Cherry turned to Grace, who’d been helping her in the kitchen most of the afternoon.
“When is Bullet arriving?” she asked.
“Any minute now,” Grace replied. Cherry nodded, happy to hear it.
After being shot while protecting Libby, Bullet had been rushed into emergency surgery. Bones had done an amazing job and because the bullet dislodged the fragment that was already in there, he was able to remove both pieces and patch him back up, eliminating any risk for it doing any other harm to him. Bones insisted Bullet stay in the hospital for a few weeks to heal.
“Doc would be so proud of Bones,” Cherry said, as she pulled a peach pie out of the oven. “His son has turned out to be as good a man as he was.”
“It’s true,” she agreed. Bones had been a good friend to Grace, too. He’d kept her secret all this time. The last few weeks had flown by and Grace still hadn’t talked to Ryder. She just wanted things to calm down before she uprooted everything again.
They’d all been through so much.
Now that Bullet was coming home, maybe it was time.
Riot’s truck pulled up outside and he and Libby helped Bullet into the house amidst a chorus of raucous cheers.
“Welcome home, brother,” Slade said, hobbling over to him and embracing him in a bear hug.
“Slade,” Bullet said, the two of them growing serious. “I’m glad you’re okay, brother. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep you safe.”
“No, way, man,” Slade said. “You did what you had to do, and so did I. We survived. That’s the only thing that matters.”
“Thank you,” Bullet said, embracing him again.
Grace hugged Libby, warmly smiling at her.
“How are you, hon?” Grace asked.
“I’m so glad to get out of the hospital,” she replied. She’d spent the last two weeks never leaving Bullet’s side. Grace had waited a few days before going to talk to her, but after asking a few gentle questions and realizing that Libby already knew she was adopted, she told her that Mona was her biological mother. It didn’t seem fair to keep that information from her.
Libby was still trying to come to terms with the information. It would take quite a long time before she fully wrapped her head around it, but she was happy to focus on Bullet right now. They’d fallen madly in love and had grown inseparable. He grabbed her hand and walked her to the table where they sat next to Diana and Slade.
Half an hour later, all of the Gods and their families and loved ones were gathered around the huge dining table feasting on Cherry’s comfort food. She watched from the head of the table, engraving this moment on her heart.
She never wanted to forget this.
After she’d served dessert — an assortment of homemade pies which they devoured like a bunch of savages — she picked up her fork and hit it against her glass until their voices died down.
“I have an announcement to make,” she said, her voice shaking.
“What’s going on, Cherry?” Grace asked.
“I’ve been here a very long time.”
“Longer than me,” Ryder replied.
“Yes,” she said. “And you guys have become the family I never had. I love every one of you.”
“We love you, too, Cherry,” Slade said.
“So, that said,” she continued, “I’m fifty years old now. And I hardly leave this place, except to shop for supplies. It’s been the greatest honor of my life to watch you all grow into what you are today. As people, as an organization, as my family.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “But it’s time for me to go.”
“Go?” Grace cried, “Go where?”
“Well, I’ve been watching what Solid Ground’s accomplished the last few years and it’s been fun, but the entire time, I’ve been on the outside looking in. I want a little bit of action myself, I guess you could say. Not anything as dangerous as what you guys do, but I could handle a few light cases.”
They stared blankly at her.
“I know this is out of the blue,” she said. “I’ve never mentioned this to any of you. But it’s time for me to spread my wings a little and get out of here. I need a change of pace. Some new scenery. I’m going to move to New Orleans and move in with my sister. We’ve been talking and we’re going to start our own business. As Private Investigators. Women our age are invisible and we think we can use that to our advantage. Also, I think I’ve learned a lot from you guys over the years and I’m looking forward to putting those skills to use.”
“Cherry, that’s incredible!” Grace cried.
“Thanks, I think so, too,” she said.
“I can’t believe you're leaving us,” Ryder said. “Everything’s going to be so different.”
“I know,” Cherry said. “But you’ll find someone else to cook for you.”
“It’s not just that, Cherry, you’re our rock,” Riot said.
“You’ll be okay,” she said. “And maybe we can work on a few cases together or something.”
“Oh, Cherry, I can’t believe this!” Grace stood up and threw her arms around Cherry’s neck, tears streaming down her face. There was a time, when Grace first arrived, when they didn’t get along so well, but they’d become fast friends so quickly, both of them barely remembered any of that. “We’re going to miss you so much!”
Grace turned to everyone, tears streaming down her face as she faced them all.
“I have an announcement, too,” she said, her lips quivering. “I was waiting until everything calmed down before I said anything. And I should probably tell you first, babe,” she turned to Ryder, her eyes full of love as she smiled at him. “But here we are and I can’t keep this secret any longer.”
“What is it?” Ryder said, his eyes full of alarm.
“I went to the doctor a few weeks ago,” she said, growing serious. “Bones actually, he’s such a good friend and a good doctor.”
“Doctor? Bones?” Ryder said, jumping up and grabbing her arms. “What’s wrong?”
She took a deep breath, the words finally sliding effortlessly off her tongue.
“I’m pregnant.”
Ryder’s face drained of blood, his knees weak as he processed the words she’d just said. Nobody breathed as they waited for his reaction, and then with a huge whoop, he swooped her up into his arms and twirled her around.
“I’m gonna be a dad!” he bellowed, beaming with happiness.
The others broke out into cheers, tears flowing down more than one cheek as the celebrations continued late into the night, Oliver and Olivia perched from a nearby pine tree taking it all in.
****
The Mexican border loomed in the distance. With the top pulled down, Mona drove her convertible down the interstate, a dark hat pulled low over her eyes. It was times like this when she missed Zane. She couldn’t get used to driving herself.
She’d had the foresight to stash away enough cash for an emergency getaway when she’d gotten her first big payday years ago. Within twenty-four hours of fleeing the Gods, she had a new identity, a new car, and a new dream.
All she needed now was a new location.
She’d already set up a meeting with a realtor and explained exactly what she was looking for. Everything she’d left behind was easily duplicated.
Except for one thing, but she had plans to rectify that situation as soon as possible.
She rolled up to the border and flashed the guard her identification. She wasn’t nervous, she’d paid good money for it and she knew there wouldn’t be any questions.
“What brings you to Mexico?” he asked.
She smiled up at him, a sense of peace washing over her.
“I’m going to start a little resort,” she replied. “I’m scouting for properties.”
“That sounds like a big job,” he replied. “You doing this all by yourself?”
“I’ll have help,” she beamed. “My daughter is going to help me.”
“Oh, a family affair,” he nodded. “That’s great. What’s yo
ur daughter’s name?”
“Libby,” she said. “She’s going to love it.”
“You two must be very close,” he said.
“Yes, we are,” she replied.
“Good luck, ma’am,” he said, handing her back her ID and waving her through the gates.
“Thank you,” she replied, a serene smile on her face as she drove forward, her eyes full of the future, her heart full of love for a daughter she never knew.
But that would all soon change.
Soon, Libby would join her and she’d begin to right all the wrongs she’d done. Once she could explain everything, Libby was sure to forgive her.
Once she had her girl back, it would all fall into place and the life she’d always dreamed of would be back within her reach.
If she had to destroy an entire gang of bikers to get there, so be it.
She drove off into the setting sun, a watercolor fantasy of bright orange and red and gold, the perfect inspiration to create a new masterpiece.
THE END
GODS AND ANGELS
GODS OF CHAOS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
BOOK ELEVEN
HONEY PALOMINO
GODS & ANGELS
GODS OF CHAOS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
BOOK ELEVEN
BY HONEY PALOMINO
“Fallen angels lurk in shadows…”
CHAPTER ONE
“I hate that she has to be in the backseat,” Grace said, nervously looking over her shoulder at her baby girl.
Ryder nodded in agreement, his eyes carefully glued to the road as he transported the most precious cargo of his life.
“We need to get one of those little mirrors,” he said. “Where you can see her face.”
“We do. And do you know what else I need?” she asked, with a devilish smile.
“Anything,” he said. “You name it, love.”
“Coffee,” Grace said, a longing in her voice he’d not heard before. “It’s been months since I had caffeine, Ryder! De-caffeinated coffee is the stupidest thing ever invented. What’s the point?”
Ryder smiled at her, his eyes full of love and adoration for the mother of his child. He was in awe of Grace’s strength. He’d already been aware of what a warrior she was, but watching her give birth to their daughter had left him starstruck.
“The Queen gets whatever she wants,” he said. “Starbucks?”
She beamed at him. “This is why I love you!”
“It’s okay to have it now?”
“The doctor said small amounts are fine. It’s all about moderation.”
“Alright, then. There’s a Starbucks a few blocks up the road here. I’ll stop there and you can wait in the car with Sadie while I go in.”
Their little girl slept peacefully in her carseat. So far, she’d been happier and easier and more beautiful than they’d ever imagined she’d be.
“Thank you, baby,” Grace said, squeezing Ryder’s thigh. Her heart swelled with gratitude for her life. She had everything she could ever want.
The last nine months had passed in a blur. She couldn’t believe they were finally taking the baby home.
Grace had been blessed with an easy birth and Sadie was born perfectly healthy, with all ten toes and fingers, and big blue eyes that stole her parent’s hearts immediately.
“Everything’s all ready at the cabin,” Ryder said. “Lacey’s been putting the finishing touches on the nursery while you were in the hospital these last few days.”
“Lacey’s a rockstar, she’s really stepped up since Cherry left.” Cherry had been with them for so long, it had taken a little adjusting to life without her. When she told everyone she was leaving to start a private detective agency in New Orleans with her sister, they weren’t sure how they’d survive without her. Luckily, there were many others at the clubhouse that were willing to pitch in and they’d been getting along just fine.
“She sure has,” Ryder agreed. Lacey was Riot’s love and she was as loyal to the club as Riot was.
The Gods of Chaos Motorcycle Club is a group of very loyal men and women that have bonded in the strongest way. After Ryder, the President of the club met Grace, they formed an organization called Solid Ground that’s taken over all of their lives and saved many others in the process.
They’d all learned the benefits of a large community.
Ryder pulled the SUV into the parking lot of Starbucks and turned the car off. He reached over and pulled Grace into his arms, kissing her softly.
“I love you so much,” he said.
“I love you, too,” she whispered, a mischievous smile playing across her lips. “But I’m going to love you so much more when you’re handing me a grande Caffe Americano.”
His deep laughter bellowed through the car.
“Right! On it,” he said, kissing her nose and sliding out of the car. “Be right back.”
“Get something for yourself, too!” Grace said. “You’re probably going to need it later.”
“Good point,” he nodded, closing the door.
Grace sat back in the seat, a deep, satisfied sigh of happiness escaping from her lips.
Her life couldn’t get any better, she thought.
She’d been blessed with a wonderful man that loved her deeply. A perfect, beautiful daughter. And a satisfying career, helping others, surrounded by her friends and family.
Life was good. It was about to get very exhausting, but she had no doubt it would only get better. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the headrest, immediately falling into a light sleep.
She didn’t hear her car door open.
She didn’t have a chance to see who hit her, knocking her completely unconscious with a sudden blow to her temple.
She didn’t see them reach into the back and take Sadie’s car seat.
By the time Ryder made it back to the car, two steaming cups of coffee in his hands, they were long gone.
He opened the driver’s door, a huge smile on his face.
“Coffee for the Queen!” he exclaimed, leaning down and looking into the car.
His face fell at the sight of her bloody face.
His eyes darted to the empty back seat and his heart sank with fear.
Falling from his hands, the coffee burst open at his feet.
CHAPTER TWO
MONA
Mexico was breathtakingly gorgeous.
It was also a colossal waste of time.
Despite finding the perfect property to start my commune, I backed out at the last minute.
All I could think about was Libby.
Libby, my daughter, the one person in the entire world that meant anything to me. The one person I’d made not just the biggest mistake of my life with, but also the second biggest.
Giving her up was a huge mistake. Kidnapping her was even worse.
Determined to make it all up to her, I abandoned my plans in Mexico and returned to Portland with every intention of doing just that.
Only she wouldn’t see me.
I called, but she hung up.
I wrote her a letter, and then sat outside her house while she pulled the letter from her mailbox — then watched as she tore it up before even opening the envelope.
Broken-hearted, but determined, I continued to watch her with the hope that time would heal her wounds and she’d come around eventually.
She didn’t know I was watching, so I wasn’t doing any more harm than what I’d already done. And just in case she happened to look my way, I disguised myself.
Dressing as a man — wearing a swanky, tailored suit, dark glasses and a hat pulled low over my eyes — provided me with a window into the privilege men are given. I fit in as the perfect Portland hipster guy and immediately people began treating me differently in public.
Doors opened, crowds parted.
Nobody questioned anything I said.
And Libby never gave me a second glance.
After a few weeks of watching from afar, my courage grew and I allowed myself
to get just a little bit closer.
I’d follow her into the grocery store, stroll next to her down the aisles, just to breathe in the same air that she did. Once, I bumped into her — on purpose, of course, but she didn’t know that.
Just touching her was pure joy.
Outside of regular dates with her best friend, Julia, she spent most of her time alone. I hadn’t seen any sign of Bullet or Slade, either. It appeared she’d moved on with her life, which is exactly what she should have done, after I’d locked her up in my basement with two strange men and probably traumatized the poor girl forever.
I couldn’t believe that I’d fucked up so royally.
Unknowingly, of course. If I’d known Libby was my daughter, I’d never have locked her up like that, never!
Making her understand that I really did love her was now the most important thing in my life.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to go about making that happen. But then, a few afternoons ago, she walked into Good Samaritan hospital. Curiously, I followed her and once I saw where she’d gone, who she was visiting, and why…
Well…
I guess you could say everything changed.
I sat in that waiting room for a few hours after Libby left, the intense rage I’d been feeling the last few months quickly growing into a massive storm of emotion that I couldn’t contain.
Dragging myself through the hospital corridor, I returned to my hotel room a changed woman. After drinking myself to sleep, I woke up the next morning knowing exactly what I needed to do.
It wasn’t pretty, but life isn’t pretty.
It’s messy. Just like love.
Sometimes, you have to break the rules.
Sometimes, it gets bloody…
And sometimes, you find yourself completely blending in as just another soccer mom in the check-out line at Walmart in Woodland, Washington, with a basket full of cheap shit made in China that you suddenly have an urgent need for.
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