Page 57 of Festive

EPILOGUE

REBEL

The clubhouse is bustling with energy. The long table is set for the feast, and the air is thick with the scent of pine, cinnamon, roasted meats, gingerbread, and warm bread, which fills the air, wrapping me in a warm embrace that feels almost magical. Twinkling lights dance across every surface, casting a soft glow that ignites a spark of joy deep within me. Laughter echoes around the room, mingling with the cheerful melodies of carols, creating a symphony of happiness that lifts my spirits higher. I can’t help but smile as I watch the families gather, their faces glowing with excitement and love, each moment steeped in a sense of togetherness that is truly cheerful. The anticipation of shared meals, the thrill of gift-giving, and the warmth of cherished traditions flood my heart with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. In this season of celebration, everything feels alive and vibrant—a reminder that joy is found in the simplest of moments, and I am eager to embrace every single one.

The guys are busy arranging chairs, and the kids are running around, their laughter echoing through the space. The Christmas tree in the corner is lit up, adorned with handmade ornaments and twinkling lights, adding a warm glow to the room. The scent of pine mingles with the aroma of the food, creating a comforting, festive atmosphere. The word ‘festive’ swirls in my mind like the shimmering lights that twinkle overhead, each one a celebration of joy and togetherness.

It’s the sound of laughter bubbling over, the clinking of glasses raised in cheer, and the aroma of spiced treats wafting through the air, creating warmth and excitement.

Festive means gathering with loved ones, where every sharedglance is filled with unspoken happiness, and every hug feels like a promise of connection. It’s the thrill of wrapping gifts in bright paper, the anticipation of surprises that spark delight, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by the vibrant colors of the season.

In this moment, the world feels alive with possibility, and I am swept up in the magic that ‘festive’ embodies—joy, love, and the celebration of life itself.

The life we have created for ourselves here and the new life we are bringing into it soon.

Koda is by my side, his arm around my waist, guiding me over to where Avery and Shotgun are sitting with Gage. Avery is holding a glass of cider, her eyes lighting up when she sees us approaching. She pulls me into another tight hug, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.

“You look so beautiful, Thay,” she chimes, her voice full of warmth. “And that dress… I swear, it’s like it was made just for you.”

I give her a teary smile. “Thank you, Avery. I still can’t believe this all happened. I’m just… so grateful you’re all here.”

Shotgun raises his glass, nodding at Six. “I’ll admit, I didn’t think this day would come. But seeing you two up there, it’s clear… you’re good for each other.” He smirks, his eyes narrowing slightly. “But you mess up, Six, and we’ll be having words.”

Six laughs, nodding. “Understood, Shotgun. Loud and clear.”

The chatter of the club grows louder, the atmosphere warm and cheerful. Someone turns up the music, and I spot Cherry dancing with one of the kids, her laughter infectious. Prinie’s bustling in and out of the kitchen, herding people toward the table while keeping an eye on the food. The decorations around the room—strings of lights, garlands, and red and green ribbons—make everything feel so alive, so full of love and celebration.

Avery leans closer to me, her voice dropping to a whisper, “You know, I heard a little rumor today.”

I raise an eyebrow, curious. “Oh?”

Avery’s grin widens, and she nods over to where Zero is standing with Cherry, his hand resting protectively on her lower back. “Apparently, there’s going to be another baby in the club soon.”

My jaw drops, and I glance over at Cherry, who’s practically glowing, her smile never leaving her face. “No way. Are you serious?”

Avery nods, her eyes twinkling. “She told me just this morning. They’re keeping it quiet for now, but… well, I figured you should know, being the First Lady of the club and all. And her sister-in-law.”

I let out a delighted laugh, feeling the joy swell in my chest. “That’s amazing. They must be over the moon.”

Avery nods, her gaze softening as she watches them. “They deserve it. After everything they went through, they really do.”

I take a deep breath, my heart swelling with happiness for them. This place, these people—they’re more than just a club. They’re a family, through and through. And seeing everyone come together like this, celebrating each other, makes me realize just how lucky we all are to have found one another.

The call for food finally comes, and everyone gathers around the table. It’s a beautiful chaos—kids clambering onto laps, plates being passed around, laughter and shouts echoing off the walls. Koda pulls out a chair for me, helping me sit before settling in beside me, Kenna on his knee. The room feels alive, filled with warmth and a sense of togetherness that’s almost overwhelming.

Zero stands at the head of the table, raising his glass, and the room falls into a comfortable hush. “All right, everyone,” he begins, his voice carrying over the group. “I know we’ve had ourups and downs this year. Hell, we’ve faced more than our fair share of challenges. But today, we’re here together. As a family. And I think that’s worth celebrating.”

He glances over at Cherry, his eyes softening, and then looks back at the rest of us. “To new beginnings, to love, and to the family we choose. Merry Christmas, everyone.”

“Merry Christmas!” the group echoes, glasses clinking together, the warmth and love in the room almost palpable.

I look around, my gaze landing on each of the faces that mean so much to me. Koda, my husband—my heart swells just thinking that word. My girls, laughing and playing, surrounded by people who love them. Avery and Shotgun, Cherry and Zero, Prinie and Wraith, the kids, everyone who’s been there through thick and thin.

The food is passed around, and soon, the table is filled with plates piled high, conversations flowing easily. I catch bits and pieces—Cherry teasing Zero about his ‘serious face’ during the ceremony, Avery and Shotgun discussing Gage’s latest obsession with motorcycles, Kenna giggling as she tries to sneak a bite of Koda’s dessert.

Kenna, always the little troublemaker, reaches over and dips her finger in the icing on Koda’s cake. He playfully swats her hand away, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, firefly, that’s mine.”

Kenna giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But it’s so yummy, Daddy.”

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