Page 21

MADMAN

The end of summer…

I have Nickle working the gate, and River helping with the parking situation for all of our guests arriving.

Seeing how Nickle is set on getting his patch sooner than I anticipated by putting in the extra work, it’s time to start integrating River, so he can get a feel for the club and possibly become a prospect.

Never thought I’d have a son involved with the club, and it makes a new sense of pride fill my chest. My woman may not be keen, but my son has made it clear he’s a lot more like me than we ever anticipated.

Once Audrey had done me the honor and agreed to be my ol’ lady, planning around here was set into motion.

I couldn’t take her for a celebratory run to meet up with some of the other clubs since she’s pregnant, so we began planning an end-of-the-summer barbecue and party to celebrate her.

Everything’s all set up behind the clubhouse, with about twenty or so tables, an endless number of chairs, yard lights, fire pits, you name it, and it’s there.

Texas may be hot during the summer, but it’s not too miserable for us to party at night.

Audrey leans in, lowly murmuring, “With school starting so soon, I didn’t think anyone but us would be showing up.”

“Babydoll, of course they will. You don’t know these brothers like I do; they enjoy a reason to celebrate and a good party along with it.”

“I know you told me being an ol’ lady is a big deal in the eyes of your club, especially for a president, but is it normal to have such a celebration for it?

We could’ve flown somewhere private just us with the kids and done something to commemorate the moment, I would’ve been okay with low-key if it’s what you’d have wanted. ”

“No way, I’m showing your ass off as mine. We’ve waited long enough with John’s funeral and getting the house situated for you and the kids, so you’d be more comfortable long term. I want the world to know you’re my ol’ lady, and we have four, almost five amazing kids together.”

“I love you, I’m tired of waiting, too. I want everyone to know how much you mean to me,” she whispers, laying her head on my shoulder.

I lean down a touch, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Love you too, little momma. And besides, you’ve moved your chef in full time, it’s not my fault she wanted to help out with the party.

Blame her for all the food and the over-the-top cakes and stuff.

Once that lady gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her.

I still don’t know how she was cooking in both kitchens at the same time, it’s some voodoo shit if I ever saw it.

Brothers can’t stop themselves from burning a pot of coffee, yet she’s a food magician. ”

She laughs. “Gavin, I had no choice! If I lived off queso like I wanted, I wouldn’t be able to fit into any of my clothes! You Texans eat with your whole hearts, and my wardrobe was ready to burst; way earlier than it was with my past pregnancies.”

I can’t help but smile. For starters, I doubt she owns any of her clothes from past pregnancies; my baby momma likes her shopping a little too much.

As for her getting bigger in her pregnancy, well, I love how fat her ass has gotten.

It’s so meaty and perfect for me to grab onto when I’m sliding deep inside her.

I wouldn’t change a thing. “Mm, we Texans just know good food. We call those happy calories, and buy new clothes.”

She shakes her head, snickering to herself. “Of course, that would be your answer. I’m not even surprised.”

My buddy from down south approaches and I proudly introduce them to my beautiful ol’ lady. “Hey man, thanks for stopping through. Good to see you and your better half.”

We shake hands, a grin firmly on my mouth as I introduce my brother, Rip, and his ol’ lady, Isla, to my Audrey.

We tell them to help themselves to some food and drinks, and after I make my rounds, I’ll come chill for a bit and catch up.

With both of our chapters being in Texas, we tend to see each other from time to time.

It’s usually Kilo I send down there on runs to handle business, though.

Bull from South Dakota surprises my ass when I see his bike entering the parking area next. I had no idea he was making the ride. “Hey fucker! About time you came down to my part of the country.”

He offers a snort, punching me in the shoulder. “Who you calling fucker, fucker?”

A chuckle rumbles my chest as I shake his hand and pull him in for a man-hug. “Brother, I’ve fucking missed your ass. It’s been way too long. And don’t be sweet on my woman, she’s already had four of my kids.”

He tips his head back, laughter spilling free. “You jealous asshole. It has been too long!”

“Audrey, this is Bull,” I introduce.

She beams and shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too, doll. I hope you know what you’ve signed up for with this one.”

“Oh, he’s not too bad most of the time.” She flashes me an amused look, and it only makes my heart swell more in the moment.

“I hear some more bikes; I’ll go grab a beer while you greet your other guests,” Bull offers, and I promise to find him soon to catch up.

The Massachusetts brothers roll in next, and I find myself tugging Audrey along. As soon as they’re off their bikes, I’m pulling them in for man-hugs, clapping them on their backs, and shaking hands.

“Winger, Camo, Halen, I can’t believe your crazy asses made the run down here!

I thought maybe Camo, but all three of you brothers?

” I tug them in again, a bit caught up in my feelings that their chapter would honor us with three members visiting, considering how far away they are from us.

They probably took a week or so just to get here.

“I’ve got rooms ready for the three of you, that you can claim in the clubhouse. I hope you’ll kick back and chill awhile, I know the brothers will be wanting their chance to drink you fuckers under the table again.”

My shit talking is met with loud laughter and shit talking from them in return, then I’m introducing the love of my life.

I swear, having her by my side makes my ass stand a little taller.

We walk and talk as we lead them to the back where everything’s set up, then we’re on our way up front, waiting for more to arrive.

“Any chance I’m going to meet this infamous Big Daddy, I heard you speak of before?”

A smirk finds its way to my lips as I flick my gaze from top to bottom, taking in her delicious, curvy body. “Why? Do I need to start having you call me big daddy when I’m taking you from behind?”

She beams, her smile so wide, her cheeks probably hurt momentarily. “There you go with the caveman act.”

“It’s a madman act, babydoll. ‘Cause make no mistake; I’d do absolutely anything for you. You’re my woman, my ol’ lady…you’re mine.”

“And you’re mine?” She responds.

“Damn straight.”

“Good, and I was asking about Big Daddy because I’m picturing a burly man looking like Santa Claus.”

A chuckle escapes as I say, “Sure beautiful, just keep picturing him like that.” She doesn’t need to know he’s a president you don’t fuck with, that you show him respect, and keep your ass straight in the club life.

My baby’s new to this world, but I can only shelter her for so long, unfortunately.

At some point, it’s all going to catch up to me, and she’ll learn what one percenter truly means.

I can only hope she’ll still love me then, like she does now.

She interrupts my thoughts, asking, “Who are they? They have different cuts on.”

“Oath Keepers, they’re a large Texas club down the road a bit. They have several chapters in Texas. You’ll see them again in the future.”

“And they’re our friends?” Her curious yet innocent eyes stare up at me, and all I want to do is kiss her until we’re floating.

She’s so damn cute when she gets like this. “Yep, they’re like us, some good guys in the mix, some crazy fuckers in there too. For instance, this young guy approaching us is Odin, the vice president. His older brother, Viking, is the prez of his chapter.”

“Madman! Got something for you. Heard you and your ol’ lady have a houseful.

” He reaches inside his cut, pulling free a tiny black thing covered in fur.

“Every kid should have a Doberman watching their back,” he opens his hands, a little puppy curled in a ball, sleeping, and holds them out to Audrey.

Her mouth falls open, “For me?” She asks.

Odin nods, “And for your kids. I know you have a fierce ol’ man who will protect you with his life, but now he has a little backup when he’s busy with club business. No dog’s more loyal than a Doberman; they’ll love and protect your children like no other.”

She tears up, whispering, “I always wanted a puppy, but would never allow myself. It wasn’t fair with us being so busy…but now, I can love this baby too. Thank you.”

I clap Odin on the shoulder, “Fuckin’ Oath Keeper, stealing my woman’s heart,” I tease, and he laughs. He’s always been a free one with his smiles, unlike his older brother, who is known for being a psychopath at times. I’m not judging, I get it, especially when having an ol’ lady and kids.

“Cain suggested it. His Dobie just had pups, so now our dogs are cousins.”

I snort and shake my head, walking with him and his woman, Cherry, to the back with the others. “Thanks, man. Make y’all yourself at home. Are more of you all headed up?”

He nods, “The twins are right behind me; they stopped for gas.”

“Sounds good.” I nod and watch as they head straight for the table full of liquor, greeting a couple of my brothers.

“You happy?” I ask, taking in the pure joy on Audrey’s face as she nuzzles the puppy, putting it to her hair where the tiny thing promptly goes back to sleep.

“Yes, I’m just stunned by the generosity. And that man isn’t connected to your club at all?”

“Nah, we just run into them from time to time when we’re on a run or whatever. Some of those out on the road are good guys, just enjoying the ride. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fucking toxic assholes, and those I stay away from so I don’t end up in jail for putting them six feet under.”

“Shh, you can’t say things like that in public. I need to get my lawyer down here to have a talk with you.”

“Lawyer? For what?”

“Because I’m not allowing anything to happen to you, especially after I’ve gone all in.”

“All in, huh?”

“Yep, so get used to it, biker.”

“It’s all good, you being bossy like this turns me the fuck on.”

Her smile is dazzling, and I can’t stop myself from pressing my lips to hers. She’s handled this day like a fucking queen, and I’m proud of her.