Page 5 of Brooks

“Ah, don’t go getting all sentimental on us now,” Ace teased, punching me lightly in the arm. “We’re here to celebrate, remember?”

“Of course,” I snapped back into the present, allowing a smile to spread across my face. “Let’s get this party started.”

Tina joined me, slipping her hand into mine and intertwining our fingers. She leaned in for a quick kiss, whispering, “I love you” before pulling away. Our connection was electric, even after all these years, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the life we’d built together.

“Alright, everyone!” Tina called out, garnering the attention of the children and adults alike. “It’s time to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kennedy!”

As our family and friends gathered around the table, arms draped over shoulders, I felt my daughter’s small hand grasp mine. She looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes—the same ones that reminded me every day of what I was fighting for.

“Ready, sweetheart?” I asked her, my voice cracking slightly under the weight of emotion.

“Ready, Daddy!” she exclaimed, her excitement infectious. The room filled with the sound of laughter and singing as we celebrated Kennedy’s birthday. For a moment, the outside world ceased to exist, and all that mattered was the love between us.

It was a fleeting sense of peace, one I knew wouldn’t last forever. But in that moment, surrounded by family and friends, I allowed myself to truly cherish it. We were in this together, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, our love would keep us strong.

With the sound of “Happy Birthday” fading, Kennedy’s excitement shifted to the bouncy house that I’d set up earlier in the backyard. She dragged me by the hand, her eyes shining with anticipation.

“Come on, Daddy! Bounce with me!” she squealed as we approached the massive inflatable castle. The other children had already begun to jump around, their laughter ringing through the air like a chorus of happiness.

“Alright, sweetheart,” I agreed, feeling my own heart swell with joy at the sight of her beaming face. We stepped into the bouncy house together, and as I watched her bounce up and down with unbridled enthusiasm, I knew that these were the moments I lived for.

“Higher, Daddy, higher!” Kennedy shouted, giggling as I tossed her into the air. She soared before landing among the cushions, her laughter infectious. I couldn’t help but join in, forgetting for a moment the darkness that loomed beyond this celebration.

“Look at you two,” Tina called out from outside the bouncy house, snapping a photo of us mid-air. Her smile was genuine, a testament to the love we shared as a family. I caught her eye and grinned, silently thanking her for capturing this memory.

“Your turn, Mommy!” Kennedy insisted, pulling Tina into the bouncy house with us. As the three of us jumped together, our laughter mixing with that of the other children, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and contentment. This was our sanctuary, a place where we could briefly escape the chaos and danger that threatened to consume us.

“Alright, gang, time for another game!” Dax shouted, clapping his hands and herding the kids out of the bouncy house. They squealed with excitement, their faces flushed from exertion and pure joy. I held Kennedy’s hand as she stumbled out, her energy seemingly endless.

“Did you have fun, sweetheart?” I asked, my voice warm with affection.

“Best day ever, Daddy!” she beamed, wrapping her small arms around my neck. As I hugged her tightly, I knew that I would do anything to protect this little girl and the love she brought into our lives.

“Promise me something, Kennedy,” I whispered in her ear.

“Promise what, Daddy?” she asked, her eyes wide and curious.

“Promise that you’ll always keep smiling,” I told her, a lump forming in my throat as I considered the uncertain future we faced.

“Promise, Daddy,” she whispered back.

As we gathered around the picnic table, all eyes on Kennedy as she excitedly tore into her presents, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the pure joy radiating from her little face. The sun cast golden rays across the backyard, dappling the grass with warm light. The sound of children’s laughter filled the air, along with the sweet scent of vanilla frosting from the freshly baked cupcakes.

“Man, she’s really racking up the gifts, huh?” Ryder teased, playfully nudging me in the ribs.

“Looks like you’ve gone soft on us, Brooks,” Ace added, smirking beneath his beard.

“Hey, it’s just a birthday party,” I replied defensively. “Can’t a man spoil his daughter a little?”

“Of course, brother,” Dax chimed in, slapping me on the back. “Just don’t forget who you are. Red Devils MC and all that.”

“Trust me,” I said, meeting each of their gazes with a smile. “I haven’t forgotten.”

Kennedy let out a delighted squeal as she unwrapped yet another toy, her happiness contagious. My brothers and I exchanged grins, our rough exteriors momentarily softened by the affection we felt for this little girl.

“Alright, enough teasing,” Tina said, shooting a playful glare at my brothers as she approached. “Brooks may be a tough biker, but he’s also an amazing father, so lay off.”

“Relax,” Ace replied, raising his hands in surrender. “We’re just messing around.”

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