Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Rachel sighed as she straightened the table one more time.
“It’s perfect,” Gunner said.
“Yeah, Mama, I luvs it,” Chelle said, grinning, showing off that adorable gap in her teeth.
The kids had been ecstatic when she said Gunner would be staying over. This morning, they’d all been up early. Rachel had drunk an extra cup of coffee because she and Gunner had celebrated last night with a little shower sex. Gunner had said hopefully the water would muffle any noises.
“Mama, it’s ten minutes until we open. We need to talk to you,” Marcus said.
His voice sounded so serious. She thought both kids were happy about Gunner but maybe she’d missed it.
“Okay, what about?” Rachel asked, not sure she wanted to hear the answer.
Gunner handed his phone to Marcus. Marcus fiddled with the phone until music started. It was catchy but she didn’t recognize it.
Gunner got down on one knee. “Rachel, you are the missing piece that I hadn’t known I needed.
When you came to Bluff Creek, I realized with you, I was whole.
And with you came these two amazing kids.
I can’t think of any better way of celebrating Valentine’s Day than by asking you two questions.
First, as soon as your divorce is final, will you marry me and let me adopt the kids because you bring the sunshine and smiles into my life? ” Gunner said.
Rachel nodded as tears filled her eyes. “Yes,” she said.
At her words, clapping and whistling surrounded them. Her Bluff Creek family filed in from upstairs, the office, and the kitchen. She couldn’t believe she’d missed them.
Gunner stood up, taking her hand and accepting something from War.
“Well, besides marrying me, I need to know you’ll be my Old Lady and ride with me until I can’t ride anymore. Will you?” Gunner asked.
“Yes, I want to be with you forever,” she said softly.
Feeling the light weight of the leather settle over her gave her that final piece of home.
“Now I can’t not have my kids be a part of the MC. Are you both ready to be a part of Bluff Creek?” Gunner asked.
At their nods, he helped them on with their cuts like she’d seen all the MC kids wear.
“Now that I’ve got my family, let’s open Broken Hearts Brewing and help others find the love I have. The shop is already a success because I found you, my sunshine and my beloved,” Gunner said, leaning down to kiss her, tugging the kids close to them for hugs.
She didn’t care about the catcalls or the cheers at his actions. She was home and that last little missing piece of her heart had been found.
Gunner stared around Broken Hearts Brewing. They’d had record crowds today. He was glad that he, Rachel, and the club had decided that they’d be open Tuesday through Saturday. They could have some time to enjoy being together and get the place restocked.
There were deliveries scheduled for Tuesday morning to replenish their stock.
When Rachel had noticed how excited everyone was for the books on February seventh, she’d talked to him about putting another order in immediately.
His woman had a great business mind and seeing the picked-over shelves, he was thankful for her thinking ahead.
The kids hadn’t wanted to leave today. When they’d gotten a little tired, Rachel had set them up with a movie in the office on the couch. Bear had said the diner would deliver their supper this evening. Gunner was thankful for that because he had one less thing to worry about tonight.
Brody walked in, “Hey Gunner, you need to come see this.”
Gunner nodded. “Morgan, I’m heading outside. Yell if you need help.”
Morgan smiled. “We’re good. Dad is coming by, and if we have questions, I’m sure he can help.”
Gunner followed Brody out back. “What’s up?”
Brody walked across the parking lot to where it was darker. He bent down near a bush and pulled out a flashlight. Gunner crouched down beside him.
“Are those puppies?” Gunner asked.
“Yep, our shelter isn’t open yet and I can take them if needed,” Brody said, pausing.
“But?” Gunner asked.
“You have a new family, and those kids want a pet. This just seems like it was meant to be. I can’t tell for sure until we get them out of there, but it looks like a mama dog and two puppies. If you don’t want all three, I could take them. Up to you,” Brody said.
Gunner stared at the mother. He wasn’t sure what she was, but her coat was matted, and she looked a little thin. He pulled his phone out and called Rachel.
“Hello,” Rachel said.
“So, Brody brought me out back. There’s a stray dog. She’s got mats all over her and she has, from what we can see, at least two puppies. Do you…”
“I’ll be right out,” she said, hanging up.
“What did she say,” Brody asked.
“She said she’d be right out and hung up,” Gunner said.
“Hmm,” Brody murmured.
The dog didn’t seem scared of them. She didn’t growl or go to move herself or the puppies. He wondered if she was just too tired and hungry to bother with them.
The back door opening had Gunner turning. Rachel came out carrying a basket, the kids following behind her. When they were about ten feet away, he heard Rachel admonish the kids to remember what she said.
Chelle got on her knees and scooted close to where Gunner was. Marcus crouched down by Brody. He had a couple pieces of hot dog.
“Mama said you found us pets to celebrate our family and Valentine’s Day,” Marcus said.
“I guess I did,” Gunner said, grinning at his sunshine.
“Now, she seems fine but why don’t you break apart the hot dog and toss a piece close to her? Did you all bring a bowl with water?” Brody asked.
Rachel handed the bowl and water bottle to Brody.
“This is the best Valentine’s ever,” Chelle said.
Gunner crouched in the parking lot, watching his family fall in love with a scruffy matted dog and her puppies, and he had to agree.
This was the best Valentine’s ever. Between the hot dogs, the cheese Chelle had, and Rachel’s soft voice cooing to the dog, in less than thirty minutes, Mama dog and puppies were in the basket, safely ensconced in the back of the van.
The store was closed, and he was on his motorcycle ready to follow the vehicle holding his heart home.
Marcus waved at him from the van as they pulled out.
Gunner needed to get some small helmets so he could take the kids on a ride. He and Brody pulled out to head home.
He’d come to Bluff Creek wanting to find a job and a home.
He’d found so much more. Brotherhood. Family and the piece he was missing.
He wasn’t sure how he could top their first Valentine’s together because they’d opened the store, gotten engaged, and added some pets to the family.
He might have set the bar a little high for Valentine’s Day.
Thank you so much for reading The Biker's Beloved.