Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 43071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
“Oh my gosh,” I breathed.
His lips curved into that smirk that got me every time. “Poppy, I knew you were it for me from the day we met. The woman I’d burn the world down for. The one I’d build a life with. Put my patch on your back, my ring on your finger, and my kid in your belly.”
Tears spilled down my cheeks. “Well, you’ve already done two of the three.”
“Gonna have it all, baby.” His eyes burned into mine. “I love you. Need you to be my wife, too. Marry me. Be my old lady in every way that matters. Forever.”
I could barely breathe, let alone speak. I nodded and sniffled back the tears so I could whisper, “Yes.”
He surged to his feet, slid the ring onto my finger, and kissed me. The cheers around us were louder this time, but I didn’t pay attention. I was too wrapped up in the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with.
When our kiss finally ended, he caught my hand and brought it to his lips.
“Mine,” he murmured against my knuckles.
I smiled through happy tears. “Yours.”
Surrounded by his club, my best friend, and the family we were building—I finally felt like I was exactly where I belonged.
EPILOGUE
ACE
Iparked the SUV outside the community center and shot a glance at Poppy sitting beside me, her hands nervously twisting together over her rounded belly. She was nearing six months pregnant, glowing and so damn beautiful that it was almost painful to look at her without dragging her back home and into bed. Again.
“Do we really have to do this?” I asked. “I mean, breathing is something humans have managed pretty well for thousands of years. I’m pretty sure you don’t need a class for it.”
Poppy rolled her eyes, giving me a playful swat on my arm. “It’s not just about breathing, Colter. It’s about preparing for childbirth and being supportive.”
“I’m supportive,” I muttered, reaching over and squeezing her thigh gently. A cocky grin curved my lips, and I winked. “And trust me, I know how to help you breathe.”
Her cheeks flushed bright pink, and she bit her lip, clearly fighting a smile. “Behave. We’re in public.”
“Barely.” I glanced around the mostly deserted parking lot and sighed. “All right. Let’s get this over with. But if it gets weird, I reserve the right to walk us the fuck out.”
She laughed, her voice a sweet melody that warmed my chest as I helped her out of the vehicle. She smoothed the soft cotton dress over her growing bump, the simple teal fabric hugging her curves in a way that made my mouth go dry. I placed a hand possessively on her lower back, guiding her toward the entrance.
Inside the community center, we were directed to a brightly lit room filled with expectant couples, yoga mats, and pastel-colored birthing balls. Poppy’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, nerves flashing in her hazel eyes as we found an open spot. I set down our mat and watched as she sank gracefully onto it, her legs tucked beneath her. I joined her, leaning back on my palms and scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and mild dread.
“Colter, relax,” she whispered, her lips twitching with amusement as she placed a gentle hand on my thigh. “You look like you’d rather be anywhere but here.”
“There is definitely somewhere else I’d rather be right now, baby. But I’d do anything for you. Including”—I eyed the cheerful instructor setting up her demonstration doll at the front of the class—“learning how to breathe.”
Before she could respond, a guy sitting on the mat next to us turned, his gaze dropping appreciatively over Poppy before he flashed a toothy smile. “Hey there. First class?”
Poppy smiled warmly. “Yeah. I’m a little nervous.”
He chuckled, shifting closer. “Don’t worry, I can give you some pointers. This is our third session.”
I felt a muscle in my jaw tick, my entire body tensing. My eyes locked onto the asshole who’d dared to speak to my woman, my protective instincts flaring to life with a rush of possessive heat. I shifted slightly closer to Poppy, draping an arm firmly around her shoulders and pulling her snugly into my side.
“That’s nice.” I met the guy’s startled gaze head-on. “But we’re good. Maybe you should focus on your own wife.”
He blinked, then his eyes dropped to my cut before he visibly swallowed as he realized his mistake. He muttered a quick apology and abruptly turned away.
Poppy giggled softly, nudging me gently. “That was a bit intense, don’t you think?”
I glanced down at her, my thumb brushing possessively against her shoulder. “You’re mine, baby. Nobody else needs to be giving you pointers.”
Her cheeks flushed deeper, and she leaned closer, resting her head against my shoulder as the instructor called the class to order. “You really don’t do subtle, do you?”