Gunner (Ride Series Second Generation Book 4)

by Megan O'Brien

  We’d had an amazing time the night before. All the girls had joined us, even Francesca for a short time, and we’d stayed up late drinking and talking.

  I had the best women in my life.

  “We brought treats!” Sophie called from the doorway.

  “Oh my god, is the whole mama brigade here?” I demanded.

  A familiar hand stroked my hair back from my face. “Of course, my sweet girl. It’s your wedding day,” my mom replied gently.

  My mother had done an amazing job raising me and my brothers, but the first-generation women from the club had certainly had a hand in it.

  “Holy crap, I’m getting married today!” I exclaimed, sitting upright in Grace’s bed and looking around frantically.

  I didn’t find the laughter that ensued at all amusing as I rubbed at my eyes.

  Mom sat on the edge of the bed and pulled me into her arms. “In about five hours,” she soothed. “We have time.”

  While I couldn’t wait to be Gunner’s wife and to start our life together as a married couple, there was part of me that always needed to be her little girl.

  “You’ll always be my sweet Emmie,” she murmured, as though reading my mind. “You and your brothers made me a mom. And you’ll make me a grandma too someday, right?”

  I pulled back to shoot her a dour look. “Really, Mom, already?”

  She shrugged. “Are you really surprised?”

  “Nope,” I replied honestly as Scarlet laughed.

  She stood up. “All right, girls. We’ll see you out there.”

  I flopped back down as our moms headed back out to the kitchen.

  “You okay?” I asked quietly, looking over at Grace, who was staring intently at the ceiling.

  She hadn’t wanted to talk much about Ruston the night before, and I hadn’t pushed.

  “Fine,” she assured me. “It’s your big day.”

  “It is. But I’m also here for you if you want to talk. And I understand if you want to go over to the hospital for a bit.” I squeezed her hand. “You haven’t missed a day, have you?”

  She bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing to myself. He’s just going to get better and leave.”

  “You don’t know that,” I protested.

  She sighed. “He’s the prez of a club, Emmie. If anyone knows the importance of that, it’s me. He’s not going to leave all that. And I wouldn’t want him to.”

  “Girls, you coming?” my mom called.

  “Better get out there.” She grinned. “We need to eat and then I need to get started on your hair and makeup.”

  “Saved by the bell.” I narrowed my eyes at her as she shot me a wink and rose from bed.

  We were eating pancakes and drinking coffee around Grace’s dining table when Piper swept in, garment bag in hand.

  Piper, one of the first-generation wives and one of my mother’s closest friends, owned one of the best boutiques in Hawthorne. She’d been able to order me my dream dress and had tailored it herself.

  “You’re a life saver,” I greeted, hugging her affectionately.

  She smiled. “Are you kidding? This was so much fun. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride.”

  After a leisurely breakfast and a mimosa, Grace clapped her hands and announced it was time to get started on my hair and makeup. I followed her dutifully despite feeling like it was far too early.

  She had me seated, drink in hand and bride robe on, when a knock sounded at the bedroom door.

  When Mason popped his head in, she waved a hand in protest. “Hey, no boys allowed!”

  He chuckled. “Believe me, I’m not staying long. It’s a complete estrogen fest in here. I’m on an important errand.” He held up a gift bag.

  He stepped into the room and handed it to me. “From your very-soon-to-be husband,” he explained, his gaze soft. “Congratulations, Em. I’m really happy for you guys.”

  I stood up and wrapped him in a hug. “Thanks, Mason. I’m so glad you were able to make it.”

  He pulled back with a grin. “I wouldn’t have missed it. All right, I’m outta here. We’ll see you all soon.”

  I pulled the card out from the bag, recognizing Gunner’s block print.

  We may have taken our time getting here, but you were always mine. And you will be forever. I’ll see you soon, baby. I love you - Gun

  I pulled out the tissue-covered parcel and unwrapped it. Tears filled my eyes as I got a look at the framed photograph.

  It was of Gun and me; I looked to be sixteen or so. We were at my parents’ house, out back by the pool. I had my head thrown back, laughing at something, and Gunner was staring at me with an indulgent smile so full of affection, it would have made my heart burst if I had noticed at the time.

  “What a great photo,” Grace murmured, gazing over my shoulder.

  I skimmed my fingers over the image. “I never noticed him looking at me like this,” I whispered.

  “He didn’t want you to,” she replied. “But he did. Believe me. Still does.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze.

  I wiped at my face and sat back in the chair with even more motivation to get down that aisle. “Well, let’s get down to business. Don’t want to leave my man waiting.”

  Chapter 25

  GUNNER

  As I stood at the end of the aisle we’d built in Emmie’s parents’ backyard, my heart pounded in my chest—not with any sort of fear, but with impatience.

  The fact that I was so close to having what I’d wanted for so much of my life and had denied myself for entirely too long, had my arms practically itching with the craving to hold her.

  In my need to make Emmie my wife as soon as possible, the location of our wedding initially hadn’t mattered to me. Our house wasn’t an option due to all the work we were doing, but I would have married her in the grocery store if it got me the same result.

  But now, standing in the backyard where I had so many childhood memories and where I’d begun falling in love with Emmie, I realized that getting married here wasn’t just a good option, it was perfect. I couldn’t think of a better place to start our lives together than where we’d first begun.

  With Max by my side as my best man, Grace as the maid of honor, and Cole alongside her as our officiant, I stared out at the chairs in front of us filled with friends who’d long since been family. I shot a wink to my mom, seated in the front row, an unbridled smile on her face.

  She would have never said it because she never wanted me in danger, but I knew Castillo’s death was a relief. She’d never have to look over her shoulder, never have to think about my father’s death going unpunished.

  She hadn’t asked for it, but I’d delivered that justice, and it had freed us both.

  I hoped she’d find true happiness again, that she’d wear the smile she wore now more often. That she’d find love again. As much as she was over the moon happy for me, she deserved the same.

  When Emmie stepped out of the house, her arm linked with Cal’s, my breath caught in my throat.

  “Holy shit,” I mumbled, earning a chuckle from Max.

  The cream silk dress fit her like a glove, accentuating her slim waist and delicious curves. My mouth watered to kiss her where the thin straps met her collarbone. Her hair was down in soft waves around her face, her makeup simple and natural, the way I preferred it. Nothing should alter the perfection that was her face.

  But it was her radiant smile that overwhelmed me. The fact that she could be even half as happy to spend her life with me as I was to spend mine with her was a gift I swore to never take for granted.

  When they got close enough, Cal reached out to shake my hand. Then, with a simple nod that was anything but, he put Emmie’s hand in mine, passing on one of his life’s greatest responsibilities: loving and protecting his only daughter.

  With both her hands in mine, Em beamed up at me, the excitement in her eyes mirroring the thrill that pounded in my veins.

  She smiled
as Cole began the ceremony, formalizing what we already knew.

  That we belonged to each other.

  * * *

  “You look so incredible,” I told her not for the first time as I held her in my arms, swaying to the music.

  Just as when Cal had proposed to Jill in this same spot so many years ago, he’d covered the pool, creating a perfect-sized dance floor with lights twinkling from above.

  I appreciated our surroundings secondhand; I was too enraptured with my wife to do much else. From the moment she’d begun the walk down the aisle, I’d barely been able to take my eyes off her.

  She grinned. “Glad you think so. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

  I chuckled, my left hand, newly adorned with a thick black band, squeezing her waist. “So, when’s the earliest I can take you home?” I demanded.

  I knew she wanted the party, and I wanted her to enjoy it. I just wanted inside of her more.

  She grinned up at me. “As much as I want you to take this dress off, we get one wedding night. I want to enjoy this. And then I want to enjoy you,” she murmured, staring up at me through her lashes, a coy smile on her full lips.

  I groaned but nodded with reluctant agreement. I wanted my wife to have everything she wanted, even if that meant having to wait for what I needed.

  Her.

  When the song ended, I took her hand. “Let’s get you something to eat,” I coaxed, guiding her toward the buffet set up under a tent on the grass.

  We’d wanted a casual atmosphere with no formal dinner. The open seating allowed people to eat when they were hungry, to sit with who they chose, and to drink and dance whenever the mood struck.

  Judging by the full dance floor we’d just left, most of our guests preferred the latter. Not that I was surprised.

  We joined Max, Wren, Cash, Layla, and Riley at a table, and I pulled Emmie into my lap rather than letting her sit next to me. We ate off the same plate as light conversation hummed around us.

  “When do you guys head for the cabin?” Layla wanted to know as she helped cut up Riley’s meal.

  Cole had been generous enough to offer his and Scarlet’s cabin on the lake a few hours south of us. We planned to do a bigger honeymoon when we were through with some of the major renovations on the house.

  “Tomorrow.” Em smiled. “Thanks again for watching the dogs,” she added, looking to Wren and Max. “You feeling okay, Wren?” she asked, and for the first time I noticed that Wren looked a bit pale.

  Max cleared his throat and raised an inquiring brow toward his wife.

  “We weren’t going to say anything because it’s your big day, but we’re having a baby,” she shared with a shy grin.

  “Holy shit!” Em exclaimed, jumping off my lap to hug them both. “That’s the best news you could have shared on our wedding day!”

  Layla was the next to wrap Wren in a big hug as Riley tried to figure out what all the excitement was about.

  “Congrats, man.” I grinned, shaking hands with Max before Cash did the same.

  “How are you feeling?” Emmie demanded, going into nurse mode. “How far along are you?”

  “About ten weeks, and whoever called it morning sickness is full of it. For me it lasts all day.”

  Emmie offered a sympathetic smile. “Try some ginger tea, eat small portions, and keep things pretty plain. Hopefully it’ll pass once you hit your second trimester.”

  Wren nodded. “I hope so.”

  “We’re so happy for you guys.” Emmie beamed, and all I could think of was how much I wanted to be sharing the same news soon.

  We’d talked about our plans and had agreed to start our family as soon as we had the house in order, one of the reasons why neither of us wanted to delay in the renovations.

  “Be right back,” Emmie murmured a few minutes later as she rose from my lap. I watched her cross the lawn to Grace, wrapping an arm around her friend.

  They were closer than most sisters, and I was glad Emmie had Grace in her life. I also knew that whatever was going on with Ruston could very well not end well. My girl would need to be the landing pad if things went south.

  Grace nodded at something Emmie said, and with a smile over Emmie’s shoulder toward me, she raised her hand in parting.

  My gaze shot to Cole across the dance floor, standing with his arm around his wife, his eyes on his daughter. His gaze narrowed as she slipped away from the wedding as stealthily as she could.

  Anyone paying a bit of attention knew exactly where she was going. Clearly, her father was no different, and he wasn’t happy.

  When Emmie returned to me, I didn’t ask about their conversation. I wanted her to enjoy the rest of her night rather than worry about her best friend. And that’s exactly what we did.

  We ate, drank, and danced our asses off.

  “Now are you ready for me to take you home?” I demanded, my forehead to hers as we moved to the beat on the dance floor.

  She nodded.

  “Thank fuck,” I grumbled, earning a peal of laughter from her.

  As I carried her over the threshold of our home later that night—which smelled of paint and plaster, of the sweat and commitment we’d poured into it—my chest swelled with the memories we’d make here.

  Emmie and I hadn’t taken the easy road, but I had no regrets; our journey had only made us stronger. Now, with our future in front of us, I knew one thing for sure: it’d be a hell of a ride.

  Epilogue

  THREE YEARS LATER

  I wasn’t sure what had awoken me as I opened my eyes to the dawn’s soft light cascading over our bed. My gaze caught on the G that had been tattooed on my left ring finger since our honeymoon. I’d made the mistake of taking my rings off when we went for a swim, and Gunner had marched me into the closest tattoo parlor that evening. He said no one would ever doubt I was married again, jewelry or not. His matching E was all the appeasement I needed. We both wore our rings more often than not, but the permanence of the ink was something I relished.

  Finding Gunner’s side of the bed empty, I immediately knew where I might find him.

  I walked past Weston and Ellis’s room, finding our youngest sons still fast asleep. Named after his late grandfather, with his soulful brown eyes, Weston was the spitting image of his dad.

  We’d found out we were pregnant just as our adoption had gone through for Ellis. I’d never forget the first time I’d held him, my fingers tracing his beautiful brown skin and looking into his fathomless brown eyes. He’d been four months old when we’d brought him home, and he’d been lighting up our lives ever since.

  Having two boys less than a year apart had been challenging at times, but now at two and three years old, they were incredibly close, and I knew their bond would remain for the rest of their lives.

  I wandered down the hall through to the kitchen, which, after all of the work we’d put in, was a chef’s dream. Our latest project was going to be even larger, putting an addition on the house to make room for our expanding family.

  I turned my gaze outside, where I found my husband seated on the top step of the patio, Leo at his side. Gunner had an arm around him, talking gently to him.

  When the adoption agency had called, letting us know that they’d discovered that Ellis had an older brother who’d been in the foster care system for the entirety of his six years, we hadn’t hesitated to bring him home with us three months ago.

  The adjustment had been difficult for him. He was used to being moved around and had been hesitant to open up to us, to trust us. He didn’t sleep well and often woke early. He’d told us he wasn’t used to the quiet, to the large bed he had to himself.

  Not all of his foster homes had been good ones, and it broke my heart that he’d been through so much at such a young age.

  As I stepped out onto the patio, they both turned to watch my approach, Gunner’s gaze soft with affection.

  “How are my boys this morning?” I asked gently as I sat on the other side of Leo.


  “We were just about to go feed the chickens,” Leo shared, looking up at me with a shy grin.

  When he’d first come to live with us, he’d been wary of the animals, especially the dogs after a negative experience in one of his homes.

  It was as though Shadow had taken it upon herself to make him love her. She followed him everywhere—at first, when he was scared of her, at a distance. Gradually he became more comfortable with her size, and a fragile trust began to form. She started sleeping in his room, and now the two had an incredibly close bond. She’d done wonders in growing his confidence and sense of security.

  Her name now came with a sweet irony, as she was quite literally his shadow.

  “What sounds good for breakfast?” I asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. I nearly teared up when he leaned into my side. I looked over my shoulder to Gunner, who was grinning, his eyes shining with joy at the sight of the two of us.

  “Waffles?” he wondered.

  “Waffles it is,” I confirmed, kissing the top of his head. “Your brothers will be up soon and then I’ll start on breakfast.”

  “Okay. I’ll go feed the girls.” He nodded, referring to the chickens as he stood up.

  “Okay, honey,” I replied, watching him walk off toward the chicken coop.

  Gunner reached over and took my hand, pulling me toward him. He wrapped an arm around me and kissed my head. “He’s coming around,” he murmured, his gaze on where Leo had disappeared.

  “Day by day.” I nodded. “It’ll take time for him to trust this is permanent, that he’s ours.”

  “I’ll call Susan today and see where we’re at with our case,” he replied, referring to our case worker. We’d both feel better when the adoption was official.

  Initially, it may have been my idea to adopt, but it had become our mutual dream that we’d made reality.

  I nodded, my stomach uneasy for more than one reason.

  “Everything okay, baby?” he asked, as usual catching on to my mood.

  I shot him a bright smile. “I’m fine. I’ll go start on breakfast.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me as I stood. Nothing got past him, and I knew I wouldn’t get away with it for long.