But so much had happened over that time, it seemed everyone was riding high.

Leah had given birth to a beautiful, healthy little boy, Leo River Wicked, just days after her shower, and everyone was in love with him. Tobias had spoken with Diesel and Tracey, and he and Madigan were heading to Maryland next weekend to sit in on their self-defense classes and go over programs and the business structure. With the exception of when they made love, Madigan had never seen Tobias so passionate. There was new light in his eyes, sparks of hope and excitement, and when he talked about the classes, she could tell they had given him purpose.

That new light had drawn others to him. After fixing her father’s Trans Am and Conroy’s old bike, Justice had roped him into fixing one of his old cars. Tobias had told her he liked giving back to the people who had rallied around him. But it was his camaraderie with the guys that had her smiling every time they were out with them. Two nights ago, after her gig at the Salty Hog, she’d heard Gunner and Zander trying once again to convince him to prospect the club. But he’d said he had too much on his plate to take on anything new.

She wondered if some of that was the unresolved issues with his sister, but she knew it was also partially her fault. In addition to working a few more hours at LOCAL and the two of them visiting their grandfathers every week, she’d gotten the gig at the Scullery Maid, and her beautiful beau came to every show. He wasn’t thrilled about her playing for rowdier crowds, but he’d never ask her not to. The rowdier customers really enjoyed her shows, which made them even more fun for her. She loved seeing Tobias in the audience, looking at her like she was his whole world. Even though she knew she couldn’t, and shouldn’t, be. They both needed room in their hearts for friends and family, and she hoped one day he would find his way back to his family and prospect the club, because she knew both would be good for him.