Page 118 of Priest

I groan hearing her say that. “You know I do.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. I love how we can be like this, even after sex. I love being buried inside her while we hold one another, or even just sleeping. “So is that a proposal?”

I smile. “I’ll get you a ring, do it properly.”

She blinks up at me and a tear escapes down the side of her face. I brush it quickly, bringing my thumb pad to my mouth to taste it.

“Don’t cry.”

“They’re tears of happiness,” she whispers. “I’m finally home, Priest. With a man I love who wants to marry me and have babies.”

I kiss her. “I want it all with you, if you’ll have me?”

“I’ll have you.” She kisses me back. “Just don’t ever let me go.”

“That’s a promise.” I cup her face, smiling down at her angelic face. There is nobody like her. The tightness in my chest eases, just like it always does when I’m with her. She’s gonna be my wife. “Until the day I die.”

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

Bella

Six months later

I stare around at the space; the office building my mother left for me. I’ve spent the last few months cleaning the place out. It’s been blood, sweat and tears, but I finally got there. If not for the help of the women of the MC, and Manny, I’d never have gotten it done.

Deanna. Summer. Luna. Jas. Indigo. Payden. Crystal. Casey. Stella. Manny. Aspyn. The bartender called Amber even came to lend a hand, something I wasn’t expecting, and I’ve grown close to not only Summer, but also Rock’s ol’ lady Aspyn. The women of the club have become my family, and the brothers too. Accepting me with open arms, without judgment. I can’t honestly say I know what this feels like, because it’s better than my wildest dreams.

I’ve met Priest's sister, Hope, a couple of times. She’s the exact opposite of Priest; where he’s quiet and reserved, she’s boisterous and outgoing.

Crystal, Deanna and Stella are all here today, helping me finish off the rest of the painting.

“I think we deserve a beer,” Crystal announces. “But this space, Bells. It’s freaking amazing!”

I beam. It really is. For months I procrastinated over what to do, and once the building became vacant, I knew that I wanted to do something to help others. I wanted to give back.

Aside from helping at the Soup Kitchen, often giving Manny and Shanice a break, I’ve decided to open a creative studio and I’ve had some major backers, thanks to the NOLA Rebels and their connections. Activities will include painting, drawing, art and pottery classes, yoga, even candle making. I’ve even had pop up stores ask to rent space for creative design workshops. Teachers will donate their time, and the profits will go to help women and children in need through my local parish. There are plenty of people out there who still need help.

“I love it.” I press my hands together, hardly able to believe that this is real. “You guys are the best!”

I’m giddy with excitement, unable to contain it because it’s been so long in the making.

This area of New Orleans is quite funky with hip cafes and dance studios. It’s arty and I think we’re going to fit right in. I’ve decided to name the studio Amara’s Place, after my mom. I know she’d be proud of me if she could see where I am now. My Nonna too. I miss them both so much.

“Well I think you’re crazy,” Deanna goes on. “I mean, the wedding is in two weeks, then you open the week after that, and we all know how much Priest wants to knock you up.”

It’s true. Priest has been quite vocal about wanting a family. I’ve asked him to give me one year, just to get things off the ground here. I want to look after my own children, and not have nannies like I had growing up. I want to enjoy every moment, and when Priest asked me to marry him six months ago, I couldn’t believe it…

“What are you doing?” Priest is on his knees. Poetic that it’s at the Soup Kitchen and everyone has left for the night. It’s where we first met. “I can’t live another day without you being my wife. Say you’ll marry me.”

Tears well in my eyes. Nobody has ever made me feel the way Priest does. Nobody. I love him so much. Tears begin to fall as I nod and say, “Yes, Priest! Yes!”

He slides a beautiful oval diamond onto my finger and I gape at it. It’s beautiful and sparkles even in this dull light. I kiss him, nearly knocking him over, as I fall into his arms. He falls back onto his ass, taking me with him as I straddle his lap.

“I love you,” he whispers in between kisses. “I can’t wait to be your husband.”

“I love you more. I need you Priest, I need you so much.”

Our kisses grow more frantic and he pulls back. “I can’t do this on the kitchen floor.”

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