by Erin Osborne
We’ve been in our room for a little while now. So far Melissa and Dylan have been the only ones to come in. But she’s assured us that everyone is waiting in the lounge to come in. We just wanted to have some time with our son and the babies before everyone fills the room up.
Dylan is already in love with his brother and sister. He’s held them both and now he’s watching over them as they sleep in their bassinets. Shadow and I had a few minutes to discuss names when they were born, but we’re waiting until everyone is in here to announce them. So, Melissa goes out and tells them that they can come in.
Soon, the room is filled beyond capacity and everyone is jostling one another to get a look at the two newest additions to the family. Pops picked up our son while Kim is holding our daughter. Shadow is standing between them because he’s going to be the dad that can’t let them out of his sight and doesn’t trust anyone else holding them. He catches my eye and I nod to let him know that it’s time to share their names.
“Everyone, we’d like to introduce you to William Killian and Kinsliegh Marie Patrick,” he says, a huge smile showing on his face as everyone tells us how much they love the names.
Sally is the only one that runs out of the room. Riley goes after her. She’s still having such a hard time with the loss of him. We don’t know what to do to help her through this because she’s shutting us all out. My heart breaks to see her so broken. But, as soon as I’m back on my feet, I’m going to have a sit down with her. She needs to know that we’re her family and that we’ll help her through this. Shadow and her need to have a talk too. He’s still feeling the loss and that’s why we chose to have his name in part of our sons. Even if it’s the same name as one of Tank’s sons.
I turn my attention back to the room. Everyone is here, celebrating the birth of our children with us. This right here is when we remember that there’s more to life. That no matter what we’re going through, there’s always someone to have our back and give us strength when we need it. My heart fills with joy as my family comes together and celebrates the joy and love of having children. Shadow takes our children back and walks over to me. Dylan climbs up on the bed with us too. This moment will last forever in my memory.
Epilogue
Shadow
THE LAST YEAR HAS BEEN BUSY. Our clubhouse has been rebuilt and is better than ever. It’s more kid-friendly this time. They have more room to run around and just hang out. I designed a game room for them that also holds any and all toys they have here. The kids also have their own TV room stocked with a ton of movies and a few game systems. Yeah, you might find us in there from time to time. But, it’s mainly for them.
The houses for club members are finished being built within the compound. Everyone voted to sell the houses that they had instead of turning them into more houses for the domestic violence program. Every dime from those sales was put together to buy a piece of land where we could build more houses and surround them like the clubhouse. It serves two purposes. One, the girls won’t feel so alone when they have neighbors going through similar situations. Two, there’s a high fence surrounding them to keep everyone else out. Only the people living there and the club members will have the code necessary to get in. Tech is also going to install a camera at the fence, so we’re alerted anytime someone shows up. Thank God Rage and his crews showed up to help us get everything built. Or we’d still be working. The Phantom Bastards helped with the clubhouse, but they have their own shit going on and needed to get back.
Even the gym has taken off better than I imagined. Steel took over the construction company so that I could open it. It’s different not going to the fights and getting in the ring, but I like training the guys more. Especially one guy, Johnny. He’s a prospect with the club now and also my newest fighter. We work good together and I see him going far if he chooses to go that route. The club, and me, will back him no matter what.
I still miss Killian every day. He was a good man and one that died protecting the people around him. If Trenton were still alive, I’d be making him pay every second of every day. Killian didn’t deserve to die young. He deserved to live a full life with all the happiness he could find. It just so happens that we did find out that he’s a dad even if he’s not here to witness it. We’ll make sure his daughter is cared for, loved, and knows who her dad was. Sally didn’t mean to get pregnant. She had been sick, and her antibiotics messed with her birth control. We were all there to meet his little girl Natalia when she was born.
We all watched the news religiously when the Senator’s trial was happening. His defense attorney tried to bring in all sorts of experts and other character witnesses in on his behalf. Not a single member of the jury believed any of them though. He’s now serving a lengthy prison sentence. The look on Andrews face when he received the guilty verdict and then his sentence was priceless. He seriously thought that he was going to get away with every illegal act he’s ever committed. Gage may have met with some guys we know in the same prison. The good Senators days won’t be filled with good times, that’s for sure.
Renee has taken Sally under her wing and made sure that she got a house close to ours. And Gage has assured my girl that Sally’s no longer a club girl. But we’ll make sure that she finds work and lives the life Killian would want her to live. Natalia will have more uncles and cousins than she knows what to do with. If she stays around here. I don’t know that she will because she’s still having a hard time. Renee has talked to her about moving to Benton Falls with Gwen and the Phantom Bastards.
Dylan is excited to be starting preschool in a few months. Renee isn’t so sure about it, but she knows that he needs to start now. And it gives him a chance to meet new kids and get out of the house. He follows me around when I’m home and wants to do everything that I do. I love having my own shadow and being able to teach him what it takes to be a good man. Even if we’re starting out young, he’ll know that I love him and will be there to have his back no matter where his life takes him.
Kinsliegh and Will are growing like weeds. They turn one in a week and already have everyone wrapped around their little fingers. Especially my angel Kinsliegh. She looks just like her mama and I know I’m gonna be handing a few boys their asses when they come looking to date my little girl. Dylan and Will won’t have a problem helping me out with that. They already watch her like a hawk to make sure she doesn’t get hurt. With them walking now, it’s funny to watch her toddle around with them following her. She might like it now, but I can’t wait for the fights it will cause sooner or later. Will on the other hand looks just like me. Instead of being small like his sister, Will’s a tank. If he’s not following Dylan around, he’s with me. My favorite time of the day with them is night time. They love to cuddle like their mama and I can’t get enough of it.
I never thought that I would find the kind of life I’m living with Renee. She loves me, supports me, and does what she can to help everyone we love. I’m happier than I ever imagined I’d be and won’t live a day without my girl by my side. She completes me in a way no one else could and brings light to my dark life.
Renee
The last year has been so amazing. My kids and husband are happy and healthy, the club is doing better than ever, and my friends in Benton Falls are thriving. I’m head nurse in the emergency room so I can cut back on my hours a little bit. But I still put time in on the maternity floor once a week. They didn’t want me to cut down, but I may be talking to Shadow about cutting back even more soon. I have a secret he doesn’t know about just yet. I’ve been waiting for a good time and I think today is that day. The twins are down for a nap, now’s our chance to talk.
“Babe, got a minute?” I ask, walking into the living room to find him sitting on the couch with Kinsliegh sleeping in his arms. Yeah, he has a hard time putting her down when she’s being daddy’s girl.
“Anythin’ for you, Doc,” he responds, watching me walk over to him and sit down next to them. “You about to tell me what you’ve been keepin�
�� from me?”
“You know?” I ask, astonishment taking over as I sit up straighter and almost wake our daughter up.
“Yeah, babe. You’ve been actin’ off for a few weeks. And, you’re body’s already changin’. Since I know your body so well, I’ve noticed. I was just waitin’ for you to tell me,” he says, that damn sexy smirk on his face.
“Well, since you already know that, I wanted to talk to you about something else. I’ve been thinking that with four kids, I might quit working. I mean I could stay on at the hospital on a per diem basis, so I go in when they need me. But I’d be home for the most part,” I say, wringing my hands together as I wait for his response.
“You want to give up helpin’ people?” he asks, turning his full attention to me.
“No. I’ll still work there when I’m needed. But I thought I could do more for the victims we take in. Maybe start something up with Mrs. Copeland. I know that she wants to do more than she can in her position. Maybe I can help her out with that,” I say, shrugging my shoulders as I toss my idea out.
“If that’s what you wanna do babe, I’m all for it. I’ll talk to the guys and make sure they’re on board with it. But, with the number of houses we have now, it shouldn’t be a problem at all,” he says, pulling me into his side as we sit on the couch side by side. Our daughter nestled in his lap deep in dreamland.
“I love you James Patrick,” I say, kissing his neck before turning my attention to the TV.
“I love you too Renee Patrick,” he answers, kissing me on the side of the head as I lay it down on his shoulder.
Our story isn’t perfect by any means, but it’s ours. We’ve had our ups and downs, happy times and horrible times. We own our mistakes and learn from them. Shadow brought me back from walking down a very lonely path with pushing everyone close to me away. And I help him realize that he does deserve to be loved every day and that his dreams and goals do matter. We support one another and make sure that are kids will grow up to know they are loved and protected. What more can anyone ask for?
The End
Shadow’s Dilemma Playlist
Mercy – Brett Young
Love Me Or Don’t – Jason Aldean
Tryin’ To Love Me – Jason Aldean
Yours – Russell Dickerson
Arm – Christina Perri
Even If I Wanted To – Jason Aldean
All I Want – Staind
Break Away – Staind
Everything Changes – Staind
Lost – Avenged Sevenfold
Jar Of Hearts – Christina Perri
Till It’s Gone – Yelawolf
These Words – Jill Andrews
Stay – Rhianna
A Few Steps Back – Kyle Burke
Simple – Florida Georgia Line
Talk You Out Of It – Florida Georgia Line
Foolish – Ashanti
Differences - Ginuwine
Acknowledgments
There are so many people that I’d like to thank for making Shadow’s Dilemma possible. First of all, my kids. You have helped me keep up with daily tasks, put up with my deadlines, were patient when I was in ‘writing mode’, and support me following my dreams. I love you to the moon and back! Cody, Shane, and Kayla, you are my entire world and I can’t wait to see where following your dreams takes you! I’ll be your biggest cheerleader and there to have your back when you need it.
To my beta team. Thank you for helping me make sure that the story makes sense and that there are no holes in the story. Cecilia, Jenni, Kim, Claire, Ashley, Shannon, and Helen you read the book fast, gave me good input, and helped me add things to make the story better. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Jenni and Kim, you both are a part of my team, my friend, and a part of my family. You help me when I’m stuck, let me vent when I need it, and have my back no matter what. Thank you both for having my back and helping me with more than just writing! I love you both!!
Shelly you have helped me since the very beginning of this journey. Not only do you do amazing work on the covers, teaser, etc. but you don’t stop until I love the final product. Thank you so much for the hard work and everything else! It’s an honor to work with you!
Reggie we have worked together on more than a few covers now. You have helped me find different people to work with on different things involving the book world and a few personal issues. Thank you for being a part of this! It’s an honor to work with you!
Robert thank you for not only being on the cover of Shadow’s Dilemma but answering any questions I had about different things. And for introducing me to different people within the community. Thank you for being a part of this. It’s an honor to work with you!
About the Author
Growing up, I was constantly reading anything I could get my hands on. Even if that meant I was reading my grandma’s books that weren’t so age appropriate. I started out reading Judy Blume, then graduated to romance, mainly historical romance, and last year I found an amazing group of Indie authors that wrote MC books. Instantly I fell in love with these books.
For a long time, I’ve wanted to write. I just never had the courage to go through with actually doing it. During a book release party, I mentioned that I wanted to write and I received encouragement from an amazing author. So, I took a leap and wrote my first book. Even though this amazing journey is just starting for me, I wouldn’t have even started if it weren’t for a wonderful group of authors and others that I’ve met along the way.
I am a mother of three children. Only one girl in the bunch! My family and friends mean the world to me and I’d be lost without them. Including new friends that I’ve met along the way. I’ve lived in New York my whole life, either in Upstate or the Southern Tier. I love it during the summer, spring, and fall. But, not so much during the winter. I hate driving in snow with a passion!
When I’m not hanging out with my family/friends, reading, or writing, you can find me listening to music. I love almost all music! Or, I’m watching a NASCAR race.
I look forward to meeting new friends, even if I’m extremely shy!
Here are some links to connect with me:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ErinOsborneAuthor/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/author_osborne
My website:
http://erinosborne1013.wix.com/authorerinosborne
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/emgriff07
Other Books
Wild Kings MC
Skylar’s Saviors
Bailey’s Saving Grace
Tank’s Salvation
Melody’s Temptation
Blade’s Awakening
Irish’s Destiny
Rage’s Redemption
Wild Kings MC: Dander Falls
Darcy’s Downfall
Riley’s Rescue
Harley’s Surrender
Alpha Demons MC
Tempted By Demons’
The Old Ladies Club
Book 1: Wild Kings MC
Book 2: Soul Shifterz MC
Book 3: Rebel Guardians MC