Page 19 of Sam’s Forever (Crow MC 2nd Generation)

BELLA

I’m not sure why I’m sitting here in the dark on the back of another man’s bike, watching my first love dance with his wife.

He hadn’t wanted to bring me, knowing how much this would hurt me, but he’s a good man and an even better friend.

I needed to see them tonight. It had been a burning need in me that wouldn’t be stopped.

I needed to make peace with the fact that this had been my choice.

Yes, it had been my choice, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t without pain.

I’d broken both our hearts for the greater good.

This wasn’t where I’d envisioned myself to be. I’d always thought we’d follow in our parents’ footsteps. We’d known each other for years and had one perfect night. The logical conclusion would be that we’d get married and have cute dark-haired babies.

I’d derailed all that because I’d been asked to do a job so dangerous that I hadn’t wanted it to touch him or my family. That didn’t mean that I wasn’t hurting. I know what everyone thought. But I’d loved him, even when I had to push him away, and I still love him.

When I’d been approached to do this job, I’d known what it would entail, and I’d made the hard decisions.

I mean, how could I not, especially with innocents involved?

I’d vanished from our family, not wanting what I was going to be embroiled in to touch them in any way.

Of course, Beau knew, and if he knew, then I knew Ellie would too.

Oh, he didn’t know where I was, but he did know what I was doing or as much as I could tell him.

He’d had to know because he’d be running our business by himself until this was all over.

Ignoring the tears that run down my cheek as I watch Sam lowering his wife over his arm before swooping in and kissing her like he’d once kissed me. Inhaling a shuddering breath as he tips her back up again, hugging her to him.

A hand squeezes my calf, reminding me I’m not alone.

I watch them for a little longer as our family surrounds them. I’m glad it’s her that he chose. If it had to be anyone, then I’m happy it’s her. Not only is she a friend, she understands the life, and she’ll be loyal to him until the day they die.

I’ve seen enough. Tapping the shoulder of the man who brought me, I lower my visor as he puts his sled into gear, and we slowly ride away, leaving a small piece of myself behind.