“Everything is set up in Sweetwater. Blaz and Carson are going to head up to the cabin in a few hours, and we’ll hit the road once the sun is down,” Ryder explained.
I clapped him on the back. “Thank you for doing this. I know what a huge burden I’m putting on you right now.”
“Don’t mention it.” He pointed to his chest. “Fear none. Respect few.” Our club’s mantra boomed from him as he yelled it into the crowded bar. All the guys repeated it as their old ladies cheered and raised their drinks high in the air.
“We’re ready,” Raine said, chortling as she peeked her head out of a doorway in the back.
“Ready to get that old ball and chain shackled to you?” Ryder laughed as we walked to the front of the makeshift aisle where Red was waiting for us.
“I think I was born ready to marry Scarlett,” I admitted as I rubbed the back of my neck.
“Good answer.” Ryder winked at me quickly before taking his place to my left.
Crickett hurried up to me, placing two rings in my hand. Her kind eyes met mine as tears welled up at the corners.
“What’re these?” I asked.
“Abel’s ring and mine. I figured you didn’t have time to get any of your own, and he would want you to have them. Scarlett is a special one, son—don’t you ever forget that.” Crickett’s sweet voice was soft as she closed my fingers around the metal circles. “Just put them in your pocket and surprise your old lady with ‘em.”
Raine walked up next to her stepmom, hugging her quickly.
“Are you sure you’re all right with this?” I glanced behind the women to make eye contact with Collin.
Collin resembled so much like his father, it was hard for me to look at him most of the time.
“Dad would want you to have them, Bear. It’s the right thing,” Raine said reassuringly as her brother nodded behind her.
“It’s true. He loved you like a son,” Collin added.
“Y’all are the best family a man could ever ask for,” I choked out.
“You’re right, we are family. Now make an honest woman of your old lady so we can celebrate something for a change.” Crickett gave me a quick smile before heading to the back to get my future wife.
Arm in arm with Crickett, Scarlett slowly walked out wearing a simple, white lace, knee-length dress, and she had a bouquet of yellow daisies clutched in her grasp. I had never seen a sight as breathtaking in my entire life.
Crickett kissed her on the cheek then did the same to me before making her way to take a seat between her children.
I looked down at my faded flannel, cut, jeans, and boots for a second. “Sorry if I’m a little underdressed for the occasion, darlin’.”
Scarlett gave me a tight-lipped smile as her eyes softened. “Oh, babe, I wouldn’t marry you any other way.”
Red smiled. “Ready?”
We both nodded.
He spoke loudly, addressing the crowd. “Outlaws and the women who—God knows why—love us, despite the leather and because of it, we have gathered here this afternoon to bring these two crazy kids together in holy matrimony. Now, I had the pleasure of knowing this little lady’s old man, and some of you might remember Gunner. He was like a brother to me and many of us who are here today. He was one hell of a shot, an even better rider, and a true one-percenter, but to her, he was so much more than that. He was a caring father and a devoted husband. I knew from the moment I met Scarlett that she had his fiery spirit and wild heart. She is truly the only one who would ever be able to tame a beast like Bear. Fate brought these two together, and their unwavering devotion to each other might only be matched by the bond that was shared by Abel and Crickett.”
He pulled at the collar of his white shirt as he cleared his choked-up throat, and I heard a few others doing the same before he continued.
“Now, I bring up our fallen brothers because we have to remember that they live within all of us. The lessons they bestowed on us and the example they set have made this club into a family that is unrivaled by any other. These lessons need to be applied in marriage. Always be strong, trust without question, and love without fear.”
I stared into Scarlett’s gray eyes as she smiled at me and mouthed, “I love you.”
Red asked, “Do you have the rings?”
Scarlett’s eyes got wide but before she could answer, I pulled Abel and Crickett’s wedding bands out of my pocket.
“I have them.” I gave my girl a quick wink. “Thank Crickett,” I told her quietly.
