Page 54 of Justice

Lane steps forward, clasping a hand on each of their shoulders. "We've watched you both grow into strong, capable men. Leaders in your own right. It's time for you to take your rightful place at the head of this club."

Wilder joins him, holding out two cuts bearing the NG president and NG vice president patches. "Christopher, as my eldest, you will take on the role of president, with Mason as your VP. Together, you will lead the Next Generation into the future.

“Congratulations to the Next Generation president and vice president.”

Christopher accepts his cut with steady hands, shrugging it on as the weight of this new responsibility settles on his shoulders. Mason does the same, standing tall and proud.

Cheers erupt from the crowd as Christopher and Mason embrace their fathers. Watching the transfer of power, the love and respect between the generations, brings tears to my eyes once more. This club is more than just a brotherhood, it's a legacy passed down from father to son.

As if reading my thoughts, Christopher seeks me out in the crowd. Our eyes lock and he makes his way to me, the sea of his brothers parting before him. He kneels in front of my chair, taking my hands in his.

He has a strange look on his face and before I can question him, he reaches into his back pocket, holding a ring box.

I look over his shoulder to see my dad smiling while he’s holding my mom. They knew this was going to happen.

Christopher opens the ring box, revealing a stunning diamond ring that takes my breath away. It sparkles under the clubhouse lights.

"Elle, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. You've brought light into my life, shown me what true love really means. You're my everything, my reason for breathing." His voice is thick with emotion—deep. "Now you're giving me the greatest gift of all, our little miracle. I can't imagine facing this world, raising our child, without you by my side."

He takes a deep breath, his grip on my hands tightening.

"Elizabeth, will you marry me? Will you be mine, and let me be yours, for the rest of our days?"

Time seems to stand still as I gaze into Christopher's eyes, seeing the depths of his love, his devotion, his vulnerability in this moment. Tears stream freely down my face, my heart so full it feels fit to burst.

"Yes," I whisper, then louder, I add, "yes, Christopher, yes! A thousand times yes, I'll marry you!"

His answering grin is blinding as he surges up to capture my lips in a searing kiss, pouring all his joy and passion into it. Around us, the clubhouse erupts into raucous cheers and whistles.

Christopher slides the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit, then pulls me to my feet and into his arms.

We're immediately engulfed by our loved ones. Hugs, backslaps, tearful congratulations. My mom and dad wrap me in a tight embrace, their eyes shining with happiness for me. Amelia squeals as she admires my ring, already gushing about wedding plans.

Through it all, Christopher never leaves my side, his arm secure around my waist, his hand splayed protectively over my belly. I lean into his solid strength, still a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of this moment.

As the excitement dies down, Christopher leads me to a quiet corner. He frames my face with his hands, his expression tender yet fierce.

"I meant every word, Elle. You're my whole world. I will spend every day of the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, being the man you and our daughter deserve. I promise you that."

Fresh tears well in my eyes at his heartfelt vow. "I know you will. There's no one else I'd want to take this journey with. You're my forever, Christopher."

He kisses me again, soft and sweet, a seal upon our promise. Our future stretches before us—full of challenges, yes, with the looming threat of a serial killer on the loose. But also full of hope, love, and the strength of the family we've built.

As if on cue, a sharp pain radiates across my belly, stealing my breath. I gasp, clutching Christopher's arm as I double over. Concern etches his features as he supports my weight. "Elle? What's wrong?"

"I don't know," I pant, trying to breathe through the pain. Fear grips my heart as another wave of pain crashes over me. This isn't like the Braxton Hicks contractions I've been having. This pain is intense, nauseating.

Christopher scoops me into his arms and strides toward the door, barking orders. "Meadow!” he calls, knowing my doctor is here somewhere.

The clubhouse erupts into controlled chaos as everyone springs into action. Amelia rushes to my side, her face pale with worry. "Just breathe, Elle. Everything's going to be okay."

I try to focus on her soothing words, on the steady beat of Christopher's heart as he carries me outside. But the pain is relentless, and a new fear takes root.

My mom is hugging me and my dad looks like he is going to rip the clubhouse apart.

Christopher is raging through the room looking for Meadow. A few moments later, he finds her with her hair completely wrecked on one side.

Even through the pain, I can’t help but laugh because I know what she was doing with Mason coming up behind her.

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