Page 71 of Finish Line

I surprised Athena with two things for Christmas. The first being our own house. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. It’s on the Savage Menace property, but out where no one can see us from the clubhouse or barn. I had a crew of guys start buildin’ it years ago, hopin’ to surprise one of my kids with it. But when Hawk died, I had them stop buildin’. I reached out to the same guys and to my surprise, they all still work together. They were more than happy to come out and finish the house.

The second thing I surprised her with was her grandmother’s weddin’ rings. I proposed to her back in August, but we didn’t find the rings right away. It wasn’t until we raided the apartment Kevin had been stayin’ in that we found them. I had them cleaned and proposed again at Christmas.

Today is my fiftieth birthday. Athena got up this mornin’ and made me a huge breakfast spread and let me open some gifts she got me. We spent most of the day cuddlin’ and watchin’ whatever bullshit show she’s watchin’ on Netflix. Truthfully, I don’t pay attention. I pay more attention to her, runnin’ my fingers through her hair or rubbin’ her belly or feet.

Minx wanted to make me a big birthday dinner, so we’re headed up to the house now to visit with her, Raze and Miles. As we’re walkin’ outta the house, I get a text from Minx.

From Minx:We came down to the clubhouse for a minute. Meet us here.

“What the hell does Minx have up her sleeve?” I ask Athena.

“What do you mean?” She gives me a genuinely confused look.

“She just texted me tellin’ us to come to the clubhouse instead of their house,” I tell her.

“You told her you didn’t want anyone making a big deal out of your birthday. I’m sure it’s nothing,” she says.

“Well, let’s go find out.” Athena’s belly is too big for her to safely ride on the back of my bike, so we take one of our cars when we go places together. I open the passenger side door for her. She gives me a quick kiss on the lips before slidin’ in. Once she’s settled, I close the door and walk to the driver’s side. It’s a ten-minute drive to the clubhouse. I park in the designated spots for cages and turn the engine off. Athena and I meet at the back of the car and walk into the clubhouse, hand in hand.

Minx is standin’ by the door holdin’ Miles when we walk in. “Hey, Pops!”

“Surprise!” The rest of the clubhouse yells.

I shake my head, smilin’ at Minx. “As soon as you sent me that fuckin’ text, I knew you had somethin’ up your sleeve.”

“I couldn’t help it! It’s your fiftieth birthday. We have to celebrate,” she tells me.

“You didn’t tell Athena either, huh?” I ask.

“Nope. Sorry Athena, but I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep it a surprise if he asked you,” Minx explains, giggling.

Athena shrugs and smiles. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Well, come in. Get some food and have fun,” Minx says.

“Give me my grandbaby and everythin’ else can wait.” I grab him out of her arms, kissin’ his forehead. “How’s my lil’ man today? Hmm?”

“And just like that, everyone else is invisible,” Athena teases.

The clubhouse door opens behind us. I turn to see who it is as Minx squeals.

“Eeek! You made it!” She rushes to Rivet.

“Hey, sweetheart!” I call to her and then I notice she’s holdin’ an infant carrier.

“Happy birthday, Pops,” she says to me.

“Rivet?” Saint asks, walkin’ closer.

“Is that . . .? Whose . . .?” he stutters.

“Hey, Saint,” Rivet says to him. She glances from him to the baby and back to Saint. “We have some things to catch up on.”

The End