“So that I don’t lose my job. You don’t want me to lose my job, right?” she joked. “Nice little entourage you got here. Are you like an influencer, or something?” she asked.
“No. God no. I just have been blessed with a lovely family,” I said as I winked at Squatch.
We made it outside and the nurse helped me from my chair. The air was brisk but the sun was out and I closed my eyes as it hit my face.
“You okay, hon?” Mama Hen asked.
“Yes,” I said, reaching for her hand. “Just feels good to be free.”
“Amen to that,” she agreed. “Let’s get you home.”
On the ride back, I rolled the window down, leaning my head closer to feel the wind whip over my face.
Papa patted my leg. “You okay, my dear?”
“Yeah. But I’d love to take a ride in this weather with Hawk.”
“Can’t beat this fall weather for a good ride, hon,” Mama Hen said. “Maybe I’ll go with ya.”
Looking in the side mirror, I watched Coop and Squatch behind us. I drew in a deep breath as a wave of contentment washed over me. The only thing that would make it complete was being reunited with my husband.
As we pulled into the driveway, I smiled. Home sweet home. But as we made it up past the driveway, I squinted. “What in the world?”
The car pulled close to the two rows of members lined up, facing each other with their hands clasped together in front of them. They formed a walkway leading to the front door of the clubhouse.
Squatch and Coop had jumped from their bikes and rushed to the end of the row, standing at attention with the rest. Some of the bunnies, including Sugar and Penny, were gathered around.
Niko came over and opened the door, offering me his hand. “You look much better, Katya.”
“What is this?” I asked, confused.
He motioned for me to walk ahead. I looked back and Mama Hen climbed from the car. She passed my duffle bag to Niko and I couldn’t help but laugh, even though it made my shoulder pinch.
As I walked closer, the trees blocked the harsh rays of the sun and I stood at the end of the man-made aisle in awe. Turning back, I asked Mama Hen, “Is this for me?”
She smiled. “Go on, hon.”
I stepped into the aisle of men and Squatch and Coop stepped in closer holding something out as they kneeled. A nervous smile spread on my face but I looked at Squatch’s hand and there was a small piece of chain link.
I took the small metal and he said, “With this link, I vow to stay true to you, and always protect and support you.”
Blush filled my cheeks. “Wow, I um–”
Coop cleared his throat.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I reached for the link from his hand and smiled.
He said, “With this link, I vow to stay true to you, and always protect and support you.”
A squeak came from me. “What are you doing?”
The next two members knelt, holding their hands out. I looked back at Mama Hen again. “What is happening?”
“Go on, hon.”
I stopped at each new kneeling member and took the links. Looking ahead, I didn’t see Hawk, but all the officers were standing at the end of the aisle, grinning from ear to ear.
The Old Ladies all stood along the doorway, also grinning from ear to ear. Shiv and Jackal had returned and I couldn’t stop myself from mouthing, “Hey,” to her.
