Page 24 of Butcher's Honor

As I drift off in his arms, I realize it's true. Whatever comes next, whatever dangers his world might bring, I know this is where I belong. Right here, in his arms, where even the most hardened of bikers can find peace.

And just before sleep claims me completely, I hear him whisper, "Mine."

"Yours," I mumble back, already half-dreaming.

Epilogue – Butcher

Two Years Later

The silk tie around my neck feels like a noose, but I resist the urge to loosen it. Mom would kill me if I messed up this monkey suit before the ceremony.

I still can't believe I let her talk me into a traditional wedding, but one look at Ruby's face when we were planning it, and I knew I'd wear whatever the hell she wanted.

"Stop fidgeting," Hellfire growls from beside me, looking as uncomfortable in his suit as I feel. Our cuts are hanging carefully in the church's back room, waiting to be put back on for the reception. "You're making me nervous."

"You're nervous?" I shoot back. "I'm the one getting married."

"About fucking time," Crow adds from where he's attempting to fix his tie in a mirror. "Two years of watching you two make googly eyes at each other was enough."

The other guys laugh, and I flip them off half-heartedly. They're not wrong, though. Two years of living together, raising Tommy, building a life between club business and domestic bliss. Two years of falling more in love every day.

"Remember when we thought Joey was going soft?" Wrath chuckles, straightening his cuffs. "That was before we saw him take out those three Outlaws single-handed when they tried coming after his family."

My jaw clenches at the memory. That had been a close call about a year ago. The Outlaws had finally figured out my weakness and tried to exploit it—their mistake. Nobody threatens what's mine.

"Speaking of family," Maverick pipes up, "where's the kid?"

"Getting ready with the girls," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "He insisted on walking his mom down the aisle himself."

Tommy's eight now, growing like a weed and smart as a whip. He started calling me Dad about a year and half ago, around the same time I officially adopted him. The papers are framed in our living room, right next to his straight-A report cards.

"Remember when he used to call you Mr. Joey?" Ruthless laughs. "Now he's probably the only person who can get away with telling you what to do."

"Him and Ruby," Hellfire corrects with a smirk.

"And Mom," I add, making them all laugh again.

A knock at the door has us all turning. Mom pokes her head in, already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

"It's time," she says, her voice wavering. "Joey, baby, you look so handsome."

I go to her, letting her fuss with my tie even though it's perfect. "How is she?"

"Beautiful," Mom says. "Nervous, but beautiful. Tommy's keeping her calm." She pats my cheek. "That boy of yours is something special."

"Yeah," I agree softly. "He is."

The guys file out to take their places, leaving me alone with Mom for a moment.

"Your father would have—" she starts.

"Don't," I cut her off gently. "He doesn't deserve space on this day."

She nods, understanding.

"You're right. This is about you and your family. The one you chose, the one you built." She straightens my lapels one last time. "I'm so proud of you, Joey."

I have to swallow hard against the lump in my throat. "Thanks, Mom."

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