Chapter 17 MC Family
SEVENTEEN
MC FAMILY
Milly
One month has passed, and everything feels right with the world.
Mercedez left the clubhouse the same day Twitch and I returned, and she hasn’t been allowed back since.
When Reaper broke the news to her, the women told me she threw a tantrum, yelling at him, but then broke down crying, begging to stay.
Some of the women felt bad for her, but everyone knew it was the right decision.
The sweet butts said their goodbyes, and Bomber and Demon dropped her off at an old friend’s house in a nearby suburb.
I’m relieved it’s over. Keeping secrets and constantly being on edge was exhausting.
It drained me in ways I didn’t even realize until it was over.
Now I’m sleeping soundly in Twitch’s bed, wrapped in his arms, without a care in the world.
I’ve been coping well with the near-shooting incident.
No flashbacks, no nightmares—just peace.
I think it’s because Twitch has been by my side, making me feel safe and secure.
He’s helped me overcome my fears. I didn’t press charges against Terrence, but he had to go to court.
I decided not to follow the case. I want to leave it all behind and focus on the future.
I haven’t been back to work since, and honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve made in a long time.
Reaper insisted I stay at the clubhouse, making it clear I wasn’t to leave alone.
First it was because of Mercedez, and now, after the shooting, he’s being extra cautious.
I’ve even caught him smiling at me and Twitch a few times, and I think he’s finally accepted us. He sees how happy we are together.
Right now, Twitch and I are lying in his room, both in our pajamas, watching a trashy TV show. Through everything we’ve been through, our love hasn’t been easy, but none of the good things in life ever are.
I’m lying on Twtich’s chest when he asks, “When are you moving all your stuff to the clubhouse?”
A weird noise escapes my throat. “Why would I do that?”
“Because your home is here at the clubhouse,” he says, sounding offended I even asked. “With me.”
I blink, surprised. “The clubhouse feels like home. I just never thought of it.” After getting most of the clothes from there, I haven’t been back. “It seems like a waste of money, now that you’ve brought it up. Are you sure?” He’s shown his commitment to me, but I have to double-check.
“I love you,” he declares confidently. “And that’s never going to change. I’ll love you till the day you die, so yes, one hundred percent yes, I want you to move in.”
“Aww . . . I love you too,” I murmur, my heart swelling. He’s so sweet. “Then, yes, I’ll give up my rental and move the rest of my things in.”
He kisses the top of my head. “That’s what I like to hear. I know we’ve moved quickly, but I can’t imagine my life without you. Oh, and I have a surprise for you too.”
I get giddy with excitement. “When do I get my surprise?”
He grabs his phone. “In two hours it should arrive.”
My mind races with possibilities as we finish the TV show. The anticipation is electric, and I count down the minutes until my surprise arrives.
Ava’s dog Conan is barking outside, and I hear a truck pulling up. My heart races. “I wonder what it is.”
Twitch stiffens. “You stay here.” He glances back at me, his expression serious. “I mean it, Milly. Don’t ruin the surprise. Just stay here.”
“Okay,” I mumble, disappointed but obedient. “I won’t.” He asked so nicely, how could I say no, even though I’m bouncing out of my skin with curiosity.
As he leaves, I glance around the room. My sweater is draped over the bedside table, my shoes are by the wall near the door, and my clothes are hanging in the closet. I’ve already moved myself in without even realizing it. Twitch has encouraged it every step of the way.
Without Mercedez, with everything right between me and Reaper, and with time off work, I’ve been so happy.
I haven’t slept this well in years. This is what living life should feel like—peaceful, exciting, and full of hope for the future.
I’m finally focusing on myself, my happiness, and my journey.
For so long, I was so busy fixing other people’s lives that I forgot about my own.
Twitch walks back in with a beaming grin. “It’s outside. Come on,” he says, holding out a hand to help me stand.
I try to contain my excitement, but I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. We hold hands as we walk through the hallway and down the stairs. The clubhouse is oddly quiet, and I don’t see anyone around. That is, until we step out the front.
Reaper and Cash are standing off to the side, and all the club men, their ol’ ladies, and the sweet butts are gathered, smiling at me. My nerves spike as I glance at Twitch. “What’s going on?”
He tugs on my hand, leading me through the crowd. People part to make way, and then I see it—a shiny, gorgeous black Harley-Davidson. My breath catches as I look at the bike, then back at Twitch, confused.
He leans down and kisses my forehead. “This bike is yours. Now you can practice on your own bike.”
Something between a gasp and a high-pitched squeal comes from my mouth.
My hands fly to my chest and my eyes water as I step closer to the bike.
My hand goes to the handlebars, and I run my fingertips over the cold, smooth metal.
Then I leap into Twitch’s arms. “I love it, thank you so much!” The crowd cheers and claps, and my body hums with joy.
I don’t remember a time anyone besides Reaper and Ava got me a present. Tears of happiness fall down my face.
Twitch frowns, brushing my tears away with his thumb. “I’m glad you like it, but don’t cry,” he says softly. “You deserve the bike, pretty lady. Wherever life takes us, I’m down for the ride. I’ll go wherever you go.”
Reaper walks over, his brows furrowed as he eyes the bike. “I didn’t know you were learning to ride until Twitch told me,” he says. Then he grumbles, “I wish you would have got her a less powerful bike.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Nope. This one is perfect.” It looks like the men’s bikes, just a bit smaller, probably lighter so I can control it more easily.
“You’re missing something,” Twitch says, walking over to Cash. He returns carrying a club vest. He holds it out to me. My smile grows wider, and my heart surges as I slip my arms through the armholes. The crowd cheers again.
My thumb brushes over the patch on the front that reads Twitch’s Property, and more tears fall. Twitch hugs me tightly. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. I’ve always felt like I belonged here, but this vest makes it official. I’m Twitch’s partner for life.
Twitch pulls back and goes to one knee. My body stills and my lungs are tight. “Holy shit,” I mumble under my breath. This is all really happening.
“I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you, and I’ll love you till the day I die. You’ve always been the only one for me. Take my hand in marriage and I’ll commit the rest of my life to protecting you and making you happy.”
A sob breaks free as I nod frantically. “Yes, of course!” He slides a beautiful gold ring with a pear-shaped diamond onto my finger.
He stands, and I whisper, “Pinch me.”
He cocks his head to the side and laughs. “No.”
“This all feels like a dream. It doesn’t feel real.”
He gives me a firm kiss on the lips. “It’s real, baby.”
Axle’s voice cuts through the moment. “You’re an overachiever, Twitch, trying to make us all look bad.”
The crowd chuckles, and I glance around at the familiar faces.
Everyone’s different, and that’s what makes this place feel like home.
Reaper and Ava have a child together, Bomber and Zara are married with a baby on the way, Viper and Sophie accidentally got married but seem happier than ever, and Elena and Axle are perfectly content as they are.
Even Demon and Ivy, with their quiet, intense connection, seem to have found their own version of happiness.
Not everyone needs a ring to prove their love, but for me and Twitch, this feels right.
Reaper makes his way over to us, his expression softer than I expected. He pulls me into a hug, holding me tightly.
“You approved this?” I ask, glancing at my ring with a teasing smile. I know Twitch would’ve made the effort to talk to him first.
Reaper shrugs, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“You two seem happier than ever, and Twitch has proven time and time again that he’ll protect you.
I can’t ask for much more than that. Plus,” he adds with a smirk, “Ava’s been in my ear about not interfering and letting you make your own decisions.
And honestly, it’ll be nice to have your face around the clubhouse on a permanent basis. ”
I hug him tighter. “Thank you,” I say sincerely.
As I pull back, I notice the ol’ ladies gathered to my left, their eyes sparkling with joy. I turn to them while the men move to shake hands with Twitch.
“Show me, show me!” Sophie says eagerly, practically bouncing on her toes.
I hold out my hand, and the women crowd around in a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs.”
“The ring is beautiful,” Ivy gushes, her eyes wide. “I’m so happy I got to be a part of your special day.”
Ava steps forward, pulling me into a warm hug. When she pulls back, I notice tears streaming down her face. “Aww, don’t cry,” I say, my own eyes threatening to water again.
She quickly brushes the tears away, laughing softly. “Like Ivy said, I’m just so happy to be a part of today. Seeing you and Reaper happy—it’s a beautiful sight.”
Her words strike me right in the heart. She’s such a kind, empathetic person, and my brother is so lucky to have her. “Thank you,” I whisper, squeezing her hand.
“Yay!” Elena beams, clapping her hands together. “You finally got your vest. It suits you so well.”
I grin, pulling the vest tighter around me. “It feels amazing.” I do a playful runway turn, earning chuckles from the group.
“Now you’re officially part of the family,” Zara says with a warm smile.
“Yes, I do feel like I belong,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. My heart feels full, like it might burst from all the love and support surrounding me. I glance over at my bike, my smile widening. “And how sexy is my new ride?” I add with a laugh.
The women cheer, their excitement infectious.
“I didn’t know you were learning to ride,” Zara says, her tone curious.
“I’ve always wanted to,” I admit. “Twitch taught me first, and I couldn’t get enough. I needed a hobby, something to focus on outside of work. Riding has been perfect.”
“I’m so jealous,” Sophie murmurs, her eyes locked on my bike. Then she yells across the yard, “Viper!” He glances over, raising an eyebrow. “I want one!” she declares, pointing at my Harley.
Viper laughs, shaking his head. “We’ll see,” he says, but the amused look on his face tells me Sophie will probably get her way.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Sophie says confidently, crossing her arms.
“It’ll be fun to have another woman to ride with.” I laugh, imagining the two of us cruising down the road together. “I’d love that.”
As the celebration continues that evening, I find myself surrounded by the people I care about most. The ol’ ladies are already planning a celebratory dinner, and the sweet butts are chatting excitedly about the engagement.
Twitch makes his way back to me, his eyes soft and full of love. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice low and intimate.
I nod, leaning into him. “I’m more than okay. I’m happy.”
He smiles and brushes his thumb over my cheek. “Good. That’s all I want.”
Reaper approaches us again, his expression serious but not unkind. “Twitch,” he says, his tone firm. “Take care of her.”
Twitch straightens, his grip on me tightening slightly. “Always.”
Reaper nods, satisfied, and turns to me. “And you—don’t let him get away with anything.”
I laugh, the sound light and carefree. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
Reaper smirks, then pulls me into another hug. “I’m proud of you, Milly. You’ve been through a lot, but you’ve come out stronger. You deserve this happiness.”
Tears prick my eyes again, but I blink them away. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.