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Knox Hollister wouldn’t have gotten Art’s blessing no matter what, not even if he was a member of Knight’s Legion MC. Gaining Art’s approval would’ve been an uphill battle for any man.
“Honey, let’s enjoy the day. It’s my birthday, after all.” I pressed a chaste kiss on his lips. It would be pointless to argue with him. He’d always been very possessive of his baby girl, Alex. I took his hand and stood as Markey and Maddox parked their trucks.
“Yes, sweetness. No one deserves to be celebrated more than you.”
For the past twenty-nine years, Art had loved me deeply, the crazy kind of love that had no boundaries or limitations. If Art hadn’t believed in us, if we had let society dictate who we should love, I’d be alone today. I couldn’t imagine being without Art.
We went to greet our family, hand in hand.
“Mom, happy birthday.” Maddox hugged me tightly.
“Come on, I’m the one who drove hundreds of miles to celebrate her.” Markey pulled me away from Maddox. “Happy birthday, Mom. I’ve missed you.” He was my sensitive boy. “He’s with us. I can feel him,” he whispered.
“He’s always with us, baby.” There was a time the mention of Matt would bring me to tears. It still did occasionally. Not today, though. My Knight wouldn’t want me upset on my birthday. He’d want me to laugh, to love, and to enjoy my family.
One by one, I hugged my grandkids and kissed their faces. My daughters-in-law carried in presents and a cake while everyone else unloaded enough food to feed an army… more like a massive biker family. I’d been given strict orders to not lift a finger in preparing any food. Today was my day to relax and be pampered.
Two hours later, my party was in full swing. The entire Knight’s Legion MC family was here with their wives and children. Surrounding me was three generations of the most fearless, loyal, and protective bikers. I was sure Matt had no clue how large his club would grow when he first began the Minnesota chapter. It was his dream to have our sons rule and then their kids. My Knight’s wildest dream had come true. The Knight’s Legion MC had chapters to the east and west of Minnesota, with the mother chapter still going strong in South Dakota. The Knights dominated the Upper Midwest.
Storm and Angel were at the grill, flipping burgers and looking every bit in love as ever. Storm had retired in his mid-fifties. It hadn’t been easy for him to pass the mallet over to Maddox. The club had been his life. It flowed in his veins, just as it did for my boys. He still attended council meetings and helped groom the legacies. His own sons, Chase and Frankie, were members, waiting for their turn to sit on the council.
Many of the KLMC legacies were having a grand time, shooting the shit or chasing after their young kids. It was safe to say that my heart was full.
A glass was set on the picnic table where I was seated. “Jack and Coke for the birthday girl.”
I raised my gaze to Tina. “Hey! I’m so glad you could make it.” I stood and hugged my best friend. “How was the drive?”
“Just fine. We wouldn’t miss your seventieth for anything.” She took the spot next to me. Art had run off to play pool with the boys, and Alex was nursing her little one upstairs in my bedroom. I’d just been sitting here taking it all in.
I playfully elbowed Tina. “Seventy sucks.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. It’s just around the corner for me.”
“Where’s your old man?” I searched for Raul. He’d recently had hip replacement surgery. Yeah, getting old sucked balls.
“Ray’s helping him out of the car. Raul is as slow as molasses, so he should be here in an hour.” She tittered, leaning into me.
“Girl, you are so mean.” I laughed and wiped a few tears away. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She took my hand. “Me too, honey. But you know, I had to follow my man.”
“Yes, I know. It was foolish to think everyone would stay in Minnesota, and we’d all grow old and gray together.”
“Eve! Well, here you are hiding from everyone.” Mickey wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a big smooch on the cheek. “Happy birthday!”
“How are you, lady?” I waved at Justin coming up behind her. Not far behind him, I spotted Emilee and Dodge. They’d stopped at the grill to see Storm and Angel.
“We’re good, real good.” She moved aside for Justin to hug me.
“Happy birthday, Sugar. You don’t look a day over thirty.” He kissed my cheek.
“Thank you, hon. Sweet as ever.” I winked at Justin.
He smiled, looking around. “Where’s your boy toy?”
I threw my head back, laughing. “You crazy old man. Art’s out in the barn playing pool. Grab yourself a beer and go join them. He’ll be happy to see you.”
“Will do. I want to watch him beat the pants off the youngins.” He nodded and left.
