Ethan, Bulldog, and Casper shook hands with the Reckless Order, sealing the decision, before taking their leave. I walked them to the door.
“Thank you, boys,” I said. “I owe you one.”
“We’re happy to help,” Ethan said, clapping me on the shoulder. Then he nodded in Shea’s direction. “Just remember to invite us to the wedding, yeah?”
“If you don’t show up, I’ll drag each and every one of you to the ceremony myself,” I replied.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
After sending Ethan, Bulldog, and Casper off, I returned to the living room. Bruiser and Hades were pulling Ritter to his feet, shoving him out the back door. I had a feeling that man was about to meet a shallow grave somewhere in the mountains. Hillbilly shifted his attention to me.
“We’re clearing out,” he said. “So you and Shea can have some peace and quiet. I suggest the two of you take it easy for a few days. The cops might come sniffing around, asking questions.”
I nodded.
“Trust me, that won’t be a problem. I feel like I could sleep for a week straight right now.”
Hillbilly chuckled and gestured for Lila to join him. She briefly hugged Shea, then crossed the room, looping her arm through Hillbilly’s elbow.
“Be good to her,” Lila said, giving me a teasing pinch. “She’s my best friend. If you make her cry, I will bury you. Then I’ll send my daddy after you.”
“Your daddy is my President,” I countered. “That makes us family. Shouldn’t that count for something?”
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth.
“I know you have your biker code and that means you’re ride-or-die for each other. But I’m Daddy’s little princess. He will always love me more than you.”
She flashed a charming smile with a wink, following Hillbilly out the door.
I waited while the Reckless Order filed into my driveway. The rumble of their motorcycles faded into the night.
Then Tarzan was the only one left. He gestured to Shea, curled up on my couch, looking exhausted.
“When did this happen? I thought you were friends.”
“We were,” I said. “Until…”
“Until it changed,” Tarzan finished for me.
I nodded and blew out a breath.
“Look, you know I never planned to be a husband or a father, so I could really use some advice. And you have experience in that department now. Do you think we could grab a beer and talk soon?”
Tarzan clapped me on the shoulder.
“I’m no expert, Teddy, but I’ll always lend an ear if you need it.”
“You’re just so busy with your wife, and Kenny, and probably another baby on the way—”
“And you’re still my brother. I’ll make time for you.”
He ruffled my hair like he did when we were kids. It used to irritate the shit out of me back then, but now I found some comfort in old, familiar habits.
After Tarzan left, I made my way over to the couch and sat beside Shea. She crawled into my lap, burying her face in my neck with a sigh.
“Is it really over?” she murmured.
“He’s gone, baby,” I whispered, rubbing her back. “Ritter will never bother you again.”
