Dutch (BLP Motorcycle Clubs #4)

Epilogue

I pulled up to the club's parking lot with my bag in tow. Tiya was already there, waving me over.

"Heeey girl, Dutch's mom is inside and has taken charge of this like a pro."

"Hey, sis, thank goodness because I'm a nervous wreck," I greeted.

Tiya grabbed my bag, and we headed inside.

"Makari, thank God you're here. We have decorations coming out of the yin-yang," Mama Knight informed me.

I smirked. "What, the big bad bikers couldn't handle a little party planning?"

As if on cue, Saint stumbled out of the storage area with a string of lights. "I swear these things are possessed," he grumbled.

I burst out laughing. "Oh, real intimidating," I agreed.

Saint scoffed, but there was no heat behind it. That was the thing with the Sons of Shadows. Underneath all that attitude and leather, they were family. My family now, I guessed.

They had transformed the club into something not quite elegant but definitely better than usual. Other members were inside helping by placing tablecloths over the tables, arranging flowers, and hanging streamers.

"Who'd imagined the Sons of Shadows would be full-fledged Martha Stewarts?" I laughed.

Tiya nudged me, grinning. "They look tough but are big teddy bears at heart, especially Saint," she stated.

A lump formed in my throat. "Oooh, don't let him hear you say that. You know he has a reputation to maintain."

We watched Saint, all six-foot-four of him, stringing lights. I couldn't help but feel affection for the rough, around-the-edges men who'd become my support system.

"All right, ladies, let's get this show on the road," Mama Dutch instructed, clapping her hands.

I got caught up in the activities, taste-testing moonshine courtesy of Trigger and telling the deejay my music choices. I stepped back to survey our progress. I felt a light in my soul that I thought I'd never find again after losing Malakai.

Tiya slid up to me. "Are you good?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I just never expected all this."

She squeezed my shoulders. "Life's funny that way."

I thought about second chances and the unexpected journey. "Yeah, I'm starting to see that."

"Come on, let's get you ready," Tiya stated as we entered a conference room, which was also a makeshift dressing room.

I stared at myself in the full-length mirror Tiya had brought with her. The intricate lace covered my tattoos, and the white dress hugged my curves perfectly. My locs were swept up into an elegant updo with streaks of auburn showing.

Damn, girl, you are fine . I smiled in awe of myself.

Tiya appeared behind me with misty eyes. "Oh babe, you are absolutely stunning."

I fidgeted with the dress. "Do you think Dutch will like it?"

"Honey, that man would marry you in a potato sack." She laughed. "Seriously though, I'd never thought I'd see the day when you settle down, but you've been good for him, Makari. You brought out a side of Dutch he didn't even know existed.”

I blinked rapidly and fanned my eyes, fighting tears. "He's been good for me, too. Even when I was too damn stubborn to admit it."

"Lord knows you two are a match made in hard-headed heaven, but that's what makes it work. You two fought for each other."

A knock on the door interrupted us. "It's time."

As we entered the main room, my heart beat a hundred miles an hour. The club had been transformed into a beautiful space, and I spotted familiar faces — club members, my chosen family. And there in the front stood Dutch. His eyes were on me, and his bottom lip was pulled in as he took me in.

I stepped forward, and soon, he took my hand, grounding me.

"Are you ready to make this official?" Dutch asked.

I smirked. "Just don't expect me to go sappy on you."

A chuckle rippled through the crowd.

After the officiant had done their part, we said our vows.

"Makari, you're the most stubborn and toughest woman I've ever met. But you drive me crazy in all the best ways, and I promise to always have your back and ride beside you. Did I mention sexy?"

I couldn't help but laugh, even as tears sat in the rims of my eyes. "Dieterick, you're overprotective and sometimes infuriating, but the only person I completely trust."

Tiya cleared her throat.

"Well, besides Tiya." The audience laughed. "I promise to call you on your bullshit and keep you on your toes for the rest of our lives."

We exchanged rings, and I was overwhelmed by how right this felt. We were no longer the angry, guarded people we once were.

"You may now kiss the bride," the Justice of the Peace announced.

We kissed, and Dutch dipped me dramatically.

"Show-off," I murmured against his mouth.

"You love it," he countered, pulling me back upright.

"And do." I giggled.

The reception was a time to be had with laughter, food, and music. I twirled across the dance floor with Tiya as we exchanged playful jabs with the old-timers of the club. I tried not to get misty-eyed when I caught Dutch watching me from across the room.

"Congratulations." I turned to the deep voice behind me. Saint. "You two are good for each other."

"Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment," I stated.

"Man, you hitting on my old lady, Prez?" Dutch joked, sliding an arm around my waist.

Saint smiled. "I'm glad you're here. Hey, cut the music for a minute," Saint said loudly, and the room went quiet. "Dutch, Makari, on behalf of Sons of Shadows, I wanted to present you with a gift."

Rico and Trigger entered the room and draped leather cuts over our shoulders, and Saint hung dog tags over our heads. "For a couple who's been through hell and put this club through hell. Nah, I'm joking." He laughed. "You two are now honorary members of the Sons of Shadows and will always be family."

I was hit with emotion as I ran my fingers over the familiar skull logo on the dog tags.

"Shit, and here I thought I was finished crying today."

Dutch chuckled softly next to me. "You and me both. Wow, thank you guys so much," Dutch expressed, clapping Saint on the back.

Dutch, in a cut, again swelled my heart. It was the missing piece I knew he needed.

I leaned into his embrace, and for the first time, I truly felt like I belonged somewhere with this crazy, beautiful family we'd built.

The music came back on, and Saint and Tiya grabbed our jackets so we could dance. We moved to the dance floor, and Dutch pulled me close.

"Mrs. Makari Knight. How does it feel?"

I pretended to think about it. "Hmm, it was definitely an upgrade." I laughed.

"I second that."

I wrapped my arms around his neck. Fishing for compliments, huh? The upgrade is pretty damn amazing. Are you happy now?"

Dutch smiled. "Ecstatic."

Saint raised a beer. "Yo, lovebirds, isn't it time for you two to sneak off for a private celebration?"

"Don't you worry about us, Mr. President? We're going to get ours in." I laughed.

Saint clapped Dutch on the shoulder. "Don't let this one go."

The next morning, the scent of breakfast coaxed me awake. I stretched, feeling a sweet ache between my legs and caught a whiff of Dutch's cologne on the pillow next to me.

I headed to the ensuite bathroom, which was a small luxury I'd never thought I'd appreciate so much. I brushed my teeth and smiled at the electric razor next to the toothpaste, reminding me how far we'd come.

I slipped into one of Dutch's oversized t-shirts and made my way downstairs, suddenly ravished with hunger. I leaned against the door frame, taking in my husband with his fine ass wearing nothing but his birthday suit and an apron, flipping pancakes like a pro.

"Good morning, sunshine. I see you're already stealing my clothes." He laughed.

I shrugged. "It smells like you. I'd get in your skin if I could."

I snagged a piece of bacon. "How is the new bike project coming along?"

Dutch poured coffee. "Real good. My client wants a showstopper for his son's twentieth birthday."

"Oh, that's impressive."

Dutch pulled me in for a hug. "Baby, you're always worth impressing."

I arched an eyebrow. "Really, 'cause I was kind of hoping you'd let me impress you and ride that monster again?"

"Say less."

The End!

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