Page 12

Two years to the day since Tank rode into the Sweetheart County Fair and changed my life forever, I stand at the edge of the same fairgrounds, watching him direct his prospects on setting up the Iron & Heart booth. The muscles in his arms flex as he hefts a heavy banner, and even after all this time, the sight still makes my panties wet.

The club has grown in ways we never imagined. Three new patched members and three prospects. Our garage now employs six people, and the mobile library program reaches four counties.

But it's the change in the town itself that amazes me most. The balance of power has shifted gradually but unmistakably. The Thomas family still has money and influence, but they're no longer untouchable. People know there's an alternative now—somewhere to turn when traditional channels fail them.

I rest my hand discreetly over my still-flat stomach, our secret nestled safely beneath my fingers. A secret that Tank knows nothing about yet. The test showed positive three days ago, and it's been the hardest thing in the world not to tell him immediately.

Only Lilly knows so far. She was with me when I bought the test, pacing outside the bathroom door until I emerged, test in hand, tears in my eyes. Her shriek of joy had nearly deafened me before she'd switched to immediate panic about keeping it from her brother. Tank can read me like a book, she'd warned. He'll know something's up.

"You look suspicious," Lilly says now, appearing beside me with two lemonades. "Stop touching your stomach or he'll figure it out before the announcement."

I drop my hand quickly, accepting the drink. "I'm nervous. What if he's not ready? We've talked about kids, but always someday, not now."

Lilly snorts. "Are you kidding? He's going to be over the moon. Insufferable, probably, but thrilled."

I take a sip of lemonade, watching as Tank finishes with the tent and steps back to inspect it. The stern set of his shoulders, the authoritative way he directs the prospects, all melt away when he turns and catches sight of me. His whole face softens, and I fall in love all over again.

"The booth looks great," I tell him as he reaches us.

"Should work," he says, ever the perfectionist. "First fair where we have an official presence. I want to make a good impression."

The Iron & Heart MC is officially sponsoring the children's area this year—bounce houses, face painting, and a bike safety demonstration. It's part of our ongoing effort to integrate with the community, to be seen as protectors rather than outsiders.

"Members should start arriving soon for the meeting," Tank continues, checking his watch. "They're ten minutes out."

My heartbeat quickens. I planned this. Our announcement at the pre-fair meeting when all members and prospects will be present. A celebration of our club's growth, capped with news of its newest future member.

"I need to check on the refreshments," I say, needing a moment to collect myself.

Tank's eyes narrow slightly. "You okay? You've been quiet today."

Damn his perceptiveness. "Just excited about the fair," I deflect. "Lots of memories here."

He pulls me close for a brief kiss. "Good ones, I hope."

"The best," I assure him, thinking of that first night on the Ferris wheel, the hot chocolate, the confrontation with Dylan that set everything in motion.

An hour later, all members of the Iron & Heart MC have gathered in the private area behind our booth. Wrath and Crow, from the original Iron & Blood, and who helped establish our chapter before returning to the main club, are catching up with the newer members. Two of the new prospects, Jake and Nate, are setting up chairs under Lilly's direction.

Tank stands at the center, the natural leader he was always meant to be. Pride swells in my chest as I watch him. This man who reshaped his entire life to build something that matters, something that protects the vulnerable and stands against corruption.

"Alright, let's get started," Tank calls, and the chatter dies down immediately. "First, thanks to everyone for the work on the booth. We're making history today. First time an MC has officially sponsored part of the Sweetheart County Fair."

Appreciative nods and murmurs follow this announcement.

"Two years ago," he continues, "I rode into this fair as a member from another chapter, here to handle a problem and leave. Now we've built something permanent. Something that matters."

His eyes find mine across the circle, full of meaning only we fully understand.

"The Iron & Heart has grown beyond what any of us imagined," he says. "And I'm proud of every one of you for making that happen."

There's a round of applause, and as it dies down, I know it's time. My heart hammers against my ribs as I step forward.

"And speaking of growth," I say, my voice surprisingly steady despite my nerves, "I have an announcement to make."

Tank's eyebrows lift slightly, curiosity replacing his usual composure.

I take a deep breath and place both hands on my stomach, making my meaning clear. "The Iron & Heart family will be expanding again in about seven months."

For a moment, the entire group is frozen in silence. Tank stares at me, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding to absolute wonder in the span of heartbeats.

"You're pregnant?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, tears threatening. "Found out three days ago. Wanted to tell you like this, with our family around us."

The silence breaks as Wrath lets out a whoop of congratulations, followed by an eruption of cheers and applause from the rest of the club. But I barely register it, because Tank is moving toward me, his eyes never leaving mine.

He reaches me in three strides, cups my face in his hands with infinite tenderness, and kisses me with such reverence it brings fresh tears to my eyes.

"A baby," he whispers against my lips when we part. "Our baby."

"Is that okay?" I ask, searching his face. "I know we hadn't planned—"

"It's perfect," he interrupts, one hand moving to rest over mine on my stomach. "You're perfect. God, I love you."

The vulnerability in his voice, the naked emotion on his face… It's a side of him only I get to see, though increasingly he allows others glimpses of the man behind the president's patch.

We're surrounded then by congratulations and good-natured teasing. Wrath pounds Tank on the back, declaring himself the baby's honorary uncle. Lilly hugs us both, finally able to express her excitement openly. The prospects look simultaneously terrified and awed at the news of their president becoming a father.

"Hellfire's going to lose his mind," Crow predicts with a grin. "First Iron & Heart baby. He'll probably insist on custom leather for the carrier."

As the celebration continues around us, Tank keeps me close, his arm secure around my waist.

"Were you worried to tell me?" he asks, his perception as sharp as ever.

"A little," I admit. "We're still building so much with the club, the garage..."

"Hey," he turns me to face him. "Nothing—nothing—is more important than you and this baby. The club, the businesses, all of it exists to protect what matters. And you matter most."

The conviction in his voice washes away my lingering uncertainty. This man—once a wanderer like me, once as rootless and guarded—has become the solid center of my world. And now we're creating a new life together, a perfect blend of both of us.

As the sun begins to set over the fairgrounds and the first visitors arrive for the evening's festivities, I look around at the family we've built. Blood and chosen, leather-clad and tattooed, fierce and loyal. Our child will grow up surrounded by protectors, by people who understand that family transcends blood, that strength means standing up for those who can't defend themselves.

Tank's hand finds mine, squeezing gently as if reading my thoughts.

"Ready for this next ride?" he asks, a hint of the mischievous boy he must have been in his smile.

"With you?" I lean into his solid warmth. "Always."

Sometimes the most unexpected detours really do lead exactly where you're meant to be.

Thank you for reading it!