Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” agrees Mia. “Increb—increbi—incredli—aaaah!—increbidly handsome!”
Both kids laugh from deep in their bellies like it's the funniest thing they've ever heard. They've only grown closer and closer, the longer we've been around. At this point, the guys and I can't break up, because it would break my heart if they couldn't play anymore.
The music starts, blaring from a boom box outside. Some rock rendition of Ave Maria. I shrug. Close enough.
Summer rounds up all the kids who are big enough to help, minus Mia. Dante and Liam will walk with the rings, Izzy will help keep Emily’s Charlotte and Faith’s Chloe—both two years old—on track as they throw flowers. They leave the garage in the right order, but only fate can decide what happens once they get going.
Mia reaches up to take my hand, and wait a moment before stepping into view. All three guys are standing next to Eagle-eye as we come out. The way their eyes bug out makes all the prep time worth it. I swish my skirt once, showing off my light-up sneakers too. Mia insisted, saying they would make me like a space princess, and I couldn't really argue with that. She makes sure to dance with me, not to be outdone.
As soon as I'm within range, Havoc grabs me around the waist and swings me around, lifting me up for everyone to see. Sledge picks up Mia and gives her a kiss, and then Phoenix takes her second, before plopping her onto a chair covered in flower petals.
The courtyard is packed full, and I even know most of their names now.
Mom's here too, with Bill close to the front. They stand out, looking oddly traditional in a very unusual setting, but while Mom is still getting used to the idea, she told me she wouldn’t miss this for the world. I knew when I made up with Phoenix that it wouldn’t be the last time we talked about what happened, and it was true. The night we met with Mom and Bill… it wasn’t easy, but I think it was good for all of us.
Alessa and Faith’s front yards are set up with a pig roast and a huge grill, both producing the most amazing smells. Time to get the ceremony over with, since I'm starving.
“You look amazing,” Havoc says. “You make me wanna—”
I hold up a finger. “Maybe save that for later?”
He glances down at the kids and grins. “Yeah, alright.”
Sledge pulls me right up against him, holding me close as we're starting.
Eagle-eye clears his throat, and scratches his gray mustache. “I don't know how you fucks talked me into doing this… again, but here we go.” As he speaks, Jupiter trots up to him and lies down next to his feet.
He acts like this is inconvenient, but I don't believe for a moment that he doesn't enjoy doing this kind of stuff.
“Havoc, Phoenix, Sledge.”
“Present,” they all reply at once.
“Somehow, you've convinced this lovely woman to take pity on your sorry souls. I hope you fuckers understand what kind of responsibility we're talking about here, because if any of you fuck this up—”
Mia giggles, which makes Dante giggle with her. “Bad word!”
Eagle-eye rolls his eyes. “I swear, this club's turning into a fu—goddamned daycare.”
Like he’s one to talk with his old lady standing next to Emily with Damien in her arms. I'm not sure if goddamned is all that much better than a regular F-bomb, but I'm not going to worry about it today. God knows the kids are used to rough language by now. You can't really avoid it in an MC.
“Because,” says Eagle-eye, drawing everyone's attention back to him, “if any of you mess this up, I'm gonna tie you fuckers to the back of my bike and keelhaul ya. Two laps around the whole compound. She's sweet, she's caring, she's a lovely mother and she's way better than you fucks deserve.”
Mia giggles again, but doesn't say anything. I guess I couldn't expect it to last.
“So if you have any doubts, any fucking doubts whatsoever, that you can't fulfill your duties as her men, as her protectors and supporters in everything she does, then you better speak up now, and bow the fuck out, because this club doesn't accept quitters, and you're representing the Screaming fucking Eagles when you take her for your old lady. That also includes Mia of course. So what do you say?”
“I'm in,” Phoenix says.
“Yep,” Havoc says.
“Fuck yeah,” Sledge agrees. “For fucking ever.”
Eagle-eye nods. “It's binding.” Then he turns to me.
I swallow nervously. Even having gotten to know him a little, I don't think there's going to be a day where that steely gaze, coupled with the unseeing one won't unnerve me a little when it's pointed my way. It's like he sees right into my soul.
“So… my boys have tricked you into sticking around. Are you sure? Really sure?” He raises his eyebrows like he can't quite believe it. “They're trouble, and they do stupid shit more often than not, but… they're good guys. At least when they want to be, and you hold 'em by the ears a little. Are you sure you want that responsibility? It's like a dog. Once you've adopted one, you're kinda stuck with it.” As if for emphasis, Jupiter barks.