Epilogue II
Robyn
“ I ’m a lucky girl,” I tell Samson as I come down the clubhouse steps.
He takes a moment to look at me, affectionately admiring me from head to toe. I feel a tad self-conscious, though I shouldn’t. Six months after giving birth to a gorgeous baby boy, I’m pretty much back to my original shape. My hips feel a tad fuller and my breasts heavier, but the guys say I’m more beautiful than ever, and I believe them.
“Honey, they’re the lucky ones for bagging a goddess like you,” Samson finally says. “You look spectacular, especially in white.”
“Who’d have thought that Shay had so many hidden talents, huh?” Ellie quips as she joins us in the hallway, wearing her purple maid-of-honor gown. “I had no idea she could put together such a work of art in such a short time.”
“It is a work of art, isn’t it?” I smile, fawning over my dress.
“It is when you’re the one wearing it,” Ellie says and gives me a wink.
“I can’t thank you enough for making it down here for this,” I say, holding her hands.
“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t have missed your wedding day, not even if I got shot again,” she chuckles dryly.
Samson raises an eyebrow. “Maybe try to stay alive for a little while longer,” he says. “I’m pretty sure you’re quite liked around here, missy.”
“Thanks, Sam.”
“Alright, we need to get this show on the road, ladies. The grooms are waiting.”
I give Samson a worried look. “How are they holding up?”
“They’re nervous, but I put enough whiskey in them to get through the whole ceremony; I’m sure of it. Shay’s got the kids in line. The Riders are all present and surprisingly well-dressed. Never thought I’d see the day, but anyway, I digress. After you, ladies…”
I nod slowly and take a deep breath.
Ellie heads for the open space first.
I can hear everybody out there, but they can’t see me yet, not from this angle. I’m so nervous. My heart is beating a million miles per minute. It’s the next happiest moment of my life, just like I knew it would be. But the jitters are a part of it. They were always supposed to be a part of it.
Soon enough, I’ll be Mrs. Knox Berlanti in the eyes of the law.
In the eyes of God and the Riders, I’ll be Mrs. Berlanti-Voight-McKenna, and that’s going to be the punchline for so many inside jokes.
“Wait, sweetheart, you’re forgetting something,” Samson says as I take the first step toward the open space.
“Sam, they brought a pastor up from one of those polygamous communities in California,” I sigh. “The man doesn’t have all the time in the world to wait for me while I touch up my makeup again. I’m going to cry anyway!”
But I turn around to find Samson holding up my bridal bouquet of white roses and pink lilies. “Bet you regret snapping at me just now.”
“Oh, Sam, I’m sorry. I completely forgot.” I’m blushing too.
“It’s your special day, kiddo. All is forgiven,” he says, then hands me the bouquet.
I hook my arm through his, and, together, we brace ourselves and walk into the open area of the clubhouse.
For a second, I hold my breath, marveling at the splendor they all put together for this occasion. The entire room is clad in white and gold. The bar sparkles beautifully under a curtain of fairy lights while bottles of champagne chill in giant glass buckets of ice.
There are flowers everywhere, roses mostly, sprinkled with sprigs of lily-of-the-valley here and there. Just enough to fill the place with a mesmerizing scent. Music plays from the jukebox. Etta James’s voice reverberates through the room.
“At last. My love has come along…”
The grooms stand beside the California-ordained pastor. Each as handsome as ever, sporting custom-tailored tuxedos and fresh haircuts. They look incredible—my dashing heroes, my marvelous men, my best friends and protectors. Most girls only dream about knights in shining armor, whereas I’ve got three all to myself.
“Ready?” Samson whispers.
I look around at the hundred-plus guests—the rest of the MC will join us later tonight in the parking lot, where a wedding tent has been set up. Everyone’s smiling with clear, bright eyes. They’re all folks who are genuinely happy for us, rooting for us.
“As I’ll ever be,” I tell Samson.
Ellie reaches the end of the aisle and stands next to Shay and my children.
Kyra is gorgeous in bubblegum pink, a basket of flower petals at her feet. Specks of red and white roses cover the lacquered floor. Clearly, my girl did a wonderful job. Rita sobs in the front row, also in a purple dress. Shay sports the bridesmaids’ style the best, her hair slicked back in a sassy ponytail while she holds my son, Kellan, in her arms. We got him a little baby tuxedo for this occasion, and I practically melt at the sight of him.
Samson walks me down the aisle, and it feels like forever before I reach Knox, Jagger, Diesel, and the kind-looking pastor.
“Sorry I’m late,” I whisper with a shy smile.
“A bride is never late,” the pastor quips.
“You’re a vision,” Knox says, almost out of breath.
“You’re not that bad looking yourselves,” I giggle.
Jagger gives me a reassuring wink. “We’ve got this, baby.”
“Come on, let’s put a ring on this lady’s finger,” Diesel says.
The pastor laughs lightly. “If only the rest of the world was ready for a love like yours…”
“I’m ready, Pastor. That’s all that matters,” I say.
I hope you loved Claimed by the Biker Brothers.