Epilogue

Three years later…

The rev of Rachel’s motorcycle rumbled through her as she pulled up outside the steel door of the Green Devils’ clubhouse. She killed the engine and swung her leg over the bike, the familiar ache in her lower back barely registering.

After a twelve-hour shift at the medical center, her scrubs were wrinkled and stained with traces of antiseptic, a far cry from the tailored leathers she now wore as an old lady of the club. She ran a gloved hand through her windswept hair and took a deep breath of the crisp night air, scented with the aroma of cigarettes, motor oil and stale beer that meant she was home.

Home. The word still felt foreign to her tongue, eliciting a mix of fear and longing in the pit of her stomach. She shook off the feeling and walked towards the door, the heavy thud of her boots grounding her in the present.

The clubhouse was smoky as always, filled with the raucous laughter and drunken shouts of her brothers. Their eyes followed her as she made her way to the bar. A sea of respect, lust and brotherly affection. She nodded at a few of them; her gaze settling on Jaxon in the corner.

He was watching her with those piercing blue eyes, a slow smile curving his lips. Her heart skipped as warmth flooded her cheeks. After all these years, his gaze still had the power to unravel her, stripping away the layers of control and composure she clung to.

“Hard day at work, darlin’?” His gravelly voice was laced with concern as he enveloped her in a hug, the familiar scent of leather and spice enveloping her senses.

She sighed and sank into his embrace, the tension seeping from her body. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

His chest rumbled with laughter. “That’s my girl.”

A smile tugged at her lips as she breathed him in. She was home.

Jaxon pulled away reluctantly, his hands lingering on her waist. His eyes were soft with affection as he gazed down at her, a hint of nervousness flickering in their depths.

Her brow furrowed. “What is it?”

He cleared his throat, shoving his hands into the pockets of his leather cut. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

Her heart lurched. “Yes?”

For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then he steeled himself and dropped to one knee, grasping her hands. A hush fell over the rowdy crowd as all eyes turned to them.

Jaxon took a deep breath, his piercing gaze holding hers. “Rachel, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. You crashed into my life and turned it upside down, in the best way possible.” His voice shook slightly as he continued. “You bring out the best in me and inspire me to be a better man. I want to share my life with you, through all the ups and downs, as your partner in crime, and as the man who will always be there to hold you when you fall.”

Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. Her heart swelled, overflowing with love for the man kneeling before her.

“Rachel Lewis, will you marry me?”

She smiled through her tears, joy suffusing every inch of her being. “Yes, Jaxon. Yes, I will marry you.”

The clubhouse erupted into cheers and whistles as Jaxon surged to his feet, crushing her in a searing kiss. Their future was uncertain, but as long as they were together, she knew they could weather any storm.

Rachel was dimly aware of the raucous congratulations around them, the Green Devils swarming forward to clap Jaxon on the back and hug her tightly. But at that moment, all she could see was Jaxon, his eyes alight with joy and love as he gazed at her.

He cupped her face in his hands, brushing away the tears with his thumbs. “I love you so damn much,” he rasped, his voice thick.

She reached up and curled her hands around his wrists, anchoring herself to him. “I love you too. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

Jaxon crushed her against him again, nearly lifting her off her feet. The ring on her finger glinted under the dim lights of the clubhouse, a symbol of the new life they would build together.

Rachel closed her eyes and breathed in the familiar scent of leather and spice, her heart full to bursting. They had a long road ahead, filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome. But they would face it all together, side by side, bonded as partners against the world.

Jaxon pulled back and took her left hand, gazing at the engagement ring now adorning her finger. He brushed his thumb over the diamond, a soft smile curving his lips.

“It’s perfect,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “Just like you.”

Rachel’s heart skipped a beat at the tender look in his eyes. She curled her fingers around his, clinging to the solid warmth of his hand. “I love it. And I love you.”

Jaxon’s smile widened. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and guided her toward the exit, the Green Devils whistling and catcalling behind them.

Rachel ducked her head to hide her blush, feeling almost dizzy with happiness. The cool night air was a shock to her overheated skin as they stepped outside, the sounds of the clubhouse fading into the distance.

Jaxon swung her up onto his bike, sliding on behind her and kicking the engine to life with a roar. The familiar vibration sang through her veins as they sped off into the night, the ring on her finger glinting under the moonlight.

Rachel leaned back into Jaxon’s embrace, her hands covering his on her waist. The wind whipped her hair and stung her eyes, but she didn’t care.

She was going home with the man she loved. The future had never seemed so bright.

The house was dark when they pulled up, but warmth flooded through Rachel at the sight of it. Their home. The place they’d built together through hard work and sacrifice.

Jaxon cut the engine and helped her off the bike, his hands lingering on her waist. “You ready to celebrate, darlin’?” His voice was low and rough, his eyes gleaming in the faint light from the moon.

Rachel’s heart stuttered. “Yes,” she whispered.

Jaxon scooped her up into his arms, kicking the front door open. He carried her over the threshold as if it was their wedding night, not stopping until they reached the bedroom.

Moonlight filtered through the window, bathing the room in a silvery glow. Jaxon set her on her feet, his hands coming up to cradle her face. “I love you,” he said. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Rachel’s eyes stung. “I love you too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. “Thank you for saving me.”

“You saved yourself,” he said. “You’re the strongest, most incredible woman I’ve ever known. And now you’re mine.” He kissed her then, deep and slow and thorough, and Rachel gave herself over to the joy and passion of the moment.

The ring on her finger was a sweet, heavy weight, binding them together in a way that went far deeper than any piece of jewelry. They’d walked through the fire to get here, but they’d survived.