Page 13 of A Christmas Surprise for the Biker

He waves off my concern. “Don't worry about it. Having you and Ryder here is the best gift I could ask for.” Ignoring my freak out, he rises to his full height and heads towards the closet by the front door. “It’s not much, but I wanted you both to have something.”

Tears pool in my eyes as I send up a prayer of thanks to the gods. The last twenty-four hours have been beyond my wildest dreams and not at all what I expected.

Drawing in a deep breath to center myself, I watch as he pulls out a few wrapped packages, then swaggers back and sets them on the coffee table. “When did you have time to do this?”

“Sent one of the prospects out last night after you fell asleep,” he smirks, dropping down beside us. “Didn't want our little man's first Christmas to go by without presents.”

My heart melts into a puddle of goo. “Nico...”

He shrugs, looking almost embarrassed. “It's not much, but next year?—”

I lean forward, Ry wedged between us, and cut him off with a kiss. “It's perfect. Thank you.”

The next little while is spent opening Ryder’s presents. Even on such short notice, our son now has a Christmas outfit to wear today, some adorable boots that look just like his daddy’s, a few changes of clothes, and a couple of toys. But the thing that Legend seems particularly proud of is the tiny leather vest with the Miami Saints logo on the back.

“How in the world?” I tease, holding it up.

Legend grins. “Gotta represent, baby.”

“But how?” Seriously. How in the hell did someone have the time to make this tiny version of Legend’s cut? We’ve been in Miami less than twelve hours.

“Kierra, Viper’s old lady, had them made after their son, Xavier, was born.” He grins. “Now, there’s a box of them in Sparrow’s office at the clubhouse.”

I have to admit, they are incredibly cute. I’ll have to remember to thank her for letting Ry have one.

Legend slips onto the floor and shakes a rattle. Ryder’s face lights up as he tries to reach for it. The whole thing is so domestic, and I’m struck by how normal this all feels.

“What?” Legend asks, catching me staring.

I shake my head and smile. “Nothing. This is nice.”

He returns my smile, his eyes soft. “Yeah, it is.”

Chapter Five

Legend

“Breathe, baby,” I murmur to Braelynn, feeling her tension as we step into the clubhouse. “You've got this.”

She nods, squaring her shoulders like the warrior she is.

That's my girl.

A few heads turn as we make our entrance, and the noise from chatter comes to a screeching halt. I know my brothers have a million questions about Brae and the way I took off out of here last night. Once they learn who she is, they’ll accept her with open arms.

Scanning the room, I spot Viper, Sparrow, and Knox in what looks like a deep conversation. It’s a reminder of how much shit has changed since I’ve been away. There’ll be time to get caught up on another day.

Today is about family, and I want to make sure that from here on out that is something Brae and my boy have.

Feeling eyes on him, Viper turns. He says something to Sparrow and Knox, then breaks away from the group. As he makes his way over, his eyes flick between Brae and Ryder with a knowing smirk on his face. “Get your shit squared away?” He wasn’t here last night when Brae showed up, but I’m not surprised he’s heard the gossip.

My lips twitch “You could say that. Viper, meet Braelynn and our son, Ryder.”

Viper's eyebrows shoot up, but he recovers quickly. “Son? Fuck me. I warned you this would happen one day.” His eyes shift over to Brae. “No offense, darlin’,” he says before his eyes narrow and come back to me. “Got any more surprises you want to fill me in on?”

I feel Braelynn stiffen beside me. She doesn’t have to worry. This is just who the Prez is. He’s a gruff asshole, but he’ll never turn his back on family. Trying to reassure her everything’s fine, I place my hand on her lower back. “No more surprises, Prez,” I state firmly. “Turning over a new leaf.”

Viper nods, understanding in his eyes. He turns to Braelynn, his expression softening. “Welcome to the family, darlin'. Any woman who can tame this fucker is alright in my book.”

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