Butcher's Honor (Iron & Blood MC #2)

Epilogue – Butcher

Two Years Later

The silk tie around my neck feels like a noose, but I resist the urge to loosen it. Mom would kill me if I messed up this monkey suit before the ceremony.

I still can't believe I let her talk me into a traditional wedding, but one look at Ruby's face when we were planning it, and I knew I'd wear whatever the hell she wanted.

"Stop fidgeting," Hellfire growls from beside me, looking as uncomfortable in his suit as I feel. Our cuts are hanging carefully in the church's back room, waiting to be put back on for the reception. "You're making me nervous."

"You're nervous?" I shoot back. "I'm the one getting married."

"About fucking time," Crow adds from where he's attempting to fix his tie in a mirror. "Two years of watching you two make googly eyes at each other was enough."

The other guys laugh, and I flip them off half-heartedly. They're not wrong, though. Two years of living together, raising Tommy, building a life between club business and domestic bliss. Two years of falling more in love every day.

"Remember when we thought Joey was going soft?" Wrath chuckles, straightening his cuffs. "That was before we saw him take out those three Outlaws single-handed when they tried coming after his family."

My jaw clenches at the memory. That had been a close call about a year ago. The Outlaws had finally figured out my weakness and tried to exploit it—their mistake. Nobody threatens what's mine.

"Speaking of family," Maverick pipes up, "where's the kid?"

"Getting ready with the girls," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "He insisted on walking his mom down the aisle himself."

Tommy's eight now, growing like a weed and smart as a whip. He started calling me Dad about a year and half ago, around the same time I officially adopted him. The papers are framed in our living room, right next to his straight-A report cards.

"Remember when he used to call you Mr. Joey?" Ruthless laughs. "Now he's probably the only person who can get away with telling you what to do."

"Him and Ruby," Hellfire corrects with a smirk.

"And Mom," I add, making them all laugh again.

A knock at the door has us all turning. Mom pokes her head in, already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

"It's time," she says, her voice wavering. "Joey, baby, you look so handsome."

I go to her, letting her fuss with my tie even though it's perfect. "How is she?"

"Beautiful," Mom says. "Nervous, but beautiful. Tommy's keeping her calm." She pats my cheek. "That boy of yours is something special."

"Yeah," I agree softly. "He is."

The guys file out to take their places, leaving me alone with Mom for a moment.

"Your father would have—" she starts.

"Don't," I cut her off gently. "He doesn't deserve space on this day."

She nods, understanding.

"You're right. This is about you and your family. The one you chose, the one you built." She straightens my lapels one last time. "I'm so proud of you, Joey."

I have to swallow hard against the lump in my throat. "Thanks, Mom."

The wedding march starts playing, and my heart kicks into high gear. Mom squeezes my hand one last time before hurrying to her seat.

I take my place at the altar, my brothers lined up beside me in their uncomfortable suits. The church is full of club members and their families, Ruby’s friends, whom she has made in these past two years, and even a few of Tommy's teachers. Even some of the neighbors who've gotten used to having bikers next door.

The doors open, and all the air leaves my lungs. Tommy comes first, walking tall and proud in his little suit, a miniature version of mine. But it's Ruby on his arm that makes my heart stop.

Her dress is simple but elegant, hugging her curves before flowing out at her hips. Her dark hair falls in waves around her shoulders, just like that first day I saw her. But it's her smile that kills me—radiant, loving, sure.

Tommy leads her down the aisle with perfect solemnity, though I can see him fighting a grin. When they reach me, he places her hand in mine with exaggerated care.

"Take care of my mom," he says, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Or else."

Laughter ripples through the church, but I see the tears in Ruby's eyes.

"Always," I promise him. Promise her.

He nods, satisfied, and takes his place next to Hellfire, who ruffles his hair proudly.

"Hi," Ruby whispers as we turn to face the priest.

"Hi yourself," I whisper back. "You're beautiful."

She squeezes my hand, and everything else fades away. The uncomfortable suit, the watching crowd, even my brothers' presence beside me—none of it matters except her.

The priest starts speaking, but I barely hear him. I'm lost in memories: Ruby baking cookies with Tommy, teaching him to read. The first time I took her shooting, how quickly she learned. The night I proposed, simple and quiet in our kitchen. The woman who loves both my gentle side and my violent one, who understands that they're both equally real parts of me.

"I do," I say when it's time, my voice steady and sure.

Her "I do" is just as certain, just as strong.

When I kiss her, sealing our vows, I hear Tommy's exaggerated "Eww!" followed by the guys' laughter. Ruby smiles against my lips, and I know this is it. This is everything I never thought I deserved but somehow got anyway.

Later, at the reception, I watch her dance with Tommy, both of them laughing as he tries to lead. My cut is back on, more comfortable than the suit jacket ever was. Hellfire sidles up beside me, also back in leather.

"Never thought I'd see the day," he says, clinking his beer against mine. "The big bad wolf, completely tamed."

I snort. "Not tamed. Just... found something worth being better for."

He nods, understanding. "You did good, brother. Real good."

Ruby catches my eye across the room and smiles, that same smile that first drew me in two years ago. Tommy waves with enthusiasm, and I wave back.

Yeah, I did good. Really good.

And I plan to keep doing good by them for the rest of my life.

Thank you for reading it!