Page 73 of Ryder

“If she has an accident, you’re gonna be the one to change her. And seeing as how I had a hell of a time getting her in that outfit,” Addy said, pointing to Riley’s purple and white flowered dress, “it’s not gonna be a walk in the park.” She smiled before shaking her head, knowing damn well her stern words wouldn’t deter me from making my little girl laugh once more.

That was until Riley told me she had to pee. Then I withdrew my hands and finally picked her up.

Kissing her cheek a few times, she placed her tiny hand on my face. “Daddy, you hairs tickawin me.”

“Your mommy likes them.” I winked at Addy as she sidled up next to me, tightly holding Lincoln. She gave me a kiss before going to find our friends.

“Give me my goddaughter,” Sully said, reaching for Riley before I even realized she was near. Since I had to grab a few of the kids’ bags from the back seat, I handed the little girl over, Sully kissing Riley before giving her a big hug.

“Where’s Kaden?” Looking around, I didn’t see the little boy. Though I was certain if she was here, so was he.

“Cole has him.” She pointed across the lot to where her husband was standing behind Tripp, his large body shielding parts of my best friend. “Did you hear?”

“Hear what?”

The biggest smile appeared on her face. “Kaden is ours, for good. Tripp stopped by earlier and told us.” My confusion prompted her to finish, her smile briefly disappearing. “He said Rachel was found dead. Overdose.”

“That’s great.” Sully’s eyes widened at my bluntness. “Look, I’m not saying it’s great that she’s dead, but come on, Sully. From what Tripp told me about her, she was a train wreck. No way she could’ve been a good mother to Kaden.” Reaching out and touching her arm, I said, “That was always your job.” Unshed tears filled her brown eyes. “Oh God. Don’t cry or your husband is gonna have my head.” I smiled, and she laughed, wiping away the lone tear that fell down her cheek.

As we turned around, Marek approached and pulled me in for a quick hug, slapping my back in greeting. He kissed his wife before she went off to join the others, Riley’s sweet laughter carrying behind them.

“You ready to do this, brother?” He looked me up and down from head to toe. “I see you pulled out all the stops today.” Marek was referring to the black Armani I’d chosen for the occasion. No way was I showin’ up half-assed dressed to marry the love of my life.

“I look good,” I joked, laughing as I took in the scene around us. All of our friends were present, with the exception of the brothers of the club who’d passed on, Zip and Breck. Two loyal men who were ripped from this world too soon. Although the threat had finally been eliminated, it didn’t take away the sting from the loss.

Seeing Cutter talking to two people I’d never seen before, I lifted my chin in his direction, Marek turning to see.

“How’s he doin’?”

“As well as he can be, I suppose.”

“Who’s he talkin’ to?”

Marek folded his arms across his chest, a satisfied grin swiftly appearing. “That’s his daughter, Kalista.”

“What? I thought he wasn’t in contact with her.” I’d heard bits and pieces about Cutter’s daughter, and how he refused to have a relationship with her, but his reasons were much like the excuses we’d all used as to why we didn’t want to get attached to anyone outside the club. Safety.

We’d all failed, giving in to loving our women, all the while driving ourselves insane trying to make sure no harm came to them. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stop some of the things that happened, but we were able to move on from the guilt. Mostly.

“I think Breck’s death made him realize how short life really is. Besides, there’s no more threat, so he’s out of reasons why he should continue to keep her out of his life.”

“I guess you’re right.” Looking back toward them, I asked, “Who’s the guy?”

“Her husband, Eli. He’s the lawyer I met up with a couple years ago, the one who gave me some legal advice about setting up the strip clubs. Stuff I had to know to run the businesses.”

“Oh yeah. I remember you telling me about him. Did you know he was married to Cutter’s daughter?”

“Not a clue. Besides, I don’t think they were married when I met him. And get this—they have a son. Holden, I think his name is. Anyway, that means Cutter’s a grandfather.”

I made a face. “That’s just weird.”

“I know,” Marek agreed. Although Cutter looked like he could be a sweet old grandpa, his clean-shaven face and short gray hair styled perfectly in place, he was anything but. He was ruthless when he needed to be. I’d seen that man do some shit that made me queasy. I couldn’t imagine him tossing around the ball with his grandkid.

“What a small world,” I said, shaking my head at the coincidence. Before we were interrupted by Jagger and Ryder who were headed our way, I bumped Marek’s shoulder with mine. “I just found out about Kaden. Congrats, man.”

“Yeah.” A brightness shone behind my friend’s blue eyes. “You should’ve seen Sully’s face when Tripp told us. I was kinda jealous that I’d never made her heart soar like that.” He laughed. “But I get it. Besides, I really shouldn’t be jealous of my son, right?”

“Why not? I’m jealous of my kids. The way Addy dotes on them, ignoring me sometimes.” I winked. I wasn’t serious. Not completely.

---