Page 27 of Striker

My Pop came over and patted me on the back. “Congratulations, son. I knew in my heart this morning it was the right time. Your Ma would be so proud of the man you’ve become.”

“What’s with all the crying in here? Hey there, Bear.” I looked up to see Goose and Maverick standing in their kitchen. Their Mama ran and hugged them both.

“Oh Levi asked to marry Lilah! My dreams are coming true boys!” They both looked at me with smiles on their faces.

“I would like to ask the both of you for your blessing too. I’m gonna make an honest woman out of your baby sister. I’ve always loved her and plan to love her ‘till the day I die.” They walked around the island and wrapped me in a big hug.

“Of course, brother. We wouldn’t want anybody else for our sister.” Goose was beaming like a proud parent.

Maverick patted my back and made his way to the coffee maker. “You know our Pop always liked you. He gave you permission once before and I know he sure as shit would give you permission now. You’re a good man, Striker.” Mama Crawford slapped Maverick on the back of the head.

“Language, young man! You’re still in my house and I expect you to mind your manners.” Goose laughed at his brother before Mama Crawford turned and pointed her finger at him. He turned and pointed out the window as we all turned to look. My beautiful Little Lark was making her way up to the house.

“Better dry your face, Mama. Don’t go giving this secret away; and Pres, you better put that ring in your pocket unless you plan on asking her right here and now.” I quickly tucked the box into my pocket and took a big sip of coffee to clear my throat. Mama Crawford hurried upstairs to fix herself before Lilah came up to the door.

I could hear Lilah open the front door and quickly pulled myself together. As she came around the corner, my face lit up. My beautiful Little Lark was quite a sight to see. Her golden hair was pulled into a braid, running down her back. Small wisps of hair framed her face and her Pop’s old ball cap pulled down on her head. She had on those tight jeans that cupped her ass so perfectly, her cowboy boots peeking out the bottom. Lilah had shed her coat and flannel shirt as the Montana sun rose from the sky, leaving her in a tight white T-shirt that seemed to glow against her tan skin and stretched across her perky tits. She was fucking gorgeous and all mine. It took everything in me not to drop to one knee right here and stake my claim on her.

“Well, looks like one of the mares are pregnant! I’ll call the Doc to come out and have a look.” She was rambling along, fixing herself a cup of lemonade. I was lost in my thoughts, picturing Lilah, barefoot, with a big ol’ tummy, carrying my baby. “Hello, earth to Striker!” Her sweet little voice snapped me out of my daydream.

“Uh sorry, just tired. Uhm what were you saying?” Lilah just giggled and handed me a glass of lemonade. “I said everything is good, so I won’t be needing your help. The Prospects have the rest of the chores taken care of. The boys were up early and took care of a lot. You feeling okay?” She rested the back of her hand on my forehead and felt my pulse on my wrist. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into me, kissing her forehead.

“I’m perfect, baby girl. Now go get ready for work. I’ve got something for you before you leave.” Lilah gazed into my eyes and softly kissed me. Maverick cleared his throat behind us and she turned, cheeks red from blush.

As she ran up the stairs, I turned to my Pop, Goose, and Maverick. “I’m giving her the necklace back. Moose fixed it and put the tracker in it, so we’ll be able to see where ever she is.”

My Pop looked up from his coffee, “Next time you call church, I want to be there. I’m not doubting your abilities son, but having someone who’s seen a thing or two wouldn’t hurt.” I put my hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes.

“I appreciate it, Pop. I’ll let you know when church is. We can use all the help we can get with this one.” Goose and Maverick nodded their heads in agreement.

“We’ll keep your girl safe. No matter what.” My Pop had a serious look in his eye. The same one I get when shit hits the fan; like father like son.

Lilah came bustling down the stairs, her sing-song voice breaking down the walls of our conversation. "Let's get moving, babe!" She gave her brothers a kiss on the cheek and turned to my Pop. “Don’t you worry, you get one too, Mr. Walker!” Lilah’s infectious smile spread to all four of us men.

“Oh, Lilah, I’ve told you time and time again, just call me Daniel.” She just laughed, kissed my Pop on the cheek, and grabbed her helmet and backpack from the table.

“Yeah, yeah. You and Doctor Hank, always trying to get me to forget the manners my Mama taught me!" Lilah intertwined her fingers with mine and headed toward the door.

We hopped on my Harley and slowly headed down the dirt driveway, careful not to kick up too much dust. Once we got to the road, I let the engine roar and ripped around the corners. Lilah's delicate hands wrapped around my torso, her head resting on my back. It all felt so right and I knew I wasn't going to let this ring sit in my pocket much longer. I wanted her to have my last name, carry my babies, and grow old with me. Love makes you give up everything that you thought you knew. It makes you forget every instinct, every rational thought. It makes you forget about your fears. Love makes you want to drop everything and run to your soulmate who makes life worth it. It may sound cheesy and kind of funny coming from the President of the most ruthless motorcycle club in the West, but it was all true.

Before I knew it, we had pulled up to the entrance of the Medical Center. Lilah had already gotten off the motorcycle when I reached out and grabbed her hand. "Wait a minute, Little Lark." Reaching into my pocket, I gently wrapped my fingers around the wooden box. My heart started to beat faster, my palms were getting sweaty, and my mouth was turning bone dry.

She looked at me, confusion making her face twist up, "Uh...are you okay? I'm seriously worried about you, Striker. Come in to the center and I'll check you out after I get settled."

I shook my head and pulled myself together. "Nah babe, I'm fine."

Lilah narrowed her eyes at me, "Yeah? Because you certainly aren't acting fine." I stood up and kissed her on the top of her head.

"I promise, Little Lark." I slowly pulled my hand out of my pocket and looked down at Lilah. "Moose fixed your necklace, babe. Turn around so I can put it on you."

She looked up at me with her emerald green eyes, tears forming in the corners, "Oh, Levi, this....this means so much to me. Thank you." As she turned around I gently brushed her hair out of the way and kissed her neck. I closed the clasp and turned her back around.

"Now listen, Moose also put a small tracker on the back. Just in case anything happens. So never take this off and if anything ever happens, do everything in your power to keep it on. It's microscopic so nobody can even see it."

Lilah brought her fingers to her necklace, "How did he get something like that?" I just laughed and pulled her into a hug.

"Don't ask, don't tell, babe. There's lots of things we can get our hands on. Don't forget we aren't just a social club."

She sighed and just held me tight. "I know, I know. I can never forget that." I put my finger under her chin and tilted her head up.

---