“Some of those men might be interested in private work,” says Viking. “They’ve got some aches and pains and not all of them on the outside. But I bet you’ll find someone who wants an adventure. Speak to Joel. Tell him Viking sent you.”
“I’ll do that.”
“But please, stay and eat with us first.”
Another place is set for Paulie and his assistant. And by the end of the night, I reckon he’s half-convinced to give it all up and stay on the mountain.
Viking tucks me into his side, and I snuggle against his warm body.
“I told you I’m home, cupcake. Forever.”
And this time, I believe him.
EPILOGUE
SYDNEY
Four years later…
Barrels raises his glass and peers at the frothy light ale as he swirls it around his glass. A smile spreads across his face.
“To Wild Taste Pale Ale, the newest ale on the mountain.”
Cheers erupt around the room, and everyone raises matching glasses. I lift mine carefully, trying not to wake the baby sleeping on my chest.
This one is just like her father. She’ll sleep through anything, even a room full of bikers celebrating their newest beer.
I raise the glass to my lips and sip the cool liquid. Its bitter taste makes my taste buds spring to life, then the sweet undertones kick in to make up for the bitterness.
“Not bad,” I murmur to Viking.
He has his glass in one hand and our one-year-old toddler on his hip who’s trying to swipe the beer glass.
“You want to try?”
Viking lets Leo capture the glass. He pulls it towards him, and his face screws up in disgust when he sniffs the heady beer.
“Yucky. Don’t like.”
Viking chuckles. “I’ll remind you of that when you’re sixteen and stealing these out of my fridge.”
The entire club has come out to celebrate the new brew. Even Lone Star and Trish are down from the mountain. Lone Star sits in the corner with one of his girls on his knee and his other hand firmly entwined with Trish’s.
Specs is seated near them with a heavily pregnant Cassie, and I bet they’re wondering when they can get away to read.
Maisie barrels past chased by Bettie, Danni and Colter’s eldest. Leo squirms in his arms, wanting to be put down to follow the other kids.
Danni follows behind the kids, and she smile when she sees Leo. “You want to come play, little guy?”
Leo stares at Danni with her perfectly coifed hair and bright lipstick. I think he’s half in love with his Auntie Danni. Everyone is an auntie or uncle here. Our kids are growing up with one large family and plenty of cousins.
Viking sets Leo down, and he snatches Danni’s hand as she leads him off to the corner where the kids are. I’ll go take my turn minding the kids soon, but first I want to enjoy a few moments with my man and enjoy the celebration of the new beer.
Viking slides his arms around me, and I lean against him. With my man behind me and my baby asleep on my chest, I let out a long contented sigh.
With his free hand, Viking runs it casually up and down my arm, giving me goosebumps and making me wonder how soon we can sneak out of here and get the kids to bed early.
“There are a lot of people who go into making the brewery what it is, and I couldn’t have done it without the womanwho keeps the place running—our operations Manager, Sydney Erikson.”
