“So what’s the news with Bria?” Steele asked.

“She’s been charged with kidnapping and child endangerment. She also robbed a liquor store. She may be looking at prison time.” I didn’t feel any joy in knowing my nieces and nephews might be motherless, but I did feel relief.

“It’s for the best. Maybe she’ll get some help,” Steele said.

“What’s the latest with Kaden?” I asked.

“He texted me. Told me not to worry. He’s fine, just getting his head on straight.”

“That’s good. I was worried about him.”

“We all were.” Axel put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed. His smile was full of hope and promise and love. Yeah, he loved me. And I loved him.

Steele watched us and laughed. “So much for the Puck Brothers pact. Another one bites the dust.”

“Dole out any punishment you want. I love this woman.”

“You do?” Of course, I knew that, but I liked hearing it.

“Yes, I love you as much as you love me.”

“You’re pretty sure of yourself, mister.”

“Positive.”

“In that case, I guess I do love you.”

“You guess?” He put his hands to his heart. “You wound me.”

“I love you.”

“Better.” Axel’s grin was wider than the Columbia and so was mine.

“About that punishment,” Steele interrupted. “We’re going to have to wait until all the bros are back together again, then I’m sure we can come up with something appropriate.”

“I’m sure you can.”

All three of us laughed, tipped our beers together, and drank to the spring sunshine and new beginnings.

Chapter 34—Sockeye Tattoos

~~Axel~~

I grimaced as the needle moved across my bicep, but I stayed strong. I would not be a wuss. I’d never been thrilled about the process of getting ink, but I did like my ink. Across from me, Geneva sat back, relaxed, as if she were at a fucking spa, not a tattoo parlor.

The two artists worked efficiently on the twin tattoos. Hers was on her hip. The Sockeye salmon with the Space Needle was a tradition for Sockeye players since the team had been formed almost five years ago.

Geneva’s and mine had one addition. Under the salmon’s tail was a heart with each other’s name on it.

Outside the parlor, glittering in the afternoon sun, was my new Harley parked next to hers. Next week, we were taking a road trip up Vancouver Island to the Canadian Gulf Islands. I could not be happier. While most of my buddies headed to Hawaii, we wanted to get away from it all and spend our time navigating the beauty of the island we’d both grown up on but hadn’t spent much time exploring.

Our first stop would be at Geneva’s dad’s shop. I was a little nervous about meeting him, but I’d get through it. On our way back, we’d meet up with my family for a camping weekend.

I’d never imagined finding that one special woman would feel like this. We both hoped Jock would someday find the same love we’d found, but in the meantime, we were there for him, even if he wouldn’t admit to liking me—much.