, when we’re ready, I want that with you, Marley. Kids, a bigger family, the whole thing.”
My heart feels like it might burst. “I want that too… someday.”
“Good.” He kisses my shoulder. “Because I’m planning on keeping you forever, Small Town. Hope you’re ready for that.”
“Forever sounds perfect, City Boy.”
We fall asleep like this, tangled together, and I dream of the future. Of baby showers and birthday parties and Thanksgivings around a too-small table. Of Queenie teaching our kids to bake, of Nitro playing his flute while our children dance. Of growing old together in this house, surrounded by love and laughter, and the family we’re building one day at a time.
***
The next evening, we’re at the clubhouse for what Sin promised would be a ‘quick meeting’ but has turned into a full club gathering. The main room is packed with brothers and women that belong to the club, the energy electric and celebratory. Something’s happening, but Nitro won’t tell me what.
“You’ll see,” is all he says, his hand warm on my lower back as we navigate through the crowd.
Victoria is glowing in the center of the room, Sin beside her with his arm around her waist. She’s really showing now, her five-month baby bump visible under her fitted dress, and she’s never looked more beautiful.
“Brothers!” Sin calls out, and the room falls silent immediately. “Victoria and I have some news we wanted to share with our family.”
Victoria’s smile is radiant as she places her hand over her belly. “We’re having a boy.”
The room erupts. Cheers, whistles, brothers clapping Sin on the back, club girls surrounding Victoria with hugs and excited squeals. I find myself caught up in the joy, hugging Victoria tightly.
“Congratulations,” I say into her ear. “You’re going to be an amazing mom.”
“Thank you,” she whispers back. “And thanks for being here. For being part of this family. It means everything.”
When I pull back, there are tears in both our eyes. This woman, whom I met months ago during the worst crisis of our lives, has become one of my closest friends. Watching her journey from undercover detective, to Sin’s Old Lady, to expectant mother has been beautiful.
“A boy!” Queenie states from her seat of honor near the bar, where she’s been holding court all evening. “Oh, Sin, your mother would be so proud.”
Sin’s expression softens at the mention of Maria Moretti, now Captain Moretti, who’s been working on rebuilding her relationship with her son.
It’s slow going, but they’re trying.
“She is proud,” Sin says. “She told me yesterday.”
The celebration continues, and I watch my found family with a heart so full it aches. Bear brings out a cake Millie made, decorated with blue frosting and tiny motorcycle booties. Deek makes an inappropriate joke that has everyone laughing. Will hovers near Millie, who’s helping serve cake, their hands brushing as they pass plates.
I find myself standing next to Millie at the dessert table, both of us watching the chaos with fond smiles.
“This is beautiful,” Millie says softly, her eyes on Victoria and Sin, who are wrapped in each other’s arms, glowing with happiness. “They’re so in love.”
