Page 80 of Ryder

He gently moves the veil so it covers my face. “You’re so beautiful, honey. I’m so proud of you. Ryder is one lucky man.”

He holds the crook of his arm toward me, and I link my arm through his.

I take deep breaths, and when Lily passes me my bouquet as we step out into the hallway, I feel a rush of love that touches me right down to my toes.

When I see Ryder at the end of the aisle, wearing his finest black pants, white shirt, and his MC cut, my heart jolts. Themusic starts and we walk towards him. Everyone turns to look at us as we make our way to him. My groom.

Ryder wipes his eyes as I move closer, his eyes never leave mine.

When we get there, Dad kisses my cheek, turns and shakes Ryder’s hand. “She’s yours now, Ryder. To hold, love and protect. Welcome to the family, son.”

Ryder stares at my dad, his hand still firmly in his. His voice thick when he says, “Thank you, sir.”

Dad takes my hand and places it over Ryder’s, then he takes his leave.

“I love you,wife,” Ryder whispers. “You look fucking amazing.”

I smile. “I love you, too,husband.”

Nothing could ever top this day, and when I feel the baby kick, I know he agrees. Or maybe he’s ready to top our big day with his entrance. Either way, I’m the happiest girl in the world.

Ryder

Two years after the wedding

“Bro? It’s me,” Bronco says down the phone.

“Yeah, I have caller ID, asshole. What’s up?”

“I hope you’re sittin’ down. I’ve got some news.”

I sit up straight. “Is it Crystal? Ade? Are they okay?” I stand, pulling my phone away from my ear as I check my text messages. Crystal is off getting the baby ready for the christening. We waited, for what reason I don’t know, but Crystal wants to do this, so I’m on board.

“She’s fine. Fuck, Ryd, you’re gonna kill me for sayin’ this, and you’re also gonna kill me if I don’t.”

“So spit it out, I haven’t got all day.”

He takes a deep breath and I know this must be heavy. “It’s Rifle.”

I stop in my tracks. “What about him?” I can feel the blood curdling in my veins at the mere mention of his name. Not today of all days.

“He’s been spotted back in town.”

“Get fucked.”

“I’m serious.”

“Where?”

“You know after what happened, Jett made it his mission in life to keep tabs on him,” Bronco goes on. “When we all thought he died in the explosion a year ago, well, that clearly wasn’t true. He must’ve gotten away.”

The Devils Ink continues to be a thorn in all our sides. Cash and the club have had beefs with them over the years, but their time is coming.

I close my eyes, trying to tamper down my anger. “He’s back in town on my fucking baby’s christening day?”

“Which is why I thought it was a bad idea to tell you. Jett doesn’t think he knows about the baby stuff, but if we don’t act now?—”

“I’m on my way. Give me the address.”

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