He nods sharply. “I promise. I know I’m not healed and over it as such, but I’m getting there.”
I expel a deep sigh. “Good, because holding on to that anger only hurts you, not your father.”
He looks deep in thought. “That’s a smart way to look at it.”
“Did you tell the club you’re not fighting anymore?” I ask gently.
“I told them today.” He frowns. “It was a hard conversation, but they all understood where I was coming from.”
A tiny smidgen of guilt hits me. But he’s better off not doing it. “Is there any fallout?”
Something crosses his face before he masks it. He puts an arm around my shoulders and brings me closer to him. “There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
When we get up, everyone in the clubhouse is putting up decorations for the next day’s wedding. I have a blast helping. Milly’s ring is all ready to go, so I give it to Twitch. It turned out to be more beautiful than I had imagined.
The orders for my shop keep coming in, so I’ve got a lot of work to get stuck into after the wedding, though I’m excited about tomorrow.
SEVENTEEN
THE WEDDING
Rose
Excitement permeatesthe clubhouse as we get ready for the wedding. The women were changed and ready early. Now we’re just double-checking that all the food is prepared for afterward and all the decorations are up. I helped Ava with the last decorations of the cake. It’s a beautiful two-tiered, round cake with fondant and dried flowers that match the bouquet. She’s helping Milly get ready.
The inside of the clubhouse is decorated with flowers, streamers, and balloons. The kids have been having fun with the decorations all morning. I think Sammy has already accidentally popped a few of the balloons.
My wedding was expensive and over the top. I wasted so much money because I wanted the perfect day, not realizing it waswhoI was marrying that was most important. My ex wasn’t good for me, and I see that now. At Milly and Twitch’s wedding, even though it’s small, there’s a lot of love, and it’s great that everyone is getting involved and making the day extra special for the two people they care about.
As I walk outside, I hear heavy footsteps behind me. It’s Twitch. He’s dressed in his usual jeans, shirt, and motorcycle vest, though I shouldn’t be surprised. I can’t imagine him in a tux. His eyes are wide.
“I nearly forgot...” he says, out of breath. “Do you have the ring?”
We already had this discussion. “I came into the computer room yesterday and gave it to you. Do you remember?”
Tension melts away from his face and his shoulders drop. “Oh yeah.” He blinks a few times. “Of course. Sorry.”
I cringe. God, I hope he hasn’t lost it already. “Do you need help finding it?”
He shakes his head. “No, I remember where I put it.”
I put a hand on his shoulder. “Relax. Today’s going to be a special day for you two. Enjoy it. I can see how much you love each other, and you should be excited. Milly looks absolutely beautiful in her dress.”
He lets out a heavy breath and says, “Thank you.” He turns and goes back inside.
I hope I gave him some reassurance.
As I walk out further, I smile. The wedding is outdoors, and the setting is a breathtaking fusion of rugged landscape and elegant white and sage green decorations against the backdrop of towering trees in the adjoining national park. The arch is made of wood and decorated with drapes and flower arrangements. There are a few rows of wooden chairs on either side, and dried flower petals have been sprinkled down the aisle. Simple, elegant, beautiful. The photographer is walking around taking photos of the arrangements.
I hear people talking and glance over my shoulder to see the men start filing out of the clubhouse, so I go over to the bride’s side and take a seat. The men are all smiles. Viper is patting Twitch on the back, probably giving him a pep talk.
Rage is the last to come out. He’s frowning, so I stand and go over to him and put my hands on his arms. “Is everything okay?” I ask. He had a club meeting this morning.
He forces a smile. “Yep, all good.”
I don’t push it further, so he holds my hand and walks me to a chair, then goes and sits on the groom’s side. The women come out, and Zara takes a seat next to me. She’s wearing a flowing dress that shows her baby bump—not that she could hide it. I rub her tummy. “It’s so exciting. I bet you can’t wait until you meet the baby.” I heard she’s been ill and tired during the pregnancy.
“Pregnancy has been kicking my butt. I’m trying to remain positive and grateful that I’m pregnant, but when I’m spewing every day and struggling to get my work done, it’s difficult.” She puts her hand on her stomach. “But I know it’ll all be worth it.”
