I grabbed those handles and started walking down the long corridor.
And when we turned the corner so you could see the doors outside, I knew it. I knew the moment she laid eyes on what waited for us outside when she whispered, “Holy cow.”
I couldn’t hold my grin back any longer.
“Mom,” Collins whispered in a tone that I knew so well.
Sobering slightly, I said, “Yeah baby.”
“Stop pushing.” There was a slight tremor in her voice.
Worried now, I did as she asked and knelt at her side, “What’s going on Sunshine?”
She looked out the doors and asked, “Did you know they were going to do this?”
“Nope. I was told that they have plans for when you finally break free from this place, but I wasn’t told any more than that.”
I didn’t move from my place beside her, and when I saw the tears forming in her eyes, I brought my arms around her and held her close. “Collins, what’s wrong?”
“It’s just… I can’t believe this. I mean, I knew Gage was special, but I didn’t realize just how much.”
“That he is, baby. That he is. Can I tell you a secret?” I asked her with my voice low.
She nodded, then asked, “Yeah?”
“He considers us his. You and me. He calls youour girl. What do you think of that?” I asked as I released her and pressed a kiss to her temple.
“I think my bio mom is stupid for getting rid of me, but I’m so glad she did. I love you, Mom. Now, let’s bust out of this place.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I grinned and stood, then wiped a stray tear from the corner of my eye as I noticed the woman that was walking with us did the same thing.
And when we walked through the glass doors, the songSweet Child of Minestarted to play from the SUV.
Collins started to giggle as men in leather walked over to her as they each placed a kiss on her forehead.
But it was her reaction to Skinner that caused my heart to melt.
She held her arms out and when I thought he would hesitate, he didn’t.
He wrapped those beefy arms around my girl as I heard her say, “Thank you.”
“World needs your light. And if anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll end them.” And I knew he would.
After he released her, I said, “Dinner at our house. One night a week. You're part of our family, Skinner. You and Harlow. I will never be able to put into words for what you did for Collins.”
He simply nodded, then walked to his bike.
Gage took over pushing Collins to the waiting SUV as I heard, “You get your strength back, I’ll be giving you a ride on the back of my bike.”
“I can’t wait.” She said with a smile as she climbed into the SUV.
The nurse grabbed the wheelchair, nodded, and then walked back into the hospital that I hoped we never had to step foot inside of again.
“Where are we going?” I heard her ask before Gage turned away.
“Clubhouse. Said you wanted to attend a biker party. Right?”
She nodded and started giggling.