Epilogue
-E van
It’s been a month since everything happened with the Russian mob and Storm. Cain has officially moved into my house. We’re almost completely done with the renovations. Who knew that the process would go a lot faster if you asked people for help? It might seem like a big house for two people, but it’s never just us. Someone from the club is always staying with us. Cain says they just like to have a little break from the club girls, but I think they just want to eat our food.
I’d be lying if I said it’s been a walk in the park. Everyone was so tense, waiting for someone higher up to come and finish the job, but it never came. Cain wouldn’t give me all of the specifics, claiming it was ‘better that I didn’t know everything,’ but apparently, they had been wanting to take out Mikhail for a while now. He had been putting on a front for a long time. The guys he had been working with him thought he was more of a big shot than he actually was, and it pissed off the guys that are actually high up in the Russian Mob. The club just did them a favor by taking them out, which in turn, allowed them to form some sort of loose alliance. The cartel got their product, and the Dirty Devils were able to semi-smooth things out with the Reapers. Everything finally seems well in our world.
I still have random nightmares from that night. Each one is always the same. I wake up with the trailer on fire, except instead of Cain saving me, I burn alive. Luckily, I’ve found the best man in the entire world to help me through those.
To celebrate things calming down, Cain wanted to have a cookout. Family and friends only. Nothing huge. And honestly, as introverted as I am, I’m actually looking forward to it. The guys have welcomed me into the fold with open arms. They were constantly checking on me when I was recovering. It’s nice to feel like you’re a part of something. I’ll never be able to thank Cain enough for giving me a family.
“Those ready for the grill?” Trick asks as he comes into the kitchen, nodding at the burger patties on the tray.
“They’re ready. I’ll follow you out,” I say as I grab the two sides I put in large bowls and follow him outside. Hash requested mac & cheese, and well, who am I to deny that request? IBS be damned.
Cain clears his throat just as I set everything down on one of the tables outside. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
A speech? This ought to be good.
Cain grabs my hand before continuing, “Hellcat, you came into my life when I least expected it.” He lets out a rough laugh. “Fuck, I didn’t even know I needed someone like you until you barreled in. You remember those three words you told me before I left you here with Levi that night?”
I swallow before answering, “I do.” I’d never tell him this, but it’s been weighing on me that he never said them back. He hasn’t even brought it up, and honestly, it hurt.
“I spent the last month trying to rack my brain around how I should respond,” Cain says before he gets down on one knee.
Oh my god.
Oh my fucking god.
“Evangeline, I love you. You’re the first woman ever to get those words from me, and I want you to be the last. Will you marry me?” he asks while pulling out a little black coffin-shaped ring box. He lifts the lid, revealing the most gorgeous teardrop black diamond ring surrounded by little sparkling chips. It’s absolutely perfect.
“Yes!” I cry as all the guys cheer in the background.
“Scotch!” Cain snaps as he stands up and spins me around, grinning from ear to ear.
I look over his shoulder and see Zeke carrying a large box to the table.
“Congratulations, Ev. I can’t say I’ll ever be happy seeing Prez hanging off of you like a bitch, but it’s nice to know we’re all family.” He hugs me before stepping back.
“What’s this?”
“This is for you. I should have given it to you a month ago, but I wanted it to be perfect,” Cain says almost shyly, as if he’s embarrassed I’m not going to like his surprise.
I give him a smile before lifting off the lid and moving the tissue paper aside, pulling out a brand-new leather jacket. “Holy shit.”
“Turn it around.”
I give him a raised eyebrow because, of course, he had “Property of Cain” engraved on the back.
“Does this mean I’m finally your old lady now?” I smirk as I put it on, the smell of new leather hitting my nose.
“Fuck yeah. No going back now, hellcat.” Cain lands a hard kiss on my lips while slipping my dream ring onto my finger.
“You’re crazy,” I mumble against his lips.
“You wouldn’t have it any other way,” Cain mumbles back.
He’s right. I wouldn’t have it any other way.