CHAPTER 20
HONOR
It’s the day of me finally, and formally being brought into the Saint’s Outlaw’s fold.
Not that I wasn’t already. I’d been wearing Spook’s name on my back for a little while now.
This was for the brothers and what was written in their bylaws.
Besides, I think they all wanted a good party to let off steam after taking out Mulally.
Was I thrilled that we shared blood? No, I wasn’t. But his attacking us did bring Hannah into my life, and I couldn’t be sad about that. I’d fallen in love the moment I laid my eyes on her.
Rusty’s sister hadn’t been able to come to us due to work commitments, but she’d been happy to see Hannah once Rusty explained why. Maverick had told us to take the plane and fly to Missouri and get Hannah seen to.
This life was so different from what I’d ever imagined. I never once expected that I’d ever fly in the lap of luxury. Maverick was generous with his wealth and he loved his brothers. That love extended to their Ol’ Ladies and children.
I know he considers Reed and Mason his nephews and he now calls Hannah his niece. Like me, he knows you don’t have to be blood to be family.
Considering all she’s been through, Hannah is thriving. She’s on a special diet to help with her malnourishment, and Spook has found a therapist who specialises in children’s trauma for her. I happily make the four-hour round trip twice a week. Anything to get her the help she needs.
We’d put off celebrating until we felt she was more settled. She still has nightmares and we’ve been warned they’d continue for a while, but with love and security, she’ll one day no longer have them.
So that’s what we did. We wrapped her in so much love that I was worried she’d feel smothered. It wasn’t only us adults. Reed and Mason, as young as they are, are both fiercely protective of her.
The three of them are inseparable.
“How are you doing?” Angel bumps her shoulder to mine as she sits on the picnic table next to me.
Titling my chin, I smile warmly at her. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself, that this is my life. I’m so lucky. I had the best parents that a girl could ask for, and now that they’re gone, it’s like they’re still looking out for me because I’ve ended up with a second set and they’re just as amazing.
I lay my head on Angel’s shoulder, smiling when she leans her cheek on my head. Reaching out I grip her hand before replying, “I’m okay.”
“That’s good, sweetie. Hannah and the boys seem to be having fun.” She chuckles.
I smile. “They are.”
Someone, and I had a feeling it was Maverick, had bought them each a mini, electric motorcycle, along with all the safety gear they could possibly need. The gifts had been waiting when we arrived. One red, one blue, and one pink.
The second they saw them, the three kids took off. What followed was pure mayhem as the brothers attempted to show them how to use them, mostly just getting in the way and having their feet run over. There was a lot of laughter, though, and I loved that for the kids.
Even Hannah didn’t seem worried, though I noticed all the men softened their voices when they spoke to her. She stuck close to Spook, not that he minded. She was a daddy’s girl through and through. The night they’d saved her, the two of them had formed a bond that clearly wasn’t going anywhere.
Considering what her father had done to her, you’d think she’d be terrified of him. It had been Rowena who explained it to me.
“She saw Spook take out her abuser. She trusts him to keep her safe. She’s lived on the edge long enough to instinctively know who she can trust and who she can’t. If she’s ever with you and reacts badly to someone, pay attention—because odds are, they’re not a good person.”
Angel laughs softly as Rusty jumps out the way of Hannah’s bike and then falls dramatically to the floor as if she’s run him over.
She’s still smiling as she turns to me and speaks.
“Axle and I’ll watch the kids tonight so you and Spook can have fun.
Jake and Fern are going to join us. They’re going to see Stone and Bridget tomorrow and then they’ll all be back next weekend for Thanksgiving.
Do you think Hannah will be okay with that? ”
I straighten and watch as Hannah giggles at something Luca says to her.
Then she nods and she’s off with him running after her.
Maverick has Reed and Axle has Mason. There’s a lot of cheering and encouragement from the brothers.
Money is changing hands. I shake my head.
Should have known somebody would start betting.
A sense of belonging fills me. I love this club.
Realising I haven’t answered Angel I’d been so caught up with watching the kids and Luca. I nod. “I think so. We’re only a short walk away if you need us.”
“Good,” Angel sighs happily. “What’s a good name for a grandmother?”
Shocked, I turn towards her. “What?”
“Well,” she blushes and glances down. I follow her gaze and realise she’s nervous.
Her fingers are clenched together. The knuckles white.
She lifts her eyes to mine for a minute before they dance nervously away.
“I know it’s a little presumptuous of me.
Spook doesn’t have any family and well… you…
” she trails off. “No, it’s okay. It was silly. ”
It takes me a minute, but I understand what she’s asking. But she’s worried she’s going to offend me. Like I said, I was so lucky to have had the parents I’d had, but Axle and Angel were my bonus.
Angel starts to stand. I grip her hand holding her in place. “I think you and Axle will make amazing grandparents,” I murmur quietly. “Our kids will be lucky to have you. I don’t think it matters what you’re called. As long as you’re happy with it.”
“Really,” her voice is a little shaky as she looks hopefully at me.
“Yeah, Angel,” I smile. “You’re going to be awesome grandparents. If I get a say I kind of like Gigi for you and Pops for Axle, but that’s just me.”
Angel squeals and I laugh when she throws her arms around me, kissing my cheek. “Thank you Honor. You don’t know what this means to me. I’m going to spoil them rotten, just so you know.”
I hug her back. Sinking into her embrace. “I do,” I whisper to her. “And when we add to our brood, you’ll have even more to spoil.”
She leans back, hands on my shoulders, searching my face. “Are you…?”
I shake my head, “No, but I want a big family, and Luca’s happy to give me what I want, so we’ll be adding to ours once Hannah is a little more settled. Maybe in a year or so.”
Angel beams. She’s literally radiating happiness. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait.” She claps her hands exuberantly.
My shoulders shake as a peal of laughter escapes. It’s time. She needs to know how I feel. “I love you, Angel. Thank you for what you did for me.”
“Oh, honey.” She cups my cheeks, her gaze steady on mine.
Love shining brightly. “You never have to thank me for protecting you. It’s what moms do.
It’s what you do every day for your babies.
It’s what we’ll all do because what I learned from the Mondes is that it takes a village to raise a family. And honey, you have a village.”
She’s not wrong. A loud bark of laughter has us turning to the men and children. Luca is running around with Hannah on his shoulders: she’s smiling so wide you can barely see her eyes. Maverick and Axle each have a boy on theirs and they’re doing a gauntlet of high-fives with the brothers.
Yes. It takes a village and I’ve found one of the best there is.
***
Later that night, after the kids went home with their grandparents. We stayed and partied with the brothers.
The sound of a microphone switching on makes us cringe. Turning to the sound of the god-awful noise we see Maverick near the kitchen door. He motions towards us and calls for Luca and I to join him.
“Let’s go, baby,” Luca says, grasping my hand and leading me towards his President.
“As you can see, Spook never follows the rules, and Honor is already wearing his patch.”
The brothers whistle and stamp their feet. Spook’s shoulders are shaking with laughter, and I’m smiling so wide that my cheeks hurt. I was feeling all kinds of happiness. Some of that was tequila and some was that I’m with the man I love more than life itself.
We had the night to ourselves. Our children are safe at home with their grandparents.
Tonight was ours to celebrate how we wanted, and I was more than ready to have my Ol’ Man make me see stars.
We’d not made love since the night he brought Hannah home.
Putting ourselves second for her sake. But tonight, we will be making up for it.
Or we would if Maverick would get on with it.
“As I was saying,” Maverick continues when the brothers fall silent.
“He’s already made Honor his Ol’ Lady, but we still need to make it official.
” Maverick looks at me, with a wide grin.
“Honor, this is your official welcome to the Saint’s Outlaws North Dakota family.
I wish you and Spook all the happiness.” He holds up his beer shouting, “Spook and Honor.”
The night rumbles with shouts, cheers, and laughter. A few ribald comments are thrown out. Heat hits my cheeks and I bury my face against Luca’s shoulder as I laugh.
He grips my chin and lifts it up, “You good, baby?”
“So good,” I grin. “I’ll be even better if we cut this short and you take me home and fuck me.”
Luca’s eyes heat. Bending he fits his shoulder to my belly and lifts. Taking the microphone from Maverick, he says, “Thanks for celebrating with us. Enjoy the rest of the party brothers. Me and my Ol’ Lady have our own to get to.”
Another round of cheers and taunting follow us as we leave them to party.
Halfway home, Luca moves me until I’m cradled in his arms bridal style. I wrap an arm around his neck, “Where are the kids, baby?”
“At their grandparents’ house,” I smiled up at him.
His lips tilt with amusement, “Axle know he’s a grandpa?”
I shrug, “If he doesn’t, I’m sure Angel will fill him in.”