Through The Woods

by Myers, Shannon

  I’d had enough credits from some courses I took in high school to be considered a second semester freshman and, if I worked hard, I would be eligible to graduate in two short years. That included taking summer classes too, but it was definitely within the realm of possibility.

  They still argued with me over wanting to cook and clean, but these bikers had saved my life—in more ways than one. They’d pulled me from a life of addiction and given me purpose. The least I could do was take care of the place we called home.

  I found Amber not long after I got out of the hospital and verified that she was indeed pregnant with Axel’s baby—further proof that my odd experience in the hospital had been more than a dream.

  Gunner had insisted that she have a place at the clubhouse—Gunner, of all people. I hadn’t complained; not only did I have help with housekeeping, but I now had my best friend under the same roof as well.

  When Ali showed up, the three of us were unstoppable. Oh yes, PD had given up the act and fully committed to the bubbly yoga instructor.

  And Charm?

  Well, it turned out that the menacing biker was a complete softie when it came to me. I got a side of him that no one else did and I would never take it for granted.

  “You know, you’re about the same size that I was when I married, so I didn’t have to take in much at all. I’d always wanted to have kids, especially a daughter, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

  “Jerry was in the mining industry, like almost everyone else around here was. The price of oil dropped in the ‘80s and suddenly almost everyone we knew was out of a job.” She paused as she made some adjustments to my dress.

  I watched her dark hair as she worked. “What happened?”

  She looked up and met my eyes in the mirror. “Well, for better or worse, the Scarred Savages showed up. Luck was building an army and he took on any man who wanted in. Jerry was hesitant to join, but we were desperate—”

  I interrupted. “Sorry—your husband was part of the MC? How has this not come up before now?”

  She laughed as she placed another stitch, before pulling the bottom of her shirt up to reveal a small tattoo on her lower stomach. It was a skull with flames coming out of it—the same as the MC logo.

  She pointed to it and smiled. “It didn’t always have this many wrinkles in it. Back then, Luck ran things much differently. He ruled over Kasselhessen like a tyrant; the town was prosperous, but people were terrified of him.”

  I cleared my throat when she got quiet. “Um, Pearl? Did you know Charm when he was a kid?”

  He’d mentioned wanting Miss Pearl to take Bones in; he had to have been referring to her. I knew that he was young when Luck moved them up to Colorado, and as much as he’d deny it, someone somewhere had nurtured his compassionate side.

  Pearl’s entire face lit up. “Oh, yes. Kane and Raegan were like the grandchildren that Jerry and I never had. That boy would’ve done anything for her. Women,” she paused and rolled her eyes, “or ‘bitches’, as we were called back then, weren’t welcome at the clubhouse. I offered to keep the kids when the club held church.

  “So, the kids were with me a lot. They didn’t know much about having a mother and I didn’t know much about having kids, but we made the best of it. It killed me to watch Raegan fall into drugs, and her daddy just let it happen. Never said a word.” Her voice shook as she spoke, indicating the anger she still held toward Luck.

  I knew how the rest of this story went. By the time Rae got hooked on heroin, Jerry had gotten sick with cancer. Pearl was trying to run a business and care for her husband. She felt like things might’ve turned out differently had she been there for Rae.

  Her voice startled me from my thoughts. “Jerry died within weeks of that poor girl. Once he heard the news, he just lost his will to fight anymore. I took comfort in the thought that at least she’d have someone to look after her up there.”

  I nodded. Luck seemed to have no use for club members who were dying and the families who were left behind. Once Jerry was gone, Pearl had struggled to continue running the boutique without the club’s support.

  Charm admitted to me that once he took over, his first order of business had been getting Pearl back to where she never had to worry about money again. It made me smile now, knowing that he’d done it because he saw her as the mother he never had.

  He’d taken a run-down mining town and made it prosperous, while instilling a sense of family in the townspeople—something his father had never been able to achieve. Everything he’d accomplished was a testament to the love that this woman had for him as a boy.

  “There. I think that about does it. Let me know what you think.” Pearl sat back and began sticking the straight pins back into the pincushion near her feet.

  I did a slow twirl in the mirror. The dress fit me like a glove. She’d even sewn a small patch onto the back of the dress to match Charm’s.

  “I love it.” I twirled again.

  She gave me a wide smile. “Well, in that case, we’d better get over to Sandra’s for hair and makeup. Can’t have you running late for your big day.”

  “Damn, Darlin’. You look absolutely perfect.” Rooster rested his arm against the door frame.

  I self-consciously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before remembering that Amber said it was meant to ‘fall in loose waves’ around my face, so I quickly untucked it.

  “Thanks, Rooster. Are there a lot of people out there?”

  He must’ve heard the slight panic in my voice because he replied lazily, “Only one who matters is waiting down by the alter. He sent me to make sure you didn’t try and make a run for it.”

  Joker stepped around from behind him and stopped short once he saw me. He ran a hand over his face in awe.

  Beautiful.

  I blinked away the tears that formed and smiled softly. “I’m a little nervous, guys.”

  Guardrail and Twitch shoved their way through the crowd. “That’s why we’re here,” they exclaimed simultaneously.

  Twitch cocked his brow and continued. “I know you don’t have family, kid. That’s why I’m here—gonna walk you down the aisle.

  Doc’s laugh came from somewhere near the back. “Fat chance of that, Twitch. That’s why I’m here—I found her in the forest that day; it should be me.”

  The men began bickering amongst themselves and I took a moment to finish fastening the opal earrings that Pearl had lent me. They were the same ones she’d worn when she married Jerry— “Something borrowed,” she’d said as she dropped them into my hand before she and Amber slipped out to join the others in the church sanctuary.

  Yeah, I was getting married in a church. The Lutheran church downtown was by far the largest building that Kasselhessen had to offer. I’d been shocked when Charm suggested it. I’d expected a small ceremony at the clubhouse, but from the sounds of it, the entire town had turned out to watch him take his vows.

  Vows.

  Cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

  I was really doing it—I was marrying the leader of a biker gang. In a million years, I never would’ve imagined this. Surprisingly, it was better than anything I could’ve planned for myself.

  I had the love of a great man and it came with seven built-in brothers to boot. Seven brothers who were still arguing over who was going to walk me down the aisle.

  “I was the biggest asshole to her. It should be me that walks her,” Gunner deadpanned before everyone cracked up.

  I was laughing so hard that I had to fan my eyes to keep my makeup from running. “Okay, here’s how this is gonna go—you’re all going to walk me down the aisle. I don’t even know how to make this work—”

  Gunner clapped his hands together. “I got it. PD, Twitch— hallway now. Let’s make this happen.”

  I stared after them in puzzlement until Doc spoke. “He thinks that because they’re former Marines they’re the only ones qualified to organize this.” He raised his voice. “Never mind that I was a fucking fiel
d medic in the Army!”

  Laughter sounded from out in the hall and PD responded with, “Army? Never heard of her.”

  Doc spoke through a clenched jaw. “Fucking Marines, thinking they’re the only branch of the military.”

  The other guys found the whole thing hilarious, but I cleared my throat uncomfortably. “Um, I don’t think you’re supposed to curse inside a church—you’ll go straight to Hell.”

  Joker’s eyes widened and I amended, “Not you, J. You’re perfect.” He relaxed again on the small settee in the corner.

  Within a few minutes, the men came back into the room and Gunner spoke. “Okay, Neve, we’ve got it all worked out—we’re gonna line up. I’ll act as Convoy Commander, obviously, and PD will be Assistant Convoy Commander. I’ll lead and then the rest will either flank you or bring up the rear. Sound good?”

  I tried to push my lips together, but it was no use. Once I started laughing, it was almost impossible to stop. “That’s what she said,” I managed to wheeze out.

  Gunner sighed, “Goddammit, Neve,” before fighting a smile himself.

  Rooster groaned and put his head in his hands. “It’s bad enough you got Charm sayin’ that shit all the time now, Darlin’. Is it really necessary?”

  I grinned. “My wedding—my rules. Don’t you guys know anything about being bridesmaids?”

  Guardrail shook his head. “I didn’t sign up to be a goddamn bridesmaid.”

  I sighed, “Fine—bride escort. Are we ready to go yet?”

  Gunner whipped out his cell phone. “We’re just waiting on the coordinator and then our mission begins.”

  I didn’t think it was possible, but someone was definitely taking this wedding business more seriously than I was. I checked my makeup again in the mirror—Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire was the perfect choice for today. Pearl’s friends at the beauty shop did my makeup in such a way that the red complimented the ivory in the dress, instead of taking away from it. And Amber had ensured that my hair looked elegant, but not overdone.

  I caught Joker waving at me from the corner of my eye and he began signing frantically. PD gave us both a puzzled look. “What’s wrong with him?”

  I replied, “Well, he’s worried that I don’t have something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue. I’m wearing Pearl’s wedding gown, so that’s my something old—and I borrowed her earrings. My shoes are new, so really I’m only missing something blue.”

  PD jumped up. “I got it—be right back.”

  I fidgeted with the belt on my dress and traced circles in the carpet with my shoe while we waited. He burst back in and held up a baby blue handkerchief.

  The guys chuckled when I wrinkled up my nose. “PD, no offense, but I am not carrying your used handkerchief even if it’s supposed to bring me fifty years of good luck.”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s brand new. I bought it back before you helped me. It’s just been sitting in the saddle bag on my bike. Ask Ali, she’ll tell you.”

  I nodded. “Okay, if you swear it’s never been used, then it looks like I’m set.” He took my bouquet, courtesy of Deb over at Main St. Flowers, and wrapped the handkerchief around the base.

  A knock at the door from the church coordinator sent the men scattering to their prearranged positions. I took one last look in the mirror and a deep breath before following after them.

  The music started, something acoustic, yet vaguely familiar to me. Twitch joined me in the small vestibule, nodding approvingly at the music selection. “Pearl Jam—good choice.”

  I laughed when I realized that he was absolutely right—we were listening to an instrumental version of ‘Just Breathe.’ Pearl Jam had been playing in Clint’s truck the night I ran for my life. It had seemed like I’d reached my lowest point then, but the close of that chapter had led me straight to Charm. It was fitting that another one of their songs would play as I started a new one as his wife.

  Twitch patted my arm. “You nervous, kid?”

  I nodded. “A little, but he’s it for me. I’ve known it for a while now—it’s just time to make it official.”

  The doors opened and there he was—in all his leather glory. Kane. I should’ve known he wouldn’t be in a tux since the other guys weren’t. He looked like an actor rehearsing his lines, the worry lines on his face a clear indicator that he was afraid of messing them up.

  True to Gunner’s word, each man was positioned at a specific point leading down to where my groom stood nervously. The minute his eyes met mine though, a grin broke out on his face and he visibly relaxed. Everyone rose and turned toward me expectantly.

  Twitch led me a few steps down the aisle before turning me over to Guardrail. He then slipped into position behind us. Guardrail squeezed my arm before handing me off to Joker. Each biker brought me closer to Charm like a proud father, before slipping back into their more familiar role as bodyguard.

  By the time I reached the front of the church, I had a line of men trailing behind me. Gunner took my hand last and we walked the remaining steps before he placed it in Charm’s. I found that his palm was sweaty, much like mine had been when he held my hand for the first time out on the ledge.

  The officiant began, but I was only halfheartedly listening. My entire focus was on the man in front of me. My voice cracked several times as I recited my vows, but his firm grip on my hands helped me get through it.

  He never once broke eye contact as he recited his. My biker, who had killed men with his bare hands, looked about as ferocious as a bunny rabbit standing in front of me.

  We exchanged rings—Pearl had known someone who forged metal, so I was able to find a ring for him that was similar to mine, yet still completely unique. We stood, smiling at each other like a couple of fools as the officiant concluded, “By the power vested in me by the state of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

  He dipped me backward before pressing his mouth to mine. The church erupted in cheers and raucous catcalls from the bikers, along with a discreet throat clearing from the officiant before the music kicked on.

  I swayed slightly as he brought me back to my feet, but he kept me in his arms, ensuring that I remained upright. We began walking toward the back of the church, with people stepping out into the aisle to offer their congratulations and words of wisdom. About halfway down, Charm groaned in frustration and swung me up and over his shoulder.

  I giggled as he began moving faster toward the exit, even as throngs of people kept approaching us. He took a couple of steps forward before roaring, “Fuck off—she’s mine now!”

  And that was how I knew that, while I may not have lived a fairy tale life, I had most certainly found my Prince Charming in the foul-mouthed biker carrying me out of the church.

  Epilogue

  Two Years Later

  Sweat beaded on my brow before dripping into my eyes, stinging them, and I found that I didn’t even have the strength to reach up to wipe it away.

  I closed my eyes with a groan when a cool washcloth touched my forehead. “You doing okay, honey?”

  I panted heavily. “Does it look like I’m okay, sweetheart?”

  Charm patted my back awkwardly. “You got this, Neve. Just—uh—just keep on doing what you’re doing.”

  I winced as another wave of pain washed over me and cried out. It was like my body was breaking apart from the inside out. Once the contraction subsided, I forced out between clenched teeth. “I should’ve been graduating summa cum laude right now. Instead—” I let out an anguished howl. “I’m in friggin’ labor. You promised me that this baby would stay in until I graduated—you gave…me…your…word.”

  Charm looked like he was fighting a small smile until I gripped the front of his shirt and yanked him down next to me. His eyes widened. “Babies do what they want to do, honey—including showing up two weeks early.”

  I let out a small sob and released him. “I wanted to walk across the stage…I haven�
�t packed my bag for the hospital…the book said I should’ve done it already. I’m already failing at being a mother.”

  Something settled on top of my head and I looked up with a sniffle. Rooster stepped back and grinned. “It’s perfect, Darlin’—really brings out your eyes.”

  I looked past him to the mirror hanging on the wall opposite my bed. I didn’t want to think about why there would be a mirror there. Who in their right mind would want to see that?

  Rooster had placed my graduation cap on my head—my black graduation cap. I exhaled slowly. “My eyes are blue, jackass.”

  He shook his head. “Nuh-uh. Right now, they’re black, like a cave. Speaking of, is your pain getting worse? Are you leaking fluid? We’re supposed to note the color of the fluid—not sure why—maybe pink for girl and blue for boy? Anywho—”

  Guardrail chimed in. “I think we need to boil some water—maybe cut up some sheets. What if we put a knife under the bed? My mama said it would cut her pain in half.”

  Another contraction hit and I moaned. “Charm—if you love me at all, you will get them the hell out of here,” I paused as the vice around my abdomen tightened before ordering, in a voice that sounded nothing like mine, “NOW!”

  He reluctantly left my side and stood up. “Outside—go!”

  I cried out and he immediately came back over to me, his eyes narrowed with concern. Maybe I should’ve taken the nurse’s advice and gotten the epidural.

  He re-wet the washcloth and held it to my forehead as I panted like a madwoman. “I’m gonna call a nurse—you shouldn’t have to feel like this.”

  I shook my head and he glared at me. “Dammit, honey. Ain’t no one gonna give you a shiny medal for going through this without pain meds.”

  The band around my belly tightened, taking my breath away. I attempted to sit up, kicking the blankets off my legs because I just knew that I would feel better if I could sit up and push for a second. Charm gripped my hand and helped me into a sitting position. I leaned forward and grabbed the backs of my knees, letting my body take over. He was right; I was going to get the damn epidural and sleep until this baby decided to show up