Page 11 of Cruise

Cruise got out of the sleigh then helped her down. He immediately went to one knee. She waited, hardly breathing. Cruise was making them official.

“Willa, we were friends first, then you become the woman I couldn’t live without. Now when I see a future, you’re with me every step of the way. For all our future sunrises and sunsets, will you marry me?”

She couldn’t contain the tears and she didn’t try. Cruise was giving her exactly what she wanted.

She nodded and whispered, “Yes.”

He slipped a gorgeous ring with about five large diamonds with two smaller diamonds alternating between the large diamonds. It formed a flat band which meant she could wear it when she worked. Standing beside her he pulled her in for a kiss, his hands framing her face.

“You’ve made me the happiest man but we’re not done.”

He held his hand out. Phoebe ran over and handed him something leather.

“Now, you’ve said you’ll marry me but a biker needs a little more. Willa, will you do me the honor of riding with this older, slightly broken-down biker until the end of our days?”

He held up a property cut with Cruise’s Brave Heart on the front breast of it.

“I’d be honored,” she said and turned so he could slide it over her arms.

“Woohoo! Cruise got his Christmas wish,” Slice yelled and nodded to the men who had followed him to a small stage she hadn’t realized was there.

Cruise pulled her into his arms as the guys started singing OneRepublic’s Dear Santa. He spun her around as they danced, then War cut in and danced with her before Bear stole her away. By the time, they danced to a few Christmas songs she’d dancedwith all the men of the MC with each one welcoming her to the Club.

Remi came as Cruise started to dance with her again.

“Nope, she’s joined our girl group and we’re dancing now.”

Sarah nodded at Slice and the band started the theme from Friends. Beth, Winnie, Jesse and all the women joined her on the make shift dance floor in the middle of an orchard. Phoebe was dancing along with them. Regina was holding Georgia, Roam’s daughter and swaying with her.

She wished her dad was here to meet Cruise and these amazing people who had welcomed her with open arms. He would have loved this family.

Chapter Nine

Willa would never get tired of the way Cruise took care of her. He’d had a thick leather jacket with one of his Bluff Creek Brotherhood MC sweatshirts for their ride today. They’d decided take an impromptu ride to Nelson’s Honkytonk Saloon & Bar in Dodge City. The weather had warmed to sixty and sunny skies had War leading them all.

She’d been a little wobbly when they stopped. Cruise had helped her off the bike then escorted her into the bar. Her man was hot but she had to wonder what the hell they put in the water around here. The bar was owned and run by nine male cousins. Every one was drool-worthy.

Cruise had walked her in and escorted her to a huge table that had been set up for the women of Bluff Creek. She’d found out one of the cousins, Hennessy, had coined the phrase the Bluff Creek Beauties for them. Cruise had made sure she had whatever food and drink she wanted before he went with some of the guys to play pool.

She loved how he’d asked her before they left if she’d rather hang out at the table most of the women normally congregated at or if she wanted to play pool with some of the guys. She was falling more in love with him every day.

She’d also met Vivi who was married to Whiskey, one of the bar owners, which had started the conversation they were currently having about whose love story was the best.

“Listen, you all can have your opinion but you know my story with War had the most guns and incidents,” Remi stated.

“Seriously, I don’t believe so. Mine had guns, too and plenty of incidents plus I believe I topped you on kids and animals,” Winnie retorted.

“Whatever, I had guns at mine but honestly, I’m positive I topped you guys on the most sex,” Sarah said, chuckling and dusting her fist against her shoulder.

“Let’s just go with that fact that we all have wonderful, exciting stories of how we found our way to the Bluff Creek Brotherhood MC and in doing so, found bikers with hearts of gold who would do whatever it takes to keep us happy and safe,” Regina said and raised her glass. “To the Bluff Creek family. May each one find their happily ever after.”

Willa joined toasting and clinking glasses with these women who had become friends in such a short time.

“Regina, I don’t think I’ve heard your story yet. How exactly did you come to the Bluff Creek Brotherhood MC and meet Baron?” Willa questioned.

“Well, it doesn’t start out too well. I didn’t choose wisely when I was younger. War and Roam were three when…”

Cruise’s arms wrapped around her, his lips kissing the top of her head. “Ladies, I’m going to steal Willa away. I want to dance with my fiancée.”

Willa was torn. She wanted to dance with Cruise but she wanted to hear more about Regina’s story. Regina winked andmotioned her to go on with Cruise. His warm hand in hers led her onto the dance floor.

Cruise nodded at the band and pulled her into his arms. The music started and she couldn’t contain her grin. He’d remembered. She adored all the songs from Dirty Dancing but Hungry Eyes was her favorite. Now, she was on the dance floor as Cruise swayed with her to the music.

His warm breath wafted against her ear as he sang along to the song. As they danced, the other couples joined them until the floor was full.

Cruise’s lips brushed hers as they danced. This moment with the man she loved, the people she hadn’t known she needed and a future she’d always wanted were the best Christmas present she could have ever asked for.

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