Epilogue
Jo
The sound of laughter filled the dimly lit clubhouse as I leaned against the worn wooden bar, watching my new family. The Underland MC, these rough and tough bikers, showed a side to them that was warm and relaxed. They bantered, teased, and joked with one another, a sense of camaraderie I never thought I’d be a part of.
“Hey, Jo,” Tweedle called out, raising his beer in a mock salute. “You need another drink?”
I shook my head, cradling my cup protectively. No one had realized I was only drinking club soda.
“Nah, I’m good.” My voice came out quiet, but there was a hint of confidence I hadn’t felt in years. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth in my chest that had been absent for so long.
As I observed the men who had become my brothers, my thoughts wandered back to the woman I used to be -- broken, terrified, alone. Now, surrounded by these people who had taken me in without question, I felt safe. It was like I’d finally found a home after being lost for so damn long.
“Jo, you’re looking kind of spaced out there,” Rabbit said, grinning as he sidled up next to me. “Everything okay?”
I wasn’t the only one who had changed. In the past few weeks, I’d noticed Rabbit had calmed quite a bit. He no longer twitched and paced. I smiled softly at him, appreciating the concern in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about how far I’ve come and how grateful I am for all of you.”
“Ah, don’t get all mushy on us,” he teased, giving me a playful nudge. Despite his words, there was warmth in his smile that told me he understood.
“Can’t help it,” I replied with a shrug. “You guys saved me, and I’ll never forget that.”
“Hey, you’re one of us now,” Tweedle chimed in from across the room. “No need for thanks. We got your back, Jo.”
“Thanks, Tweedle,” I whispered, genuinely touched. My eyes scanned the room, taking in each man’s face, and finally landing on Hatter, who gave me a knowing smile.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I belonged. I was part of something bigger, something that wouldn’t let me fall. And as I stood there, surrounded by laughter and love, I knew I’d found where I was always meant to be.
I finished my drink and set down my cup, then I felt Hatter’s hand on my shoulder. I knew it was him from his scent. Turning to him, I gave him a smile. He gestured toward the new couch in the corner of the room, inviting me to sit with him.
“Let’s talk,” he said quietly, his voice deep and soothing.
I nodded and followed him, settling down onto the soft cushions while the rest of the Underland MC continued their banter around us.
Hatter looked deep into my eyes. “We’ve been through hell and back together, and you’ve become a part of me I never knew I needed.”
I swallowed hard, feeling my heart race at his words. “Hatter, I… I want a future with you. A real one, with all the good and bad that comes with it. I want to build something solid, something we can call our own.”
“Like… a family?” he asked gently, his eyes searching mine for confirmation.
It shocked me to my core that he’d been the first to bring it up. I hesitated, fear and hope warring within me. “Yeah, like a family. I know it’s a lot to ask, given everything we’ve been through, but… I think we could make it work. We’ve both fought so damn hard to get here, and I don’t want to give up now.”
“I want that too,” Hatter replied, reaching out to cradle my face in his hands. “I love you, and I want to be the man you deserve.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at him, seeing the sincerity etched on his scarred face. I knew he meant it, just as much as I did. This was what we’d both been searching for, even if we hadn’t realized it until now.
“Promise me we’ll make it happen,” I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. “Promise me this isn’t just a dream. I know it could take time, but…”
“I promise,” Hatter vowed, his voice firm and steady. “We’ll build our future together. Whatever it takes and have as many kids as you want.”
I looked around the clubhouse and wondered how that would work exactly. He seemed to read my mind.
“The club has roughly fifty acres surrounding this clubhouse. The day you tell me you’re pregnant, I’ll find someone to build us a house, or buy one of those prefab ones for now.”
“You’re so good to me, Hatter.”
As we sat there on the couch, the noise and laughter of the Underland MC fading into the background, I leaned my head against his shoulder. A home. He was going to give us a home of our very own, something I hadn’t had in what felt like forever.
He cocked his head and studied me, then his eyes went wide.
“Are you…?” He let the question hang in the air, unfinished, but I knew what he meant.
“I don’t know for sure,” I admitted, my heart pounding in my chest. The possibility was both exhilarating and terrifying. I didn’t know the first thing about being a mom. “But if I am, I want you to know that I’m ready to face the next chapter in our lives. And for what it’s worth, I think you’d be an amazing father.”
Hatter stared at me for a long moment, his scarred face illuminated by the soft glow of the lights above. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his lips, transforming his entire expression.
Hatter’s hand, rough and callused, cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing gently across my skin. His gaze held mine captive, a world of emotion swirling beneath the surface.
Hatter leaned in, pressing his lips softly against mine. The kiss was gentle, but it spoke volumes about what we meant to each other. And it also reminded me of why I might be pregnant. The man couldn’t seem to keep his hands off me.
As we parted, I nestled closer to him, my head resting on his solid chest. His heartbeat thrummed beneath my ear, steady and reassuring.
“I feel like nothing can tear us apart.”
As I closed my eyes, wrapped in Hatter’s embrace, I allowed myself to imagine the future. Underland MC surrounding us, laughter filling the air, and maybe one day, the sound of a child’s giggle joining the chorus. The thought brought a smile to my lips. Whatever lay ahead for Hatter and me, I knew we were ready to embrace it together.
And that was enough.
“Hey, Jo,” Cheshire called out from across the room, a grin plastered on his face. “How about you and Hatter join us for a game of pool? Give March and me a run for our money.”
I glanced up at Hatter, who nodded with a playful smirk. Together, we got to our feet and ambled over to the pool table, hands intertwined.
“Y’all aren’t ready for the beatdown we’re about to dish out,” Hatter teased, wrapping his arm around my waist. I wondered if he knew just how badly I played.
“Bring it on, boss man,” March shot back, gripping his pool cue with a determined glint in his eyes.
“Hey, darlin’,” Hatter whispered into my ear as he stepped behind me to help line up my shot. “You got this. Just breathe and focus.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, feeling a surge of warmth spread through my chest. As the balls clacked against each other, I couldn’t help but smile. Normal things like playing pool and hanging out with our family always brought me joy.
“Nice shot!” Rabbit cheered from the sidelines, raising a bottle of beer in salute.
“Damn straight,” I agreed, grinning triumphantly at March’s mock scowl.
Throughout the game, my thoughts kept drifting back to my conversation with Hatter earlier. My unspoken hope for a family echoed in my mind, painting a picture of a life filled with love, laughter, and the support of the Underland MC. It was a dream I would fight for, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.
“Hey, Jo,” Absolem called out, pulling me from my reverie. “It’s your turn again.”
“Right, thanks,” I replied, turning back to the table and lining up my shot. I saw Hatter watching me from the corner of my eye, a thoughtful look on his face.
The game continued, each player landing impressive shots and the occasional lucky break. In the end, Hatter and I emerged victorious, our laughter mingling with the groans of mock defeat from March and Cheshire. I knew it was all thanks to Hatter’s abilities, and I wasn’t quite sure, but I thought the other two had gone easy on me.
“Good game,” I said.
“Rematch tomorrow?” March suggested, a fire in his eyes.
“Count us in,” Hatter agreed, wrapping an arm around me and pressing a soft kiss to my temple.
“You know what’s missing in here?” I asked.
“What?” Cheshire asked.
“A pinball machine. I’ve always wanted to play one,” I said.
Cheshire looked over at Absolem, who rolled his eyes. “Fine. When the budget allows, I’ll try to find one. But only because our little sister requested it.”
“Can I ask you something?” Hatter’s question hung heavy in the air between us. His fingers traced lazy circles on my arm, soothing my nerves, but I could still feel the weight of what he wanted to say.
“Shoot,” I replied, bracing myself for whatever came next.
“Where do you see us going? You know, in the future? And I don’t mean just a generic idea of having kids. I want to hear all your dreams and desires for the future we’re going to build together.”
I hesitated, considering my answer. The truth was, I didn’t know. All I knew was that I wanted to be with Hatter, with this family we’d found together. I just hadn’t considered all the specifics. “Staying together,” I said finally. “Making sure our lives are entwined with the MC. Letting our kids grow up surrounded by some incredible uncles, even if they do have odd names.”
He shook his head, smiling. “Nothing odd about them.”
“Does that mean I get one too?” I asked.
“Well, I could put a bow on you and call you Dinah.”
I playfully swatted him. “I’m not a cat!”
“Are you sure? Sometimes you can be as feisty as one.”
I caught his teasing smile and could only shake my head at his antics. “I love you.”
“Love you too,” he murmured. “And for the record, I think you’d make an adorable little cat.”
I rolled my eyes. “We were having a moment, and now you’ve ruined it. Leave it alone, Hatter. If I’d known you were going to be like this, I’d have never asked.”
He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. “Our names are called road names. But you have the most important one of all… old lady to the club president.”
He made a good point. “Fine. I’ll be content with everyone just calling me by my name.”
Looking around the room, I wondered which of these big tough men would fall next. Now that Hatter had settled down, surely the others would fall like dominoes. All I had to do was find some nice women to invite over.
A smile spread across my lips as I thought about the chaos I could cause… maybe I’d start with Cheshire. Or even March. Both looked like confirmed bachelors.
Now this will be fun !