Chapter 13
EMILY
The holidays were over, and we were officially in the New Year. And what a year it was turning out to be.
Just before Christmas, we’d received the paperwork from the lawyers stating that Deck and I were now owners of the trailer park.
Then during that weird break between Christmas and New Year, when you felt like you should be working but that it wasn’t really worthwhile because the next party was just around the corner, we got notification that the sale of the store, diner, and gas station just out of town had closed and they were now ours.
The next few months were going to be busy. But that would all wait. Today was family day at the club. There’d been a massive party last night to bring in the New Year, and everyone was moving slowly today.
Instead of cooking, Maestro had ordered breakfast from the diner out of town. It killed two birds with one stone. We could vet the food, and none of us had to cook.
Ford, Kyle, and Robbie had gone to pick it up earlier, and we laid it out buffet style in the kitchen for everyone to help themselves as and when they wanted.
It wasn’t bad, not the best but not bad. The door swung open, and Kyle escorted Jessie, cradling a pink bundle to her chest, into the clubhouse.
Jessie had had her little girl just six weeks ago, and between her and Poppy, we were getting all the baby snuggles that we could.
“Hi, sweet girl,” I say, walking over and giving Jessie a careful hug. “How are you doing this morning?”
“Better than most of this lot,” Jessie laughed, looking around the clubhouse at the brothers and some of the Old Ladies nursing sore heads.
“You’re not wrong,” I agree with a laugh.
Red and I’d offered to have the grandkids for the night so that the adults could let loose for a bit.
And it looks like they took full advantage of that.
Jessie had stayed home, not wanting to leave Fern while she was still nursing.
“Give Fern to me and you go and get something to eat.”
“Thank you, Grandma Em,” Jessie replies and slips Fern from the front carrier she’s wearing, handing her to me. I snuggle her right in. She’s so used to being passed around she hardly stirs.
“Let me take your coat, Butterfly,” Kyle says, slipping Jessie’s coat from her shoulders.
“Thank you, Kyle.”
“No problem. Go grab something to eat. I’ll find you soon.”
She smiles sweetly at him. They don’t see it yet, being so busy with getting their lives on an even keel.
Jessie with Fern and now starting a new job in the New Year, and Kyle with college and his prospect’s duties.
They don’t see it, but we do. They’ll see they're perfect for each other one of these days.
“Come on, love,” I grip Jessie’s arm and take her to the table as Kyle wanders off to hang her coat up behind the bar. “Let’s get you some food before it’s all gone.”
Once I’m happy Jessie’s settled at the table, I look around for Deck and see him talking to Maestro. Not sure what it’s about, but it looks serious.
Frowning, I wonder what’s gone wrong in the last twenty minutes since I left his side. I’m not left wondering for long because Maestro stands and knocks his knife against his coffee mug, calling for attention.
“If I can have your attention for a minute,” he calls out, waiting for the chatter to die down.
“My dad has a question and I’d like to say that before he asks it that I fully approve.
Pops,” he turns to Deck, who stands and motions me over.
I walk to his side; he slips an arm around my waist. Maestro promptly pinches Fern from me.
Not that I’m surprised; the men in this club have a soft spot for babies.
“What’s wrong?” I look up at Deck with concern.
His face softens, and he presses his lips to my forehead. “Nothing’s wrong, darlin’. I do have a question for you though.”
Well now, that’s got my attention. Turning fully so that I can face him, I say, “Shoot. What’s up?”
Deck’s shoulders shake as he laughs, and behind me Maestro chuckles.
Deck reaches into his pocket and takes something out, holding it in a closed fist.
“Emily, I know you’re wearing my cut and in my world that’s enough,” he starts.
I nod because it is. “I never expected to get a second chance at this but many years ago I made a promise that if I ever got the chance at love again, I’d take it.
And while you wearing my cut is more than enough, I’d love it if you would agree to be my wife.
” He holds out his hand and flips open a box.
Inside is the most perfect heart-shaped pink diamond in a platinum setting. It’s beautiful.
“Oh, Deck,” I gasp, raising my hand to my mouth in surprise. I’d never expected that he’d want to get married. Being his old lady was more than enough for me. But I should have known the man was as traditional as they come in some ways.
“What do you say, Ems? Want to tie yourself to me in all ways?”
Tears fill my eyes as I reply a little shakily, “Can’t think of anything better.”
“Good,” he grins, slipping the ring onto my finger and enfolding me in his arms. “You’ve got six weeks to get a dress. I’m sorting the wedding and it’s being held on Valentine’s Day right here in the clubhouse.”
“Well then,” I laugh. “I’d best get shopping.”
“Best you had,” he agrees before kissing me soundly to the rousing roar of cheers, hoots, and hollers from our loved ones. When he pulls his lips from mine, he doesn’t let go; instead, he wraps me in a warm embrace, hugging me tightly to him. “Thank you, Em. Love you darlin’.”
‘Gah, this man.’ I blink the tears from my eyes.
“It’s me who should be thanking you.” I whisper back to him. “You’ve changed my life so much that I barely recognise it. This is more than I’d ever imagined my life to be. Love you from the depths of my soul, Deck ‘Red’ Ivor. Thank you for being you and for loving me.”
“It’s not hard darlin’, you’re very easy to love.”
“You’re going to make me cry,” I mutter, burying my head into his neck.
Deck chuckles, “No crying, it's a good day and the girls are waiting to get a good look at your ring.”
“Okay,” I whisper, taking a step back. His arms loosen but don’t let me go as I wipe under my eyes, removing all traces of tears. “How do I look?” I ask, looking up at him.
“Beautiful, Em. As always.”
“Smooth talker,” I laugh, knowing that I don’t cry pretty. I know my nose is red and my cheeks are blotchy. “But thank you.” Rolling to my toes, I press a quick kiss to his lips and turn towards the Old Ladies who are patiently waiting for us.
“Let’s see,” Lizzie says, holding out her hand for mine. “Oh, Dad, you did good. It’s beautiful.” She nods her approval and then turns to me. “Let’s talk about dress shopping. We don’t have a lot of time.”
She was right; we didn’t, but I wasn’t one for fussy, so we made plans to make a trip into Sioux Falls to buy something. After much discussion, we decided to make it a girl’s weekend away. We were going to book a day at a spa and then a night out at a show. We’d check and see what musicals were on.
It would be good, and I was looking forward to spending some one-on-one time with these women who’d taken me in and made me feel welcome from the start.