Page 103 of Rage

“She’s perfect,” Mason says, his voice filled with wonder.“Just like her mama.”

As our daughter lets out another cry, Mason’s protective instincts kick into overdrive.His eyes narrow, darting between the baby and Konrad.

“Is she okay?”he demands.“Why is she crying?Is something wrong?”

Konrad chuckles softly, unfazed by Mason’s intensity.“She’s perfectly fine,” he assures us.“Just announcing her arrival to the world.Those are good, healthy cries.”

Mason relaxes slightly, but I can still see the tension in his shoulders.His eyes never leave our daughter as Konrad gently cleans her and wraps her in a soft blanket.

“Do you have a name picked out?”Konrad asks as he hands the baby back to me.

Mason and I exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between us.We’d discussed names endlessly over the past few months, but nothing had felt quite right.Until now.

“Kensleigh,” I say softly, looking down at our daughter’s tiny face.“Kensleigh Grace.”

Mason’s breath catches.“It’s perfect,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

As if sensing she’s the topic of conversation, Kensleigh lets out another tiny cry.Mason immediately tenses, his protective instincts kicking into high gear once more.

“Shh, it’s okay, princess,” he coos, his voice softer than I’ve ever heard it.“Daddy’s here.Nothing’s going to hurt you, not ever.”

The sight of this fierce, dangerous man completely undone by our tiny daughter brings fresh tears to my eyes.Mason notices and immediately shifts his concern to me.

“You okay, darlin’?”he asks, brow furrowed with worry.“Are you in pain?Do you need anything?”

I shake my head, smiling through my tears.“I’m perfect,” I assure him.“Just overwhelmed.I love you both so much.”

Mason leans in, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.“I love you too,” he murmurs.“More than I ever thought possible.”

As Kensleigh settles against my chest, her tiny fingers curling around Mason’s much larger one, I’m struck by how perfect this moment is.Our little family, safe and loved.

Whatever challenges the future holds, I know we’ll face them together.Me, Mason, and our precious angel.

* * *

Six Years Later

The soft afternoon sunlight streams through the bay windows, casting a warm glow across the living room.I stretch languidly on the couch, savoring a rare moment of peace and quiet.The house is filled with the comforting scents of home: fresh laundry, the lingering aroma of this morning’s coffee, and the faint sweetness of the roses Mason brought home yesterday.

Suddenly, a peal of high-pitched giggles echoes from upstairs, followed by the deeper rumble of Mason’s laughter.My heart swells with love at the sound.Setting aside the medical journal I’d been half-heartedly skimming, I push myself up from the couch and pad barefoot toward the stairs.

As I ascend, the giggles grow louder, punctuated by squeals of delight.I follow the joyful sounds down the hallway, pausing outside Kensleigh’s room.The door is slightly ajar, and I can’t resist peeking inside.

The sight that greets me takes my breath away.Mason, my fierce and dangerous biker, is sprawled on the plush pink carpet of our daughter’s room.His massive frame dwarfs the tiny tea set arranged before him, complete with delicate porcelain cups and a flowered teapot.A glittery tiara perches precariously atop his head, slightly askew and threatening to slip down over one eye.

Kensleigh, our beautiful little whirlwind, dances around her father in a swirl of tulle and sparkles.Her princess dress, a confection of pink and purple, twirls as she spins, dark curls bouncing with each movement.She clutches a plastic wand in one hand, waving it with great authority as she instructs her daddy on the finer points of tea party etiquette.

“No, Daddy!”She giggles, her blue eyes, so like Mason’s, sparkling with mischief.“You have to hold your pinkie up when you drink!”

Mason, looking utterly ridiculous and completely smitten, obediently extends his pinkie as he pretends to sip from the tiny cup.“Like this, princess?”he asks, his gruff voice softened with adoration.

Kensleigh nods approvingly, then gasps as she spots a teddy bear slouching in the corner.“Mr.Snuggles needs more tea!”she declares, rushing over to retrieve the stuffed animal.

As she turns, Kensleigh catches sight of me in the doorway.Her face lights up with joy.“Mommy!”she squeals, launching herself toward me.“Come play with us!”

I scoop her up, peppering her cherubic face with kisses as she giggles.“What are we playing, sweetheart?”I ask, though the answer is obvious.

“Tea party!”Kensleigh announces proudly.“Daddy’s the queen, and I’m the princess!”

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