Epilogue

I'd insisted that we use my car. I was not riding over to the wedding venue, messing up my hair and dress on Pike's motorcycle. I'd dressed in a pale blue silk slip dress that went with my eyes, pairing it with kitten heels. Pike wore his cut over an actual button-down dress shirt. His eyes were smoky as I finished brushing out my hair.

"You look delectable, baby. It'll be hard to keep my hands off you," he said. I grinned at him.

"Later, I want those hands all over me. Everywhere."

"That's a promise."

Just what I wanted to hear. I had been feeling so lucky lately. Things seemed to be wrapped up with the whole Victor situation. I couldn't complain on that front, and the Morinrock PD had given up entirely, pinning everything on some poor sap who had burned up in some warehouse. It sounded like inept police work, but I didn't argue with them. I was knee-deep still in the marriage agreement for Max, which was keeping me more than busy.

"Come on, baby. We need to get Ronnie and go," Pike called from the doorway. Giving my makeup one more touch, I took his hand and moved into the hall.

Ronnie looked like she was going anywhere but a wedding—a goth girl meets rocker chick. I wasn't even clear what was going on with her, but I wasn't going to police her wardrobe. Even Pike looked askance at her black combat boots and knee-high socks.

"Ready?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Sure," she shrugged. "I'm starved."

**

The night air was cool against my skin as I stepped out onto the patio at the Open Road, the soft rustle of my dress blending with the distant hum of motorcycles. We'd been here only thirty minutes, and I was already amazed at how much the place had been transformed—twinkling lights were strung between poles and buildings, casting a warm, golden glow over the crowd. Maddox and Helena had chosen to have their wedding at night, under the stars, and I couldn't think of a more fitting backdrop for them.

The crowd was a mix of attendees, people from town, and MC members. Dimitri stood with Hollis by his side, his hand resting protectively over her shoulders. They looked content and happy, and seeing them like that made me smile. My cousin deserved that. Olive scampered with the other children and waved happily as we walked through the crowd.

Pike was near the bar, talking to Cross. They both looked sharp in their dress shirts and slacks, though the leather vests they wore over them made sure no one forgot who they were. Pike caught my eye and gave me a slight nod, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Something in his gaze made my heart skip a beat.

"Natasha!"

I turned to see Daisy approaching me with a mischievous grin. She looked stunning in a deep burgundy dress, the color complementing her red hair. I recognized that spark in her eyes —she was up to something.

"Daisy," I greeted her with a raised brow, already bracing myself for whatever she had planned. "What are you scheming?"

"Me? Scheme? Never." She laughed, looping her arm through mine. "But you must admit, this is the perfect setting for a little fun."

I shook my head, smiling despite myself. "You're impossible."

"True," she agreed, her eyes scanning the crowd. "But that's why people love me. Now listen. We have a little surprise in store for the happy couple, and I need your help. Can I use you and your man for a minute?"

"Sure."

We trailed after Daisy and followed her to her vehicle, which was parked off to the side of the buildings. I was curious what was going on, but I was willing to go along. It was obviously an official diner vehicle because it had an ‘Odd Duck' emblem on the door. She opened the back doors, and inside was a gorgeous wedding cake with a topper of a miniature Maddox on a Harley with a Helena in jeans and a t-shirt. Fresh flowers flowed down one side. It was such perfection that tears sprung in my eyes.

"Daisy, did you make this?"

"Vito did, but don't tell him that I told you," she whispered conspiratorily. He barely finished it. I just need your help getting it to the table. Natasha, can you run interference for us while we maneuver it?"

"Sure thing." I looked at Daisy askance, but I shouldn't have doubted her after all those heavy trays she managed daily. She hefted her end of the cake board like a pro, balancing and bossing Pike as they edged to the prepared table.

"Thanks, guys. I appreciate you." I gave her a quick hug before we went our separate ways. It was a fantastic gift to the couple from the diner. I knew that Helena had been working there since she returned home. She'd obviously had quite an impact on Daisy and Vito.

Pike and I found our seats as the ceremony began, the rows of chairs facing a makeshift altar framed by fairy lights. Helena appeared at the end of the aisle, radiant in a flowing white dress that seemed to catch every bit of light around her. Her blonde hair was swept up, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, and she moved with the kind of grace that only comes when you know you're exactly where you're meant to be.

Maddox stood at the altar, waiting for her. His expression was one I'd never seen on him before—open, vulnerable, completely in love. You could almost see him draw in his breath, that blow to the chest as the woman he loved stood at the end of the aisle waiting to walk to him.

"She's so beautiful," I whispered to Pike. "Look how in love they are."

"I'm happy for him," Pike whispered so close to my ear that his breath licked across my lobe, making me fidget a little. His hand tightened on mine. "I'm happy for me, too," he added. "That I found you."

The wedding march started, and Helena began to walk, escorted by Whitney, who was doing his best to look tough and sentimental at the same time. There was a ripple of movement in the crowd as we all stood, and the guys from both clubs straightened up, a few even wiping at their eyes when they thought no one was looking. It was funny to see these hardened bikers, men who'd faced down the worst of the world, getting emotional over a wedding, but that's what love did—it brought out the best in people, even when they didn't expect it.

Helena smiled widely as she moved down the aisle, and when she finally reached Maddox, the crowd roared. Where all the stuffy Bratva weddings I'd been to had been silent, this one was filled with joy and laughter. Maddox took her hand as he helped her onto the platform and intertwined his hands with hers before standing before the officiant.

The ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point. There were no elaborate vows or grand speeches—just two people promising to be there for each other, no matter what. It was simple and perfect, with hooting and hollering at the end.

After the ceremony, the party kicked into full gear. Music filled the air, a mix of classic rock and country that had everyone on their feet. The bar was open, and the dance floor was packed.

"Dance with me, sis?" Ronnie's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see her holding out her hand, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

I laughed, taking her hand. "You're relentless."

"And you love me for it," she quipped, pulling me onto the dance floor.

We spun around, the music loud in our ears, the world spinning. Everything else fell away for a moment—the last few weeks, the gifts left for her. It was just us, laughing and dancing under the stars, two sisters who'd been through hell and back but still found joy in the little things.

As the night wore on, I found myself drifting away from the dance floor, needing a moment to catch my breath. I wandered over to the edge of the patio, where the lights faded into the darkness of the surrounding desert. The breeze was a welcome relief, and I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me.

"Natasha."

I turned to see Pike standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, his gaze steady on mine. There was something in his expression that I couldn't quite read, something that made my heart beat a little faster.

"Hey," I said, my voice softer than intended.

He stepped closer, the shadows playing over his face. "You looked like you were having fun."

I nodded, turning back to the dark horizon. "Yeah. Feels like home. I'm so glad I decided to stay."

"Me too," he smiled, wrapping me up in his arms. For a moment, neither of us said anything, the silence between us comfortable, filled with unspoken words.

THE END