Undaunted (The Kings of Retribution MC)

“Fuck, I love you,” I say after my lips leave hers.

Once we walk out and mount my bike I tell her we’re going for a ride, but don’t tell her where. I’m cruising down the highway with Bella tucked into my back, her hands wrapped around my waist, and it’s the best fuckin’ feeling in the world.

I pull off onto the dirt road leading to the lake—our lake. The sun’s peeking through the canopy of trees as we make our way down the narrow path until it opens to a perfect view of colored fields and the crystal blue water.

Over the past few weeks, the lake has become a place of healing for both of us. We try to make it out here at least once a week. Getting away from everyday life has given both of us a newfound sense of peace.

I pull to a stop, parking the bike, lifting her off after I stand. I unstrap the small rolled up blanket I have fastened to my bike, grab her hand, and lead us to our favorite spot on the water’s edge. Spreading the blanket, I guide her to sit.

“I’ll never get tired of coming out here. It’s beautiful,” Bella says, breathing in the warm fresh air.

I stare at her as she closes her eyes, soaking up the rays of sunshine hitting her face. In that moment an image of her, sitting in this exact spot, belly swollen with my son, and a little girl running around with deep, brown curls bouncing around as she picks wildflowers. The image is so vivid

I reach out, putting my hand on her stomach.

“Logan, are you okay?” She laughs.

I blink. Where the hell did that thought come from?

The words leave my mouth before I can even think about what it is I’m saying.

“I want to have a family with you, Angel.”

She looks surprised, a little caught off guard by my statement, but doesn’t falter as she reaches up, cupping my face in her tiny hand, telling me, “I’d like to have a family with you too, Logan.”

The loving, sincere smile that overtakes her face is my undoing. I crush my lips to hers, stealing her breath, making it my own.

Pulling her into my lap, I break our connection to reach into my cut. I hear Bella gasp as she watches me pull out a small, blue ring box. Opening it, I look at her. She hasn’t taken her eyes off the ring nestled inside. It’s a cushion cut, chocolate diamond, encased with small champagne diamonds, mounted on a rose gold band.

My father insisted that when the time came he wanted to provide the ring. I didn’t refuse. He and Jake are the only ones who know what I’m doing today.

“Bella, I’m not perfect, but you make me want to be a better man every day. You’ve shown me the kind of love and acceptance I never knew I was missing in my life. I’m a man who knows what he wants, and that’s you—right by my side, or on the back of my bike. Be my old lady. Marry me.” It’s not a question, but a statement.

Tears are falling from her eyes as she gives me her hand to slip the ring on her finger.

“I love you! Yes, I’ll marry you!” She beams, full of excitement.

I stand up, pulling her up with me, lifting her off the ground. The sun shines behind her, casting a golden halo.

I’m at a loss for words.

My future is within this beautiful, strong woman I’m holding in my arms.

Her love warms my once cold fuckin’ heart and feeds my soul.

“Angel, I will spend the rest of my life and the one after, lovin’ you.”

Epilogue

Bella

Staring out the living room window at the ice-covered lake and the white snow that blankets the ground, I can’t help the smile taking over my face. It’s Christmas time, my favorite time of year. To top it all off, my sister will be home in three days.

Alba has been away at college since August. I miss her terribly, but also so proud of her. Alba was given a full ride to Montana State University in Bozeman. She’s only been home once since leaving, always making up excuses as to why she can’t come visit. I can’t help but wonder if she’s okay. Alba quickly squashes any doubts, telling me she’s just busy with assignments.

Sofia has been thriving. She started her junior year of high school at the end of August and has made lots of friends. The guys in the club have become very protective of her. She can’t even go to the movies with her friends without at least one of the prospects watching over her. I don’t think she minds though. I think it makes her feel good knowing she has a dozen big brothers looking out for her.

I’ve been busy decorating the house. Logan took me the other day to get a tree, only to come home with a truck load of decorations. He didn’t understand the magnitude of how serious I take Christmas. While in the checkout line he asked, “Babe, do you really need all this shit?”