22
“I would like to make an announcement,” Chief says, rising to his full six-foot frame.
The murmur of voices and clinking glasses falls silent. We are sitting at the club, a few weeks later, enjoying a cookout when Chief decides to get up and speak. I have no idea what announcement he is about to make, but if he says my mother is pregnant, I may actually leave and never look back.
“My entire life has been this club,” he continues, voice steady. “Since I was a boy, I’ve worn this patch like a second skin. But everything changed when I lost the woman I loved—and nearly lost my little girl.” He glances at me, and my heart clenches. “My brothers on two wheels have always been my family. But my girls... my girls are my everything. So today, with all the fuckin’ happiness I can handle in my heart, I’m stepping down as President.”
A collective gasp ripples through the crowd. The fading sunset casts long shadows over scuffed Levi’s and battered leather vests. Chief holds out his hand. “Bill—come on up, brother.”
Bill, his square jaw slack with surprise, walks over to Chief. He steps forward, and Chief clasps his hand in a firm grip before pulling him into a bear hug. “This man has stood by me since day one,” Chief says, voice thick. “Nobody deserves this club more than he does.”
Bill chuckles, eyes bright. “Well fuck, brother, a warning would have been nice,” he says, slapping Chief’s broad back.
A roar of approval rises from the brothers. I catch Mom’s gaze, tears glistening in her eyes. I know what’s running through her mind—her entire life devoted to Chief and me, yet today someone finally sacrifices for her.
“To Chief!” Bill calls, lifting a chipped glass of amber whiskey.
“And to new beginnings!” Chief hollers, nodding at Travis, who stands near the roaring fire pit. Travis raises his own glass and gives a proud nod in return.
Glasses clink and voices rumble through the night. Chief steps down, weaving through all the handshakes and back slaps until he reaches my mom. He cups her face in rough, gentle hands, leaning in to kiss her with a fierce tenderness. “I should have let go back then,” he murmurs against her lips, “but you are my soul, Angel.”
Well fuck, the man knows how to use his words.
I swallow hard, my chest swelling with pride for the moment they have both been waiting for, for a damn long time. A cool hand brushes mine. I turn to see Travis behind me, silent invitation in his dark eyes. I don’t ask, I just turn and follow him away from the clubhouse. He leads me into the garden, where my mom has already put up Christmas lights.
“Dance with me, baby.”
I smile and step into his arms. “Travis Phoenix, you’re really starting to show your romantic side.”
He lifts an eyebrow, grin spreading. “Didn’t you know, I can be anything you want me to be.”
I laugh softly. “And what if I want a sexy, hot cowboy?”
He straightens, tipping an imaginary hat. “If you want a cowboy, girl, I’ll be your cowboy.”
“Now that’s love.”
“You know,” he murmurs, tilting his head, “this reminds me of the first time we kissed.”
I flush. “It does.”
“Think we can recreate it again, only this time, let’s make it mind-blowing.”
“Oh, I know we can.” I take his shirt in my hands and pull him forward, pressing my lips to his.
He responds with a hungry, tender passion, our dance slowing as we lose ourselves in the warmth of each other. His hands weave through my hair, my arms circle his neck. When we part, my lips tingle, heart pounding in my ears. I trace a finger down his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat.
“It’s always fuckin’ spectacular with you, Mischief,” he growls low, gathering me close. “It’s never been anything but.”
I could definitely say the same about him.
How did I get so lucky?
Seven months later
“How are you feeling, my beautiful sea lion?” Chief’s deep voice rumbles through the living room as he hands me a glass of cool water.
“That’s not funny,” I mumble, voice thick with fatigue.
