Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Crystal
One week later
“Oh, my God, she’s perfect,” I say, stroking little Aubrey-May’s perfect little cheek.
After a long and intense labor, Audrina delivered their little bundle of joy by caesarian section.
Audrina beams with happiness. “West is obsessed with her.” Audrina refuses to call Hustler by his biker name, as well as her son, Asher — also known as Nevada. “He keeps saying: Is this real? Is this really real?”
I chuckle. “I can see why, she’s just adorable.” On cue, little Aubrey does a sweet little yawn and my heart melts.
“I’m so in love with her,” Audrina sings. “Would you like to have a hold?”
“Do you have to ask twice?” I take her in my arms and melt just a little more. “How are you feeling?”
She sighs. “Like a bus hit me repeatedly, but West has been doting on me and the baby, as I’m sure you can imagine.”
On cue, West sounds at the door. I’m at their place, and Audrina has a bed set up on the couch. “Honey?” he calls.
“I’m where you left me,” Audrina replies..
He eventually appears, several shopping bags in his hands. “Oh, hey, Crystal,” he says. “I saw your car out front.”
“I had to stop by and bring Audrina’s favorite bagels.” I smile. “And cuddle Aubrey-May. She’s perfect, by the way.”
He grins, dropping the bags in the hallway. “She is. Just like her momma.” He caresses Aubrey-May’s cheek with his knuckle and it is quietly the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.
“I think she might need to be changed,” I tell them, rolling my lips.
Hustler moves his face closer to her butt and I laugh when he pulls a face. “Yep. Definitely. Come to Daddy and he’ll take care of it.”
“You change diapers?” I balk.
Hustler shoots me a look. “Of course. Audrina has to rest, and it ain’t that bad.”
Audrina laughs. “You put a peg on your nose when you’re doing it.”
“Never said it was pretty, I said it ain’t that bad.” He kisses Aubrey’s cheek as I pass her over and he takes off, humming a little tune.
I shake my head. “I think my ovaries just exploded watching them.”
“Ugh, tell me about it. West wants more! And it’s been just shy of a week.”
“At least he’s a hands-on dad.” I shrug. “Ryder was the same. He wanted to be involved in everything… okay, maybe not diapers, but he tried his best.” Some of the disasters are comical now, looking back.
“I’m very blessed,” Audrina says. “West is amazing. I couldn’t ask for a more doting father, or partner.”
“I love that.” I squeeze her hand. “And I hear Priest and Nevada are cuckoo over her, too.”
“We’re one big happy family.” She beams. “It’s so different from when I had Asher. John, my ex, never helped me with anything. He went out to work, and I was home raising Asher. It just feels different this time. I’m older. Wiser. I can relax a little. Having West around and not having to rush back to work has been a godsend.”
“Well you did a fine job with Nevada, and Aubrey is just adorable.”
“She’s the sweetest, honestly.”
“He’s so good with her.” I thumb over my shoulder. I can’t make out what Hustler is saying, but he’s making choo-choo noises and it is just the cutest thing.
“He says he’s making up for lost time. His one regret is never knowing about his own son for all those years. So this time around, everyone gets to be involved.”
“I love that, and you look freaking fantastic, woman! You just gave birth and look at you.”
Audrina is always impeccable. You never see her with a hair out of place. She’s not over the top, or overdone. She’s just a natural. “You’re being kind. I look like a wreck.”
I snort. “If you’re a wreck, then I’ve seriously got something to worry about. And if Hustler wants more babies immediately, I’d say he likes what he sees.”
She smiles contentedly. “How are things with you?”
I reach for the tea I made earlier and take a sip. “Better. It’s been good having Ryder home this week. He wants to try and take more time away from the shop to spend with me and Ade.”
“And Aidan’s okay? I’m so sorry about what happened.”
“It was a helluva week. Ade had a couple of bad dreams, so we’ve decided to take him to a counselor, just to make sure that he’s not going to suffer any post trauma.”
“It’s a good idea. I heard how brave he was.”
Whenever I hear those words, it makes me tear up. Aidan did such an amazing job sounding the alarm. I’ll always be in awe of him, and of his daddy for coming home to me in one piece.
“I’m so proud of him.” I wipe my eyes. “But it’s taken an emotional toll. I think we’re going to have a vacation in the next few weeks to regroup. We need it.”
“That’s a great idea. Where are you thinking of going?”
“Disneyland,” I say. “We’d love to surprise Aidan.”
She smiles. “He’d love that, and you all deserve some time away.”
I think about her words long after I’ve left the house and I’m on my way home.
There is no doubt after seeing little Aubrey that I want more kids, but I’m also grateful for the kid I do have. If it’s only meant to be one, then I’m okay with that. I’m the luckiest woman alive to begin with.
When I pick up Ade from school, he’s already walking toward me, holding Pipes’ hand. Ever since the kidnapping, Pipes has been a little over the top.
Aidan sees me and lets go, running toward me at top speed. I give him a big hug and he starts rambling about everything he’s been doing. I listen but also shoot Pipes a look.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey yourself.” I give him a ‘what gives?’ look and he shuffles on his feet.
“Don’t ask me, ask your husband. He wants someone here at all times before and after school.”
“He does, does he?”
“Well, I mean, just watchin’ out. Ade spotted me, so the jig was up.” He palms the back of his neck.
I get Ryder is worried about safety, but having bikers lurking around the school gates is only going to cause problems.
“I’ll talk to him,” I say. “I know he’s worried after… everything, but there are no more of Jimmy’s siblings hiding in the woodworks. Jett and Rock did a thorough check.”
“Mommy?” Ade pulls on the hem of my shirt.
“Yes, honey?”
“Can Pipes come to the bakery?”
I give Pipes another side eye. “Who said we’re going to the bakery?”
“We always go to the bakery on hump day,” he tells me. Then I remember Ryder usually picks up Ade mid-week, but we switched because Ryder got held up at work today clearing things up before our trip. I’m excited about going to California.
“Oh, you do, do you? Now I’m learning all the naughty things Daddy does when I’m not around.”
Pipes carries Aidan’s backpack on his shoulder and follows me to my car. “Yep, but you can come too, Mommy.” His earnest little face has my heart squeezing.
“That’s so nice of you to invite me.” I smile. “We probably could see if Aunt Indi is around, or Uncle Harlem.” Where Indigo is, Harlem usually isn’t far behind.
“Yay!” Aidan pumps his little fists in the air, making both me and Pipes laugh.
“I’ve been waitin’ all day for one of those cupcakes,” Pipes tells me leisurely. “Ryder always says you’re the party pooper, but I think he’s mistaken.”
I shove Pipes in the shoulder. He’s not a bad guy, and I admit I have a soft spot for him. I’m not sure Casey would agree, but I’m leaving that well alone. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
We spend the afternoon at the bakery until it’s time to head home. Ryder looks suspiciously happy when we’re sitting at the dinner table. We’re trying to make it a family ritual now, instead of eating on the fly. Giving Ade some more grounding and family time has been instrumental, and he loves telling us all about his day over dinner together.
“You know how I couldn’t pick you up from school today because Daddy was busy?” Ryder says, a huge smile on his face. “Wanna know what I was doin’?”
Aidan has all kinds of guesses ranging from getting a new puppy, insert eye roll courtesy of Luna and Bronco; the adoptive animal duo, to helping Audrina and Hustler with the new baby. Aidan is completely smitten with the baby. The photos of him holding her tentatively are completely adorable.
“I give up!” Aidan laughs when he’s exhausted all kinds of crazy scenarios.
He produces a little Mickey Mouse cap and places it on the table. “How would you like to go to Disneyland with me and Mommy?”
His eyes go as round as saucers. “Disneyland?”
Just seeing the joy on his face is worth a million bucks.
“Yep. I was busy bookin’ us tickets to California,” Ryder goes on. “To meet Mickey and Minnie.”
“Yay!” Aidan jumps up and down as I pull the cap on his head. He looks so stinking cute. “Can we meet Goofy too? I really like Goofy. And Spiderman?”
“I think we can do that,” Ryder says. “We leave in two weeks.”
I smile across at my husband, feeling the love bug all around our little bubble.
“Mommy and Daddy and our big boy need a vacation,” I say, trying not to cry. “Our first real vacation together as a family.”
“We can get Mommy some Minnie Mouse ears. Wouldn’t she look cute in those?” Ryder laughs.
Secretly, I’ve always wanted a pair of Minnie Mouse ears, and I’m not afraid to say it.
“She’d look so cute!” Aidan waves his arms around, ecstatic. I’m sure the first thing he’ll be telling everyone at school tomorrow is about his new vacation.
“I love you,” I mouth across the table.
“I love you, too,” Ryder says, his face softening when Ade hugs him, almost falling off his chair.
The house is filled with laughter. All of the pain and suffering we’ve been through is forgotten. This is a new start for all of us, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
Whatever happens, we’ll always have this moment.
Me and my boys.
Ryder
Two weeks later
I smile as I close my son’s door quietly. He’s exhausted from the full day we had at Disneyland. I’ve never seen a kid so happy, and we’ve got the rest of the week to explore California, hang out at the hotel, and go back to Disneyland again.
I find my wife where I left her; in the tub.
I watch her from the doorway, humming a little tune as she sits back with her eyes closed. Her honey, golden locks piled on top of her head in a messy bun. This is how I love her; all disheveled and relaxed. Seeing her take some time out for herself this vacation has been just what the doctor ordered. I know it’s never truly a vacation when you have a child, but she’s had a day at the spa, and I’ve more fun things lined up before we leave. We’ve eaten out every night, so no cooking or cleaning, and if I’m not mistaken, we’ve had sex every night since we got here. I think I could handle vacationing all the time if this is the reward. Just seeing Crystal relaxed without any worry on her face is enough for me.
Sensing me, her eyes spring open as she turns to look towards the door. “How long have you been standing there?”
I grin. “Not long enough. Didn’t see anythin’.”
“You weren’t looking hard enough.”
“Oh, I was lookin’, babe.” I push off the doorframe and walk toward her. “There’s too many bubbles.”
They’re almost overflowing, but that’s just how Crystal likes it.
She smiles. “Why don’t you get out of those clothes and come join me.”
Soaking in the tub isn’t really my thing, but I’m not gonna be asked twice to get naked with my wife. “Sure there’s enough room?”
She wiggles her eyebrows. “I might have to sit on you.”
“Why didn’t you just say that?” I toe off my boots, then my jeans and boxer briefs, and the rest of my clothes. I step in, and the water feels nice as I slide down opposite her, thankful the tub is large and will fit the two of us. She crawls her way over to me, landing in my lap as promised.
“I missed you while you were gone.”
I chuckle. “I was gone for five minutes. Aidan fell asleep fast.”
“It was five minutes too long.”
She presses her lips to mine and I cup her ass. My dick stirs, just like it always does. She rubs her sweet pussy up against me and I growl. “Fuck, baby. Mmm, that feels good.”
“You feel so tense.” She pouts. “I think I need to ride all that tenseness out of you.”
“I think that sounds like an amazing idea.” I reach between her legs and she moans when I play with her pussy. “You’ve been thinkin’ about doin’ this all day, haven’t you, my naughty wife?”
“What can I say? I have a hot husband.” She groans when I flick her clit.
Gripping her hips, I lift her slightly so her tits are in my face. I suck one nipple into my mouth as she squeezes my shoulders with her palms.
“Oh, Ryder.”
“Gonna make a mess if we fuck in here.” I move my mouth to the other peak. “Water’s gonna slop everywhere.”
“I don’t care,” she breathes. “I need your dick.”
I chuckle. “Someone’s very horny.” I nod to her untouched champagne. “And you didn’t even touch your champagne.”
Her eyes spring open. Focusing on me, she stops for a second and so do I. “There’s a reason for that.”
“For not drinkin’?”
She nods.
I frown, then realization dawns as she continues to stare at me pointedly.
“I took a test, Ryd?—”
“Tell me.” I feel the thump of my beating heart as it thickens with every pulse.
“I’m… I’m pregnant.”
I stare at her for a few wordless minutes. “Are you sure?” I finally manage, my heart racing.
Tears fall from her eyes as she nods, wiping them away. “I took two tests, and I have been feeling a little off these last few days. I’ll have to have a proper blood test, but I’m pregnant.”
We’ve been down this road before with a miscarriage, and then infertility issues. But to have this happen out of the blue, it’s like a miracle. “Holy shit.”
“You’re gonna be a daddy again, Ryd.”
Hearing those words. “For real?”
“Yes. I mean, it’s obviously early days, and I want to make sure everything is okay with the doctor as soon as we get home, but we’re pregnant.”
“I love you so fuckin’ much.” I cup her face, kissing her hard as she kisses me back until we’re a tangled mess of tears and kisses.
“I love you, too. You’ve no idea. I want this so much.”
I pull back. “Wait,” I say. “Sex could be out. We don’t wanna upset things… down there.”
“It’s safe to have sex,” she whispers. “I promise.”
I frown as she reaches between my legs. “All of the sex we’ve been having did the trick, after all. I always knew practice makes perfect, but we weren’t technically trying.”
“I’m trying every time I fuck you.” I suck on her neck, knowing I’ll leave my mark. Then I cup her tits. “Gonna be so fuckin’ hot knocked up with my kid. I love your body when you’re pregnant.”
“I need you,” she groans. “Oh, Ryder, please take me to bed.”
I keep saying there’s something in the water because it’s babyland over at the NOLA Rebels MC, and I’m not one bit sorry.
I take her with me as I stand, stepping out to quickly dry ourselves off. I walk her to the bed as she scrambles backward, and I devour her body with my eyes.
I can’t believe it. It’s like music to my ears.
Last time she was pregnant with Ade, her body changed in so many amazing ways. I loved every minute of it. I crawl over the top of her, my dick hanging heavily between my legs. I’m so turned on. I run a palm over her flat stomach as her eyes flick down to watch me.
“There’s a baby in there?” I stammer.
“ Our baby,” she breathes. “We did it. I’m so happy, I can’t believe we’re going to give Ade a baby brother or sister.”
I want to worship this beautiful body. The body that carried my first child, and now the new baby. I’m in awe of her.
“I’m gonna fuck you so fuckin’ slow you’re not gonna be able to scream your orgasm, baby. I’m gonna be coverin’ that pretty mouth so you don’t wake up the entire hotel.”
“Give me it.” She cups my ass. “Give me what I want.”
“What I want is for you to ride my face, but I’m so turned on I’m gonna blow in two seconds if you do that.”
She smiles up at me. “I forgot how hands-on you were during the last pregnancy.”
“And I’m gonna be here every step of the way for this one.” I lean down and kiss her hard, my tongue sweeping against hers.
“Need you inside me,” she groans.
“I haven’t even given you an orgasm yet.”
“You will the second you’re inside me.”
I bite down on my lip as I nudge her entrance with my tip. “You’re so beautiful,” I tell her. “I can’t get enough of you.”
She digs her nails into my ass, arching her back as I grip one breast and suckle on her nipple. My other hand guides my cock inside her slowly.
She writhes underneath me, her groans encouraging me to devour her, but I want to take my time. Now she has a baby inside, I don’t want to be rough with her, no matter what she says.
I slide in halfway, then slide out. Every single movement, I give her a little more.
“So hot,” she hisses. “My husband is so hot.”
“Your husband wants to fuck you in this bed all night long,” I murmur. “I got you pregnant without even tryin’.”
“You’re quite proud of that, aren’t you?” Her eyes glimmer as they meet mine and just as they do, I slide all the way in. Her grip tightens and her eyes slide closed.
“Eyes open when I fuck you.”
They spring open and I pull out, then repeat the motion. “Yes,” she whispers.
“Just like that.”
“I need it.”
“Say it.”
“I need you, Ryd. Harder.”
I grip the sheets, unable to hold on for long, which is embarrassing, but my wife is my weakness. She always has been. I’m not ashamed to admit it.
She wraps her legs around me, digging her heels into my ass, encouraging me deeper inside of her.
“I need you, too. So much.” I work my hips just a little faster, and Crystal moans in response.
She feels so goddamn good. This bond we have between us? It’s stronger than ever. Together, we’re better. We have nothing in our way, and the future is looking brighter than ever.
I’m going to be a father again. That just drives me wild.
Neither of us can hold on, and when I feel her squeeze my cock as her pussy grips me, I’m lost. All the emotion I’m feeling washes over me. My chest tightens as I piston my hips in a long, mind blowing thrust. Knowing she’s got my kid inside of her though, it makes everything heightened. She calls my name on a long moan, and I follow behind, stilling as I spill inside of her. When I’m done, we’re both panting like we’ve just run a marathon.
“Holy shit, that was intense.”
I smile against her skin as I kiss her forehead. “You didn’t think just because you’re pregnant I was going to be able to keep my hands to myself, did you?”
“I guess not,” she giggles.
“I’ll love you for the rest of my life,” I whisper against her lips.
She wraps her arms around my neck. “And I’ll love you for the rest of mine,” she whispers. “Forever.”
“All the words I’ll ever need to hear.”
And they are. Forever with my sugar, the woman who stole my heart. A beautiful son, and another child on the way. What more could a man possibly want?
I have it all.