Page 26 of Reclaiming Venom

The idea sparked excitement in my chest. “I’d love that,” I murmured, picturing us on his bike, the wind in our hair, discovering hidden gems in the countryside.

Venom’s eyes lit up. “And for our anniversary this year… instead of the usual steakhouse, what if we tried that new place two towns over? Something different, but still special.”

I couldn’t help but grin. This blend of old and new, of cherished memories and fresh experiences, felt perfect. It was us, evolving together.

“We could make new traditions,” I suggested, my mind racing with possibilities. “Like… a monthly game night with Dawson and Nora. Or a monthly cookout at the clubhouse during the warmer seasons.”

Venom nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Weaving our past and present into something beautiful for our future.”

The metaphor, so poetic coming from my usually gruff husband, made my heart swell. I leaned in, pressing my forehead to his. “I love you,” I whispered. “Every version of you.”

His large hand cupped my cheek, his touch infinitely gentle. “And I love you, Ridley. Always have, always will. Even when I didn’t remember you, some part of me still knew you were mine.”

My fingers danced across my phone screen, a smile playing on my lips as I tapped out a message to Isabella and Torch. I wanted them to know Venom was completely back now, and that we needed to celebrate.

“You think they’ll all come on such short notice?” His voice broke the silence, a hint of uncertainty coloring his usually confident tone.

I looked up. “Babe, when has the club ever turned down a chance to party? Besides, this is big news. They’ll want to celebrate with us.”

Venom nodded, his beard trailing down his chest as he leaned back into the couch. “Suppose you’re right. It’ll be good to see everyone. You know, now that I actually remember who everyone is.”

“Speaking of everyone. How do you want to handle telling the kids? Should we wait until we’re at the clubhouse? I can tell Dawson he, Nora, and Taylor are invited to a get-together there. I doubt she’ll want to bring the baby, but I’ll make sure she knows he’s welcome too. As for Farrah and Mariah…”

Venom’s eyes softened, a rare vulnerability crossing his weathered features. “Might be best to give them a heads-up. Don’t want to overwhelm them in front of the whole club.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with love for the tough man who always put our children first. I quickly fired off texts to Dawson, Mariah, and Farrah. I asked Dawson to bring his family to the clubhouse, then told Mariah and Farrah we’d make arrangements to visit them.

As I set my phone down, the air around us seemed to crackle with anticipation. Venom stood, offering me his hand. “Ready to face our family, darlin’?”

I took his hand. “With you? Always.”

* * *

The floorboards hummed beneath my boots, the bass of a country rock song pulsing through the soles and into my bones. It vibrated in the air, mingling with the scent of leather, whiskey, and something else: anticipation. Excitement. The kind that makes your fingers tingle and sets your heart to a double beat.

Venom stood beside me, his presence filling the space like a warm, solid wall. His hand was a reassuring weight in mine, his calloused fingers interlaced with mine. I felt the warmth of his breath on my ear as he murmured, “Looks like the whole damn club turned out.”

I squeezed his hand, a smile tugging at my lips. “Well, it’s not every day the infamous Venom gets his memories back.”

The words were barely out of my mouth when the crowd parted like the Red Sea. There stood Torch, his silver hair gleaming under the dim lights, his weathered face etched with a familiar grin.

“Well, well,” his gruff voice boomed over the music, silencing the room. “If it isn’t the man of the hour. Welcome back to the land of the living, brother.”

Venom’s hand tightened around mine, a silent communication passing between us. Then, he stepped forward, pulling Torch into a brief, yet powerful embrace.

“Good to be back, old man,” Venom said, his voice rough with emotion.

I watched them, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and relief. The bonds of brotherhood that held this club together had helped Venom weather this storm, and now, we were all stronger for it.

Torch turned to me, his gaze softening. “You did good, little girl,” he said quietly, his hand resting on my shoulder. “Knew you had it in you to bring him back.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the edges of the room. The faces of our makeshift family swam before me, each one etched with a story of resilience and love.

This night wasn’t just about Venom’s return. It was about our collective healing, our shared victory. It was a new beginning.

More of the club gathered around Venom, shaking his hand, giving him a slap on the back. Everyone was eager to see him back to his usual self.

My eyes swept over the crowd, searching for my son and Nora, the missing pieces of my heart. And there they were, Dawson, Nora, and little Taylor, weaving through the throng.

---