Page 51

The sea air brushed my cheeks as I stepped barefoot onto the warm sands of Maine’s rugged coastline. Two weeks had vanished since Maverick placed that ring on my finger, promising a new life free of the mob’s grip and my old ghosts. Now, I stood here on a secluded beach, dressed in a soft ivory gown that flowed around my ankles, the salty breeze teasing strands of my hair from an updo. The tide lapped at the shore in a rhythmic hush, as if nature itself was blessing this moment.

My heart thudded, excitement and nerves mingling. I’m about to marry Maverick. Just months ago, I’d been trapped in a loveless arrangement with Mark, never imagining I’d be free to choose who held my hand forever. But now, I was no longer Lexi Martin, mob bargaining chip. I was Lexi, soon-to-be Lexi Hart, Maverick’s wife , his ol’ lady, embracing the wild freedom he offered.

Friends drifted across the sand, setting up a small semicircle of chairs. The Kings of Anarchy MC crew had come to celebrate, Solo, their president, Chainsaw, the Vice President, and a handful of members and their women who’d grown fond of us. Nova was there, in a light-blue sundress, cradling our son, Adam, while Chigger hovered around them, fresh off the road from some Road Monster’s run.

I exhaled, smoothing my palm over the soft white satin of my dress. Nova had helped me choose it. Simple, sleeveless, with a gentle lace overlay at the bodice. My postpartum body still felt foreign, but looking at my reflection in Chigger’s bike’s chrome. I felt… serene.

A cough made me turn around. Standing there was Kingpin, towering in a black button-down and jeans that somehow seemed formal for a biker. He had a thick beard, dark hair with streaks of grey, combed back, and two restless toddlers clinging to his legs. My heart leaped. My father. The man who once opposed Maverick, who’d probably never imagined having a grown daughter, show up out of nowhere.

He cleared his throat again, casting a glance at the toddlers. One was fussing, the other picking up shells. Beside him was Eve , his wife, a few years older than me, yet not by much. She wore a flowy floral dress, her long blonde hair tied in a loose braid.

“Lexi,” Kingpin said gruffly, stepping forward. His gaze flicked over me, a hint of awkward pride in his eyes. “You make a beautiful bride.”

I released a nervous breath. “Thanks… it’s nice to finally meet you… in person.” We grinned a little awkwardly, as I recalled the night I got a call from him, and he asked if he could come to the wedding.

He shifted the toddler off his leg, handing her to Eve. The little girl looked at me with wide eyes. Angel. My half-sister, my mind supplied, reeling. I had a brother, too. Named Prince.

Life is so bizarre.

Then Kingpin handed me a biker cut embroidered with Princess , Maverick’s sweet name for me. It was for me. It held the biker president’s new patch. Bastard Sons MC.

And I was a son of the bastard or rather a daughter.

Kingpin scratched his beard, explaining, “I’m not the mob,” he muttered, as if anticipating my concerns. “But I got enough pull in the MC world to protect you just as well. If you ever need anything, you call me, understand?”

I swallowed hard, emotion swirling. “Thank you,” I managed. “I… we’re a family, I guess. Strange as that might be.”

His lips twitched, almost a grin. “Yeah, guess so. Your mother… Dirty… well, Diana and I had a fling a long time ago. Didn’t realize she’d had my kid. I’m sorry I wasn’t there, that you had to grow up without,” He broke off, gaze dropping.

I blinked. He’s apologizing for something he never knew he should be apologizing for. I forced a small smile. “Don’t blame yourself. My mother kept a lot of secrets. But I appreciate you being here now, walking me down the aisle.” The words felt surreal, but he’d said Eve had insisted he do it, some symbolic gesture of fatherhood. I wondered if he only used her as an excuse to do the right thing.

At the mention of the wedding, Kingpin straightened, repeating the excuse again. “Eve said I should do the fatherly thing, even if I’ve never had a day of practice. She’s got more sense than me about these things.”

Eve stepped forward, balancing a squirming toddler on her hip. She offered me a warm smile as Kingpin drifted back to talk to a biker I’d never met. Some ginger haired guy standing watch like he was protecting them. “I’m proud of him for showing up, honestly. And yes, you’re almost the same age I was when I first got tangled with him. I know people talk about our age difference, but…” She shrugged, eyes shining with fondness for Kingpin, “I couldn’t resist a big, sexy biker with a heart of gold. Looks like we have the same taste.”

Realizing she spoke of Maverick, I swallowed. He was her ex, after all.

“I only mean Adam…” She used his real name, and the intimacy of it made my stomach tie in knots. “He’s one of the good ones,” she clarified. “And he loves you so much.”

I found myself laughing softly, relief flooding me. “I’m glad you two found real love.” And I meant it. Their dynamic might be complicated, but from the way Kingpin hovered near her, gentle with their kids, it was clear they shared something genuine, far different from Mark’s coldness.

Kingpin gestured to the beach altar, a simple arch draped in white gauzy fabric. A handful of chairs faced it, sea gulls swooping overhead. “Ready?”

All the wedding nerves suddenly hit me. “Yes, I, I think so.” I glanced around, noticing Maverick wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Where is he?”

Nova popped over, wiggling her eyebrows. “He’s waiting down by the shore with Sully.” Kings of Anarchy MC had supplied their chaplain. “You want me to take the baby?” Little Adam dozed in her arms already, lulled by the ocean breeze.

I nodded, pressing a soft kiss to Adam’s brow. My nerves fluttered again, my wedding day.

Kingpin cleared his throat, offering his arm. “Shall we?”

I took it, still reeling that this biker, my father, was escorting me. Eve shot me a playful wink, guiding her toddlers to find seats near the front.

A burly biker named Folklore played soft guitar chords as we approached the makeshift aisle. The handful of guests, King's members, plus random friends from Maine, rose, smiling. Chigger, Nova with the baby stood in honor with us. My bare feet sank into the warm sand. Kingpin’s grip on my arm was steady, surprisingly reassuring.

Ahead, Maverick stood by a simple wooden arch, the waves rolling behind him. The sun cast a golden hue over everything. He wore dark jeans, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his Road Monsters' cut left aside for the ceremony. My breath caught at the softness in his gaze as we locked eyes.

We reached him, and Kingpin gently placed my hand in Maverick’s, giving me a firm nod before stepping aside. For a moment, Maverick and I just stared, hearts in our throats. This biker , who once saved my life, who fathered my child, kidnapped me from Texas, who fought for me and waited for me. He squeezed my hand, his features reflecting the love I felt for him.

The officiant, guy in the MC, Sully, a biker himself, spoke in a low, gentle tone about love, family, and second chances. The waves crashed softly, a gull cried overhead. Tears stung my eyes as I gazed at Maverick’s face, lined with relief, devotion, everything I’d craved in a partner.

“I pledge to stand by you,” I choked out. “No more secrets, no more lies. You gave me freedom when I had none. You believed in me when I’d lost faith. I… I love you, Maverick.”

He blinked back tears, a faint smile tugging his lips. “You changed my life, Lexi. I was running from everything, my past, my heartbreak, until you showed me what I truly wanted. A home. A family. You. I promise to protect you and our son forever, to treasure every moment, and never let you doubt my devotion.”

We exchanged rings, he slipped a simple band on my finger, shining next to the engagement ring. I slid a matching gold band onto his, heart thudding with every breath. Sully smiled, pronouncing us husband and wife. Cheers erupted from the small gathering, Nova leading the applause with Adam in her arms. Chigger whooped, the Kings hoisted up beer cans in salute.

Maverick leaned in, engulfing me into a passionate kiss, sealing our vow under the blue sky. My mind flashed through the memories, the heartbreak, the fear, the stolen kisses in motels, the baby’s birth without him. Now we’d finally found our way here. Joy swelled in my chest. We’re married. We’re free.

We lingered on the shore for a while before heading to the party the Kings set up just a ways down the beach. People chatted in small clusters, sipping beer or whiskey. Kingpin was barefoot, at the brink of the water with Eve, their toddlers, my newfound siblings, squealing at the incoming waves. It felt surreal, my father, the man I’d never known, now part of my wedding.

I drifted over, with Maverick’s hand clasped in mine, dragging him with me. Kingpin nodded in approval at us. “That was a nice ceremony. Simple, but heartfelt.”

My cheeks warmed. “Thank you for coming, for… for walking me down the aisle, dad.”

Shifting his stance, he smiled proudly. “I know I offered to have you come down south, with us. You’d be under my protection, no messing around.” He spoke to us both. “But if you prefer Maine, that’s fine. I’ll have your back if anything arises.”

Eve smiled at us both, but she spoke only to me. “We’d love to get to know you better, but we also understand if you want distance. Just know we’re here if you need us.” Her voice held genuine warmth, her gaze flicking to the toddlers chasing each other. “Our door is always open.”

My heart softened. “Thank you,” I said softly, as I tried to speak for both Maverick and I. “It’s… a lot to process, being your daughter, or that Adam is your grandson. But I appreciate the support. Right now, we love being away from Texas, away from old trouble.”

Kingpin’s gaze slid to Maverick, a hint of grudging respect in his eyes. “You keep her safe, Pig,” he said, using an old insult with no real malice. “If I hear any different, I won’t hesitate to ride up here and whoop your ass, again.”

Maverick stiffened, but a faint smirk tugged his lips. “She’s my wife now, old man. I won’t let her down.”

Kingpin huffed a laugh, then reached out, patting Maverick’s shoulder. “Good. Because if you do, you’ll answer to me. Family is everything.”

His words reminded me of the mob, but I exhaled, relief coursing through me. Maybe, someday we could bridge these bizarre family connections.

Nova joined us with my mother's urn. I felt it was time to spread her ashes, give her a final resting place. The fact that there was someone here who had also loved her in any way, made me smile. Together, Kingpin and I released her ashes into the ocean.

When the others were out of earshot, Kingpin started speaking low. “Your mom, she always loved the ocean. That’s how she got wrapped up in the biker world to begin with. I met her at Bike Week in Daytona. I’d just gotten out of the slammer, and I was hung up on an old flame, if I hadn’t been, maybe I would’ve loved her more, but that’s a story for another day. She rode with me back to Nashville. We didn’t stay together long, but she came back a few times… She worked at my club… well… Maybe one time there will be time to tell you more.”

“I’d love that,” I said, my eyes reaching his that shined with unshed tears.

As dusk fell, Nova sidled up to me, cuddling a sleepy Adam in her arms. “Smutty…. Go, have a honeymoon,” she teased, grin wide. “I’ll watch him tonight. We’re safe here, right? Plenty of MC folks around, no one’s messing with us.”

We hadn’t really planned to, but Maverick spoke up. His hand slid to my waist. “We can head to that B&B farther up the coast,” he murmured in my ear. “Just one night, a few hours of quiet away from Adam’s cries and Nova and Chigger. Think you can handle that, Mrs. Hart?”

A tingle ran through me at the sound of that. “You sure Nova can manage Adam?”

Nova rolled her eyes. “Please, I babysit him all the time. Go be newlyweds for once. You deserve it.”

I gazed at Adam, guilt tugging me about leaving him. But a part of me yearned for a single night of rest and closeness with Maverick. Nova was right, we deserved it. I pressed a kiss to the baby’s forehead. “Okay. One night. If anything happens… ”

Nova swatted my arm lightly. “I’ll text you. Relax!” She winked. “Now go. Your husband awaits.”