Chapter 23
Chubs
After returning to Denver, Les and I are taken to the clubhouse. Mom and Aria are waiting, and we’re allowed some time together. Other than for official club business, and only on Gunner’s orders, I’m to stay on club property. I agree, and my family makes sure to stock me up on supplies before they move to a hotel. They decided not to leave Denver until the club makes their decision about my future as a Devil’s Angel.
I know my future is uncertain, but I feel like the entire world has been lifted from my shoulders. I’m home, and other than visiting my family, I have no plans on ever leaving again. It hurts knowing that after years of not being with them, that my time with my family is going to be brief. They have lives back in Chicago, and I belong here in Denver. Hopefully, we can find ways to still spend time together.
My mom has mentioned that she’d like to find a small home to buy here so she can spend part of the year near me and the other part near Les and Aria. I’m all for that idea, and I quickly gave her Lisa’s work number in hopes she’ll help. Lisa would probably like to claw my eyes out for what I did to Lucy, but she’s not so spiteful she wouldn’t help my mom.
Since being back at the clubhouse, I’ve spent a lot of time catching up on everything that happened while I was gone. I missed out on a lot and will have to live with those regrets. Pigeon, Pooh, and Vex have all spent time with me, asking questions and trying to understand why I did what I did. The biggest hurdle for them is not getting why I wouldn’t let the club have my back. They’re club members through and through, and I went rogue according to club rules. My only hope is that they someday understand it wasn’t because I didn’t trust them or their abilities but only because I didn’t want to bring trouble in their direction.
Gunner speaks to me but is very reserved. I can’t get a read on him when it comes to what he thinks of my decisions. He’s the President, so I understand that he has to remain neutral to a certain extent.
Petey is friendly when he sees me but asks no questions and offers no advice. Trigger is pure anger on legs, but he’s decided to mostly ignore me. Cash is quiet as usual, but I can taste the disappointment in him. Axel hasn’t said more than a few words to me, and they weren’t encouraging at all. He’s angry and not hiding it, but he mostly pretends I don’t exist. Several of the others have been friendly, but not much else.
I have no idea where I sit with the club or what their decision will be in the end. Either way it goes, I’m grateful for their help in keeping my family safe, and I’ll understand and accept my fate as a Devil’s Angel.
What has surprised me is how the kids and women have reacted to me. Bella and Tessie gave me hugs but said nothing. The smaller kids are friendly, but I’m not treated as their uncle like before. That has left me heartbroken and sick.
Craig’s been one of the few who’s treated me as if I were only gone for a few days instead of many months. He’s filled me in on everything that’s happened and how Lucy was the one who finally broke down and told Rex where to find me. He made it clear that she didn’t want to rat me out but finally did out of fear of me dying. Instead of being upset with her, I found myself feeling hope that she still cared about me. Knowing Craig, that’s the only reason he told me the truth. He’s always been a little matchmaker, so I’m not surprised he is still trying to manipulate everyone.
When I first walked into the clubhouse, Ava was there. She walked slowly across the room, tears streaming down her face. I can’t even explain the pain I felt knowing I caused those tears. She’s always been so strong, has survived so much, and yet me disappearing brought her low. I’ll never be able to mend the hole that must have ripped through her.
I reached out and pulled her tight, and we hugged silently for a few minutes while my family looked on. Leaning back, I used my thumbs to wipe the tears off her face and let the pain I deserve settle in my gut. Giving her a brief kiss on the forehead, I released my best friend and waited, knowing what was coming.
Ava stared at me for a moment before slapping me hard across the face. Then, just as quickly, she pulled me in for another hug, sobbed once, then released me.
“I can’t believe I just slapped you!” she says, horrified, hands covering her mouth.
“I had it coming,” I answer with a shrug and a grin.
“Glad it was you that pissed her off,” Les mutters from beside me.
“I’ve missed you so much! I had Chasin, and you weren’t here to greet him to his new world! I didn’t have my best friend or favorite taste tester! Oh my God, Chubs, I made everyone’s life hell because of you! You deserted me without even a simple goodbye! I’m so pissed at you for being such a dumbass! I met my birth mother, and you weren’t here for me to cry on your shoulder! I’m so glad you’re home now!” Ava shouts, rambling through several topics before she hugs me again.
This time, I’m not sure she’s ever going to let go. I hold her through several more of her rambling thoughts, thinking how lucky I am to be this loved by these people. I place my hand on the back of her head and push her face into my shoulder. Holding her tight, I apologize.
“There are no words to fix this, Ava. I’m so sorry, but also, I’m not. Nobody got seriously hurt, the kids are all safe, and my family is alive and well. My plan hurt a lot of people but kept them alive too. I hope you can understand and start to forgive me.”
“Of course, I understand, Chubs! Your family is lovely, and I’m so happy you have them back in your life. I just really missed you, and I was scared to death you’d get hurt. You’re back, and I’ve already forgiven you. My emotions have been all over the place because of worry and post-natal hormones, but you’re home now,” she replies when she steps back and then gifts me with a beautiful smile.
“I’m so happy to know that my son has had people like you in his life,” my mother says quietly but with relief in her voice.
“Things haven’t been normal around here for a while now, but stick around, and you’ll see just how much your son is loved,” Ava replies, smiling softly, one mother to another. “I made food. Let’s get you fed, Chubs.”
Now I find myself standing outside of my room at the clubhouse, hoping the woman inside can forgive me like Ava did. When I hear the shower running, I step into my room and sit on the chair by the door. I wait patiently for Lucy to emerge from the bathroom.
When the door opens, the woman who means everything to me walks out. Combing her wet hair, she stops in place when she sees me.
“I was wrong, very wrong, to lead you on. I made plans for our future while knowing I wasn’t going to be here to live them out with you. That was cruel and thoughtless and not the person I really am. I couldn’t tell you what I was up to because I was terrified you’d get involved. I couldn’t live with it if the Veros found out about you and my past got you killed.
“So, I lied to keep you distracted and looking forward. Hope is the one thing we all need for survival, but it’s also a cruel thing to give someone falsely. There’s no apology that can fix what I did to you. All I can ask for is a new beginning. For us to start fresh like we’ve just met. Put the past where it belongs and leave it there.
“I love you more today than I did yesterday or the day before that. My feelings for you have never changed except to grow stronger. All I have ever wanted was you and me, a life together without ghosts from my past interfering. I had to make that a possibility by burying them, but I hurt you in the process. Please try to forgive me enough to give us a chance. I’m begging for a new start to a life with you, Lucy.”
Lucy stands still, listening to every word, but she stays silent for a moment when I’m done pleading my case. I refuse to look away, so I hold her eyes and hope she can see the truth in mine.
“I can forgive you because you had others you cared about. You had good reason for doing what you felt you needed to do. I have forgiven you for it, in fact. In some respects, I admire and respect you for doing what you felt was the right thing. My feelings for you haven’t dimmed or gone away. I love you as much as I always have, and I know that will never change. You’re my person, and I know that to the depths of my soul,” Lucy quietly responds.
“But?” I ask, hearing the unspoken word at the end of her sentence.
“I have to trust you to be with you, and I’m not sure I ever can again. It’s easier for me to love than to trust. I’m flawed that way, and I don’t know how to get past it.”
“You have every right to think I’m untrustworthy with all that’s happened,” I agree instantly. “But I’m begging you to give me another chance to prove that I’m worthy of your trust. That I would never break it again. That I love you enough to never hurt you again and to honor the promises I made before and to give you a beautiful life.”
“I need time to think about all of this. You broke every promise you ever made to me, and a few words can’t fix that kind of damage. I picked up the pieces you left me in, and I’ve met each day trying to do better than the day before. I’m finally getting myself put back together again and moving forward with this new life I was forced into. I’m not willing, at this point, to just go back to the life that was taken from me. I’m not opening myself up to that kind of pain again. Give me some time to think,” Lucy states before walking out the door.
Thinking over her words, I’m left reeling with the pain of what I did to her and our relationship, but not without hope. She didn’t say no to me. She just asked for time, and I can give her that.
One week later, I’m sitting in the corner of the room we use for Church and listening intently with pride as Bella states her reasons for wanting to join the club. At the moment, until a decision has been made about my status, I’m not allowed to sit at the table, but I’m hoping they’ll allow me to vote on this matter.
“I completely understand that this club has always been a male members only club. Until James, it was also a minimally melanated club,” Bella says with a small smile sent James’ direction. “Times have changed, and so has this club. It’s went from being a 1% club that dealt in drugs, guns, and women to a club that fights for kids, animals, and women’s rights and safety. With Gunner as President and all of you as the members backing him, you’ve turned this club into one that I’d be very proud to be a member of, especially if I were the first woman allowed to join. I’m not asking for special treatment, just an equal chance to earn my cut.”
“Thank you, Bella, for explaining your reasons. I’ll ask you to leave the room now so we can discuss this and vote,” Gunner says with a nod to the door.
Bella leaves the room and silently shuts the door behind her. No one speaks for well over a minute, putting serious thought into Bella’s words. Gunner bangs the gavel and states, “The matter before us about allowing Bella to prospect and possibly be patched in as a member of The Devil’s Angels is now open for discussion.”
“Absolutely yes!” Petey rumbles loudly while smacking his hand on the table.
“Of course, we should vote her in as a prospect. She’s nearly as much of a member as any of us already,” Vex adds in support.
“Anyone have any reasons why we shouldn’t?” Pooh asks while looking each man around the table in the eye.
“She didn’t ask me to sponsor her,” Axel says with a pout, then smiles broadly. “She’s already earned her spot, in my opinion, even if she has piss-poor taste.”
“My only concern is that I know I can’t treat her as a prospect like I have Toes. Horse, he was easy to abuse and misuse, but I can’t do that to Bella. So, in a way, she would be receiving special treatment. But my answer is to definitely allow her the opportunity,” Pigeon says, and then ducks the elbow Horse aims at his throat.
“There’s no rule stating we have to treat prospects like shit. That’s just for fun and our amusement. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that she needs to learn how to be a member while still prospecting. Everyone does if they want to be patched in. We can’t go so easy on her that it becomes dangerous at some point for her. Pooh, as her sponsor, it’s your responsibility to make sure she knows everything she needs to know, and I, for one, will be keeping a close eye on you and her to be sure that’s happening,” Trigger warns in a voice that promises retribution if Pooh fucks up Bella’s training.
Everyone nods in agreement with Trigger, including myself.
“She means the world to me, so please know I’ll do everything in my power to prepare her the best I can,” Pooh says solemnly.
“What’s your thoughts on this, Prez?” Cash asks.
“We’ll catch shit from the other clubs for allowing in a woman. I look forward to the beatdowns we’ll give those stupid enough to talk shit about The Devil’s Angels or any of our members. She’s loyal to the club. She’s one of ours, and she has solid reasons for wanting to join. I say yes 100%,” Gunner replies with a wicked grin.
Cash nods, then asks, “Do we even need to vote on this?”
“Let’s make it official and do the vote,” Axel adds.
Gunner acknowledges each member’s vote then turns to me. I’m surprised by this but answer quickly and clearly, “Hell yes.”
“Matter is settled. Starting today, Bella Taylor is our newest prospect,” Gunner announces, and the men cheer.
When the room quiets, Gunner continues.
“That settles part of our problem but not all of it. We need more prospects, and we need to discuss Toes. We either patch him in or cut him loose, and that shit needs to be decided on today. He’s said before that he didn’t mind prospecting for so long, way longer than any others have, but it’s way past time to make a decision. Thoughts?”
“I’ll never vote to patch him in,” Axel immediately announces while several heads swing in his direction in surprise.
“The vote to patch in must be unanimous. Care to explain why you’re against him?” Gunner asks.
“I don’t trust him, and I don’t like how he talks about one of our women. Besides that, he’s dumb as fuck.”
“Which woman?” Trigger says while sitting up straight and zeroing in on Axel intently.
“Lucy.”
I’m the one sitting up straight now and wondering what’s been said to turn the always happy, always goofing around V.P. into this serious, determined man.
“I’ve heard him make comments too that were uncalled for. I personally have warned him twice about it. I agree with Axel. I won’t vote for his patch, either. Might as well let him go,” Horse adds.
“No point in further discussion then. I’ll tell him after Church,” Gunner states, and everyone nods in agreement.
“I’m meeting Toes in the ring after Church. I’d warned him and he knew the consequences. He ignored that warning. Tell him after our ring time instead because I’m not missing out on kicking his ass first,” Axel states with a wicked grin.
Gunner nods in agreement as several of the men chuckle.
Looking briefly in my direction, Gunner again taps the gavel down.
“Last matter to settle today. Brother Chubs and the club rules he broke. Who wants to start?” Gunner asks in a firm voice.
“He deliberately lied to his brothers, to their faces, and deserted his club for months. That has to be punished,” Trigger says with heat in his voice.
“Agreed,” Petey says in support.
“He had solid reasons for why, and each of us would have done the same to save our loved ones,” Pigeon argues.
“I know I would have done that and worse if Pippa or Craig were in danger. I fucking respect the man for risking his life for his family,” Pooh states firmly with just as much heat as Trigger spoke with.
“I’m with Pooh on this. All the fucking way. I’d kill anyone in my path to protect my girls,” Vex states.
“He didn’t have to do it alone, though. That’s what your club brothers are for. Help. We help each other. We defend each other, and we back each other up. Why be in a club if you’re fine going it alone? Leave the club and do everything your own way. No need to get approval or listen to other options or ideas. Don’t trust that your brothers would be able to help or how much they’d want to be there for you. Go it the fuck alone.”
This came from a very angry Axel. Angry isn’t quite a strong enough word for the emotion in his voice. Rage might be more accurate, and while I knew he’d be mad, I didn’t expect the level he’s reached. I’m not the only one he’s surprised because there’s a shocked silence in the room.
Axel falls silent, but I can read the agitation in his body movements. I wait, knowing he’s not done. Everyone else must read it too because no one speaks.
“He could have died, and we’d never have known. We would be the ones left telling the kids and our women that he’s never coming back. We were the ones having to watch the kids and women worry and trying to explain that it wasn’t because of them that he left. We had no fucking idea what to tell them! I watched Lucy shatter then fight each day to keep her head above water. Fuck, she even started to drink so much I thought it was going to become a problem for her. The hardest, most painful thing you did to this club, Chubs, was not leave us with options. We had nothing, and I know I wasn’t the only one who didn’t sleep because I didn’t know if you were lying dead somewhere, alone and without us. I had nothing to say to Lucy that could ease her mind about the same damn thing. I’m at a loss as to what punishment fits that crime.”
“I don’t either, Axel. I was wrong in what I did, but my intentions weren’t to hurt anyone but to keep you alive and raising your daughter,” I admit quietly.
Axel doesn’t respond, but he drops his face into his hands and sighs.
“I agree with everyone that’s spoken so far. There has to be a punishment, but I don’t know what it should be. Chubs made hard decisions, and to be honest, I might have made the same ones. I’d level Denver if that’s what it took to keep Livi, Liam, and the rest of my family safe,” Cash offers.
“Let’s first vote on whether Brother Chubs is allowed to stay in the club or not. Then we’ll vote on if there should be punishment and what it should be,” Gunner states to nods of agreement.
Gunner asks each person and nods at their vote as to whether I can keep my patch or not. The vote goes in my favor, and I’m still a member. At that point, Gunner points to my chair at the table, and I change seats.
The only person who hesitated to keep me was Axel, but it was a short hesitation. I’ve known all along how much I wanted to keep my patch, but I didn’t realize how important it was to me until Axel didn’t speak right away. A rush of relief washed over me when he voted my way. I know I have a lot to make up for with him, but I look forward to doing it.
When Church ends, we walk out of the room to find everyone, including my family, waiting silently. I smile softly at Lucy’s anxious face before walking to my mother and embracing her.
“I’m still a member, and I’ll be staying in Denver. Would love to have you here as much as possible,” I tell her, then smile at her tears.
“I will make that happen,” she replies.
“Just effing wonderful! I just got my office up and running, and now I’m going to have to sell out and move to the mountains. Not sure this city girl will adapt well to rural living, so do you think Lucy’s sister could help me find a condo within city limits? And an office space for my practice?” Aria states before hugging the hell out of me.
“You’d move here?” I ask, shocked.
“We’ve all decided to move, Drew. Chicago isn’t where we want to raise our families, and we just got you back. Sounds like you’re going to be stuck with us again,” Les says with a big smile.
“Who the fuck is Drew?” Craig asks from beside me. “Oh, sorry, ladies! I meant to say, who is this Drew guy you’re talking about?”
“They call me Drew. My real name is Adriano, but Aria couldn’t say it when she was young, so she called me Drew instead. But here, I’m just Chubs. That work for you, buddy?”
“Whatever. You adults are weird,” Craig says before walking away.
“Is he allergic to soap and water?” Aria whispers, and I laugh loudly.
I leave my family with Horse and walk to where Lucy is sitting. Crouching down in front of her, I reach for her hand, and she lets me hold it.
“Would you go on a date with me? A normal, everyday kind of date. A first date, if you will. Dinner, a movie, and then I’ll drive you home and expect a kiss goodnight but won’t be mad if I don’t get one,” I ask, heart in my throat.
“Yes, I will, but there will be no kiss. Also, Lisa wants a pound of your flesh first since she blames you for me living with her,” Lucy responds in a quiet voice.
“You owe me big time, Chubs, and I’m going to make you wish you hadn’t hurt my little sister. Word of warning—I’ve been training with Cash,” Lisa threatens, then gives me an evil grin.
The payment for my sins is racking up, and I know Cash didn’t scrimp on Lisa’s training. Looks like there are more bruises in my future.
“Can I ask what your punishment is?” Lucy asks.
I move to the chair next to her and explain what the club came up with.
“I’m on probation for a year. Any serious mistakes and I lose my patch. I’ll go back to work at the garage, but now I work for Trigger and not just with him. He’ll be my direct supervisor instead of Petey, and we both know he’ll make it rough. He’s a very angry little man.”
“Heard that, asshole, and you’ll regret it come Monday morning,” Trigger says as he walks past.
I’m already regretting it, but I continue telling Lucy about the next year of my life.
“I’m not allowed on the next two club rides and have to tend bar the day of them. I’m not allowed to go to Ava’s bakery for three months, and she’s not allowed to bring me treats from there. That condition was added by Axel and is especially evil, and he knows it. Also, I’m Craig’s teacher again, and I was told to ask you why that order relieved Pooh so much. I’m basically a prospect with a patch, and I’m grateful to them for that.”
“I’ll explain about Craig’s public school experiences while you’re buying me dinner. Any other punishment?”
“I have to get in the ring with a few of the guys. One at a time, but it’ll be a painful day for me. Axel, Gunner, and Trigger but thankfully not Cash. He declined, stating he would if the club ordered it since he’s our enforcer, but it was left up to choice. They won’t leave me with any lasting injuries, but they will make it hurt,” I reply with a grimace. “You have a lot of supporters, Lucy. Petey also declined the opportunity to kick my ass, but he gave it a good chewing out, as did the others.
With Gunner’s permission, I ride off club property on a mission. I’m planning on spending the day making amends. I stop at Axel’s flower lady’s shop and have a beautiful bouquet sent to Lucy, another one to her sister, and her mom.
Leaving there, I ride to my meeting with Lucy’s dad, Governor Douglas. We sip our coffees as I explain everything. I leave very little out and answer all the questions he has. His opinion matters to me and to Lucy, and I have all the respect in the world for this man. Before I left Denver, he had become almost like a father to me, and I’d like the chance to earn that back.
I’m open and honest with him, and he must sense the truth behind my words because, at the end of our meeting, I get a brief manly hug and some fatherly advice.
“Don’t break my daughter’s heart again because you’re not the only one here that personally knows hitmen.”
With that, he left me standing alone, stupid grin in place.
Riding to the Aunts’ house, I feel freer than I’ve felt in nearly a year. My only worry now is winning Lucy back, and I’m hoping my friends and family will help with that. I park my bike, knock once, and enter the familiar home.
Lola is stirring something that smells delicious while Lottie’s setting the table. I nearly dance on the spot, knowing I’m about to get fed. Greeting each lady with a quick kiss on the cheek, I seat myself at the table.
“It’s so good to have you back home, Chubs. We’ve thought about you and said prayers every day,” Lottie says.
“We knew you’d be okay and would return when you could. Still hard waiting, though. How’s Lucy doing? She starting to thaw yet?” Lola asks.
“I’m not sure, but I refuse to be anything but hopeful. I can’t imagine having to face the future without her in it,” I answer.
“She’ll come around. She’s a smart girl and knows a good thing when she sees one,” Lola responds.
“She won’t be able to resist your charms forever. She loves you too much. She just needs to work it out in her brain,” Lottie states knowingly.
“I know you two risked a lot for me, and I’m very grateful to you both,” I say as I pull an envelope from the inside pocket of my cut. “Here’s money for the extra things you left in the car for me. It helped a lot.”
“Put your money away. We did what we did because we wanted to. Because we believed in what you were doing and wanted to help,” Lola says in a no-nonsense tone.
“I don’t want your money, but a thanks would be nice,” a voice from the living room doorway says.
Spinning around, I spot Bella leaning against the doorway, smiling at me.
“Damn. Forgot she was still here,” Lottie mutters before reaching for another plate.
“You knew?” I ask in a loud, shocked voice.
“Yeah. I guess Craig’s rubbing off on me because I overheard a conversation when you were talking on the phone with Lottie. I asked her about it, and she admitted their part in your plan. They filled the cooler with food and drinks while I came up with the duffle bag of items I thought might help.”
“There was cash in that bag. I insist you take this,” I state, holding the envelope out to her.
“Take it, Bella, and put it toward the bike you want,” Lola orders as she sets a platter of pork chops on the table.
Bella hugs me first, then reluctantly takes the envelope before shooing the Aunts toward their chairs. Bella places the rest of the food on the table, then takes the seat across from me.
“Tell me about the bike you’re buying,” I request, and start filling my plate.
I knock on the door of Lisa’s condo and enter when Lisa opens the door. She looks me over from head to toe and nods approvingly. I’m wearing new jeans, a dark wine-colored button-up shirt that I left untucked, my cut, and un-scuffed boots. The most notable thing I’ve done since she last saw me is that I dyed my hair and eyebrows back to a shade close to my real color. I’m letting my hair grow back out again, and my curls are now making an appearance, and I have a face of scruff. I feel like my old self again.
“Take a seat while Lucy finishes up getting ready. She just got home, so she’s running a little late,” Lisa says.
I do as I’m told, then notice a dog kennel in the corner.
“You got a dog? The one you had at the clubhouse?”
“Greer, and yes, I kind of got a dog. Lucy thinks he’s hers, but I disagree and will be filing custody papers in the morning,” Lisa says with a smirk.
“So, Lucy got a dog?” I ask, somewhat confused by Lisa’s words.
“So she says. She also bought a house.”
Shocked, I raise my eyes to meet Lisa’s.
“She was moving on, Chubs. She honestly believed you made the choices you did because she wasn’t important to you anymore. My little sister picked herself up and started making plans for her future. A pet, a new home, looking for a new job. Anything she could think of to continue living a life, even if it was going to be a hollow one.”
I nod, knowing I did that to her and that she had every right to think the way she did.
“I want to fill that life with children, make that house a home, and spend each day grateful that I got to spend another one with her,” I answer truthfully.
“Let’s just have dinner and a movie, and then we’ll see where that takes us. Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful,” Lucy says as she enters the room.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to thank you for mine too. I love getting flowers, but it won’t save you the ass-kicking I’ve been planning for you,” Lisa states with a wicked grin.
“I look forward to it, Lisa. We might want to be on our way before she decides tonight’s the night for that,” I mutter to Lucy.
“Actually, instead of a movie, I have somewhere to be tonight. We’re going to a dance recital instead. You okay with that?” Lucy asks as we walk out the door.
“Sounds good. Whose recital is it?” I ask as I hand Lucy her helmet and strap mine on.
“Axel’s.”
Seated in the dark dance hall next to Lucy, I look to my right and see my fellow club members and their families. I’m proud to be sitting with this group of remarkable people, especially since my blood family is sitting on the other side of us. Lucy’s hand finds its way into mine, and I grip it tight. I almost have it all, and I’m not taking any of it for granted ever again.
When the stage is lit by a single spotlight, my attention is drawn to the tiny blond girl. Dressed in a pink sparkly ballerina costume paired with a black tutu, she walks to center stage and stops. Looking over her shoulder, she grins and waves.
Axel, dressed immaculately in a black suit, black tie, and a pink dress shirt, joins little Alex in the spotlight. Bending, he speaks to her for a moment and then gives her a kiss before standing upright. Both father and daughter are beaming, holding hands, and waiting for their moment to shine.
Soon, there are several other father and daughter pairs spread out on the stage. The last to walk out are Mia, Zoe, and Gunner. With a daughter’s hand in each of his, Gunner guides them to their designated spot. The twins, dressed in identical purple dresses, look adorable as they smile up at their father, towering over them. Gunner, unlike Axel, is simply wearing a dark gray button-down shirt paired with black dress slacks. He still looks intimidating as hell, but the love he has for his daughters is clearly visible on his face.
“Wait for it,” Lucy whispers and squeezes my hand.
The music starts, a slow instrumental-type song, and a moment later, the spotlight goes out, leaving the stage in complete darkness. When the stage is suddenly completely lit back up, I hear several laughs.
During the time the stage was dark, Axel added a bright pink blinged-out tutu to his outfit. I laugh out loud at Bailey’s gasp but lean a little forward to make sure I don’t miss what’s about to happen.
The music cuts out and then starts again, only it’s a way different sound. It’s clear from the confusion on the other daddy and daughter’s faces that it’s not the song they expected. Many attempt to start their slow waltzes, the obviously expected dance, but it’s hard to waltz to party music. Axel and Alex, however, go right into doing the Cha Cha Slide with practiced ease and enthusiasm.
While the crowd laughs loudly, Gunner tosses Axel a disgusted look, but it bounces off of Axel’s wide grin. Little Alex performs the moves pretty well for her age, even tossing in a little of her dad’s attitude. Axel is clearly in his element.
After sliding, taking it back, and stomps, the father/ daughter team stands side by side and do the cha cha moves. When the music changes again, they seamlessly begin The Chicken Dance. Little Alex’s giggles could be heard even over the music, and it draws the twins to her side. Obviously, Uncle Axel taught them the moves too because they join in the dance, laughing the entire time.
Gunner tosses his hands in the air, then joins his daughters, niece, and VP at center stage. Surprising me to hell and back, he knows the moves and performs them well, much to the delight of his daughters and club members. The other fathers follow suit, and their daughters laugh in delight.
When the music ends, everyone takes a bow and exits the stage, still laughing over their hijacked performance. I look to my right and see several club brothers tucking away their phones and laughing their asses off.
Afterward, we’re all standing around in the parking lot, waiting to congratulate the girls and rib their dads, when they walk out of the building together. Gunner stops in front of our group and speaks.
“If I see one second of video evidence of that dance, I’ll personally remove that person’s head from their body. Let’s go home. I need an entire fucking bottle of tequila.”
Dipping my head to hide my grin, I wait until he loads his family into Ava’s SUV and drives off before looking up. When I do, I see money exchanging hands and a shit ton of smiles.
“Thank fucking hell I had a son,” Cash mutters as he hands over a wad of green bills to a beaming Craig.
“I want daughters and lots of them. I want to watch you try to top Axel’s dance moves,” Lucy says suddenly from beside me, and my heart stops beating in my chest.
“You do?” I ask, fearing I’d heard her wrong.
“Yes, I do. You know, after I’ve forgiven you and don’t feel the urge to smother you instead,” she states, then walks to my bike as if she didn’t just give me a glimpse of our future together.
“Quit standing here like an idiot. Go make her forget the smothering part,” Aria orders with a laugh.
“I need grandbabies, Adriano. Go be a good son and earn that woman’s trust back,” my mom urges.
The End