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“But you did.”
I state a fact, and he sighs heavily. “I concluded a long time ago it wasn’t right. I heard stories, the whispered conversations about things that made my heart break. Don’t blame the people, they knew nothing else but I’m glad you came home, Jonny. I’m happy I helped you and I wish you every happiness in your future. Just don’t be a stranger.”
When we turned away from the town I grew up in, I made a vow to never return. It makes me laugh that within the hour, I am already breaking that vow. I would do anything for Albert and Martha, so I say gruffly, “You should come and visit me sometime.”
Arthur laughs out loud. “Neither I or my wife are ready for that kind of wake-up call.”
Faith is quietly listening, but her eyes are wide, reminding me once again we have many battles ahead.
I bear the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders and turn to her, and I hope my smile is one of reassurance. “You will love it, Faith. There is nothing to fear where we’re heading.”
“Where are we, heading, I mean?” She whispers, her voice strangely afraid.
“Home, baby. To be a family and be safe.”
She says nothing at all and just smiles at me tentatively and I experience a surge of protective love for the timid woman who claimed my heart.
As the small town comes into view, I am more nervous than I’ve ever been in my life as I contemplate what is waiting for us.
We turn down a street just off the main one and I immediately note where our destination is, due to the number of bikes parked outside.
As we pull up, I see a pretty white wooden house with a small veranda on which sits the most terrifying sight.
Arthur whistles, “Good lord, Miss. Hughes must be shitting a brick.”
It makes us laugh, but I can see why he’s concerned. Five heavily tattooed beasts are sitting on her swing and leaning against the balustrade as they enjoy the sunshine, and from the number of bikes outside, I’m guessing more are inside.
As we exit the car, Faith’s grip tightens on my hand and I whisper, “Don’t be afraid of the Reapers, baby. Be more afraid of life without them.”
She says nothing and pulls me with urgency toward the small house, and I understand she is anxious to be reunited with her daughter.Ourdaughter and my heart beats fast as I prepare to meet Hope for the very first time.
“Hey, Sinner. Congratulations, brother.”
Jet steps forward and shakes my hand.
Tyson does the same, followed by Brewer, who says with rare emotion. “Welcome to fatherhood, Jonny.”
For a moment, I experience a sense of pride I wasn’t expecting. I’m a father now and, unlike my own, I’m determined to be the right kind of father. The one I always wanted and so I take Faith’s hand and squeeze it hard and whisper, “Let’s go and get our girl.”
We step inside the small house and the first thing I see is Miss. Hughes looking utterly terrified as she sobs on the couch, flanked on either side by two bikers who are offering her no sympathy.
Then Faith cries out when she sees Purity holding a small bundle wrapped in a cotton blanket and my heart shifts when I see my daughter for the first time.
Purity steps forward, the tears running down her face as she holds Hope out to Faith, who takes her carefully into her arms. I swallow the lump in my throat as she leans down and kisses her and the tears spill onto her as Faith whispers, “Mommy’s here, honey. It’s all over now. Nothing will ever separate us again.”
It’s such a moving scene you could hear a feather take flight and then she looks up at Purity and whispers, “Thank you so much.”
Purity is crying too and Tyson growls, “Fuck. I never could stand watching a woman cry. I’ll wait outside.”
At the sound of his voice, Faith turns and the joy on her face makes me smile as she heads my way and whispers, “This is your daughter, Jonny. Say hello.”
I gaze down at the prettiest little face I have ever seen. So angelic, so perfect, and so incredible that she came from the two of us.
Her wide baby blue eyes are staring at me, and an unconditional bolt of love hits me square in the heart. I have actual tears in my eyes as I stare at my daughter for the very first time and then open my arms as Faith whispers, “Hold her.”
As the small bundle settles in my arms, raw emotion grips my heart as I lift her up and drop a light kiss on her sweet head.
“She’s perfect.” I whisper reverently, completely entranced by the fragile creature in my arms. I experience a surge of pride and a rush of protectiveness that will not work in her favor the older she gets and if I had one wish, it was that I had never missed a second of her life.
