Chapter Fourteen

Whiskey glanced around the bar. Things were calm and Hennessy was taking over the four pm shift until later. His dad and uncles were in charge of Bailey and Ezra because he and his woman were taking a ride.

The last week with Vivi's former family safely in jail with no chance at bail had changed her outlook. The small lines of stress on her face had completely disappeared. She had a pros and cons list of what she wanted to do next.

His woman was finally getting to dream. He'd support whatever she wanted to do. If she wanted to stay home with the kids, he'd be ecstatic, but his job allowed him to work around any schedule. If she wanted to be full-time at the community college, he'd be a stay-at-home dad.

Tonight was about making Vivi know how much he loved her and couldn't wait for what was next in their life. He'd been wanting to get her on his bike for a while, but he'd held off until it was safe. Crewe had packed a picnic basket for them.

They were going back to where it all started with a couple modifications. He hadn't realized until he and his uncles talked that where Vivi had wrecked was technically their land. Oh, they didn't farm it, they had it rented to a family who did, but their ownership allowed Whiskey to make a special place.

Vivi walked out of the bar side door wearing jeans, biker boots, and the leather jacket he'd bought her. Her hair was pulled into a low ponytail, and she was carrying her helmet.

"How am I supposed to take you for a ride when my dick's hard enough to burst through my jeans?"

Her giggle and smile had him shaking his head at the woman who was his.

"Don't you know that waiting makes the release all the sweeter?"

He straddled his bike and got on, waiting for Vivi to walk closer. As soon as she was in range, he tipped her toward him, claiming the lips he couldn't get enough of.

"Woah, I thought you were going on a bike ride. Looks like Vivi might be trying to ride something else."

Whiskey reluctantly pulled his lips away from Vivi, enjoying the dazed look in her gorgeous green eyes.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you're annoying, Halligan?"

Halligan tossed the trash into the bin, then strolled toward them. "Only every brother and cousin I have. Vivi, there's still time. You could leave Whiskey and pick the better cousin."

Vivi got on behind Whiskey, giggling at his cousin. "Halligan, don't worry. I'm working on finding you and your cousins your own women."

Whiskey chuckled at the look of fear on Halligan's face.

"Now Vivi, you don't need to worry yourself about that."

Whiskey didn't wait for his cousin to finish but started up the bike as soon as Vivi patted his stomach, signaling she had her helmet on and was ready. He pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward his surprise. He was going to enjoy each and every minute of Vivi's arms wrapped around him and her breasts pressed up against him.

Vivi held onto Whiskey, enjoying her first motorcycle ride. She was positive her legs would be sore from holding on, but she was looking forward to more rides with Whiskey. The Bluff Creek women had been telling her she'd love when they did Poker Runs.

The last week with her former in-laws in jail had been freeing. She could decide what she wanted to do. She didn't worry about anything happening to their kids. Their kids were adored by the family and spoiled rotten. She didn't worry about that because the kids deserved to know they had a family who adored them.

Of course, it would be a different story when Bailey wanted to date. She'd overheard Hennessy and Halligan talking to Bailey while they were holding her. Telling her that any boy would have to pass their tests and she wasn't allowed to date until she was at least thirty had her putting her hand over her mouth to not laugh out loud.

She had done a huge baking day with Crewe and Ezra for treats for all the people who had helped. All the men had visited during the day to get their share of the cookies. The laughter and teasing had brought tears to her eyes.

Having her father-in-law, Peck, wrap his arms around her and thank her for bringing love to Whiskey's life had turned the trickle of tears to a waterfall. The tears had made the men uncomfortable, and so they'd cut up until she'd smiled.

The drive went quickly. Whiskey was pulling over to an area on the side of the road. It had a paved area that looked similar to rest stops on the side of the road or those historical markers along the road she looked forward to exploring. Whiskey had the kickstand down and was holding his hand out to help her off.

She clumsily got off the bike. She might need to practice so it goes smoother next time. Whiskey helped her take her helmet off and left them on the bike as he grabbed a hamper and took her hand with his other hand.

"Vivi, I have something I want to show you."

He led her over to an area with a picnic table, bench, and a pergola over the area. Wild flowers native to the area had been planted around the area. A small sign was over at the side hooked to the wooden post. She read the sign and fought back tears.

Beauty can be found in the silence on the side of the road.

She turned to Whiskey. "Is this where I wrecked?"

Whiskey nodded and set the picnic basket on the table.

"Yes, I wanted a place where travelers could stop and appreciate the beauty. You coming into my life was the best thing that has ever happened to me. We may have gotten married to protect you, Ezra, and Little Tot, but it was the best decision in my life. I thought I'd never find love, but you rolled into my life, filling each dark corner with your love."

Vivi laid her hand against Whiskey's heart, then pulled his mouth down for a kiss. She poured everything she felt for the man who had saved her and given her a life she loved into her kiss. Her heart thudded. She would have never dreamed her hero would ride a motorcycle and have tattoos and a beard, but he was the one who rescued her.