Chapter 26
brOOKE
Istand there in shock, staring at Bear. He wants me to be his old lady. This is a huge deal. It isn’t just something a biker will ask anyone. It is only when they are serious about. It’s like a marriage proposal.
“Yes!” I cry, jumping into his arms.
He catches me and starts to spin around. He gently sets me on the ground and holds me, staring at me with adoration, and I smile at him.
“I am so glad you said yes. I was worried you were going to say no,” Bear says.
“Why were you worried?” I ask.
“I knew you felt the same way, but being my old lady is a huge step. It’s a big commitment, and I was afraid that you weren’t ready.”
“I’m glad you asked me. I was wondering when you were going to.”
Shock fills his face at my statement.
“Wait, really?” he says.
“Yeah. You told me what an old lady was. We have gotten pretty close, and I knew you loved me, and I loved you. I also knew it was the biker’s job to ask, so I’ve just been waiting,” I reply.
“You are so precious.” He kisses me on the lips.
I give him a smile and hug him. He wraps his arms around me, squeezing.
“How many people knew you were going to ask me?” I say, breaking up our hug.
“Almost all the guys did. That’s why Gears kept pushing you to go. It really is a light day at the garage, but he knew you wouldn’t go without some reassurance,” Bear replies.
“So I am guessing they are setting up to celebrate?”
“Yeah, they are. Everyone is pretty sure you are going to say yes, so they got some stuff to grill out and celebrate.”
“Well, let’s go back and celebrate.”
Bear gives me a huge smile and grabs my hand, walking toward his bike. I’m absolutely thrilled that we’re finally an official couple, and I can’t stop smiling.
Before we get on his bike, he turns and looks at me.
“I should have asked a while ago, but work for you and me has been crazy, and I knew Gears needed you. Pres needed me for several things as well,” he admits.
“It’s okay. Life can get hectic sometimes. I’m just glad you asked me.” I give him a big smile.
He chuckles and kisses my lips.
“I won’t ever get tired of seeing you smile like that.” He rubs my cheek.
I give him another grin before laughing. He chuckles and shakes his head.
“Let’s get back.” He slides onto his bike.
Patiently, I wait for him to get situated before he puts my helmet on.
“I do want to come back here, though,” I say before he takes off.
“I promise we will.” He squeezes my thigh.
We ride back to the club and park out front. I hop off the bike and wait for Bear to follow. We head toward the front of the house, and I put on a straight face. Bear opens the door for me, and I walk inside.
Everyone looks at us as we close the front door.
“So, what is the answer?” Gears asks.
“I said no,” I respond.
Everyone looks at me, shocked. I give them a smile and laugh a little.
“Brooke.” Bear gives me a pointed look.
I smile at him before turning back to everyone.
“What did you really say?” Gears asks.
“I said.” I take a deep breath in.
I look around the room, and everyone is looking at me with hopeful expressions.
“I said yes,” I cheerfully say.
Everyone in the room shouts and rushes toward us. I cling to Bear, not wanting to get trampled by all of these people.
“Welcome to the club! Not that you weren’t already part of it, but welcome! We are so happy that you are Bear’s Old Lady,” Ink says.
I laugh and give Ink a hug. After I let go, Gears steps forward.
“Welcome to the family. I am so happy you said yes to being Bear’s old lady,” Gears says, bringing me into a hug.
Gears moves to put his arm around my shoulders. We turn to the group of bikers in front of us.
“Let’s celebrate!” he yells.
I watch as everyone cheers and goes over to the backyard. Bear walks past us and gives me a smile.
“Have you told him yet?” Gears asks me.
I look up at Gears and shake my head. Slowly, we walk toward the backyard.
“I haven’t yet. I was going to tell him today, but didn’t want to rain on the I’m his old lady parade,” I reply.
“It wouldn’t rain on his parade. He will be so ecstatic to know!” Gears says.
“I may tell him later tonight.”
We walk outside where people are in circles, talking to each other. I look over to my right and find Bear, Butch, and a couple of guys grilling meat.
“You will do great, and he’s going to be so proud and happy,” Gears says.
“I hope so,” I reply.
Bear looks over and sees me. He gives me a big smile and motions for me to come over.
“I’ll see you around,” I say
“See you.” Gears gives me a final squeeze before walking off.
On my way to Bear, several people stop and congratulate me. I stand next to Bear, and he puts his arm around me.
“What are you hungry for? We have hot dogs, ribs, hamburgers, and steak,” Bear asks.
I take a deep breath in, smelling everything. I can’t place what something in there smells like. My mouth starts to water.
“What is that amazing smell?” I ask.
“That would be the steak. It has my special marinade on it. Would you like some?” Butch asks.
I nod vigorously. My stomach growls as I think about eating it, and Bear and Butch laugh.
Butch cuts me a piece.
“Here you go.” Butch hands me a plate.
“Thank you,” I reply.
Without thinking, I pick it up with my fingers and bite into it. I am so hungry, and it smells amazing that I can’t help myself. I moan as the taste explodes into my mouth.
“That good?” Butch asks.
“Couldn’t wait?” Bear chuckles.
I swallow the piece of steak before looking at Butch with a sheepish smile.
“It’s absolutely amazing. You need to make this more often,” I reply.
I look over at Bear and blush.
“I am super hungry.” I shrug. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry for. Just never seen you do this before. It’s amusing,” he replies.
I give him a smile and continue to eat. I can’t get enough of it.
“Do you want anything else with it?” Bear asks.
“Steak,” I say in between mouthfuls.
Butch laughs and flips some meat. I look at my plate and realize that all the meat is gone. Before I can even say anything, more is placed on my plate.
“I hope I read your face right. You still looked hungry and like you wanted more,” Butch says.
“Thank you,” is all I say as I continue to eat.
“I’m glad you like it so much. Some of the brothers think that I need to try something new, but it’s nice to see that you appreciate it.”
I look up at Butch and give him a smile.
“Make this for me anytime, and I will sing your praises,” I tell him.
He grins and chuckles. I finish off the rest of the steak and throw away my plate. I am fully satisfied and want to take a nap now.
“Everyone! Can everyone hear me?” someone yells.
Everyone’s attention turns to the person. Gears is standing up on a chair.
“Today we celebrate two people. Two people who have gone through a lot, but have grown close. Bear has asked Brooke to be his old lady, and Brooke said yes! We celebrate them becoming one,” Gears calls out.
Everyone cheers at the news. Most people knew, but there were some club members who had just walked in.
“Our Sergeant-at-Arms, who we never thought would find an old lady! When Brooke walked into our compound, I knew there was something special about her. She wanted to keep away from everyone, but that obviously didn’t work out.” Gears chuckles.
Everyone else laughs at that statement, including me. I tried hard to stay away from people, but it didn’t work out.
“When Bear came home, he set his eyes on Brooke and even left his own welcome home party. After that, he came by the garage to try to talk to Brooke. Brooke wasn’t having it until one day she agreed to go on a date with him. Now, the rest is history, and here they are, together,” Gears yells.
I look at Bear and snuggle into his side.
“I’m glad I gave you a chance,” I tell him.
“I am too. I wasn’t going to give up until you said yes. I knew you were going to be mine even if it took me several years,” Bear says.
I laugh, even though he is telling the truth. Bear told me several times that he wasn’t going to back down. He was insistent on us becoming a couple.
I step away from Bear and look over at Gears, and he gives me an encouraging smile. I shake my head, but he mouths for me to do it.
“Brooke has an announcement to make. Everyone, be quiet and let her say this,” Gears shouts, getting off the chair.
Everyone’s eyes turn to me, and I shrink back.
“What announcement do you have to tell me?” Bear asks.
I look up at Bear and smile. I wring my hands together with how nervous I am.
“I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you this. I wanted to do something all cute, but honestly, that takes too much energy that I don’t have right now,” I start, laughing at the end.
Bear chuckles, and I hear a couple of other bikers laugh as well. I take a deep breath in and meet Bear’s eyes. Ten seconds of courage.
“Gears and I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago. You were super busy, and I didn’t want to bother you, but I was sick. Gears offered to take me, and I found out some pretty big news,” I say.
Bear looks over at Gears, who simply smiles. I take a deep breath in and blurt it out.
“I’m pregnant.”