Epilogue
It takes time and effort, but eventually, I start earning Lucy’s trust again. It’s worth every second of it, though. We start slow, going on dates and not rushing into anything. We spend a lot of time talking about our hopes and dreams. I spend time with her and her family, and she does the same with mine. Aria is thrilled to have a little sister, and Les claims he’s happy to have one that’s nice to him.
Lisa is amazing and quickly finds homes for my family and even sets up a meeting for Aria with her dentist. He’s looking to add a partner, and Aria is looking to be one. Les is meeting with Lucy’s dad tomorrow about an opening he has in the finance department. Life is good, and I’m hoping it only gets better with time.
I wave as I meet Bella, who’s riding Pooh’s old bike, on the street by the clubhouse. Her riding skills have improved, and I’ve noticed a new confidence about her. Stepping off my bike, I turn when I hear a vehicle coming up the road. When it comes into view, and it’s an orange Jeep, I bolt for the safety of the clubhouse.
I rush through the back door but don’t stop until I hit the main room. I’m thinking two cement walls should give me some semblance of safety, but I’m contemplating heading up to the second floor. Noticing Horse sitting at the bar, I warn my club brother.
“Tessie’s driving toward the clubhouse!”
“And?” he asks.
“And? It’s Tessie!” I shout.
“And Tessie hasn’t put a single dent or scratch on her Jeep in months,” Tessie barks from the kitchen door.
Turning, I scan her for injuries but find none.
“Did someone drive you here?” I ask in confusion.
“No, Chubs. God, don’t be such an ass,” she complains before explaining. “After you left, Lucy took over my driving lessons. She was a very effective teacher, and I’m now an excellent driver.”
“It’s true,” Gunner agrees as he enters the room from his office. “Not a single accident report has needed to be filed, and Denver P.D. had to lay off several officers due to the lack of work.”
“Ha ha, very funny,” Tessie grumbles.
“I’m planning on hiring Lucy when it’s time for my girls to learn to drive,” Gunner states as he musses up Tessie’s hair on his way past her. “Wouldn’t you agree that’s a good idea, Tessie?”
“Only if you hate them,” Tessie mumbles, then mysteriously rubs at her arm and temple before walking off.
“What was that about?” I ask.
“Don’t think Tessie was thrilled with Lucy’s methods, but I am fucking elated that Trigger can now work on other people’s vehicles again,” Gunner answers before taking a seat next to Horse.
“Club charity ride tomorrow, Chubs, and you get to go on this one. Bike tuned up and ready?” Horse asks.
“It’s been ready, and I can’t wait. Lucy’s coming with, and it’ll be like old times,” I state while rubbing my hands together in excitement.
“When are you moving into her house?” Gunner questions.
“Day after tomorrow if I’m allowed to leave club property,” I say while taking the stool next to Gunner’s.
“Lucy has agreed to become your new jailor and to make sure you complete your probationary rules. That tiny redheaded spitfire promised she’d keep you in check, and I believe she can and will. You should know that she’s working closely with Trigger on that, so behave or be buried. Pretty sure those were his exact words too,” Gunner says with a laugh.
“Speaking of him, I should get a move on. I have to mow his lawn and wash the outside of all his damn fucking windows,” I grumble, but the other men seem to find it funny.
“None of that is a part of your punishment, you know,” Gunner reminds me, still grinning.
“I know, but it’s easier to just do as he orders than argue that point with him,” I say with a sigh.
“Giving in will only lead to more Trigger-style bullshit,” Horse advises and probably from past experience.
“I need to make amends, and if this helps with him, then I don’t mind,” I say before standing and leaving the clubhouse.
Lawn is mowed and looks great. I’m now standing on scaffolding, many feet in the air, and preparing to wash the first of the many windows Trigger’s house has when I hear Harleys coming up the street. Turning to look, I see several members of my club on their bikes, with cars, trucks, and SUVs following.
I watch in surprise as coolers and food platters are removed from the vehicles and arranged on the picnic table. Lucy stops below me and cranes her neck to look up, then barks an order at me that I’m happy to obey.
“Get your ass down here and eat. Ava decided to skirt the probationary crap and made all your favorites at home instead of the bakery. After we eat, everyone’s going to help wash windows with you.”
“Why would they do that?” I ask, confused but not hesitating to get down from these heights.
“Because we love your dumbass curly-headed self. Doesn’t mean I won’t drag you back into the ring, though, if you fuck up again,” Axel states before yanking me off the last step of the scaffolding.
Lucy steps beside me and wraps her arms around my waist, leaning her slight weight against my side.
“I think you being punished has been harder on them than you. We’re here to help you through it. We just want you to know that you’re still the heart of the club and the person I plan on spending my life with. Will you still marry me?” Lucy asks in a soft voice.
“I’m the best man! I call dibs on it! I said it first!” Axel bellows across the yard, having overheard Lucy’s question. “Sounds like you’re getting lucky tonight, Chubs!”
“Not for a long time yet. At least for as many days as he was gone,” Lucy promises. “Chubs has to regain my complete trust but I’m planning our future now because I know he will.”
“When? Any day, any time, and I’ll be there to officially link our lives together, Lucy, my love,” I reply while ignoring the wetness in my eyes.
Placing a hand on the back of my neck, Lucy pulls my face to hers. Expecting a soft, gentle kiss, I receive that and so much more.
My life is mine now. No need to hide anymore. I have a future with the woman who makes it worth living, and I have both my families with me. What more could a biker guy like me want? Food, of course, and lots of it. You didn’t think I’d forget food, did you?