“You’ve been mine since the moment I saw that scar and decided no one was ever touching you again. But we need to make it official. Clear to every single person, inside the club and out, exactly where you belong.”
He reached inside the bottom drawer of the dresser and pulled out two things—a small black leather vest and a jewelry box.
My hands started to tremble.
Thayer held up the vest first. On the back, in bold white lettering, it read: Property of Cage
On the front left side was a smaller patch with my name.
Tears stung my eyes as he held it open for me. I turned and let him slide the sleeves up my arms. The leather was soft but sturdy, the weight of it settling over me like a promise.
“Looks fucking perfect on you, baby,” he murmured, his hands smoothing down my sides. “You wear this, and everyone knows you’re untouchable. You’re mine to protect and love.”
I sighed dreamily. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you say that.”
He brushed his lips over mine. “I love you so fucking much, Hadley.”
I grinned up at him, happy tears filling my eyes. “I love you too.”
Thayer’s expression softened even more as he opened the small black box and took out a beautiful diamond solitaire flanked by smaller stones. He slid it onto my left ring finger without hesitation.
“This ring means the same thing. You’re my woman. My old lady. My wife. The mother of my future children. I’m not asking, Hadley. I’m telling you. You’re marrying me. You’re staying right here where you belong.”
A tear slipped down my cheek as I looked up at him with a blinding smile. “I know you’re not asking, but I’m going to answer anyway. Yes. Of course yes. I love you, Thayer. I’m already yours, completely.”
His arms banded around me, crushing me against his chest as he kissed me hard and deep. When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine.
“You’re the best fucking thing that’s ever walked into my life. And I’m never letting you go.”
I laughed softly, happy tears still falling as I cupped his face. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere. You’re my home now.”
He kissed me again, slower this time, full of promise. When we finally broke apart, his hand stroked over the back of my new vest.
“Welcome to the family, baby. Officially.”
I smiled against his lips, my heart so full it felt like it might burst.
I had found my place and was finally exactly where I belonged.
EPILOGUE
HADLEY
The October sun beat down on the new Redline Kings compound pool like it could only do in Florida. Thanks to the heat wave and the fancy heater the guys installed, the water sparkled invitingly while laughter and splashes filled the air. I leaned back against Thayer’s solid chest on our wide lounge chair, his big hands resting protectively over my rounded belly.
Four months pregnant with twins, and I already looked closer to six. Thayer couldn’t keep his hands off the bump. Right now his thumbs were stroking slow, soothing circles over the taut skin, and every once in a while he’d press a kiss to my temple like he still couldn’t believe this was real.
“Look at Kylan go,” I murmured, smiling as Savannah’s son paddled furiously with his little floaties while Cecily, the swim instructor, cheered him on.
Thayer chuckled, the sound vibrating through my back. “Kid’s got his dad’s stubborn streak. Kane’s gonna be chasing him around this pool for the next ten years.”
I let my head fall back against his shoulder, soaking in the happy chaos of the club. This was my life now. It wasn’t polished, but it was real, and I couldn’t be happier.
A shadow fell over us. I looked up and found Jax, his expression serious but gentle.
“Hadley, got a minute?” he asked. “Both of you.”
Thayer helped me up, keeping one arm around my waist as we followed Jax inside to his office. My heart picked up speed, but Thayer’s steady presence kept me calm.
