Page 24 of Raven (Sinners Revenge MC- Rapid City, SD #6)
Sydney
L ast night was the best night of my life.
Being claimed by Caleb gave me peace, but having him propose made me content.
I’d never had someone choose me, and feeling the ring on my finger was reassuring.
I still worried Caleb would decide I wasn’t worth the trouble and send me on my way, but I tried to fight the feelings of self-doubt when they arose.
He didn’t deserve my issues, and I made myself a promise on our ride home last night that I would do whatever it took to keep us happy.
Caleb had his arm wrapped around me and I was tucked against his chest as he slept behind me and as I lifted my hand and looked at the beautiful ring he’s chosen for me, I couldn’t help but smile.
“We’re going to need to tall your uncle about our engagement,” Caleb said from behind me as he flexed his arm, tugging me impossibly closer to him.
Looking over my shoulder, I smiled and replied, “If I can get him to pick up his phone. It’s gone straight to voicemail for the last few weeks.”
I rolled over to face Caleb, and he brushed a piece of hair from my face as he leaned closer and gave me a good morning kiss. “What time is it?”
I glanced at the clock behind him on the wall and responded, “A little before nine.”
We didn’t get home until very late last night and we made love until the sun rose in the sky this morning. The delicious soreness between my legs was a reminder of how many times he made me come and how every time, he said he loved me. It was a memory that would stay with me forever.
“What time will your parents be here?” I inquired, and he shrugged one shoulder and rolled to grab his phone.
“I’ll text them and see what they were thinking,” he replied, and I started to scoot off the side of the bed. Caleb reached out and held onto my wrist, asking, “Where are you going?”
“Bathroom then coffee,” I replied and gave him a wink as I clipped from the bed. “Damn, the floor’s chilly.”
“We’ll get some rugs to put on the floor,” he answered as I walked around the bed and into the bathroom. “I can’t have my baby getting cold feet.”
I could hear the worry in his voice, and after I used the restroom and washed my hands, I grabbed his robe from the back of the bathroom door and walked back into the bedroom. He was scrolling on his phone and turned to look at me as I approached his side of the bed.
Leaning over, I kissed him softly and said, “You’re stuck with me. I’m not going anywhere.”
He smiled and his phone chimed in his hands. Lifting the device, he looked at whatever the message was as I went to the dresser and opened the drawer he insisted I take. I began slipping on clothes as he read the message.
“Mom said they’ll be here at noon, and my sister will be here after church, around twelve-thirty.” I glanced and saw him leaning up on one elbow as he typed a response then tossed his phone onto the bed.
“Do you want some coffee?” I asked as I slipped a pair of his socks onto my cold feet.
“Yes, please,” he replied as he flipped the covers back, showing his naked, toned body.
I felt a tingle between my legs, but knew I couldn’t go again after last night, so I gave him a smile as he walked across the bedroom and into the bathroom.
After picking up my phone from the end table, I walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.
The house was chilly, and it was cloudy outside as I started a pot of coffee.
The delicious smelling liquid dripped into the pot as I scrolled my phone for a minute. Caleb walked in, wearing a pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless T-shirt. He walked up to me and kissed my temple before he asked, “Do you want to sit outside? I can start the firepit so you’re not cold.”
I didn’t like being cooped up inside, so I answered, “Outside would be good.”
“Do you want a flannel to put on so you’re not cold?” he inquired.
I brushed my hand across his cheek and responded, “Why do you take such good care of me?”
He pulled me close and said, “Because you’re mine and it’s my job.”
“I’d love a flannel,” I responded then added, “Can I make your coffee?”
“Please,” he replied and walked out of the room only to return as I finished pouring the coffee.
He handed me the flannel and grabbed both cups of coffee while I put it on. Following him, I opened the sliding glass door so he could carry our drinks out, and closed it behind me, feeling a nip in the air.
“The weather is so different here from back home,” I remarked as we sat down.
Taking a sip of my coffee, I looked over the cup as he spoke. “The winters can suck, and there will be days we don’t go anywhere because of the snow and ice. But for the most part, we’re spared the worst of winter’s weather due to the Black Hills.”
“I’m not a fan of snow,” I admitted. “It was rare for it to snow in my part of Oregon.”
“Do you miss your friends?” he asked, and I shook my head.
“Honestly, I didn’t have many friends, and the ones I did aren’t big on communication.”
“Well, seeing you with your girls last night, I think that’s changed now,” he replied with a smile.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the ol’ ladies and how they’ve made me feel welcome. They didn’t have to accept me, but they opened their arms, and their hearts to me, and I couldn’t imagine life without that crazy group.
“They’re wonderful,” I said.
The morning was quiet as we enjoyed our coffee and when the cups were empty, I stood and walked inside to refill them.
Caleb was texting with someone when I walked back out, and he looked at me.
“Mom just texted that a friend came into town yesterday and they want to bring them to lunch. Is that okay?”
I placed our cups down then retook my seat as I answered, “Of course, it’s okay.”
He typed on his phone then placed it down onto the table as he reached over and took my hands, “Have you thought about what kind of wedding you want to have?”
Shaking my head, I admitted honestly, “I’ve never given much thought to a wedding.”
“Well, my mother will be more than happy to help plan whatever kind of ceremony you want.”
“They don’t expect us to get married in a church, do they?” I asked, and it was his turn to shake his head.
“My sister goes to church, but Mom and Dad never did really. They’re spiritual but not religious, and they won’t have any demands of us. Only that they get to be there.”
Deciding to change the subject to more pressing needs, I asked, “What do you want to make for lunch?”
“I’ve got a prospect picking up a grocery order and bringing it over. I thought we could throw some steaks on the grill and have a few simple sides,” Caleb responded.
I began to pick at my fingernails as I spoke. “Are they going to be angry we got engaged so quickly?”
“Have I told you how my parents met?” he asked, and I shook my head. His chuckle was telling as he continued, “They met at the Rally and were married within a week. They’re the last people who’ll judge someone for their life choices.”
“They sound great,” I answered.
“They are, and they’re going to love you,” he replied as his phone chimed. Looking down, he remarked, “The prospect’s turning onto the street. I need to help him get everything inside.”
I went to stand, and Caleb held up a hand, remarking, “I’ve got it beautiful.”
He walked inside and I watched though the sliding glass door as he and the prospect who brought us drinks last night carry in bags from the garage. Caleb put a few items away and when he returned, he held the small box from yesterday in his hand.
“A little something to take the edge off?” he inquired.
“Maybe later,” I replied, and he nodded before placing it onto the table, unopened.
He retook his seat, and I smiled at him. He was one of the best people I’d ever met, and to think I got to spend the rest of my life with him made my heart flutter.
I never thought things would turn out like they have, but I was still reeling from Warhol’s information last night. Looking at Caleb, I asked, “Do you really think this thing with Rooster is over?”
He took my hands into his and replied, “I know it is, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You have me and the Sinners to watch your back, and we won’t let anyone attempt to take advantage of you again.”
“I love you,” I simply said.
“And I love you,” Caleb returned, kissing the back of my hand.
My entire life, I’d always felt like a burden or a responsibility, but with Caleb, I was a choice. He never judged, he was kind, and considerate, and loyal, and he was all mine.
Who says wishes don’t come true?