CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

REBEL

Christmas Day

A couple of weeks ago, I wasn’t sure what this day would look like. It feels like so much has happened in a short period of time. I am glad everything seems to be settling down, and I am here with my family, where I belong. Though I must admit, I miss Shotgun, Avery, and Gage on days like this. That distance between us always makes me miss them, even if I only saw them two weeks ago.

But still, today is all about the kids, food, and festivities. So right now, I am in the kitchen helping make the lunch feast when Prinie comes rushing in and grabs my hand with a giant smile on her face. “C’mon, Six has a surprise for you.”

Shaking my head, I resist, trying to move back toward the stuffing. “I don’t have time. I have to help with the lunch.”

Prinie groans. “Lunch is still a couple of hours away. This takes precedence, c’mon.” She tugs me harder, dragging me to my room, and she closes the door behind us.

“Prinie, what’s going on?”

She disappears into the bathroom and comes back holding a breathtaking white-lace maternity dress, handing it to me with a grin so wide it’s contagious. I raise a brow, still trying to catch up. “Okay, aaand… what’s this for?”

She bounces on her toes like a kid on Christmas morning, considering it is Christmas morning, her actions are fitting. “You’re getting married today! Koda’s planned everything.”

My heart skips a beat, and anxiety tightens in my chest as I begin to rapidly shake my head. “W-wait, no, I can’t. Shotgun and Aver—”

The bathroom door swings open again, and Avery steps out, her face glowing with a warmth that instantly eases some of my panic. Her eyes are full of tears, but her smile is so bright, it makes my heart instantly swell. “We wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

For a second, I can’t breathe, emotions crash down over me like a tidal wave.

They’re here.

All of them.

I thought I had to face everything alone, but I don’t.

Bursting into tears, I wrap Avery in the tightest hug. “You’re really here? For Christmas? And for my wedding?”

A rush of warmth and gratitude surges through me. This is my family, my real family. They’ve always had my back, and now, they’re here for one of the biggest moments of my life.

Avery holds me tight, her voice soft but steady. “Of course, Thay. You need us, we come. That’s what family does.”

I cling to her, my emotions swirling between overwhelming happiness and this undercurrent of nerves that won’t leave me alone.

I’m excited—so damn excited—but terrified.

This is happening.

I’m getting married today.

Just then, the door to the bedroom creaks open, and Cherry steps in with Kenna and Kinzley by her side. The sight of my little girls in their flower girl dresses makes my heart feel like it might burst.

Cherry grins so wide, ushering my girls inside. “Here are your flower girls. It’s time to get ready.”

I glance around the room, my heart racing with love, fear, joy, and everything in between. My lips twitch into a nervous giggle. “I’m really getting married?”

Avery squeezes my hands, her touch grounding me. “Yes, you are.”

I let out a small laugh, really looking at her. “And Shotgun knows about this, right? We’re not ambushing him? He’s not going to end up shooting Koda while I’m walking down the aisle or anything?”

Everyone chuckles as Avery pulls me to her tight. “He knows, and he’s on board… this is it, Thayleah. You and Six. You guys were always meant to be... now let’s get you dressed.”

My hands shake slightly as I nod, overwhelmed but filled with this inexplicable joy. This is real, and it’s all happening so fast. Nervous energy buzzes inside me, but beneath it all, there’s an undeniable excitement.

My family is here, I’m about to marry the love of my life, and for the first time in what feels like forever, everything feels… right!

SIX

Nerves race through me like a raging inferno. I haven’t run any of this by Rebel. I wanted it to be a surprise, and I hope she is on board with it and isn’t furious at me for not letting her plan everything.

I just want it all to go smoothly .

I stand in Zero’s room, getting dressed. He tries to get me to calm down when there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Zero calls out as I try to control my breathing.

The heavy thumping boots of Shotgun step inside the room, not making my anxiety any easier, and Zero dips his head at the Brothers by Blood president.

“Don’t give him a black eye. We want some decent photos of this day, okay?” Zero warns.

Shotgun chuckles but nods. “I hear you. I’ll be good.”

Zero smirks, then turns and walks out, leaving me with Rebel’s stand-in father.

He steps up to me, straightening out my cut, the move not supposed to be comforting but threatening. “You hurt her again, at any time…” He leaves it open-ended, but I hear the meaning loud and clear.

“All that shit, it was a misunderstanding. I didn’t act on a threat when it was obvious to everyone else… when it was obvious to Thayleah. I take full responsibility for those actions, Shotgun.”

“They landed you in the hospital, so I think you suffered enough. But this commitment to Thayleah is forever. You can’t quit when shit gets hard, and neither can she. Despite what I originally thought of you… you’re good for her, and she fucking loves you. Those girls love you. And now you’re gonna be a part of our family officially, so I guess I better start cutting you some damn slack.” My eyes widen as I stare at him, not knowing if he is shitting me or being serious. “I’m not gonna fucking hug you or nothing. Just take the damn win, Six.”

Laughing, I put my hand out for him to shake. “Thanks, Shotgun. I’m gonna make you proud of me… one day .”

He tries to fight back his smile, but I see it. “You’re stepping up and taking care of your family. You’re already making me proud, Koda… but tell Thayleah I said that, and I will hurt you.” He grunts and turns, walking for the door.

My chest swells with pride as I beam from ear to ear. I don’t even care about that last part. The man I have been trying to impress for my entire relationship with Thayleah is finally proud of me. All I have ever wanted is to keep her happy. That means making the people who love her happy. If Shotgun is finally warming up to me, then maybe I am doing something right.

Smiling, I chuckle to myself. I never would have thought—

“You fucking coming to get married or what?” Shotgun calls out from the door, breaking me from my excitement of his praise.

I jerk in reaction, seeing him glaring at me, and I nod, rushing into the hall with him. I don’t want to keep him or my bride waiting. Together, we move into the main room where the makeshift aisle has been set up. The festive Christmas Day-themed wedding is in full swing. Zero stands at the top of the altar as the master of ceremonies. He became ordained so he could marry us. I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather do this for us.

Making my way to the top, I stand at the altar, straightening out my outfit. My anxiety, nerves, and excitement are all racing through me at the same time while the rest of the clubhouse hangs around, waiting for my daughters, Avery, and my bride, to make their appearance.

Suddenly, the music starts, and Avery appears at the bottom of the stairs wearing a red dress that screams Christmas. I smile, my eyes turning to Shotgun, seeing the love he has for his Old Lady as she walks with their son, Gage, next to her. They step down the aisle when Kenna appears at the bottom of the stairs wearing a little white dress. She looks fucking gorgeous. My heart swells when she does her own Kenna thing, taking off and running straight down the aisle at lightning speed. No pausing for people to look at her, not stopping to drop petals along the way. Right now, this is the Kenna show, just as I knew it would be.

Everyone laughs as she slams straight into my legs. “Daddy, I’m wearing a pretty dress. Can you see?”

Chuckling, I bend down and pick her up, hoisting her onto my hip. “Yeah, firefly. You look beautiful.”

She cuddles into me as I turn back to see Shotgun step down the stairs, carrying Kinzley and holding his hand out to Rebel. She takes the last two steps down into the main clubroom, and my heart leaps into my throat.

She’s. Fucking. Stunning.

Her dress is simple, showing her baby bump, but she is a fucking vision in white and lace. Her sleeves drape off her shoulders, the lace cascading down and flowing into a small train. I don’t know where they got this dress from in the short time I gave them, but it’s fucking perfect.

She is fucking perfect.

Rebel links her arm with Shotgun, and he begins walking her toward me while carrying Kinz. My chest squeezes, my breaths become short, and my eyes well, knowing that we have put this off for so long because of my duty to the club. I almost lost her because of my stupidity. I’m just so glad that this is happening because she is the reason I breathe. She is the reason I exist— her and our kids.

My heart beats furiously in my chest. It beats for her. Every thump reminds me of the love that flows through my veins for her.

Shotgun steps her up to me and flares his nostrils. “She’s been yours for a long time, Six, but now she really belongs to you. You fucking take care of her, so help me God.”

“She’s my everything… her and our kids. I’m gonna do them right.”

He slaps my back. “I know you will.” He turns to plant a kiss on Rebel’s cheek and hands Kinzley over to her, and we stand as a family at the altar.

I shake my head, just staring at her in undeniable awe.

“You look pretty, Mama.” Kenna takes the words I was literally just about to say out of my mouth.

“I agree. You’re stunning.”

Rebel smiles. “I had a little help.” She glances at Prinie and Cherry sitting in the front row.

“Okay, we ready to do this?” Zero interrupts.

I hoist Kenna up on my hip a little higher and smile. “Fuck, yeah.”

Kenna giggles while Zero straightens out his shoulders and starts. But all I can do is stare at Rebel. She’s glowing. With our son growing inside her and her wearing a wedding dress—I’ve never seen her looking so fucking perfect. I am literally in awe of her.

“Six… Six? Koda ,” Zero snaps, and I jerk my head to look at him and widen my eyes.

“Sorry… what?” I ask, and everyone chuckles.

Zero shakes his head. “Stop staring at your woman with googly eyes and say your vows.”

“Shit! Yeah, okay… Rebel, from the first second I laid eyes on you at that college party, I knew there was something about you that was calling to me. From our first word, there was an instant connection between us. I think I knew then that you were my forever. Three kids later, and you’re making me the happiest man alive. I’d go through as many scorpion stings, psycho ex-old ladies, and poison-happy girls as it takes to be with you. I’d do it all again because you’re worth it and more. My love for you has never wavered, only gotten stronger, and it will continue to grow. I fucking love you, and I am honored to become your husband.”

Everyone cheers while Rebel wipes a tear from her cheek.

Zero turns to her and dips his chin.

Rebel clears her throat. “Our story has been complicated. We’ve had so many barriers thrown at us time and time again, but the one thing that has always shone through is our love for each other. You said it best… from our first word, there was an instant connection. That word may have been pineapple , but it still holds a huge significance to me. You don’t know the impact you made on me that day. You’ve given me two amazing girls and a son soon to greet us. I can’t imagine a gift more special than that. But your love, devotion, and loyalty have always been steadfast. And Six? I couldn’t be more grateful for that. You’re an amazing partner, and I cannot wait to become your wife.”

Zero smiles wide. “The rings?”

Shotgun moves forward when Rebel and I place our girls on the floor.

“I wanna see the rings, Daddy,” Kenna asks, making everyone chuckle.

“In a minute, firefly, we have to put them on first,” I tell her.

She nods, cuddling into my leg, and Rebel smiles at her.

Zero takes the rings from Shotgun and hands one to Rebel and me.

“Six, repeat after me… with this ring, I marry the fuck out of you.”

Everyone bursts out laughing when I start to push the ring on Rebel’s finger. “With this ring, I marry the fuck out of you.”

She giggles as I slide it into pride of place.

Rebel then takes mine, and Zero repeats the process.

“With this ring, I marry the fuck out of you.” She giggles the whole time she is saying it.

Our hands remain together as I stare into her beautiful, big doe eyes.

Zero smirks. “Six, do you?”

“Fuck yeah.”

“Rebel, do you?”

“Always.”

“Then you guys better kiss and make this thing official.”

I don’t wait a single second, pulling her to me and slamming my lips against hers. My tongue slides into her mouth, needing her, wanting her, loving her.

My love.

My everything.

My wife.