Keira

It’s been two weeks and I’m just getting released from the hospital. I ended up getting an infection in the incision and Cory ended up getting jaundice. To say Blade flipped the fuck out is an understatement. He was right by her side the entire time she was baking as I call it. Now, we’re more than ready to leave this place and go back to something that resembles normal. Personally, I think Blade arranged for us to be in the hospital this long to give us a chance to be a small family without the threat of Jason.

“Slim will be here soon kitten. You ready to go?” Blade asks me, coming back in the room from checking on our girl.

“I am. I just want to get the kids dressed and then we’ll be all ready to leave.”

“They’ll be bringing Cory in here in a little bit. I got somethin’ for them though,” he tells me, bringing out a box.

I’ve heard that Ma usually gives outfits to any new babies born to members of the Wild Kings. I just didn’t think that it would happen with us because I haven’t been around. Apparently, it doesn’t matter to her though because Blade is a member. I can’t wait to see what the outfits look like.

Opening the box, I peel back the tissue paper and find the two most adorable outfits. For Kenyon there’s a pair of tiny jeans, with a onesie saying ‘Property of Blade’ under the Wild Kings patch. A blue hat is also included in his outfit and a small pair of little shoes looking like boots. For Cory, there’s a little jean skirt with a pink onesie. Her onesie says the same thing as Kenyon’s and the hat is pink instead of blue. Her little shoes are little dress shoes. The outfits are so cute and I instantly tear up at seeing them.

“I can’t believe she sent us these. It’s just because of you since I made the decision to come here instead,” I tell him, trying to stop the tears.

“It doesn’t matter if you were there or not kitten. Kenyon and Cory are Wild Kings regardless. Please don’t cry anymore.”

“These are happy tears,” I answer, slowly getting up to pick Kenyon up to get him dressed.

Blade helps me as much as he can but I’m still feeling independent and it’s hard for me to take the help. Kenyon stays asleep while I get him dressed before Blade puts him in his car seat. Now, we’re just waiting on Cory to be brought in to us so we can get her ready to go home. Well, back to the clubhouse at least because we don’t have a home to go to.

I must get a weird look on my face because Blade wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his body. I’ve definitely missed being wrapped in his arms since I left and it seems like he puts me as close to him as often as he can. Before long, he releases me and I know that we’re going to be having a conversation that I don’t want to have right now.

“Kitten, what’s with the sad look on your face?” he asks, kneeling in front of me.

“I just realized that Kenyon, Cory, and I don’t have a home to go to. We get to go to Slim’s clubhouse. And you’re going to be leaving soon to go back to Clifton Falls.”

“The kids and you are comin’ home with me kitten. When I go back to Clifton Falls, you’ll all be comin’ with me. I’m not leavin’ my entire world behind so you can try to do this with the help of Shy and the Phantom Bastards.”

“I know you mean that, but it’s just not a reality right now. You have to get back to your life and I have to move on here. Not that I’m going to be with anyone. You’re it for me.”

“That’s why we’re leavin’ together kitten. If I could make you my wife today, I would. I’m that serious about not lettin’ you out of my sight and out of my life,” Blade says, making me look at him to realize how serious he is.

“Then why don’t we do it?” I ask honestly.

“What? Get married?” he asks, shocked.

“Yeah. We don’t need anything fancy or big. We can just grab a few witnesses and get married in front of a judge. I don’t need to go all out babe. Later on, we can have a party for everyone, but I don’t even care about that.”

“You serious right now?”

“Dead serious,” is my only response.

I can see the wheels turning and I know that before the end of the day I will be married to Blade. I will be Mrs. Michael Branch. On one hand, I can’t wait for that to happen. But, on the other I’m scared shitless that he’ll get tired of me and realize that I’m not worth all the trouble. Or that he’s only keeping me close because of Kenyon and Cory. I guess when that day comes I’ll figure out how to deal with it and what to do from there.

“Slim just sent me a text and said he’s just pullin’ in. I told him to come on up while we’re waitin’ on our girl,” Blade tells me.

“As soon as they bring our girl in to us, we’ll be ready to leave. Can you go see what the hold-up is please?”

“Yeah, I’ll be right back kitten,” Blade responds before giving me a kiss and walking out the door.

I watch Blade walk out the door and stare down at Kenyon in his seat. He’s so tiny and fragile right now. I’m scared that I’m going to accidentally do something to hurt him and Cory because they are so small. This is just one of the fears that have gone through my head since I first found out I was pregnant.

Now, I need to focus on what we’re gonna need to do in order to get a marriage license so we can get married today. I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t need anything fancy. The only thing I need is for Blade to be with me and want to stay with me for the long haul. It’s not like I have any family that I want there. And I know he doesn’t either. I’m pulled from my thoughts by a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I call out, thinking that it’s going to be Slim walking through the door.

“Hey girl!” I hear Melody call out.

I’m speechless that my only friend in the world is here. I never dreamed that she’d be here with all the threats running rampant right now. Glock is crazy for letting her anywhere near me. Especially when I see Anthony poke his head in the door from behind his mom.

“What are you doing here? You need to be as far away from me as you can,” I ask, confused.

“There was no way I was staying away when my sister just had my niece and nephew. Glock knew this and allowed a few guys to bring me down.”

“But why? You know it’s dangerous,” I say.

“Like I said, you need me here. So, I’m here. Now where are these babies?”

“Kenyon is the only one in the room with us right now. Cory should be here shortly. Blade just went to see what the hold-up with her is.”

“Let me see the little guy,” Melody says, walking over to the seat Kenyon is sitting in.

Melody squats down in front of Kenyon and pulls his blanket back a little bit to see more of his face. She ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ over him while Anthony makes his way over to me. He hugs me and tells me that he’s been so excited waiting for me to get out of the hospital. Apparently, they’ve been here a few days and Glock made them stay in the clubhouse until today so Jason didn’t know they were here. I guess they got put on lockdown since they decided to come here.

“I’m not going to wake him up just so I can hold him. But when we get to the clubhouse, he’s so mine,” Melody tells me.

“Okay,” I respond, smiling. “Now, do you want the big news?”

“What can be bigger than my niece and nephew being here?” she asks, coming to sit next to me on the edge of the bed.

“Blade and I are getting married today. Glock and you can be our witnesses since we’re just going in front of a judge,” I tell her. Not giving her a chance to squeal just yet I add, “don’t tell anyone. It’s just going to be us and our witnesses. I don’t want a fuss and it’s not going to be anything extravagant. Hell, I don’t even want a party.”

“What? Oh my! You think I’m going to keep this to myself?” she practically screams.

“If you don’t keep it to yourself, I won’t let you be there Mel. I’m dead serious.”

“You’re serious huh? But why?”

“Because of everything going on. I don’t want to call attention to me, to us, any more than is already there. Jason is not playing around this time. So, please, keep this quiet.”

“Okay. I’ll keep it quiet hun. I’m not happy about it, but I’ll do it for you.”

“Thank you babe.”

Before we can say any more, Blade comes back in the room carrying Cory. She’s cradled in his arms and I know that he’s not going to be giving her up any time soon. Cory is going to be his little princess and he’s not going to let anyone get near her. Hell, other than feedings I’ll be lucky to get near her. That’s how overprotective he is already. It’s going to be real interesting when she gets older and discovers boys as being something other than gross.

Blade lays our daughter down on the hospital bed and unwraps her blanket. I have the outfit that Ma sent to her laid out already so he can just put it on her. If anything, he has been more hands on than I anticipated. I figured that I would be doing all the diaper changes, feedings, and getting the babies dressed all alone. Nope. Blade has been right by my side from the time they wake up until the time they fall back asleep. Even when they’re asleep he’s watching over them. I honestly don’t know how much sleep he’s gotten since they were born.

“Melody knows our news,” I tell him. “She’s keeping it a secret so Jason doesn’t get wind of it. Glock and she are going to be our witnesses. I figured that way she could be there for us, have a little piece of home there.”

Blade doesn’t say anything for a minute. A huge smile breaks out on his face though. “Love hearin’ that come out of your mouth kitten.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“You callin’ Clifton Falls home. Means you’re ready to really go back with me and make a life together.”

“I told you I have been ready babe.”

“Until now, you weren’t truly ready though. Words are different than actions. I could tell by the look on your face that you weren’t quite ready. Now, you are. I’ll have to make some calls before we leave to make sure the house is ready for us.”

“The house Rage is building?”

“No. The little one I told you I was rentin’ until that one’s done and ready for us to move in.”

“Babe, we don’t have anything for the twins when we get out of here,” I say, finally realizing that we may not be as ready as I thought we were.

“Don’t worry about it. We got this covered,” Blade says, a smirk spreading across his face.

Obviously, he knows something I don’t know. There’s no way I’m going to get it out of him, so I leave it be for now. It’s only a matter of time before I find out what he’s hiding any way. Glancing over at Melody, I can see a similar look on her face. This only tells me that whatever is going on is big. It’s something I’m not necessarily going to like, but it’s already been done.

“Alright. I’ll let you two have your secret for now. If I don’t like it, I will let you both know.”

Their response is to laugh at me. Little do they know that I’ve gotten better at holding a grudge since being around Jason. I can go days and days without uttering a single word. Blade will be affected more than he realizes. Not only will I not talk to him, but I will move the babies and I to a different room and not let him in. He’ll be ready to go back to Clifton Falls in no time. Even if we are married.

“How are we going to get married today Blade?” I ask, switching gears while he finishes up with Cory.

“Got it taken care of. Made a call to Slim and he’s doin’ what he can to get us a license immediately. He knows a judge and has already called him too. We’re gettin’ married today no matter what kitten,” he says, making sure I know he’s serious about it.

“Okay babe.”

Blade

Keira has no clue that Melody brought all the gifts here that were supposed to be given at the baby shower. She put one together once she found out we were having a baby and just changed it up once I told her we were having twins. I’m sure that most of the gifts came from her and Glock, but he won’t care. Glock and I both know how close our girls are. We’re both willing to do whatever we have to in order to make sure these two girls stay as close as they are.

I finally have Cory buckled up in her car seat and I’m doublechecking to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. Keira is moving to the wheelchair she has to be wheeled out in with the help of Anthony. He loves his aunt Keira so much and I’m glad that he made the trip with his mom. Not that she would leave him at the clubhouse with them being here.

“Let’s roll kitten. I’m more than ready to get out of here,” I tell her.

“Can I wheel you out?” Anthony asks her.

“You sure can buddy.”

“Yay! I promise not to run you into anything,” he responds, not hiding his excitement.

“I know you won’t.”

We all make our way out to the elevators and wait while it makes it way up to us. Anthony is talking a mile a minute and I’m surprised he’s not spilling the beans about the presents waiting for them. I may have gotten her a thing or two. And one definitely isn’t for Kenyon and Cory.

Glock is waiting for us in the SUV outside. Anthony and Melody climb in first so they can sit in the very back while we strap the car seats in the middle seat. Keira climbs in between them while I take the passenger seat. I imagine Keira’s pretty cramped so I’m glad it won’t take us more than ten minutes to get back to Slim’s. Glock tells me everything is set up and I know he means with the presents and little baby shower Melody decided to throw along with what we need for the wedding.

“How you doin’ back there, kitten?” I ask, turning to look at me girl.

“I’m good. I can’t wait to get back so I can take a small nap before later on.”

“We’ll see what happens,” I tell her, not giving her any information.

Melody and Glock make small talk the entire ride so that Keira won’t be able to ask any questions. Anthony chimes in every now and then but Keira and I stay quiet. I keep looking back to check on her and see that she’s only paying attention to Kenyon and Cory. It’s going to be different now that we aren’t in the hospital. At least there the nurses would give my girl a break when she needed one. Now, it’s just the two of us. Yeah, we have the members of the three clubs to help, but I know we won’t take them up on it very often. We’re gonna want to keep them close to us.

Finally, we pull into the clubhouse and I can see the influx of cars and trucks in the parking lot. There’s definitely more bikes here too and I know that Keira is going to notice as soon as she takes her eyes off our children. Glock and I step out and open the passenger doors. We each take a car seat so that the other three can get out.

Keira still hasn’t looked up to see the full parking lot. At this point, I don’t know that she’ll notice anything until she walks through the door and sees everyone waiting for us. Anthony takes her hand as soon as he gets out and pulls her towards the door. He knows what’s going on and I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t spilled the beans to her yet.

“Aunt K, you ready?” he asks, just before opening the door for her.

“Ready for what honey?” she asks, looking at him.

“You’ll see. Let’s go,” he says, the excitement radiating from every part of his little body.

He finally manages to get the door open and I can hear all the talking inside stop. Keira looks up and takes in every member of the three clubs standing there waiting for us. Skylar, Bailey, Maddie, Darcy, Shy, Ma, and now Melody are in front of everyone. They want to be the first ones to embrace Keira and see the babies.

“Welcome back!” everyone shouts.

“What is this?” Keira asks.

“Since things happened and you couldn’t wait to have a baby shower, we brought the baby shower to you.” Bailey says, hugging my girl.

“You guys shouldn’t be here. There’s too much danger right now,” Keira tells everyone.

“There is danger,” Grim starts. “However, we have two new members of the club and it’s time we celebrate that. With all of us here, we’re gonna make sure everyone is protected and prospects are surrounding the entire clubhouse. It’s good Keira.”

I see my girl relax a little and take in the main room of the clubhouse. There are pink and blue streamers and balloons, a table with nothing but gifts that make their way onto the floor, two more tables with nothing but food, and in the center two new glider rockers. The girls lead us over to the rockers and tell us to sit while they look at the babies still sleeping.

“Thank you for putting them in the outfits we sent down,” Ma tells Keira, pulling her in for a hug.

“Of course. Thank you so much for sending them to us.”

“Any time at all honey. Now, you tell us what you want to do first. We’re not doing any of the games or anything because I’m sure that you’re going to want to rest soon. So, it’s either open gifts up or eat.”

“I think I’d like to start with the gifts.”

“If she gets hungry, I’ll get her a plate Ma,” I tell her, looking at my girl.

“You better Blade. I wouldn’t want to have to beat your ass in front of everyone here,” Ma says, to the laughter of everyone surrounding us.

“My girl will want for nothin’. Both my girls and my son won’t ever want for anythin’.”

The girls start bringing the gifts over and put them down between the two of us. I guess I’ll be helping her open everything. That’s completely fine by me because it means that we get to the wedding portion of the day even quicker. I can’t wait to have Keira as my wife and I wish that we decided to tell everyone, but she wants to keep it quiet so we will. At least for now.

As we begin opening all the gifts, everyone surrounds us and I’m hit with an overwhelming sense of family and belonging. Melody and Bailey are each holding one of the twins after they woke up, Keira fed them, and they got changed. Keira is getting teary-eyed over all the gifts and how much it means to her that everyone from all three clubs got the babies something.

“I’m goin’ to say now that I did get Kenyon and Cory things, but they didn’t make it here. They couldn’t kitten. I got the nursery set you wanted and it’s already set up in the house. I also get them some clothes, blankets, bottles, and a few other things.”

“You didn’t have to do that babe. I have money that Slim’s putting up and I was just going to send that to you.”

“It’s not just your responsibility. They are our children and it’s up to both of us to support them financially, emotionally, and to help them grow and learn the right way,” I tell my girl.

“I know, but like you said, it’s my part of the financial responsibility. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I know if it’s Kenyon and Cory or me, I choose them every time. You won’t stop me Blade. I will give myself over to Jason before any harm comes to them or you.”

“Not havin’ this discussion now.”

I didn’t realize that Grim and Glock were right behind us. I can feel the glares at the back of my head while I sit and continue opening gifts. It’s not a good feeling to have and I know that I don’t want to ever be on the receiving end again.

“We will be discussin’ this later. Before anythin’ else happens after this baby shower, we’ll all be talkin’ about that statement,” Grim tells us. “And I mean all three clubs. We will be on the same page and you will know what’s goin’ to happen.”

I look over at Keira and see that her face is now a sick shade of white. She’s gone as pale as a ghost and I know she’s scared of the upcoming conversation we’re about to have with all three clubs. I rub her arm and try to give her comfort, even though I know it’s not working.

~~**~~

We’ve opened all the gifts and now have a mountain of things for the babies. I don’t see how we’re going to run out of anything for a very long time. Keira says it will be gone before I know it though. We got everything from clothes, onesies, blankets, bottles, toys, diapers and wipes, pacifiers, and so much more.

Everyone has eaten and now we’re just relaxing and having a good time. Well, everyone but Keira. She’s putting on a good show but I can see the tension and nervousness pouring off her. Keira is only concentrating on the upcoming conversation. Which is about to happen right now if Grim, Gage, and Slim walking towards us means anything.

“Let’s go,” Grim says, not waiting for us to follow them.

I grab Keira’s hand and help her up. She’s looking all over the place trying to find a way out. There isn’t a way out and she’s not going to find any help from any of the girls. I’m sure they heard what’s going on from their men and want this conversation to happen as much as I do.

Instead of going in to the room Slim uses for church, we head out the back of the clubhouse. It’s still warm out even if it is getting pretty dark outside. I know that Slim has lights and everything else out here right by the back door. He’s got a pretty sweet setup on the patio before the fire pits start and the picnic tables are set up.

“Alright, we overheard a conversation that I’m sure we weren’t meant to hear,” Grim begins, making sure Keira and I are front and center. “We all know what’s goin’ on with Keira and the fuckwad that thinks he’s gonna sell her to the highest bidder. What you don’t know is that she thinks she’s goin’ to give herself up to him in order to protect her old man and children.”

Grim pauses and lets that information sink in with everyone. I can hear some men growling and others are muttering curses. Keira is standing next to me with her face downward so that she doesn’t have to look at anyone. I know she does this when she doesn’t want to face something hard and it’s probably a mechanism that’s left over from her childhood. Even though I don’t know all the details, I do know that it wasn’t good. You can tell by watching her when she’s in certain situations.

“Now, Gage, Slim, and myself have been in constant contact since this all began. We haven’t told Keira or Blade what we’ve been talkin’ about. This is mainly to protect Keira and ensure that Blade doesn’t flip the fuck out,” Grim continues before turning it over to Slim.

“We’ve had someone on our girl from the second she left with the fuckin’ twatwaffle. Someone has been studyin’ his every move and seein’ where he goes when he’s not with Keira. He’s in bed with some pretty heavy hitters. And we’re pretty sure that he’s involved with the cartel. I’m not sure in what capacity just yet, but we’re workin’ on findin’ that out now. Fox, Tech, and Irish have been doin’ everythin’ they can to find any and all information on this man. Unfortunately, it’s not easy. There’s nothin’ on him. That’s why we’ve been havin’ them followed. Closely,” Slim states. “Keira, you will not be turnin’ yourself back over to the scum-bag. When everyone heads back to Clifton Falls in a few days, you will be headin’ back with them.”

Keira stands there stunned. She never expected to be coming home with us so soon. I knew she thought eventually we’d be heading back together, but not right now. Honestly, it’s probably safer for her to be there away from Jason than still here where he knows she is.

“Keira, I can see the panic on your face darlin’,” Gage says. “I’m sendin’ a few of my guys over with you for about a month or so, and I believe Slim is too. We’ll let you get into your own routine and see if Jason figures out where you went. I’m sure it’s not goin’ to be hard since he’s already been there once. But, this gives Grim and the guys enough time to get everythin’ in place as far as your protection goes. Until then, Wood, Killer, Crash, and Trojan will be your security team. They’ll be crashin’ at your house, followin’ you everywhere you go, and posted outside when you’re home.”

I nod, liking the sound of what they’ve come up with so far. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than spreading our guys thin until everything is settled. I’m guessing Grim is going to have Rage working around the clock to get our house done so that we can be inside the fence and not somewhere else.

“Rage isn’t here because he’s got three crews workin’ on your house. When we left a few days ago, it was honestly only goin’ to be a matter of days before it was ready to go,” Grim tells us, almost reading my mind.

I simply nod and let him know with a look that we have somewhere we need to be. I’m pretty sure that we’ve gone over everything that they’re willing to share in front of my girl. Now, it’s time that Glock, Melody, Keira, and I get ready to meet with the judge. Even though we’re not leaving the clubhouse, there’s still things that need to be done.

The first thing I need to do is talk to Ma and Pops and see if they’ll keep an eye on the twins. Then I need to get the rings from the room without Keira seeing what I’m doing. Melody went out earlier and got a new dress for her that she doesn’t know about. And, we’re going to be staying in one of the cabins out back. Grim and Bailey will be keeping the babies overnight. Although, I don’t know that Keira will be on board with that so it might end up being just for a few hours so we can be alone. I know we can’t do anything yet, but I just want some one-on-one time with my girl.

“I think that a few of you have somewhere to be right now,” Slim says, a smirk gracing his face. “So, you guys get out of here and we’ll see you when we see you.”

I grab Keira’s hand and lead her away from my brothers. Glock follows behind us and I know we’re going to his room to get ready, so I drop her off with Melody as soon as we get in the door. Glock doesn’t say anything until we get in their room and the door closes behind us.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doin’?” he asks me.

“Never been more sure of anythin’ in my life. She’s the one I wanna grow old with, I want to wake up with her in my arms every day, and I can’t imagine anyone else havin’ my babies. She’s already given me two gorgeous babies and I know it’s just a matter of time before we have more.”

“Knew you were. Just wanted to make sure it was for the right reasons. I might not be close to your girl, but Mel is. I’m not gonna see her hurt because you think you have to marry her because of the twins. Not enough of one and you’ll both end of regrettin’ it.”

I don’t say anything in response. Instead I get my things together and head into the shower. I’m ready for us to be married now and I know it’s going to be at least a little while still. Melody is going to make sure my girl looks good and that’s going to take time. Darcy is here so they might as well put her talents to good use.

Glock rushes in after me so that he can get ready. I know he’s ready to get this done with so he’s going to be just as quick as I am. Before I can think about anything else, there’s a knock on his door. Opening it up, I see Pops standing there.

“Hey son. I hear congratulations are in order. More than for just Kenyon and Cory.”

“Yes sir. I’m officially makin’ her mine today.”

“You got a rag already?” he asks.

“No. I’ll take care of that once we get home. I don’t want to push too much shit on her at once.”

“I can see your point. I just wouldn’t wait on it too long. I know how these women think sometimes when they see the other old ladies wearin’ theirs and they don’t have one. Don’t want that girl thinkin’ those thoughts.”

“No, I don’t. Did have a question for you though. Can you and Ma watch the kids for a little bit? Just while we do the ceremony. Keira didn’t want anythin’ fancy and she doesn’t want a party afterwards.”

“Of course we will. But, you know these women won’t let you guys get away without havin’ a party of some sort. Today should be proof of that with the baby shower.”

“I know. I’m just not gonna say anythin’ to her until it’s time to go. That way she can’t bitch about havin’ it done.”

Pops starts laughing his ass off. Probably because he knows as well as I do that it’s more than likely not going to work out the way that I want it to. Keira will find out about the party and try to put a stop to it if she finds out about it. Melody and the rest of the girls won’t let that fly though. If there’s one thing they love to do, it’s plan a party celebrating something. What’s bigger to celebrate than a baby being born or a brother getting married?

“I’m gonna go let Ma know we’re gonna have those adorable babies with us for a while. You go marry your girl. Did you get rings or anythin’ son?”

“Yeah. She doesn’t know it yet, but I bought her weddin’ set a while ago. I knew deep down it was always gonna be Keira. It just took her leavin’ for me to realize what I truly have with her.”

“Sometimes it just works out like that son. It’s a hard lesson to learn and one you won’t ever repeat again. Trust me, I know,” Pops says, making his way out of the room.

I’m not sure what he’s talking about, but I’m glad that I woke up before it was too late and I really didn’t lose her. I don’t know what I’d do if I actually did lose her. It’s something I won’t ever have to worry about happening now.

As I’ve been sitting here thinking about losing my girl, more time has passed then what I realize. Next thing I know, Melody is in her room telling me that it’s time to head down and wait for my girl to walk out. She also gives me the gift that Keira somehow managed to get me. Yeah, I got her something too, but I’ve had it with me for a little while.

Opening up the gift, I see that she got me a silver bracelet with a matching necklace. It almost looks like a tire tread from a tire burning rubber. I’ve never seen anything like it before. My girl definitely knows me and knows that I would fall in love with it as soon as I saw it. I’ll have to see where she got it from so I can see if they have anything else like it. Maybe for a female.

Melody takes one look at my face and before I know it I have her and Glock peering over my shoulder to see what I got. I pull it out and Melody has tears in her eyes. She obviously had no clue that my girl was getting me anything. Melody helps me put both on before Glock and I head downstairs.

I figured by now the nerves would start to kick in. I’m doing something I never thought I’d be doing and I don’t know what to expect. However, I’m as calm as ever and I don’t even care what to expect after we get married. Keira is my world and has already given me two beautiful children. I can’t wait until we add more to the mix.

Before too long, I hear the girls making their way into the room that Slim told us to use so no one else would know. What I see has my breath leaving me and I can’t help the smile I know lights up my face. Not only does my girl look absolutely amazing in the simple, white dress that Melody got her. But, Pops is walking her in to me. No wonder he came in and talked to me while we were getting ready. Somebody either told him what was going on, or he just knew like he usually does. Either way, he didn’t let my girl walk in by herself. He’s choosing to give her away to me. This moment means more to me than he could possibly understand.

Keira

Today is the day that I marry the love of my life. After I sent Melody in with the present I got for Blade, Pops made an appearance in the room we’re staying in. I know that no one opened their mouths about what’s going on today, but he just seemed to know. I’ve never had any real interaction with him, but from listening to everyone, I know he is respected and loved by everyone associated with the club.

“Hey sweetheart. How are you doin’?” he asks, closing the door behind him.

“I’m doing okay. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. Now, I know you and my brother are gettin’ married today. No one opened their mouth, I just got a feelin’ that this was gonna happen. I’m not sure what your family situation is, but I would like the honor of walkin’ you down to Blade.”

There’s nothing I can say for a few minutes. Tears are forming in my eyes and I can’t stop them from starting to spill over. This man is offering to take the place of my dad when I haven’t talked to him in over ten years. Hell, I don’t even know where my dad lives anymore. My mother isn’t in my life either. Quite frankly, I’ve been better off without them around. And my children will never know the chaos that surrounded me until I left home when I was fifteen. Here this man is, barely knowing me, offering to be there for us on one of the most important days in our life.

“I’d be honored to have you walk me down to Blade,” I tell him, opening my arms for a hug.

Pops pulls me in for a huge hug. This is the kind of man that I wish I had for a father. Not the one that I did have that cared more about his latest piece of ass then he did my mom or me. Thankfully I was an only child so no one else had to go through what I did. Knowing my dad was cheating with a different woman almost daily drove my mother crazy. No matter what she did, he wouldn’t stop. Most nights I would either hear my mom crying herself to sleep, if she slept at all, or I’d hear them arguing nonstop. It got to the point that when I was about ten years old, I was taking care of myself. Any meals I ate, I made myself. My laundry was done by me. All of the housework was done by me. Hell, I was even grocery shopping and getting everything else we needed for the house. The only thing either one of my parents did was give me the money I needed for it.

Instead of leaving me alone in the room, Pops stays with me. I’m sure Melody told him that we didn’t have long until we had to meet my man downstairs. She shouldn’t be long giving Blade the gift I got him, and then they’ll be heading down. Now, it’s just a matter of time until the rest of my life starts. The best part of my life.

“You ready hun?” Melody asks, coming back through the door.

“I am.”

“By the way, love the set you got him. It’s awesome! Where did you find it?”

“I’ll never tell!” I say, making Melody pout because I won’t let her in on my secret.

Glen is actually the one that got the necklace and bracelet for me. I just gave him a little bit of information as to what I wanted. At this point, I’m not even sure where he got it, but I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Hopefully Blade likes it.

“Alright girls, let’s get you down to your man and get this show on the road,” Pops tells us. “I’m goin’ to leave as soon as I hand you over. Don’t want anyone else to know what you’re doin’.”

“Thank you. We’ll tell everyone as soon as things calm down. We just didn’t want to wait to get married.”

“You don’t have to explain anythin’ to me sweetheart. Everyone does it in their own way. This is how you guys want to do it, then it’s all you.”

I’m glad that he understands and isn’t upset with the choice that we’ve made. We’re not doing it this way to leave anyone out. I just didn’t want a big fuss made when everything with Jason is up in the air. Knowing him, he would do everything in his power to make sure this didn’t happen. He’d figure out some way to get into Slim’s clubhouse. Or, he’d make friends with one of the club girls to get the information he needed.

“Fuck!” I say, a thought coming to me.

“What’s the matter sweetheart?” Pops asks me.

“I need to talk to Slim. He needs to know that Jason will use the club girls if he thinks they’ll give him an in for information.”

“I’ll let him know. You concentrate on gettin’ married,” Pops tells me, continuing to make our way down to Blade.

“Thank you Pops,” I tell him, taking his arm and letting him lead me to my man.

By the time we round the corner, there’s butterflies in my stomach and I wonder if Blade really wants to go through with this. All of my doubts creep back in and I feel like I’m trapping him into marrying me just because of the twins. In the back of my mind, a voice is telling me to turn around and run as fast as I can. Set Blade free to live his life without the twins and I trapping him. But, then I wouldn’t be with the love of my life and I’d constantly be running from Jason, looking over my shoulder wondering when he’s going to find me.

“Don’t do it,” Pops says. “You are his world and he wouldn’t be doin’ this if he didn’t want to.”

I chuckle a little bit at the fact that Pops seems to know everything that’s going on, and through people’s heads, before anyone else does. It’s kind of creepy, but it’s also comforting to know that my doubts are just that, doubts. I nod my head to acknowledge that I heard him and we continue on our way to my future.

The smile I see light up Blade’s face tells me that we’re doing the right thing. I can see love shining from his eyes and it proves that he’s not just telling me words that he thinks I want to hear. When he tells me that he wants to marry me, he sincerely means it.

Pops stops just before we get to Blade and we wait until the judge asks who is giving me away. “I am, along with the entire Wild Kings MC and the Phantom Bastards MC.”

For a minute, no one moves and no one says a word. I’ve never heard anyone be given away at a wedding by an individual and two entire MCs. Blade and Glock suddenly get huge smiles on their faces because I’m guessing that you never know what you’re going to get when it comes to Pops. He genuinely cares about everyone tied to the club. That’s why he walked me to Blade and gave me away. And gave credit to both clubs. Pops doesn’t need any recognition for the things that he does and gives to others.

“Okay. Let’s continue with the ceremony then,” the judge says.

The entire time the judge is talking, I’m not focused on what he’s saying or doing. I’m focused on the man standing before me and our little family. Blade and I stare at one another and I don’t even know if he’s hearing a word that the judge is saying. Before too long, I see Glock nudge Blade.

“You can say your vows,” the judge tells him.

“Keira, in the beginning, I didn’t want anythin’ serious. I didn’t want to live the life I grew up watchin’ with my parents. But, you broke down my defenses without even tryin’. When you left, my world got dark and the only thing I could think of was gettin’ you back. You have already given me the greatest gift of all by makin’ me a dad. Now, I want to spend the rest of our lives treatin’ you like the queen you deserve to be treated. I will do my very best to make you happy, no matter what it takes. I love you more than my life. Kenyon, Cory, and you are the three most important people to me.”

“Keira, you may say your vows,” the judge repeats.

“Every day since I met you, I’ve become a stronger person. I still have my doubts, including on the walk down to you. But, I overcome them and move on. You are the love of my life and I can’t wait to see what the rest of our lives bring. I will do my very best to love you and make you as happy as you can possibly be. Kenyon, Cory, and you are my entire life and I would do absolutely anything to protect you all. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

The judge tells us that we can exchange rings after repeating him. Not only did I get Blade the matching bracelet and necklace, but there’s a ring that almost matches the set. I turn to Melody and she hands it to me. Repeating after the judge, I slip the ring on Blade’s finger. When it’s Blade’s turn to repeat the same words, I’m shocked to see him have not only a wedding band, but a matching engagement ring. The set is silver and it has a red stone surrounded by diamonds. Going down the side of the ring are alternating red stones and diamonds. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen and I can’t stop the tears. Blade reaches up and wipes them away with his thumbs ever so gently.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride,” the judge says.

Blade barely waits for the judge to finish the sentence before he’s holding my face between his hands and gently kissing me. It’s a kiss that I’ve never felt before. He’s so gentle and almost hesitant to kiss me. Blade is known for taking what he wants, without force, but not being gentle in doing so.

“May I announce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Branch,” the judge says before moving over to have Melody and Glock sign in the witness spots to make our marriage legal.

The entire time, Blade continues to kiss me. That is until Glock taps him on the shoulder so that we can add our signatures to the license. Before leaving, the judge tells us that he’ll file it with the necessary people and we should have our copy soon. We thank him and he leaves the room. Blade, Melody, Glock, and myself take a few minutes for ourselves to celebrate before we head back in the main room of the clubhouse.

“I’m so happy for you two,” Melody tells us, wrapping me in a hug.

“Thank you,” I tell her, hugging her back. “I’m happy that you’re here and were able to be here for it. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Blade, you’re lucky that my man stopped bein’ pigheaded and I made it here. Otherwise, you might be missing an appendage or two right now.”

“You know why I didn’t want you comin’ here,” Glock says.

“I do. And I also know that I’m being careful. Nothing is going to happen, so quit worrying about every little thing.”

“Guys, you do know that at least the two of us now know that you’re having another baby. Right?” I ask.

“What?” Glock asks, feigning shock at that statement. “We just wanted to make sure that she made it to the safe point in her pregnancy before we announced it to anyone.”

“We won’t tell anyone. I basically told you at the hospital I knew what was goin’ on,” Blade says. “It’s not gonna be long before everyone else figures it out either.”

“I know. Glock is the one that wants to wait. He’s worried something is going to happen since he wasn’t around when I was pregnant for Anthony.”

We all take another few minutes to just talk and relax before making our way back out to my babies. Ma and Pops are surrounded by the rest of the old ladies and a few of the other kids. Jameson is right in the middle being his normal protective self. I can see him trying to make sure no one gets too close to the twins and that they’re both okay.

A smile overtakes my face as Blade wraps his arm around me and we watch our family. Both clubs are our family and I don’t know where we’d be without them. I know that I can’t thank them enough for everything that they’ve done for us, and me personally. Slim took me in when he didn’t have to and now my life is fuller than I ever dreamed possible.