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His laugh fills the bar and I decide to finish the beer after all. Tonight, we party and we share our good news, and tomorrow it’s back to business. Effie Rathbone is still out there somewhere, and we will be the ones to take her out.
Luca and the Dog City chapter rode into town earlier this evening, and the club is heaving with patches and their old ladies. The music plays, barely heard over roaring conversations and boisterous laughter. After our announcement an hour ago, brothers and their old ladies have turned the celebration into a full-blown party.
I lean against the kitchen doorframe, having a clear view of everyone and watch on as Holly talks and laughs with Victoria and Harper. The three of them are tight and I trust that when I’m not around, they will be there for her.
Rayna’s being taught how to toss matches into empty beer bottles by Slade and Pope. I should shut that shit down, but it’s keeping her occupied and they hand her dollar bills every time she sinks a match. The kid will have more money than me by the end of the night.
“This is what it’s all about,” Dad murmurs, joining me. “This is why we fight.”
I see it. I have for a while, but it’s been like a faraway image that’s not quite clear. Tonight, it’s a beacon and there’s no missing it.
I tip my bottle of beer to his and smirk.
“This is what I’m going to keep going,” I vow.
“Holly looks the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”
“Yeah, because I’m not fucking her about anymore.”
He barks out a laugh and then says, “If you think you won’t piss her off again, then you’re in for a slap to the face.”
“Pissing her off I can live with, but I didn’t just piss her off, did I? I hurt her.”
“Seems to me she got over it. She wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t.”
“True.”
“I piss your momma off pretty much on a weekly basis, but I haven’t hurt her since…” he trails off and then moves on, “Well, you know. Now you’ve accepted the future, you won’t hurt her.”
We look around and Sparky has brothers cheering him on as he spins Bonnie around to the music. Dex has Libby tucked under his arm, always keeping her close, even after all the years they’ve been together. Ricky plays with Kyla’s hair as she cradles a sleeping Penelope.
Us sons rip the old-timers, but without them, the club wouldn’t be what it is today. We wouldn’t be who we are. I am my father’s son, but so is JJ with Sparky. Zach with Slade. The twins, well, they’re more Pope than Ricky but he runs through them both, nonetheless.
We have everything to fight for and we won’t lose. We have more than most people ever will, and now I have Holly at my side, the future has never been so bright.
“Be ready tomorrow. I’m calling in every chapter, every nomad, every fucker who wears the patch. Not only will we end Effie motherfucking Rathbone, we’re going to claim so much more than Dog City.”
I want the fucking lot.
“Sounds like you should get a good night’s rest, then.”
“Yeah, I’ll get on that.” I laugh.
Hugging him, I search out Luca and find him with his chapter around the pool table.
Leaning in close, I say, “Meet me at the cemetery in the morning. Eight a.m.”
“Sure.”
“Come alone.”
Scooping my kid up from Slade and Pope’s table, I next seek out my old lady. She’s talking with my mom. I kiss Mom on the cheek goodnight and pull Holly outside with me.
“I’ll leave my bike here tonight.”
“Are we leaving?”
“Yes.”
