Epilogue
Penny
One year later.
Ican’t believe this is really happening. A dream I’ve given up on dreaming years ago has finally come true. I’m enrolled in college as a full-time student. I could have started school a while ago, but I really wanted to spend all my time with Gwen. I didn’t want to miss a single milestone during her first year.
I still have a little separation anxiety, but I know she is in excellent hands. She is a total Daddy’s girl, after all.
“Dada!” She squeals and wiggles her way off the couch to walk over to Ryder. She only took her first steps two weeks ago, so her walk is more like a wobble.
“You ready to take Mommy to her classes?” Ryder bends down and picks up Gwen. She nods her head and throws her thin dainty arms around Ryder’s thick neck.
Seeing her with him will never get old.
Ryder drives me to college, telling me about fifty times not to talk to any guys and to call him if anyone tries to hit on me. I agree and give him a kiss before climbing into the backseat to kiss Gwen.
“I’ll be here to pick you up after your last class,” Ryder calls after me just before I close the door. I wave him goodbye and watch as he pulls his truck away.
My first day is just as I always hoped it would be. My cheeks hurt from smiling, and I’m pretty sure the other people in class think I’m a weirdo for enjoying the lecture that much, but I don’t care. I’m just so happy.
It took quite some time and a lot of work, but everything has finally fallen into place.
I moved into the house Ryder bought me right away. He slept in the guest room at first, trying to give me some space, but that didn’t last long. He surprised the hell out of me in more than one way, and he keeps surprising me every day.
He is a great dad. From day one, he has been there for our daughter. Whether it was midnight feedings, diaper changes, or story reading, he’s done it all.
There are still things we don’t agree on. Ryder being in the MC is on top of that list. I know he is doing illegal things, and I hate that he is putting himself in danger. Unfortunately, he won’t budge on that. He says he can’t leave and promised to keep the MC and our life separate, which he luckily has been able to do so far.
“That’s it for today,” the professor’s voice drags me out of my own thoughts. “I’ll see you guys next week.”
I gather my things and shove everything in my backpack before making my way to the front of the building. Ryder is already waiting outside. With his hands in his pockets, he is casually leaning against one of the fancy planters.
“Where is Gwen?” I ask as soon as I’m close enough.
“Your mom wanted to babysit. So, I thought we could celebrate your first day as a full-time college student,” he tells me as we walk to the car. “But first, I need to know if anyone talked to you today? Any guys try to flirt? Just making sure I don’t have to kill someone.”
“No one talked to me.” I shake my head. Ryder has become even more possessive since Gwen was born. Sometimes he overdoes it a bit, but I secretly like the way he is. It’s like he is scared of losing me all the time, and I know that feeling very well.
After he basically pushed me away twice, it was hard for me to trust that he wouldn’t do it again.
On the drive home, I tell him every detail of the two classes I had today. It must be boring to him, but he still listens as if it’s the most interesting story he’s ever heard.
By the time we get home, I’ve told him everything I can think of, and my throat is dry from talking non-stop.
“So, how are we going to celebrate?” I question as we walk into the house through the garage.
Ryder opens the door and leads me into the kitchen without answering. He pulls me all the way into the dining room. The table is already set, a bottle of champagne and two flutes in the center.
“I didn’t cook because you know my food sucks, but I bought food from a fancy restaurant and set the table.”
“It’s perfect… but I’m not really hungry for food yet.”
“What are you hungry for? Please, say my cock,” he whispers the last bit, making me laugh.
“Yeah, maybe we can go upstairs and–” I don’t get to finish my sentence because I’m hoisted in the air. Ryder throws me over his shoulder and carries me up to the bedroom, taking two stairs at a time.
He deposits me on the bed and starts taking my clothes off in a hurry. Only when I’m completely naked does he undress himself. He drops his pants, wearing no boxers underneath, then pulls off his shirt.