Ace is so excited he’s bouncing in his seat. “I can’t believe we managed to keep this all quiet.”
“Remember, kid, don’t give anything away.”
The disdainful look he gives me is far too mature for his age. “I know, Dad. If anyone is going to let something slip, it’s more likely to be you.” Me? When I glance at him, he grins. “You’re smiling like a loon. She’s going to suspect something.”
Though I try, it is impossible to wipe the grin from my face. I can’t remember ever being this happy. What the fuck happened to the old me?
Movement catches my eye. Checking in the side mirror, I see Pippa’s text was impeccably timed. She and the girls are just arriving. Ace and I get out of the car as they park.
Pippa’s first to emerge. She looks great. Saint’s going to be fighting the men off her tonight. Or maybe he’ll just step back and let her handle them herself, though with her reputation, there probably won’t be many trying it on. And Bronwyn? She’s the second to exit the car. Short is going to be on his knees when he sees her. I notice she’s carrying a box with the local bakery’slogo, and, spying Ace, she turns sideways so it’s not so easy to see as she carries it into the clubhouse.
I hold my breath waiting for the first sight of my woman. When she finally slides out from the back seat, my breath catches. She’s always fucking beautiful, but today she’s pure perfection. Her hair, still long, now hangs in waves, giving it more volume, or whatever the fuck’s the right word chicks would use to describe it. My cock immediately starts to lengthen against my thigh, and mentally I begin to imagine stripping down an engine to prevent disgracing myself. That dress? An absolute knockout.
The single men in the visiting clubs are going to be salivating when they see her. But it will be my arm she’s walking in on, and I’ll be the one taking her home tonight, and every night for the rest of our lives. One thing’s for certain, absolutely no one would make the mistake of thinking she’s a club girl.
Ace and I approach her together. “You look beautiful,” I tell her, my breath catching in my throat. So fucking beautiful, I wonder what I’ve done to deserve her.
“Mom, you look great.” Ace grins. Just when I’m reaching out to take her hand, the little fucker links his arm with hers.
That’s my job, son.But my time will come. For now, I’m content to follow them into the clubhouse, relishing the way that dress – which probably cost me a fortune – swings around Trix’s ass.Can’t wait to get it off her later.However good it looks on her, it would look better on my floor.
Glancing at me over Ace’s head, she mouthsthank you, then she quickens her step, and now it’s her leading my son into the clubhouse. I grin behind their backs, knowing she can’t wait to give Ace his birthday surprise.
They reach the door. She’s there first, reaches out her hand to push it open, then she steps back, pushing Ace inside.
He starts to march in, then abruptly halts.
The clubhouse is crowded, standing room only. The room is strewn with banners that read shit like,Sweet Sixteen,Happy Birthday,Birthday Boy, and other such sentiments. It seems like hundreds of balloons are floating around, all with the number sixteen on them.
Ace turns to us, his eyes open wide. “Dad…” he starts hesitantly.
“Happy birthday, son,” I say quickly.
“Surprise!” Trixie exclaims, gleefully. Now she’s the one taking Ace’s arm and pulling him into the room.
“Happy birthday!” someone shouts, the call being quickly taken up and echoed from all around.
With a lump in my throat, I notice there’s a pile of presents for Ace that I didn’t expect. As I glance around, I’m also surprised at the number of brothers attending from other chapters. I knew some were coming, but didn’t realise there’d be so many.
There’s Bigfoot with his old lady, Sammie, Baffle with his Nell, Grease, Dime, Smooth, and Glitch, all from New Mexico. Beside them, I see Blitz, the brother with a severe aversion to flying. He’s got a woman hanging onto him, and she’s wearing his patch. Close by, there’s Token and Rhino from Georgia here as well. And, fuck, there’s the East Texas crew. Renegade, Rebel, and Hazard. I’m just wondering if LoneStar is with them, then I see him, and have to laugh. He’s backing away from Pippa with his hands raised in a defensive position.
I see someone lifting their hand to me. It’s Lunatic, and Hardcore is standing beside him. And well, fuck me, I'd better be on my best behaviour, as I notice who they’re drawing my attention to. It’s their prez and our national head, Big Daddy, with his arm around a woman I take to be his Gwynee, standing and talking to Bullseye.
I’m about to make my way over when Trixie touches my arm. Glancing down, it’s to see her mouthing one word,Ace.
I look over where she’s indicating, and notice my son is standing still, back ramrod straight. I can immediately tell he’s overwhelmed. Stepping forward, I go to his side and encourage him to move into the room. Knowing my old lady will understand why I’ve abandoned her, I ease him forward.
“You remember the Georgia guys, huh?”
“Blitz.” Ace breaks from his spell, now that he can distinguish a face in the crowd. He grins. “You try to crash the plane this time?”
“Little fucker,” Blitz replies, but with no malice. “I’m getting rather partial to gummies.” He pulls the woman by his side closer. “Meet Charlie. She’s my ol’ lady.” Ace greets her politely.
“Hey, kid, congrats. Hope you’re having a great day.” Rhino holds out his hand. Ace, after only a second’s hesitation, shakes it.
I continue moving him around, reminding him that most of these people aren’t strangers. Gradually, my son relaxes, and finally, still bringing him along with me, I approach Big Daddy.
Holding out my hand, I tell him, “Thank you for coming here today.”
