Epilogue
Tessa
The Steamer’s Jewel sways beneath my feet as I lean against the polished wooden railing, gazing out over the waves of the river.
Sunlight spills across the water, and I see an occasional fish jumping out of the water.
Everything about this vintage riverboat is elegant, from the ornate scrollwork along the boat’s railings, to the polished brass fittings gleaming in the fading daylight, and especially the splash of the paddlewheel churning behind us.
It feels as if we’ve gone back in time to a quieter, more refined era.
I trace a finger over the smooth wood, appreciating the care Jasper’s family took in arranging our wedding.
This boat is ours alone for the weekend, free from curious eyes or unexpected guests.
It’s a gesture both extravagant and thoroughly down-to-earth, a perfect balance between their rugged biker heritage and the warmth of their family values.
That intersection is what I have found most appealing about Jasper’s family.
My hand moves instinctively to my rounded belly, and warmth floods my cheeks as memories from earlier surface vividly.
Jasper had accidentally walked in on me as I was trying on my wedding gown, his eyes widening in surprise before filling with awe and joy.
The gown hugs my belly, accentuating the new life growing inside.
Jasper looked like he didn’t know quite where to put his eyes.
The moment the seamstress left, he dove under my gown to give me a good licking—one that made me scream his name as my legs shook uncontrollably.
He was a beast, and I had to pull him off me.
I sense Jasper’s presence even before I hear his quiet footsteps approaching. Warmth blooms through me as his strong arms slide gently around my waist, pulling me close until my back presses firmly against his chest. He lowers his head, his breath soft against my ear.
“So, what do you think?” he murmurs, voice rich and deep. “Does it live up to the brochure?”
I tell him warmly, “It’s even better.” Leaning into his warmth, I give him the nice compliments he so richly deserves.
“I didn’t think it was possible, but you really outdid yourself, Jasper.
It’s perfect for a wedding venue. I like that it’s a unique venue and all ours for two days. It must have cost a small fortune.”
I feel him smile against my hair, pride evident even without seeing his face. “I’m glad you like it,” he says quietly, tightening his arms around me slightly. “I wanted it perfect for you. For us.”
I shift slightly in his embrace, turning just enough to meet his gaze. Emotion swells inside me when I look into his eyes. Of course, everything makes me emotional right now.
“Everything already feels perfect,” I say softly, cupping his cheek. “Because of you.”
***
My wedding day is everything I always dreamed it would be.
The bridal suite is filled with laughter, the scent of nice perfume, and the rustling of satin.
It’s also filled with women I never thought I’d call friends.
My favorite club girls are everywhere at once, fussing over me, teasing, fluffing my gown, and just having fun.
Brandi is trying to pin up a strand of my hair that refuses to behave, while Candy circles with her phone, snapping selfies that make everyone laugh.
In the corner, my grandmother sits in a wide chair like royalty, her oxygen tube a quiet reminder of everything we’ve been through.
Jasper was as good as his word. He paid for every single thing that the insurance didn’t cover, with no questions asked.
She’s here, able to attend because of him and his parents.
Her eyes are glossy but bright, her smile proud and peaceful as she enjoys my special day.
Queenie comes barging back into the room, leans down, and says in my ear, “You should see that man of yours. My oldest son is pacing like a bull in a cage. Muttering something about how the florist used ivory instead of white. I swear, if he had pearls, he’d be clutching ‘em.”
Laughter spills out of me, bright and spontaneous. I clutch Queenie’s hand and blink back the happy tears threatening to ruin my makeup.
“You’ve got him twisted around your little finger. I hope you know that,” she adds with a worried smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll never take advantage of that fact. You won’t see me turning into one of those spoiled, demanding women who’s always on her husband’s nerves. That’s not me.”
Queenie frowns, “Of course not. I’m just worried he’s gonna pop and end up taking a chunk out of the side of your wedding cake or something embarrassing for you.”
I laugh again. “He wouldn’t do something like that. Jasper has nerves of steel.”
“But he loves sweets, so look out when it comes to cake-cutting time. He’s more likely to feed the first slice to himself than you.”
I can tell she’s just trying to be funny to lighten the mood, and it works. Because just like that, the bit of low-grade anxiety I’ve been carrying around all day evaporates. I don’t have anything to be worried about. We’re all alone on the river with a few staff. We are most certainly safe.
And this is not just a wedding. It’s a homecoming I never saw coming.
A room full of sisters I didn’t know I needed, a grandmother who lived to see this day, and a man outside waiting to make me the happiest woman in the whole world.
I relax during the rest of the preparations, letting myself enjoy each moment as it comes.
The ceremony is in the late afternoon. By the time I walk down the aisle, it’s cooled off.
Jasper looks impossibly handsome in his suit that’s trying way too hard to be a tux.
He’s wearing a white button-up shirt with a black tie and his cut, which is snapped smartly up the front.
He’s thrown a black suit jacket over it.
It matches his pants perfectly. His dark hair is pulled back, his blue eyes lock on mine like I’m the only thing that exists in his world.
I’m thinking of that first time he saw me in the gown I’m now wearing, and the naked heat in his eyes makes me think he’s remembering that moment as well.
They have a friend from an allied club that’s an ordained minister who agreed to officiate our wedding.
Today, he stands between us with a deep, steady voice expounding on the nature of marriage from a practical instead of a religious standpoint.
He doesn’t speak for very long and interjects just enough to set the crowd at ease.
I glance to the side and catch Onyx nudging Slate, both of them grinning.
Even the usual stony-faced Mica has a smile on his face.
Jasper’s brothers are an interesting mix.
I can’t help but wonder what kind of women they’ll end up with.
Hopefully, ones that see their better qualities.
Jasper takes my hands in his and the minister leads us in taking traditional vows.
We decided on that because Jasper didn’t feel comfortable pouring his heart out in front of all his club brothers.
I understand because I love him. And because I wasn’t wild about telling him all my deepest emotions in front of others either. We’re both pretty private.
Once the minister declares us husband and wife, the entire room erupts.
Whistles, hollers, applause that shakes the vessel beneath our feet.
Queenie’s crying behind her sunglasses. When Jasper kisses me, all the guests just fade away in my mind.
His kiss is deep, sure, and fit to seal the vows we just made.
I hold it together until he squats down and kisses my belly.
It’s such a sweet gesture that my makeup gets ruined because I can no longer hold back the tears of happiness.
Afterward, the reception buzzes with music, laughter, and clinking glasses.
People dance without inhibition, drink freely, and cheer each time someone pounds the table and shouts, “To the bride and groom!” I barely get a moment to breathe before someone is hugging me, toasting us, or dragging Jasper into a photo.
Then Silver appears at the edge of the crowd. She’s wearing a black coat that covers up all her clothing. Her eyes meet mine, serious but hopeful.
“You mind if I speak to you?”
I nod, wondering what this is all about. I step aside with her into the glow of a low-hanging lantern.
“I was wrong before,” she says quietly. “You didn’t deserve the way I acted.
I let my ambition to be Jasper’s queen lead me down the wrong path.
I was ugly to you, but you stood your ground and earned your place in this club.
I just want you to know that I’d be proud to stand behind you in the future. ”
She opens her coat, and I see she’s wearing all silver again. When she waits, I realize she’s asking permission to have her silver back. Not being able to wear silver was one of her punishments, and she thinks she’s earned the right to wear it again.
Around this time, I realize we’re not exactly alone. Queenie is watching, along with Brandi, Candy, and a bunch of the brothers. Everyone knows what this means. This is her swearing allegiance to me, officially. She’s burying the hatchet.
I smile, and it’s not even forced. This is the most honest Silver has ever been, and I think she deserves a clean slate with me. “I’d be proud for us to have a new start, Silver. You’ve definitely earned your silver back.”
The cheer that follows is loud and immediate.
Someone whistles. Someone else bangs a spoon on their plate.
Silver’s face breaks into a grin and for once, she looks young again.
My heart breaks for her. Queenie is right about these women needing a second chance.
I know it all the way down to my bones. She runs off, her silver clothing sparkling in the lamplight.
Later, when the noise fades and the stars take over the sky, I find myself at the steamer’s edge again.
I’ve changed into something more comfortable—a pair of white pants and a white sweater with lace trim.
My hands rest on the railing, the cool metal grounding me.
Jasper moves in behind me, arms slipping around my waist like they were made to fit there.
When he finally speaks, his voice is low, reverent. “This day reminds me of all the pictures in our family album of my parents. Standing just like this after their wedding. Looking out at what they were about to build.”
I nod, my heart filled to overflowing for this handsome biker. “And now it’s our turn, right?”
He kisses the side of my head, lingering. “Yeah. It’s our legacy now.”
We’re now safe, secure, and in charge of our little world.
I lean back into him and smile, knowing we’re just getting started.