27
Storm
It’d been a couple of weeks since the hell we’d all endured. Madeline was recovered physically, sans the small cut near her eye. Emotionally it would take some more time.
Today was AJ’s memorial out at Wennberg Pond. I held Madeline close as we watched Raul release AJ’s ashes. All club members, prospects, and kittens were in attendance.
There were also a few unexpected guests: Madeline’s parents and my dad and his family. Too busy with my role in the memorial, I had yet to speak to any of them.
When the service was over, we congregated to the clubhouse for the barbecue.
My Angel was doing better. She was the fiercest woman I knew, but she wasn’t indestructible. Or made of iron.
At the silo, she’d done what was needed for everyone’s safety. Her sacrifice had left her emotionally fragile. She cried at the drop of a hat. Had nightmares every night. It cut me deep when I held her trembling body and listened to her whimpers until she settled back asleep. She tried like hell to resume her usual activities, like cooking with Sugar and Tina and hanging out in the bar with me. None of it was easy, yet she persevered—determined to not let the Hunters break her.
None of it had been easy for me either. The few times I needed to go into town to meet with Sheriff Hendricks tore me apart. I worried nonstop about Madeline, unable to relax until I had her in my arms.
Without asking, I led my girl to her parents’ table. They’d wanted to come out to see us both after Madeline had called them last week. It just happened they could only come this weekend. Tara and Stephanie were seated at their table. Madeline’s friends had been spending more time at the clubhouse. Tara had a room in the basement. Madeline had begged her to stay, not wanting her alone. Hero had demandedRojaremain at the compound. Between the two of them, of course I made Tara a home within our care.
“Mom, Dad.” Madeline rushed over to them. She hugged one and then the other. Love filled the air. It wrapped around me like a vice, stealing the air from my lungs.
My chest tightened as I felt a familiar emotion: unconditional love. Neither shot me a glaring look. They were the same, kind folks I remembered.
“How are you, sweetie?” Mrs. Hamilton asked.
“Better.” Madeline reached her hand out to me. “Remember Kaleb?” she whispered my name. “Call him Storm from now on.”
“They don’t have to, Angel.” I nodded to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton. “Sir.” I extended my hand.
Thomas gave me a once-over before shaking. “I hardly recognize you, son.”
My heart slammed into my chest.Son. It was what he used to call me.
Madeline squeezed my hand, tugging me out of my shock.
“Yes, sir. I’ve changed quite a bit. Mrs. Hamilton, it’s good to see you.” I’d never been so nervous. Did they blame me for what happened to Madeline? I’d been too chicken shit to ask if she’d told them about the Dirty Hunters—at least the parts I’d given her permission to talk about.
“Aww, it’s Sara.” She hugged me. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. AJ was a good guy.” We pulled back at the same time.
The four of us looked at each other, waiting for someone to speak. My heart raced as my imagination threatened to take me down a dark tunnel, to a life where I didn’t have my Angel.
What if they convinced her to dump me?
“You can relax, son. We’re not going to give you the third degree about anything. Maddy told us about the baby and how much she loves you. Congratulations, Daddy.” Thomas winked, putting his hand on my shoulder. His easy-going attitude hadn’t changed. I respected the hell out of him.
Daddy.
Shit, I needed a drink. In my pocket was the ring I’d bought Madeline weeks ago. When she told me her parents were coming to AJ’s service, I figured it was the perfect time to ask for her dad’s blessing. Thought he might want to see the ring.
Tonight, I planned to propose. No fancy dinner or anything, just me keeping it simple. I knew Madeline didn’t want anything else. She’d said as much, a dozen times. Clearly, she suspected I’d ask her to marry me.
“We can’t wait to be grandparents.” Sara reeled Madeline in for a hug. “How’ve you been feeling, honey?”
“Let’s sit.” Madeline pulled out a chair.
“I’ll get us some drinks.” I needed a minute to regroup. The Hamiltons hadn’t changed one bit. I hadn’t needed to worry.