Page 119 of Manic

Her eyes widen, and then she lets out a shriek that could rival a banshee. "You guys got me driving lessons?!"

I can't help but laugh at her reaction, relief and joy flooding through me. "We know how much you want to be on the road driving," I explain, glancing at Tor. "So we thought it would be the perfect gift."

Before I can say anything else, Tindra launches herself at us, wrapping her arms around both Tor and me in a tight, damp hug. "It is the perfect gift," she exclaims, her voice muffled against Tor's chest. "Thank you so much!!!"

As I return her embrace, I catch Tor's eye over her head.

The tenderness in his gaze makes my throat tighten.

This moment, right here, makes all the dangers and complications of our life worth it.

"You're welcome, kiddo," Tor rumbles, his usual gruff tone softened with affection. "Just don't expect me to let you anywhere near my bike anytime soon."

Tindra pulls back, a sly grin on her face. "We'll see about that, Dad. I bet I could talk Mom into it."

I raise an eyebrow at her. "Don't push your luck, missy. One step at a time."

As Tindra turns to show off her gift to her friends, I lean into Tor's side, his arm automatically wrapping around my waist. "We did good," I whisper, echoing Starla's earlier words.

He presses a kiss to my temple. "Yeah, we did. Who would've thought, huh?"

I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of his body against mine, the sounds of laughter and splashing around us.

The sharp, sweet scent of frosting mingles with the chlorine in the air as I slice into Tindra's birthday cake.

It's a massive creation, three tiers of chocolate and vanilla swirled together, adorned with edible motorcycle decorations.

As I hand out pieces, I can't help but smile at the eager faces surrounding me, a mix of club kids and their parents.

"This is amazing, Meghan," Starla says, taking a bite and closing her eyes in bliss. "Where'd you get it?"

I wink at her. "Come on, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out."

Starla cackles, “Aziza, no doubt.”

I snicker at her.

As the last piece is handed out, I watch the crowd disperse.

Some head back to the tables, others migrate toward the pool's edge, dangling their feet in the water as they eat.

The sound of splashing erupts as several kids, including Tindra, cannon-ball back into the pool, cake still in hand.

"Hey!" I call out, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. "No food in the pool!"

Tindra grins at me, unrepentant. "Sorry, Mom!" she yells back, not sounding sorry at all.

I shake my head, unable to keep the smile off my face.

It's her birthday, after all.

Let her have her fun.

My eyes are drawn to the far end of the pool, where Rev and Dalla are setting up for a game of volleyball.

Tindra swims over, joined by a couple other kids.

The net goes up, and soon the air is filled with shouts and laughter as the game begins.

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