EPILOGUE
Christmas Eve
“Hold still.” Cleo’s tongue pokes out the side of her mouth as she adds the finishing touches to my makeup. Her brow is furrowed in concentration, and I’m trying my hardest not to move. “Almost done.”
I sit perched on the edge of a folding chair in the clubhouse bathroom, surrounded by my girls. Demi is leaning against the wall, scrolling through her phone, while McKenna adjusts the straps of her sparkly red dress in the mirror.
“There!” Cleo takes a step back, admiring her handiwork. “Perfect.”
I open my eyes and turn to look in the mirror. My breath catches in my throat. “Holy crapballs.”
My hair is back to its natural honey blonde now—no more pink—and falls in soft waves around my shoulders. My makeup is subtle but festive, with a touch of gold shimmer on my lids and a deep red lip that matches my dress.
“You like?” Cleo’s eyebrows shoot up in question.
“I love it.” I spin around, wrapping my arms around her waist. “Thank you.”
She hugs me back, careful not to mess up either of our hair. “No problem, sweetie.”
Demi glances up from her phone. “We should probably head out there. The guys are getting antsy.”
McKenna snorts, checking her lipstick one last time. “When are they not antsy?”
I smooth down the front of my dress, feeling nervous butterflies in my stomach. It’s the Bastard Saints’ Christmas party, and everyone is here. Plus, I have a special gift for Aaron tonight—one that can’t be wrapped and put under the tree.
My hand drifts unconsciously to my still-flat stomach.
I’m pregnant.
The test confirmed it three days ago, but I’ve kept it a secret, wanting to surprise Aaron tonight. After everything we’ve been through in the last few months, this feels like a Christmas miracle.
“You okay?” Demi’s brows pull together, her eyes tracking the movement of my hand.
I jerk my hand away from my belly and nod quickly. “Yeah. Just nervous.”
“About what?” McKenna’s head tilts to the side, her dark eyes studying me. “It’s just a Christmas party. You look hot as hell, and that man of yours won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
I force a smile. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
The four of us file out of the bathroom and into the main room of the clubhouse.
The transformation from biker hangout to winter wonderland is nothing short of miraculous.
Twinkling lights hang from the ceiling, a massive Christmas tree dominates one corner, and red and green decorations cover nearly every surface.
“Wow,” I breathe, taking it all in. “It’s beautiful.”
“It better be,” Cleo huffs, adjusting one of her purple curls. “We spent all day decorating.”
My eyes scan the room, automatically searching for Aaron. I spot him by the bar, talking with Denali and Pee Wee. As if feeling my eyes on him, he looks up, his eyes locking with mine across the room. His conversation stops mid-sentence, his jaw going slack.
My heart does a little flip at the sight of him. Even after all these months, he still has that effect on me.
He’s wearing dark jeans and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off the tattoos on his forearms. His dark hair is cut in a fresh fade, and his beard is neatly trimmed.
He looks so dang handsome tonight.
I watch as he excuses himself from the conversation and makes his way toward me, his eyes never leaving mine. People step out of his path, knowing better than to get between a man on a mission.
“Butterfly,” he breathes when he reaches me, his large hands coming up to frame my face. “You look incredible.”
I lean into his touch, smiling up at him. “You clean up pretty nice yourself, honey.”
His lips twitch, fighting a smile. “You like the shirt?”
“Mmm.” I run my hands up his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath the fabric. “I like what’s under it better.”
“Jesus.” He growls low in his throat, then dips his head to press a quick, hard kiss to my lips. When he pulls back, his eyes are dark with desire. “Keep talking like that and I’ll drag you out of here before you even get a drink.”
I grin, patting his chest. “Later, tiger. I want to enjoy the party first.”
He takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “Come on, then. Let’s get you that drink.”
As we make our way to the bar, several people call out greetings. I wave back, still amazed at how easily I’ve been accepted into this family.
Three months ago, I was a stranger—the outsider from Jacksonville that Rambler brought home. Now, I’m his ol’ lady.
“What can I get you, Pinky?” Zeus asks from behind the bar.
Aaron pops a brow at me, waiting for my answer.
“Just a Dr. Pepper, please.” I bite the inside of my cheek, hoping Aaron doesn’t think twice about my choice.
He doesn’t seem to notice anything amiss, ordering a beer for himself.
Music pumps through the speakers, Christmas songs with a rock edge, and the clubhouse is packed with members, old ladies, and a few sweetbutts.
Klutch and Demi are dancing together near the tree, her head resting on his chest as they sway to music. Pee Wee is sitting on one of the couches with McKenna perched on his lap, his hand possessively cupping her hip.
“Come dance with me,” I say, tugging on Aaron’s hand.
He frowns, brows snapping together. “You know I don’t dance, butterfly.”
I stick out my bottom lip in a pout. “Please? It’s Christmas.”
He sighs, but I can see his resolve weakening. “Fine. One dance.”
Grinning in victory, I lead him to the makeshift dance floor. Aaron wraps his arms around my waist, and I slide mine up around his neck. We sway together, not really dancing so much as just holding each other and moving side to side to the music.
“You happy, butterfly?” he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
I look up into his gray eyes, feeling my heart swell with so much love. “So happy.”
He dips his head, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Good.”
As we continue to sway, I spot Cleo watching us from across the room. She mimes a zipper across her lips, silently asking if I’ve told Aaron yet. I shake my head slightly, and she gives me a thumbs-up.
Aaron notices the exchange, his brows snapping together. “What was that about?”
“Nothing,” I say too quickly.
His eyes narrow. “Savannah.”
Oh crap. He’s calling me out.
“I, uh...” I glance around the crowded room. This isn’t how I planned to tell him. “Can we go somewhere more private?”
His face grows serious, concern replacing suspicion in his eyes. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s perfect,” I assure him, squeezing his hand. “I just want to give you your Christmas present in private.”
He smirks. “Oh yeah?”
I roll my eyes. “Focus, honey.”
He nods. “Follow me.”
Aaron leads me through the crowd, nodding at his brothers as we pass. We go down a hallway and into an empty office that I’m pretty sure is Denali’s. He closes the door behind us, muffling the noise from the party.
“What’s up, butterfly?” He leans back against the desk, crossing his arms over his chest.
My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
“I have something for you.” My voice shakes.
Aaron’s head tips to the side, his eyes studying my face. “You already gave me my present this morning.” He holds up his wrist, showing off the leather cuff I’d bought him. “Which I love, by the way.”
I smile, stepping closer to him. “This is something else. Something I couldn’t wrap.”
That sexy mouth tips up again as his eyes rake across my body. “I’m listening.”
My man can’t help himself. He seriously has a one-track mind.
Taking another deep breath, I reach for his hand and place it on my stomach.
“Merry Christmas, Daddy.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, his face frozen in confusion. Then his eyes go as round as dinner plates as understanding dawns.
“Are you—” His voice breaks. “Baby, are you serious?”
I nod, tears welling in my eyes. “I’m pregnant. I found out a few days ago.”
“Holy fuck.” Aaron’s hand stays on my belly, his thumb rubbing back and forth. “You’re having my baby?”
“I’m having your baby,” I confirm, a tear escaping and rolling down my cheek. “Are you happy?”
“Happy?” He barks out a laugh, sounding almost hysterical. “Butterfly, I’m fucking ecstatic.”
He pulls me against his chest, burying his face in my hair. I can feel him trembling, his big body shaking with emotion.
“I love you,” he whispers, his voice rough. “I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you too,” I say, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He pulls back suddenly, his eyes wide. “Maybe you should sit down.”
I can’t help but laugh at the panic in his eyes. “Aaron, I’m pregnant, not made of glass. I’m fine.”
He frowns, unconvinced. “But—”
“I’m fine,” I repeat, cutting him off with a kiss. “Really.”
He sighs, pressing his forehead to mine. “You gotta let me take care of you, butterfly. It’s my job.”
“I know.” I smile up at him. “And I love you for it.”
We stand here for a long moment, just holding each other, his hand protectively covering my stomach where our baby is growing.
Aaron breaks the silence first. “I have something else for you, too.”
“Oh?” I raise an eyebrow. “But you already gave me my present.” This morning, he’d given me a beautiful charm bracelet with little butterflies dangling from it.
He nods, reaching into his pocket. “This is something else. Something I’ve been carrying around for weeks, waiting for the right time.”
My breath catches in my throat as he pulls out a small velvet box.
“Aaron,” I whisper, my heart beating wildly in my chest.
He opens the box, revealing a stunning vintage ring with a center diamond surrounded by smaller stones. “It was my grandmother’s,” he says, dropping down to one knee. “I’ve been holding onto it for years, never thought I’d find someone I wanted to give it to.”
Tears blur my vision as he takes the ring from the box and holds it up.
“Savannah Williams,” he says, his gray eyes never leaving mine. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I throw my arms around his neck, nearly knocking him off balance. “Yes, yes, yes!”
He laughs, steadying us both as he gets to his feet. “Let me put the ring on you, crazy woman.”
I hold out my shaking left hand, and he slides the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly, like it was meant to be here all along.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, admiring the way the diamonds catch the light.
“Doesn’t hold a candle to the woman wearing it,” he says, pulling me close again.
The moment is interrupted by a knock on the door.
“You two decent in there?” Cleo’s voice calls out, followed by giggles that sound like Demi and McKenna.
Aaron rolls his eyes. “NO!” he calls back as I yell, “Yes!”
The door bursts open, and Cleo, Demi, and McKenna spill into the room, their eyes immediately going to my left hand.
“She said yes!” Cleo squeals, clapping her hands together.
Demi rushes forward, grabbing my hand to examine the ring. “Oh my God, it’s gorgeous!”
“Did you tell him about the baby?” McKenna asks, her eyes darting between me and Aaron.
“Baby?” Demi’s head snaps up, her eyes wide. “What baby?”
I shoot McKenna a look. She only knows because Cleo let it slip.
“You’re pregnant?” Demi squeaks, her hand flying to her mouth.
Aaron’s arm tightens around my waist, and I can feel the pride radiating off him. “Yep. My wife’s having my baby.”
“We’re not married yet.” I giggle.
“Technicality,” he counters as the girls descend on me, hugging and squealing.
“We have to tell everyone!” Cleo declares, grabbing my hand. “Come on!”
Before I can protest, the girls are dragging me back toward the main room, Aaron following close behind. We burst back into the party, and Cleo whistles loudly to get everyone’s attention.
“Listen up, everyone!” she shouts over the music. “Rambler and Pinky have an announcement!”
The music cuts out, and all eyes turn to us. I feel my cheeks heat up.
Aaron steps forward, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “My ol’ lady just made me the happiest man alive,” he announces, his voice carrying across the now-silent room. “She said yes.”
He holds up my left hand, showing off the ring, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Brothers come forward to slap him on the back, while all the women in the room gather around me, admiring the ring and offering congratulations.
“And,” Aaron continues once the noise dies down a bit, “we’re having a baby.”
The room explodes again, the celebration even louder this time. Denali pushes through the crowd, a bottle of champagne in one hand and a stack of plastic cups in the other.
“A toast!” he calls out, popping the cork. “To Rambler and his fiancée!”
As champagne is poured and passed around, a sparkling cider for me, I find myself surrounded by love and acceptance.
These people are my family now.
Aaron appears at my side, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You okay, butterfly?”
I nod, looking up into his stormy eyes. “Perfect.”
His hand slides down to rest on my stomach.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Wilson,” he murmurs against my hair.
Mrs. Wilson. I like the sound of that.
“Merry Christmas, honey.” I lift my face for a kiss.
As his lips meet mine, I send up a thanks to the Gods for bringing this perfect man into my life.
It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change a single thing.
The End.
Thank you for reading Rambler’s Snow Bunny. If you enjoyed Rambler and Pinky’s story, please considering leaving a rating or review to help other readers find my books.