Page 45 of Always My Fate

Daniel was here.

And the Freed Riders were ready to protect the next generation with everything they had.

Epilogue

Two years later

Blackie sat on the living room floor, legs stretched out, watching his youngest son with a grin he couldn’t wipe off his face.

“Come on, Daniel, you little shit,” he coaxed, voice low and warm. “One more step. You got it, buddy.”

Daniel Kirk Langdon, not quite two years old, wild dark curls just like his momma’s, and the same stubborn fire in his green eyes, took a steady step, then broke into a run, arms outstretched towards Blackie. His chubby hands grabbed onto Blackie’s fingers as he let out a triumphant squeal. He’d been late on a couple of milestones like walking, but had caught up with those stats over the past year.

“Da-da!”

“Damn right, Da-da,” Blackie laughed, a deep, rumbling sound full of pure joy. He scooped Daniel up, tossed him gently into the air, and caught him safely against his chest. “That’s my boy. Runnin’ like you already own the whole damn world.”

Daniel giggled and buried his face in Blackie’s neck, tiny fists clutching his shirt. Blackie pressed a kiss to the top of his head, breathing in that sweet toddler smell mixed with grass from playing outside earlier.

From the doorway, Peaches watched them with soft, loving eyes and a gentle smile. She leaned against the frame, arms crossed under her chest, looking more beautiful than ever.

Blackie caught her gaze, and his chest tightened with the same awe he’d felt the night Daniel was born.

“Caught you starin’, darlin’,” he rumbled, voice thick with emotion. “He’s gettin’ too fast for me already. Gonna be ridin’ before I know it.”

Peaches pushed off the doorframe and walked over, sinking down beside them on the floor. She brushed a curl from Daniel’s forehead and leaned in to kiss Blackie’s cheek.

“I love watching you with him,” she murmured. “All of them. You’re such a good dad, Kirk. Even when you’re growlin’ at Tater and Possum for roughhousin’ too hard.”

Blackie wrapped one arm around her shoulders and pulled her close while still holding Daniel against his chest. The boy was already starting to doze, safe and content in his father’s arms.

“Never thought I’d have this,” Blackie admitted quietly, pressing a kiss to Peaches’ temple. “Me. The mean bastard who used to run from everything good. Now I got six kids tearin’ up the house, the best woman alive, and a club that’s stronger than it’s ever been. Daniel here, he’s the proof that second chances can turn into everything.”

Daniel let out a sleepy little sigh and snuggled deeper into Blackie’s chest.

Peaches rested her head on his shoulder, her hand joining his on their son’s back. “Forever gonna love you,” she whispered.

Blackie closed his eyes, holding his whole world right there on the living room floor.

“Every time, Peaches,” he whispered, voice rough with love. “Forever.”

Outside, the Texas sun was setting on another peaceful day. Inside, Blackie Langdon—longtime President of the Freed Riders, husband, and father—held his family close, grateful for every hard-fought mile that had led them here.

Life was loud. Messy. Perfect.

And he wouldn’t trade a single second of it.

***

The Belle ranch had become something truly special.

Blackie leaned against the porch railing, beer in hand, taking in the scene. The fences were solid, the barn fully converted into a proper meeting hall, and the whole place carried the feeling of a thriving chapter rather than a battlefield. Brothers from Longview and Belle mingled easily—laughter rolling across the yard, the smell of barbecue thick in the air, and bikes lined up neatly along the drive.

Horse stood beside him, relaxed but still alert, the way a good president should be.

“You’ve done damn good here, brother,” Blackie said, voice low and genuine. “Belle’s not just survivin’. It’s thrivin’. I see it every time I come down.”

Horse gave a small nod, pride evident but understated. “Couldn’t have done it without the trust you put in me. Glenna’s made this place feel like home. We’ve got strong prospects coming up, solid runs, and the southern routes have been quiet for a long stretch. We stay ready, but we’re finally breathin’ a little easier.”