Page 37 of Single Mom's Bikers

“Don’t forget who you are. But remember who you’re becoming,”Rose texts around noon.

“Easier said than done when my old life creeps in like smoke under doors,”I whisper to myself as I recall the night I broke down in my office. Good thing Rick was present to pull me back together.

The sex wasn’t planned. It just happened. It did feel good to be held together by strong arms and fucked in a way that pulled me back together.

It doesn’t take long before memories of Luca’s indifference on my real birthday surface. I remember the forgotten dates, the cruel remarks about aging, and the way he used my birthday to remind me that I was his property.

But then Rose sends a photo of a gift Daisy made after school. It’s a handmade card covered in glitter, and I remember why we ran, why we became new people with new birthdays and new chances.

My girls rarely ask about their father. He was absent in their lives, and his existence is slowly being forgotten now. It is a huge win for me.

“Just need to finish these invoices.” Rick barely looks up when I mention leaving. “But could you grab those supply boxes from the basement first? Need to check inventory.”

Something’s definitely up. Rick never handles inventory—that’s my job. Chase hasn’t emerged from his studio all afternoon, and even Zane’s suspicious absence feels staged. But I play along, heading for the basement stairs.

The light switch doesn’t work when I reach the bottom. The basement feels different in the dark—colder, emptier. My hand instinctively goes to my phone for light, old fears surfacing.

“Rick?” My voice echoes. “Power’s out down here.”

No answer. Just silence and darkness. My heart pounds as I take a step back toward the stairs. Years of running make you jumpy in the dark.

Then I hear movement above. Footsteps. Multiple sets.

I’m halfway up the stairs when the gallery goes completely dark. For a terrifying moment, I’m frozen—caught between fight and flight.

“Rick?” This time, my voice shakes.

Suddenly, lights burst on, and voices fill the space. “Surprise!” The gallery transforms from darkness to celebration in an instant, leaving me gripping the stair rail as my heart tries to settle.

They’re all there.

Daisy. Violet. Rose stands behind them with a cake that puts her morning one to shame. The Cross brothers grin like they’ve pulled off a master heist, and other staff and members of the MC complete the crowd.

“Surprise!” Violet launches herself at me. “We kept the secret all day!”

“All day?” I lift her, fighting tears. “More like all week, from the looks of this.”

The gallery’s transformed. Fairy lights twinkle where flash art usually hangs. Food covers a new table, and is that Teller by the door?

“Couldn’t miss it.” He hugs me one-handed, and his daughter Piper is shy behind him. “Though Ayla and my brothers send regrets. Kind of short notice.”

“Your fault for being so secretive about your birthday,” Chase says, but his eyes are soft.

I don’t correct them. Don’t mention that August 15th means nothing except what’s printed on fake documents. The love in this room feels real enough to make it true.

“Presents!” Violet tugs my hand. “Open mine first!”

She’s made me a star chart, complete with glitter constellations. Daisy’s card contains a carefully written poem about mothers and strength. Each gift brings fresh tears—Rose’s silver bracelet and cards from the gallery staff.

“Our turn.” Rick’s voice carries authority even here. “Outside.”

The brothers exchange looks that spell trouble. Good trouble, from their grins.

“Close your eyes,” Zane instructs.

“With you three? Not likely.”

“Trust us.” Chase’s hand on my back guides me forward. “Just for a minute.”

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