Chapter 57
Those fourteen days didn’t just pass – they melted like early winter ice under warm sun.
On our final morning, the forest lay wrapped in breathtaking stillness, every surface dusted with fine white frost. The cabin windows were etched with delicate feathery patterns, and out on the lake, a thin sheet of glassy ice rimmed the edge of the dock.
I stood pulling a thick knit sweater over my head, knowing we’d soon be heading home.
Part of me ached to see everyone again, but I would’ve happily stayed here forever, just the two of us.
I knew exams and work were waiting, and Diamond, Cole and Maeve had stepped up to cover everything so we could have this time.
But for a second the old fears crept back – that my past might still find a way to tear this all down.
Strong arms slid around my waist from behind, pulling me firm against a warm solid chest. Rage rested his chin on my shoulder, the familiar rough scrape of his beard grounding me instantly.
“Don’t go sad on me, sweetheart,” he rumbled deep and steady, his hands smoothing gentle over my hips. “This place isn’t going anywhere. Pres gave us a spare key.”
“I know,” I whispered, turning in his hold to look up at him. “I just… I’m used to being terrified my past will destroy anything good I build. Standing here looking out at it all, I realise it doesn’t even have a hold on me anymore.”
“Damn right it doesn’t,” he growled soft but fierce, that proud possessive fire glowing in his dark eyes. He leaned down to kiss me slow, tasting like morning coffee and crisp winter air, reminding me exactly where I belonged before we even packed our things.
When we finally pulled apart, he shrugged on his heavy Enforcer cut.
The shift was instant – the relaxed cabin version of him stepped back, and the sharp watchful protector returned, posture straight and alert.
But even as he settled the spare vest over my shoulders, I knew he’d never be anything less than entirely mine.
We packed our things in quiet understanding, honouring the peace we’d shared.
Rage carried our bags out to the truck, the engine roaring loud enough to break the silence of the woods.
I turned the brass key in the lock one last time, then looked back across the glassy water at the place that had given us so much.
Memories I’d hold forever flooded through me – quiet mornings, long talks, the boat trip, that perfect proposal.
I glanced down at my hand, the ring catching the light, and smiled. Our future was just beginning.
The drive down the winding mountain road felt like stepping back into reality. The quiet of the wild faded, replaced by the familiar hum of our territory. When the heavy iron gates of the clubhouse rolled open, the difference hit me like a warm hug.
The courtyard was alive with noise and light – row upon row of gleaming custom bikes, the sharp scent of petrol and pine, brothers laughing loud and rough.
The second Rage parked, the common room doors flew open.
“They’re back! The midwife is home!” Swift called out, grinning so wide his whole face lit up, with Tiny right behind him like a mountain of leather and muscle.
Rage cut the engine and hopped down, pulling me close as soon as my boots touched the ground. Pres met us at the steps, clapping Rage hard on the shoulder in that rough loving way of his.
“Good to have you back, brother,” Pres said, his voice carrying that quiet authority everyone respected.
“Ledger’s clear. Though don’t think I won’t still be checking you’ve got permission to do anything now.
” He winked at me. “Good to have you back too, Tamer. Though looks like she’s the one holding the keys now – she’s the boss. ”
“Always has been,” Rage agreed, his dark eyes scanning the yard instinctively before settling soft on me.
Before I could even pick up my bag, Rose came hurrying out, her face glowing bright with happiness, followed close by Ivy.
“Danika!” Ivy cried out, pushing straight past all protocol to wrap me in a tight hug. “We’ve missed you so much! Come quick – the boys are awake, and Rose’s little princess is already trying to tell Pres what to do!”
I looked over Ivy’s shoulder to find Rage leaning against the truck, watching me with that same steady adoration he’d had from the very first moment.
One by one the brothers came over to welcome us home, clapping Rage on the back and cheering when they saw the ring on my finger.
The women gathered round too, oohing and asking how it happened.
I got to meet Rose and Leo’s little girl, named Iris-Jade after Rose and Leo’s mums, the boy called Michael after Leo’s dad, and Ivy and Bones’ little boy Gabriel – so perfect, so loved.
I loved holding them, loved getting to be part of this family…
but I also felt a sudden flutter of nerves at the mention of wedding plans.
I’d never once let myself imagine being able to plan one, convinced I’d never get anything this good.
But when Rose sat beside me and said she’d felt exactly the same, and how she’d quietly let everyone else take over until the day arrived, I laughed realising that sounded perfect.
“I’d be just as happy having a priest turn up in jeans and leathers,” I told them all. “As long as I get to marry Rage, that’s all I care about.”
Now they’re planning the whole thing, and I don’t even know when or where I just have to turn up.
I love this life. I love this club. I love every single person who’s made me feel like I belong with them.