21. Epilogue
“What’s up with you two?” Ava asked a couple of hours into the Kings of Destruction 4 th of July barbeque. “You haven’t been apart for more than five minutes all day long.”
“You know how it is with newlyweds, they can’t stand to be apart, even for a few minutes.” Caden shot his bride a sideways glance and winked at her.
They’d told her family the night before, to a mixed reaction. As expected, her mother hadn’t been pleased, but most of the rest of the family had been thrilled for them.
“Newlyweds?” That word seemed to get Cowboy’s attention where he’d been standing a few feet away talking to Deacon and Miles about the brothers only ride next weekend. “What’s this about newlyweds?”
Caden couldn’t help the grin that he’d been wearing all day long. “We eloped.” He used the arm wrapped around Olivia’s middle to pull her close. She lifted her left hand and showed off the ring he’d put on her finger a couple of days earlier.
Cowboy let out a loud piercing whistle, and it took a moment, but all the chatter in the large building died down while they waited to hear what the president had to say.
“I have an announcement. Someone here decided to run off and get married this weekend.” Cowboy raised his voice so it would carry, and they would be able to hear him throughout the room.
Cheers rose, Cowboy waited for them to subside before continuing.
“When you see Caden and Olivia, congratulate them, maybe give them a bit of advice on what to do or not do to make their marriage last as you see fit. Oh and maybe give them a bit of shit for not throwing us a proper party to celebrate them with! Other than that, go back to your party.”
Laughter sounded across the room, along with a few suggestions that made Olivia blush.
Cowboy clapped Caden on the back. “Seriously though. Congratulations.” He turned to Olivia and pulled her into a brief hug. “And welcome to the family.”
“Even if my mom gives the club trouble because of me?”
“Even if,” Cowboy said with a smile. “Like I said, we’re a family. You probably know by now that families don’t always get along, but they tend to work it out in the end?” He seemed to wait until she’d nodded her understanding. “I’m confident we will too. It will just take time.” Cowboy patted her shoulder then moved on.
“He means it,” Ava said before Olivia had a chance to say anything else. “We’ll work it out and welcome to the family.” Ava pulled Olivia into a hug, then released her and turned to Caden. “Take good care of her, or you’ll answer to the whole club, I’m sure.” She patted his hand then wandered off.
Several people made their way to them, offering congratulations, well wishes and sometimes a bit of advice. It was nearly an hour before the two of them had even a moment to themselves.
“How are you doing?” Caden asked once everyone waiting to talk to them had gone off to do something else.
“I’m good. You were right. Your brothers and their families reacted better than my family did.” She shook her head.
“We’re not done yet. I still need to call my folks. And we’ll need to take some time in the next few months to go visit them. I can’t wait to introduce you to my parents. They’re going to love you.”
“What if they don’t?” Her voice shook just a little.
“If they don’t, we’ll give them time. They’ll come around but I’m sure they won’t need that.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I love you. They’ll see how happy you make me and that’s all that will matter.”
“I love you too.”
Caden pulled her close, wrapped his arms around her and leaned his forehead against hers.
This was what he’d been missing. A person he cared so much about that having her here in his arms made the rest of the world fade away.
“I can’t imagine living without you, sweetheart. Come on, let’s go home. I suddenly need to not have a bunch of people around.”
She didn’t say anything but nodded, her head moving against his.
Heart full to bursting, he took her hand in his and led her outside. Home. He had one for the first time since he’d moved out of his parents’ house. But it wasn’t a house, or even a building. It was the woman on the back of his bike and being with her. He could be happy anywhere, and under any circumstances, as long as she was there with him. She was his world, and he would do whatever it took to keep her.
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