Bonus Chapter 4
Sierra
Packing up my life felt surreal. Cardboard boxes are stacking up around me, each one filled with memories of the life I was about to leave behind.
I carefully fold a sweater and place it inside one of the boxes when a knock at the door pulls my attention.
Brushing my hands against my jeans, I walk over and pull it open, already hearing Cyrus scolding me for not checking to see who it is first.
Arizona stands on the other side, grinning widely, with my sister Vee next to her. Another girl I don’t recognize stands with them.
"Hey girl, this is Ash," Arizona announces excitedly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
It is then that my gaze drops lower, and my eyes widen in surprise. "Umm… are you—"
"Yep!" Arizona squeals, cutting me off as she rests a hand over her growing belly. "Three months pregnant, though I swear I look like I’m six."
She bursts out laughing, and Vee and Ash join in.
"I think it's Bash’s baby, but we’re waiting until the birth for a paternity test just to be safe," Arizona adds with a playful shrug.
I blink, trying to keep up with all the news just dropped on me before stepping aside. "Come in."
Arizona and Ash step inside the apartment while Vee stops in front of me, wrapping me in a tight hug. Her warmth and the soft scent of vanilla surround me, and for a moment, I let myself relax. "Hey, baby sis."
I smile against her shoulder. "Hey, big sis."
It still feels strange to say the words, but at the same time, it’s comforting. I don’t feel so alone for once.
Vee pulls back, giving me a quick once-over. "We came to help you pack, but it looks like you’ve got things under control."
Arizona claps her hands together excitedly. "Which means we have time for a spa day! We’re getting our nails done."
The three of them squeal in agreement before Vee grabs my purse off the hook at the door and shoves it into my hands. "No excuses. Let’s go."
Before I can even process what's happening, I find myself being pushed out the door.
The spa is a great choice, allowing me a peaceful escape, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions I’ve been dealing with lately.
The gentle hum of soft music fills the air as we sink into the plush chairs at the nail salon.
The scent of lavender and vanilla wafting around us instantly soothes my nerves.
I pick out a soft lilac shade while Arizona opts for a bold red. Vee went with a deep green, and Ash, unsurprisingly, chose a light pink that matches her soft nature.
As our nails are being trimmed and painted, Arizona smirks. "So, Sierra, how are things going with your four boyfriends? Still keeping them in line?"
I roll my eyes, but a small smile tugs at my lips. "They keep me in line more than anything." I don’t have to tell them that; they each have their own harem of men.
"That’s no surprise," Vee teases. "They adore you. It also doesn’t hurt that your brother and uncle scare the shit out of them and have a whole MC to strike them down if they hurt you."
Arizona wiggles her fingers, admiring her fresh coat of polish. "Yeah, but let’s get to the real question—" She turns her gaze to me. "Is your uncle still as hot as last time?"
Ash gasps, reaching across to playfully slap her shoulder. "Arizona!"
"What? I’m horny and pregnant," Arizona says, completely unbothered.
Laughter erupts around us, and I lean back in my chair, watching them banter with a fond smile. These women—my sister, my friends—have become my safe space. Out of all the sadness I’ve endured, I’ve found a wealth of happiness.
There’s only one thing I would change.
If I could have my mother here with us, alive and cancer-free, my happiness would be complete. But even in her absence, I know she’d be proud of the life I’m building, the love I’ve found.
And that’s enough.