Page 101 of Maverick

Life is so bizarre.

Then Kingpin handed me a biker cut embroidered withPrincess, Maverick’s sweet name for me.It was for me.It held the biker president’s new patch.Bastard Sons MC.

And I was a son of the bastard or rather a daughter.

Kingpin scratched his beard, explaining, “I’m not the mob,” he muttered, as if anticipating my concerns. “But I got enough pull in the MC world to protect you just as well. If you ever need anything, you call me, understand?”

I swallowed hard, emotion swirling. “Thank you,” I managed. “I… we’re a family, I guess. Strange as that might be.”

His lips twitched, almost a grin. “Yeah, guess so. Your mother… Dirty… well, Diana and I had a fling a long time ago. Didn’t realize she’d had my kid. I’m sorry I wasn’t there, that you had to grow up without,” He broke off, gaze dropping.

I blinked.He’s apologizing for something he never knew he should be apologizing for.I forced a small smile. “Don’t blame yourself. My mother kept a lot of secrets. But I appreciate you being here now, walking me down the aisle.” The words felt surreal, but he’d said Eve had insisted he do it, some symbolic gesture of fatherhood. I wondered if he only used her as an excuse to do the right thing.

At the mention of the wedding, Kingpin straightened, repeating the excuse again. “Eve said I should do the fatherly thing, even if I’ve never had a day of practice. She’s got more sense than me about these things.”

Eve stepped forward, balancing a squirming toddler on her hip. She offered me a warm smile as Kingpin drifted back to talk to a biker I’d never met. Some ginger haired guy standing watch like he was protecting them. “I’m proud of him for showing up, honestly. And yes, you’re almost the same age I was when I first got tangled with him. I know people talk about our age difference, but…” She shrugged, eyes shining with fondness for Kingpin, “I couldn’t resist a big, sexy biker with a heart of gold. Looks like we have the same taste.”

Realizing she spoke of Maverick, I swallowed. He was her ex, after all.

“I only mean Adam…” She used his real name, and the intimacy of it made my stomach tie in knots. “He’s one of the good ones,” she clarified. “And he loves you so much.”

I found myself laughing softly, relief flooding me. “I’m glad you two found real love.” And I meant it. Their dynamic might be complicated, but from the way Kingpin hovered near her, gentle with their kids, it was clear they shared something genuine, far different from Mark’s coldness.

Kingpin gestured to the beach altar, a simple arch draped in white gauzy fabric. A handful of chairs faced it, sea gulls swooping overhead. “Ready?”

All the wedding nerves suddenly hit me. “Yes, I, I think so.” I glanced around, noticing Maverick wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Where is he?”

Nova popped over, wiggling her eyebrows. “He’s waiting down by the shore with Sully.” Kings of Anarchy MC had supplied their chaplain. “You want me to take the baby?” Little Adam dozed in her arms already, lulled by the ocean breeze.

I nodded, pressing a soft kiss to Adam’s brow. My nerves fluttered again,my wedding day.

Kingpin cleared his throat, offering his arm. “Shall we?”

I took it, still reeling that this biker, my father, was escorting me. Eve shot me a playful wink, guiding her toddlers to find seats near the front.

A burly biker named Folklore played soft guitar chords as we approached the makeshift aisle. The handful of guests, King's members, plus random friends from Maine, rose, smiling.Chigger, Nova with the baby stood in honor with us. My bare feet sank into the warm sand. Kingpin’s grip on my arm was steady, surprisingly reassuring.

Ahead, Maverick stood by a simple wooden arch, the waves rolling behind him. The sun cast a golden hue over everything. He wore dark jeans, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his Road Monsters' cut left aside for the ceremony. My breath caught at the softness in his gaze as we locked eyes.

We reached him, and Kingpin gently placed my hand in Maverick’s, giving me a firm nod before stepping aside. For a moment, Maverick and I just stared, hearts in our throats.This biker, who once saved my life, who fathered my child, kidnapped me from Texas, who fought for me and waited for me. He squeezed my hand, his features reflecting the love I felt for him.

The officiant, guy in the MC, Sully, a biker himself, spoke in a low, gentle tone about love, family, and second chances. The waves crashed softly, a gull cried overhead. Tears stung my eyes as I gazed at Maverick’s face, lined with relief, devotion, everything I’d craved in a partner.

“I pledge to stand by you,” I choked out. “No more secrets, no more lies. You gave me freedom when I had none. You believed in me when I’d lost faith. I… I love you, Maverick.”

He blinked back tears, a faint smile tugging his lips. “You changed my life, Lexi. I was running from everything, my past, my heartbreak, until you showed me what I truly wanted. A home. A family. You. I promise to protect you and our son forever, to treasure every moment, and never let you doubt my devotion.”

We exchanged rings, he slipped a simple band on my finger, shining next to the engagement ring. I slid a matchinggold band onto his, heart thudding with every breath. Sully smiled, pronouncing us husband and wife. Cheers erupted from the small gathering, Nova leading the applause with Adam in her arms. Chigger whooped, the Kings hoisted up beer cans in salute.

Maverick leaned in, engulfing me into a passionate kiss, sealing our vow under the blue sky. My mind flashed through the memories, the heartbreak, the fear, the stolen kisses in motels, the baby’s birth without him. Now we’d finally found our way here. Joy swelled in my chest.We’re married. We’re free.

We lingered on the shore for a while before heading to the party the Kings set up just a ways down the beach. People chatted in small clusters, sipping beer or whiskey. Kingpin was barefoot, at the brink of the water with Eve, their toddlers, my newfound siblings, squealing at the incoming waves. It felt surreal, my father, the man I’d never known, now part of my wedding.

I drifted over, with Maverick’s hand clasped in mine, dragging him with me. Kingpin nodded in approval at us. “That was a nice ceremony. Simple, but heartfelt.”

My cheeks warmed. “Thank you for coming, for… for walking me down the aisle, dad.”

Shifting his stance, he smiled proudly. “I know I offered to have you come down south, with us. You’d be under my protection, no messing around.” He spoke to us both. “But if you prefer Maine, that’s fine. I’ll have your back if anything arises.”

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