This club had raised me, the men and women who were a part of it, my family.
“You okay?” Emmie asked quietly as she turned to look at me.
“I’m okay.” I nodded. “It kind of just hit me.”
She reached over and squeezed my hand. “It’s an exciting new beginning for you. Let’s go celebrate.”
“I can do that,” I agreed, hopping out of the truck and following her inside the club.
The familiar sights and sounds immediately hit me: music blaring, male voices booming, the scent of leather and beer.
I was wrapped up in hugs from the moment I walked in, passed from Sal to Axel and on to Wes and Mack. All of whom had been like uncles to me.
Then I spotted a familiar face and squealed in excitement. “Ava! You’re here!” I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around her. “When did you get here?”
“Just a few hours ago. I felt like this was a night I shouldn’t miss,” she added with a knowing smile I didn’t quite catch the meaning to.
I hadn’t spotted Ruston yet when my pop walked over, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “There’s a surprise for you out back, Gracie girl.”
“A surprise?” I asked in confusion.
“Go on,” he prompted, giving me a gentle nudge.
I headed through the club, curious what he was talking about. When I stepped out back, I gasped in shock.
The entire back patio had been strung with lights. Ruston stood in the center. “Thought I’d do this in the place that means so much to you,” he began, holding out a hand to me.
I stepped closer, my hand shaking as I took his. When he dropped to one knee, tears blurred my vision.
“Grace, I knew from the moment I met you that one day I’d be on my knee asking you to be my wife. You’re everything I could have ever dreamed of—hell, you’re more. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, taking care of you, and making you happy. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I exclaimed as he stood up to slide a gorgeous cushion-cut diamond ring on my finger, loud cheers sounding behind us as no doubt the entire club looked on.
He bent to take my mouth in a kiss. “Love you, baby.”
“I love you too.” I beamed at him before turning to my friends and family and holding up my hand in exaltation. “I’m getting married!”
More cheers followed as my mom came forward for a hug, followed by my girls.
“I’m so glad you were here for this,” I murmured to Ava as I wrapped her in another hug.
“Wouldn’t have missed it.” She smiled, blinking back tears.
I turned to Emmie with a mock glare. “Is this why you were in such a hurry?” I accused.
“Guilty.” She grinned.
“I guess you’re forgiven,” I teased, holding out my hand to admire my ring as Ruston recaptured me, gripping my hips and pulling me in close.
“You like it?” he murmured against my mouth.
“Love,” I whispered back, meaning so much more than the ring.
“We’re celebrating!” Ginnie exclaimed, taking my hand and tugging me toward the bar as I shot a grin over my shoulder at Ruston, who shook his head at our antics, a handsome grin lighting up his face.
I’d never seen him look happier; it was a mutual affliction.
“You ready to go have our own celebration?” Ruston rumbled in my ear later that night. It had been hours of joyful celebration that now found me collapsed on the familiar couches against the far wall, surrounded by my best friends.
