28
Madeline
My mom almost squeezed the air out of my body as she hugged me goodbye. It reminded me of when I’d go on tour with the church choir for a few weeks during my high school summers. She’d tell me to call and tell her goodnight the whole time I was gone. Said she needed to hear her baby’s voice and to wish me sweet dreams. She had tried to hide it, but I knew she had tears rolling down her face every time.
I squeezed her back, trying to swallow down the emotion in my throat. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for coming.” I should’ve made more of an effort calling her when I went off to college. Maybe if I had called her every night, I wouldn’t have gotten together with Dane. But then, would I have met Storm?
“I love you too, sweetie. Keep in touch. I want to know how you and my grandbaby are doing.” She kissed my head. “And Storm too.” She pulled back, her blue eyes searching mine. “He loves you dearly.”
I smiled, tearing up. “I love him dearly too.” My chest got those all too familiar flutters when I gazed over at my love. “He’s incredible.”
Storm winked at me while talking to my dad. God, he melted me.
“I can see that.” She smiled. “I didn’t want to ask in front of Storm, but do you think you’ll get married?”
“Yes. When? I’m not sure. I guess after he proposes, we’ll decide. Knowing him, he’d want to run off to elope.”
Mom gasped, covering her mouth. She’d dreamed of my wedding since I was a little girl.
“Don’t worry, I want a small wedding. Although, the whole club would probably be there.”
She raised her brow. “Well, I hope they’re on their best behavior.”
“Storm will keep his brothers in line.” I hoped he would, anyway. My parents were nice to everyone today, but that didn’t mean people screwing in front of them was something they’d appreciate. Nor would I, atmywedding.
I suspected she wasn’t thrilled about my new life and I couldn’t blame her. Before Storm, I would have never considered getting involved with an outlaw biker. I was a law-abiding citizen. I’d thought dating a deputy was a good thing. Boy, was I wrong! Storm was a thousand percent a better man than Dane.
Stop.I forced thoughts of Dane from my mind.
“We should get on the road.” Dad came up behind us and opened his arms to me. “Love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
He helped Mom into the car and shook Storm’s hand. “Take care of my girl, son.”
“Yes, sir. Drive safe.” Storm tugged me into his arms after they got on the road. His hands rubbed my back, dipping low to my butt. “How are you doing?”
I wrapped my arms around his waist. “Good, all things considered.”
It’d been a long, emotional day. All I wanted was to be with my protective, loving man.
“I’m ready to be alone with you.” He swept me off my feet, cradling me in his arms. Could he hear my thoughts, the way he always knew what I wanted? Knowing Storm, probably. “How does that sound?”
I sighed dreamily, staring into his peaceful gaze. “Perfect.”
“That’s my girl.”
The clubhouse was loud and rowdy as we passed the bar, heading for the stairs. A couple of his brothers made out hard and heavy, tucked into corners. My parents left in the nick of time. The usual naughty activities of the Knights were underway.
Storm jerked his chin at Lynx, who stopped at the staircase to let us go up first. Lynx had two kittens with him. The guy was rarely with one woman at a time.
Eminem blared through the speakers with “Not Afraid.” My lungs burned and emotion bubbled in my chest. I tightened my grip around Storm’s neck. AJ always seemed to be listening to Eminem while guarding me. I’d bet he was his favorite musician.
“Know what you’re thinking about, Angel. I don’t want you sad tonight, baby. Let’s put AJ to rest.”
I nodded, eyeing Hero’s door. He and Tara hadn’t shown their faces after she took him to his room. I assumed she was still with him. Couldn’t hear anything as we passed.
Storm stopped at our door. “Grab my keys.”