“We’re going to steal Lila for a minute,” Trish says. “We brought along something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new for you in the box. If you’re going to get married, you have to do it right from the get-go.” She slaps me hard on the arm. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were getting married today, Sam. I am so mad at you right now.”

“Give us ten minutes to fix Lila up and we’ll be ready,” Kendra says. “Sam, please tell me you brought rings.”

“Of course I have rings.”

“Just checking,” she says, shaking her head. “I know how you are.”

I watch the girls lead Lila into the courthouse. She’s smiling ear-to-ear and seems genuinely happy to see Kendra and Trish. I love seeing the three girls together.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Jesse asks.

“I was afraid you would try to stop me,” I answer honestly. “Kendra didn’t take the news of our engagement well, and I didn’t want to cause any more trouble within the MC.”

“Are you kidding?” Flint says, slapping me on the back. “Lila saved our asses. We’re indebted to her, not the other way around. Kendra was shocked and caught off guard. That’s all. We’re all over it now. Time for a fresh start.”

The rest of the Steel Infidels walk up to join us on the steps.

“So the player finally gets caught,” Toby says with a chuckle. “Never thought I would live to see this day. I wouldn’t have missed being here for anything. I’m just mad we didn’t get a chance to throw you a bachelor party. Think of all the fun we missed.”

“I don’t know about that,” Jesse says. “You weren’t here for the last bachelor party, Toby. We don’t exactly have a good track record when it comes to weddings or bachelor parties.”

“It means everything to me that you’re all here,” I say. “And Flint, I need to thank you the most. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be getting married today.”

“Believe me, it was worth it,” he says.

No one else knows what went on between us that day, not even Jesse.

Things are good again.

No.

Things are great again.

My girl, my family, and the Steel Infidels.

Life can’t get any better than this.

Epilogue

Sam

––––––––

Several months later...

“Hold my hand,” Lila says as an intense contraction hits her. “I’m scared.”

She grimaces and holds her breath to fight against the unrelenting pain. Her grip on my hand is so tight that I probably won’t be able to use my hand tomorrow, but I’m not letting go.

“Breathe, baby,” I encourage. “Stop holding your breath. Blow out like they taught us in the class.”

She tries to breathe and lets out a cry instead.