Page 38 of Hard Knox

Her face softened, her eyes warming with appreciation for my concern. “No. I don’t need time. I think this is just what we need, Knox. Let’s do it.”

Taking Eliza by her waist, I pulled her into a kiss, sealing our decision. All the fear and uncertainty that’d been hangin’ over us started to fade away. What came floodin’ in was a growing sense of hope, a solid belief that together, we could take on whatever the world threw at us. Our lives were weavin’ together in ways I’d never seen comin’, but I was ready for whatever was next, long as I had Eliza and Emma by my side.

As we broke away from our kiss, still caught up in the warmth of each other’s arms, I caught that mischievous twinkle in Eliza’s eyes. It was a look I’d grown to love, one that usually meant she was cookin’ up somethin’ playful.

“Knox, I got something to ask you, too,” she started, her voice teasing but with a serious undertone. “Do you want to go to the prom with me?”

The invite threw me for a loop, a chuckle busting out as I pictured us at a high school prom.

“Every year, I chaperone the high school prom. It’s months away, but… would you go with me?” Eliza lit up. “A bunch of us teachers get together and do it every year. Afterwards there’s a real party. It’s not too lame.”

The idea of stepping into her world like that, sharing something that mattered to her. Hell, it was downright appealing. “Go to prom with you?” I echoed, the smile spreading wide across my face. “Eliza, I’d be honored. Hell yes, I’ll be your date to the prom.”

Her smile just exploded across her face. “Great! It’s a bit away,” she hurried to add. “But I figured we should lock it down. Get it on the calendar.”

“Making it official sounds perfect to me,” I shot back, yanking her in close again. “Gonna be a whole new experience for me—never got around to prom back in my day.”

Eliza laughed, resting her head against my chest. “Well, I never did either. You’re in for a treat.”

“I’m more interested in seeing you dolled up in a prom dress,” I quipped, the lightness of our chat making us forget the tough roads we’d just been down together.

Leanin’ against Eliza’s kitchen counter with a cold beer in hand, I couldn’t shake this mix of thrill and old-school nerves rattlin’ around inside me. The whole idea of hittin’ up a prom with Eliza, something straight outta a movie, was a far cry from any road I’d ever ridden down. But watchin’ her light up, laughin’ as she talked ‘bout those massive balloon arches and corny decorations, well, it stirred up somethin’ deep and joyful I didn’t quite expect.

“Knox, we absolutely have to plan some dance. You know, like in them teen flicks where everyone lines up just perfect?” Eliza was all grins, showin’ off some dance moves right there in her kitchen.

I chuckled, puttin’ my beer aside to join her little dance tutorial, throwin’ on a serious face for kicks. “Darlin’, I hope you’re geared up for my two left boots. But hey, I’ll try my damnedest not to stomp all over yours,” I joked, grabbin’ her hands and swayin’ a bit too awkwardly to some silent tune playin’ in our heads.

She followed along, smooth and light on her feet, makin’ my clumsy steps look all the rougher. “It’s a deal, Knox. But you gotta suit up, you know. Full prom gear,” she teased.

The thought of wrigglin’ into a suit, somethin’ I hadn’t done before, was somethin’ else. But seein’ that spark in Eliza’s eyes? Hell, it made it seem worth it. Besides, this far off plan meant she planned to keep me ‘round for a while and show me off. “A suit, huh? That’s gonna be somethin’. For you, I’ll do it. Might even toss on a tie to really shock the crowd,” I said with a grin.

As we kept chattin’, plannin’ out all the embarrassing prom clichés we’d dive into, I realized just how much this woman was changin’ my whole view on life. She brought this lightness into my world, a chance to experience stuff I’d never even considered before.

Anything to make her happy.

Epilogue

Eliza

So many months had passed since Knox and I had weathered the storm of accusations and dangers that once threatened to tear us apart. Now, as we prepared for the high school prom, I always chaperoned, there was a lightness and joy that seemed almost bizarre compared to those dark days.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the deep emerald green satin dress that hugged my curves just right. The fabric shimmered under the lights of my bedroom, the color setting off the red undertones in my brown hair and the sparkle in my eyes. Beside me, Knox was straightening his black suit, nothing like his usual rugged attire. The suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and the muscular build of a biker who had lived a life of hard roads and tougher choices.

Then he scooped up Emma, whisking her away for her bedtime story. My biker read to my little girl every night, and Knox didn’t just read the books to her, he acted them out. We employed a babysitter for the night as I was no longer letting Mark’s mom watch Emma. And Mark, that was something I resisted thinking about. His trial had been set for next month, but tragedy struck just last week. Mark had died in prison. Birdie asked me if Knox had anything to do with it, and I didn’t think so. The warden claimed it was a freak accident. Knox said we couldn’t let it ruin our plans.

We decided to make a grand entrance, arriving at the prom on Knox’s Harley. There was a high split on my dress just for the occasion. The roar of the engine was a thrilling prelude to the evening as we arrived at the school. My fellow teachers and some of the parents turned to watch, their expressions all surprise and admiration. Pride swelled in my chest as Knox helped me off the motorcycle. I was feeling every bit like the queen of the prom with my biker king.

Walking into the prom, I caught the eyes of old high school friends, some of whom had kids attending the prom themselves. I could see the shock, and perhaps a hint of envy, in their glances as they took in my transformation from the “fat kid” they remembered to the confident, curvy teacher who was unapologetically rocking her look and her striking biker boyfriend. Knox may have been wearing a suit, but he couldn’t hide the delicious tattoos on his hands and neck.

None of that mattered much. Everyone had heard how Knox’s club had saved me from Mark. And the Royal Bastards MC, under Knox’s leadership, had recently been featured in the local paper, a feel-good story highlighting the charity work they did in Knoxville. The article had warmed my little community to the club, smoothing the way for us tonight even more. Even though I had adopted Knox’s motto. I didn’t really give a fuck what they thought anymore. But having support was nice, too. Even the high school principal gave us a nod of approval as we entered.

As chaperones, we watched the punch bowl. Unlike the movies of my youth, kids rarely tried to spike it, but some of the older teachers swore it was a necessity. We did get a chance to dance as the night wore on. Lost in the music and each other, the world surrounding us began to disappear. Knox’s hands were gentle on my waist, his eyes locked on mine with a look that hinted at something more than simply a dance. As the song ended, he pulled away slightly, reaching into his jacket. I held my breath. The unbelievable happened. Knox dropped to one knee, his gaze never leaving mine.

The room held its breath. I had no breath. Only butterflies.

“Eliza, from the moment we met, I’ve admired your strength. You’ve brought me peace and softened my heart,” Knox began, his steady voice thick with emotion. “I’ve faced many battles, but the biggest one was winning your heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, fighting any battles that come our way together. Will you marry me and be my ol’ lady?”

Tears blurred my vision as joy overwhelmed me. Around us, the room erupted in cheers and applause, but all I could see was him—my Knox. “Yes,” I whispered, my voice choking with tears. “Yes, I will.”

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