Page 62 of Dutch

A lump formed in my throat. "Oooh, don't let him hear you say that. You know he has a reputation to maintain."

We watched Saint, all six-foot-four of him, stringing lights. I couldn't help but feel affection for the rough, around-the-edges men who'd become my support system.

"All right, ladies, let's get this show on the road," Mama Dutch instructed, clapping her hands.

I got caught up in the activities, taste-testing moonshine courtesy of Trigger and telling the deejay my music choices. I stepped back to survey our progress. I felt a light in my soul that I thought I'd never find again after losing Malakai.

Tiya slid up to me. "Are you good?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I just never expected all this."

She squeezed my shoulders. "Life's funny that way."

I thought about second chances and the unexpected journey. "Yeah, I'm starting to see that."

"Come on, let's get you ready," Tiya stated as we entered a conference room, which was also a makeshift dressing room.

I stared at myself in the full-length mirror Tiya had brought with her. The intricate lace covered my tattoos, and the white dress hugged my curves perfectly. My locs were swept up into an elegant updo with streaks of auburn showing.

Damn, girl, you are fine. I smiled in awe of myself.

Tiya appeared behind me with misty eyes. "Oh babe, you are absolutely stunning."

I fidgeted with the dress. "Do you think Dutch will like it?"

"Honey, that man would marry you in a potato sack." She laughed. "Seriously though, I'd never thought I'd see the day when you settle down, but you've been good for him, Makari. You brought out a side of Dutch he didn't even know existed.”

I blinked rapidly and fanned my eyes, fighting tears. "He's been good for me, too. Even when I was too damn stubborn to admit it."

"Lord knows you two are a match made in hard-headed heaven, but that's what makes it work. You two fought for each other."

A knock on the door interrupted us. "It's time."

As we entered the main room, my heart beat a hundred miles an hour. The club had been transformed into a beautiful space, and I spotted familiar faces — club members, my chosen family. And there in the front stood Dutch. His eyes were on me, and his bottom lip was pulled in as he took me in.

I stepped forward, and soon, he took my hand, grounding me.

"Are you ready to make this official?" Dutch asked.

I smirked. "Just don't expect me to go sappy on you."

A chuckle rippled through the crowd.

After the officiant had done their part, we said our vows.

"Makari, you're the most stubborn and toughest woman I've ever met. But you drive me crazy in all the best ways, and I promise to always have your back and ride beside you. Did I mention sexy?"

I couldn't help but laugh, even as tears sat in the rims of my eyes. "Dieterick, you're overprotective and sometimes infuriating, but the only person I completely trust."

Tiya cleared her throat.

"Well, besides Tiya." The audience laughed. "I promise to call you on your bullshit and keep you on your toes for the rest of our lives."

We exchanged rings, and I was overwhelmed by how right this felt. We were no longer the angry, guarded people we once were.

"You may now kiss the bride," the Justice of the Peace announced.

We kissed, and Dutch dipped me dramatically.

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