EPILOGUE

REBEL

The clubhouse is bustling with energy. The long table is set for the feast, and the air is thick with the scent of pine, cinnamon, roasted meats, gingerbread, and warm bread, which fills the air, wrapping me in a warm embrace that feels almost magical. Twinkling lights dance across every surface, casting a soft glow that ignites a spark of joy deep within me. Laughter echoes around the room, mingling with the cheerful melodies of carols, creating a symphony of happiness that lifts my spirits higher. I can’t help but smile as I watch the families gather, their faces glowing with excitement and love, each moment steeped in a sense of togetherness that is truly cheerful. The anticipation of shared meals, the thrill of gift-giving, and the warmth of cherished traditions flood my heart with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. In this season of celebration, everything feels alive and vibrant—a reminder that joy is found in the simplest of moments, and I am eager to embrace every single one.

The guys are busy arranging chairs, and the kids are running around, their laughter echoing through the space. The Christmas tree in the corner is lit up, adorned with handmade ornaments and twinkling lights, adding a warm glow to the room. The scent of pine mingles with the aroma of the food, creating a comforting, festive atmosphere. The word ‘festive’ swirls in my mind like the shimmering lights that twinkle overhead, each one a celebration of joy and togetherness.

It’s the sound of laughter bubbling over, the clinking of glasses raised in cheer, and the aroma of spiced treats wafting through the air, creating warmth and excitement.

Festive means gathering with loved ones, where every shared glance is filled with unspoken happiness, and every hug feels like a promise of connection. It’s the thrill of wrapping gifts in bright paper, the anticipation of surprises that spark delight, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by the vibrant colors of the season.

In this moment, the world feels alive with possibility, and I am swept up in the magic that ‘festive’ embodies—joy, love, and the celebration of life itself.

The life we have created for ourselves here and the new life we are bringing into it soon.

Koda is by my side, his arm around my waist, guiding me over to where Avery and Shotgun are sitting with Gage. Avery is holding a glass of cider, her eyes lighting up when she sees us approaching. She pulls me into another tight hug, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.

“You look so beautiful, Thay,” she chimes, her voice full of warmth. “And that dress… I swear, it’s like it was made just for you.”

I give her a teary smile. “Thank you, Avery. I still can’t believe this all happened. I’m just… so grateful you’re all here.”

Shotgun raises his glass, nodding at Six. “I’ll admit, I didn’t think this day would come. But seeing you two up there, it’s clear… you’re good for each other.” He smirks, his eyes narrowing slightly. “But you mess up, Six, and we’ll be having words.”

Six laughs, nodding. “Understood, Shotgun. Loud and clear.”

The chatter of the club grows louder, the atmosphere warm and cheerful. Someone turns up the music, and I spot Cherry dancing with one of the kids, her laughter infectious. Prinie’s bustling in and out of the kitchen, herding people toward the table while keeping an eye on the food. The decorations around the room—strings of lights, garlands, and red and green ribbons—make everything feel so alive, so full of love and celebration.

Avery leans closer to me, her voice dropping to a whisper, “You know, I heard a little rumor today.”

I raise an eyebrow, curious. “Oh?”

Avery’s grin widens, and she nods over to where Zero is standing with Cherry, his hand resting protectively on her lower back. “Apparently, there’s going to be another baby in the club soon.”

My jaw drops, and I glance over at Cherry, who’s practically glowing, her smile never leaving her face. “No way. Are you serious?”

Avery nods, her eyes twinkling. “She told me just this morning. They’re keeping it quiet for now, but… well, I figured you should know, being the First Lady of the club and all. And her sister-in-law.”

I let out a delighted laugh, feeling the joy swell in my chest. “That’s amazing. They must be over the moon.”

Avery nods, her gaze softening as she watches them. “They deserve it. After everything they went through, they really do.”

I take a deep breath, my heart swelling with happiness for them. This place, these people—they’re more than just a club. They’re a family, through and through. And seeing everyone come together like this, celebrating each other, makes me realize just how lucky we all are to have found one another.

The call for food finally comes, and everyone gathers around the table. It’s a beautiful chaos—kids clambering onto laps, plates being passed around, laughter and shouts echoing off the walls. Koda pulls out a chair for me, helping me sit before settling in beside me, Kenna on his knee. The room feels alive, filled with warmth and a sense of togetherness that’s almost overwhelming.

Zero stands at the head of the table, raising his glass, and the room falls into a comfortable hush. “All right, everyone,” he begins, his voice carrying over the group. “I know we’ve had our ups and downs this year. Hell, we’ve faced more than our fair share of challenges. But today, we’re here together. As a family. And I think that’s worth celebrating.”

He glances over at Cherry, his eyes softening, and then looks back at the rest of us. “To new beginnings, to love, and to the family we choose. Merry Christmas, everyone.”

“Merry Christmas!” the group echoes, glasses clinking together, the warmth and love in the room almost palpable.

I look around, my gaze landing on each of the faces that mean so much to me. Koda, my husband—my heart swells just thinking that word. My girls, laughing and playing, surrounded by people who love them. Avery and Shotgun, Cherry and Zero, Prinie and Wraith, the kids, everyone who’s been there through thick and thin.

The food is passed around, and soon, the table is filled with plates piled high, conversations flowing easily. I catch bits and pieces—Cherry teasing Zero about his ‘serious face’ during the ceremony, Avery and Shotgun discussing Gage’s latest obsession with motorcycles, Kenna giggling as she tries to sneak a bite of Koda’s dessert.

Kenna, always the little troublemaker, reaches over and dips her finger in the icing on Koda’s cake. He playfully swats her hand away, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, firefly, that’s mine.”

Kenna giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But it’s so yummy, Daddy.”

Koda shakes his head, feigning exasperation. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” he warns, then leans down, kissing her forehead.

I watch them, my heart swelling with love for this man, for our family. It’s moments like this that make everything worthwhile—the laughter, the chaos, the simple joy of being together.

Across the table, Cherry is in the middle of telling a story, her hands animated as she describes some misadventure involving Zero and a stray dog. Zero is trying to keep a straight face, but the corners of his mouth keep twitching upward as everyone around the table laughs. Even Shotgun, who’s usually so stoic, has a grin on his face.

Avery leans over, nudging me with her elbow. “Look at them,” she says, her voice soft. “I don’t think I’ve seen Zero this happy in a long time.”

I follow her gaze to where Zero is now playfully nudging Cherry, a rare smile on his face. “Yeah,” I reply, my voice filled with warmth. “It’s just so great to have all my family home for the holidays. That everyone is so freaking happy and getting along.”

Avery smiles at me, glancing at Shotgun, and she grins. “You know he only puts on that protective grumpy old man shit because he wants to protect you. Wants to make sure that your being here in Houston was the right move for you?”

My heart swells at the thought. Shotgun was always moody, there’s no denying that, but his protection mode for me since I moved to Houston was a little over the top. He has seemed to ease the intensity now that I have settled into my place at the head of this club by Six’s side. Now that Six has officially put a ring on it, and we’re three kids deep, or at least soon to be, I think Shotgun will see that this move and this relationship will stick.

Six is it for me, and I am it for him.

I’m just glad that Shotgun has finally come to terms with that.

As if sensing that I am thinking about him, his eyes meet mine, and I smile at him as Kenna sits on his lap, talking his ear off about something. Shotgun smiles back at me with a knowing smile. One that tells me that he’s ready to let me go.

My eyes begin to glisten as I nod at him, my heart swelling as we continue to stare at each other. We’ve been through so much. He has been the lifeline that I always turned to.

But now, I need to let him go too.

I love you, I mouth to him.

He grins, nodding his head at me. Love you too, he mouths back, inhales deeply, sniffles like the emotion is getting to him, then before I know it, he rubs at his chin and turns his attention back to my eldest daughter, smothering her in affection.

Letting out a long breath, my heart races as I smile and turn back to Avery. She gently squeezes my hand, not saying anything, simply nodding her head in understanding.

“Do you want some more gingerbread?” I ask her, my voice cracking just slightly.

She leans in, embracing me, taking me by surprise. “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Remember that, Thay.”

Pulling back, I steady my shoulders and smile. “Yeah… I got this.”

Avery nudges my shoulder playfully. “Yeah, you do… now gimmie some more gingerbread, that shit is freaking great.”

I let out a laugh, and the night continues, the food disappearing, the laughter growing louder. Someone brings out a cake, and the kids swarm around it, eager for a piece. Prinie and Cherry start a game of charades, and soon enough, everyone is involved, acting out ridiculous scenes, the room filled with joy and cheer.

Cherry is up first, dramatically pretending to be a reindeer, her hands mimicking antlers as she prances around the room. The kids burst into laughter, and even the adults can’t help but join in.

Zero is shaking his head, a grin on his face as he watches her.

Next, it’s Shotgun’s turn, and he reluctantly stands up, taking a piece of paper from the bowl. He glances at it and groans, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. He starts flapping his arms, making exaggerated bird noises, and the whole room erupts in laughter. Gage is practically falling off his chair, he’s laughing so hard.

I have to admit, it’s really fucking nice seeing Shotgun unwind for a change.

Koda pulls me into his lap at some point, his arms wrapping around my waist, holding me close as we watch the chaos unfold. I lean back against him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his breath against my neck.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Walker,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear.

I smile, my heart swelling with love. “Merry Christmas, Koda.”

His arms tighten around me, and I close my eyes for a moment, just taking it all in—the laughter, the love, the warmth of his embrace. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted—everything I never thought I’d have.

I open my eyes, watching as Kenna and Kinzley chase each other around the table, their giggles filling the room. Avery is helping Gage with a piece of cake, her face soft with love as she looks at her son. Cherry is sitting beside Zero, her hand resting on her stomach, a secret smile on her face as she watches Prinie try to act out some impossible word.

The room is alive with joy, laughter, and love. It’s the kind of moment that I want to hold onto forever—a snapshot of pure happiness, of everything being exactly as it should be.

As the night goes on, the games continue, and the kids start to wind down, their energy finally waning. Kenna climbs back into Koda’s lap, her eyes drooping as she snuggles into his chest. Kinzley is already asleep in Shotgun’s arms, her tiny hand curled around his finger.

I glance around the room, taking in the sight of my family—because that’s what they are. Not just friends, not just club members. They’re family. And no matter what happens, I know we’ll always have each other.

Koda’s hand finds mine again, our fingers lacing together. He gives me a gentle squeeze, his eyes meeting mine, and in that moment, I know that everything is going to be okay. We’ve been through so much, faced so many challenges, but we’re still here.

Still standing.

Still together.

The night slowly winds down, the kids being carried off to bed, the adults lingering at the table, sharing stories and laughter. Cherry stands abruptly, Zero’s eyes focused on her. “I have something to tell you all,” she announces. The room quiets, everyone’s attention turning to her.

She looks around, her eyes landing on Zero, who’s watching her with a mix of curiosity and love. She takes a deep breath, her hand resting on her stomach. “Zero and I… we’re having another baby.”

The room erupts in cheers, everyone standing up to hug them, to congratulate them. Zero’s face is lit up with a smile that I’ve rarely seen, his arms wrapping around Cherry as he pulls her close. It’s a beautiful moment filled with love and hope for the future.

Six grins so wide, like maybe he already knew, as I catch Avery’s eye across the room, and she gives me a knowing smile, my eyes glistening with happy tears as I watch Zero and Cherry, the joy on their faces unmistakable.

It’s moments like this that make everything worth it—the challenges, the hardships, the pain. Because, in the end, it’s all about the love we share, the family we create, and the moments that bring us together.

Koda presses a kiss to my temple, his voice soft in my ear. “You okay, babe?”

I nod, my heart completely full. “Yeah. I’m perfect.”

And I mean it.

Because right here, right now, surrounded by the people I love, I know that I have everything I’ve ever wanted.

A family.

A home.

A love that will last a lifetime.

Because no matter what, we have each other.

And that’s all we’ll ever need.

Two Weeks Later

Rebel is asleep in the hospital bed while I sit back, tired as all hell. The labor was tough, but she was a damn trooper through the whole thing.

Our son, baby Koen, the next legacy in the Walker line, is happy and healthy and the spitting image of me, but he has his mother’s eyes.

As I sit in the chair at the end of the cradle, my hand over the top resting on his belly, I can’t help but reflect on how this has been one of the most eventful, but honestly the best festive seasons I have ever had.

Sure, Rebel left me there for a while, I got poisoned and nearly died, and the club’s major income stream has had to be rebranded because my kids decided to compare it to a Disney Princess—all minor issues in the scheme of things.

I got married to the woman I am madly in love with.

We had our son, and everything else is just background noise.

So yeah, as I glance over and see my wife sleeping peacefully, I can’t help but think how fucking lucky I am.

I’m Six, President of the Houston Defiance MC, and this Christmas has been the best fucking time of my life.

Want to read more about Houston Defiance?

Click Here