Page 44 of The Secrets We Keep

Sophie’s eyes widen and she smacks me in the stomach. “Hush,” she hisses.

I smirk and pull her close. “It’s all been worth it, baby.”

31

SOPHIE

Last night was one of the best nights of my life. My family is finally going to be one. I get to marry my best friend, the love of my life, the father of my child.

The club was ecstatic for us, so much so that they are throwing us a party tonight. The girls wouldn’t let me help with anything, so Grayson, Asher, and I stayed in our suite all afternoon, watching movies and relaxing before the evening.

When we’re about ready to head downstairs, I throw on a rock t-shirt, distressed denim shorts and black sandals. I toss my curls over my shoulder and apply a little concealer, bronzer, blush, mascara, and lip gloss.

The light shines on my beautiful new ring in the mirror. I smile as I think about the future I’ll get to have with Grayson. Strong arms wrap around my waist as I daydream.

“What are you thinking about, beautiful?” Grayson murmurs huskily in my ear, making goosebumps raceacross my skin.

“About how happy I am,” I say as I turn around in his embrace and kiss him softly.

He gives me a big smile, his beautiful teeth on display. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” I reply with a laugh. “Is Ash ready?”

“He’s been ready,” he chuckles. “He’s so excited to tell all our family that we’re getting married.”

“I know I already said it, but I’m so fucking happy that we’re here.”

“Me too, baby,” he murmurs as he swipes a piece of hair out of my eyes. “Let’s go tell our boy that we’re ready.”

He takes my hand and leads me out of our room and into the living area, where Asher is waiting. His excitement is palpable as he paces around the room. He turns wide eyes to us and then bolts toward the door without a word.

I shake my head as Grayson pulls me after him. Music fills our ears as we exit our suite and head downstairs. As we get closer to the main room, we hear the chatter of our friends and family. When we walk inside, they all turn around and cheer.

My cheeks heat from the attention as Grayson pulls me close, a devilish smirk on his face. He dips me low and slams his mouth on mine. His large palm dips to my ass, lifting my leg to his hip. The cheers grow louder as Grayson’s tongue delves in, strokingmy tongue in a rhythmic pattern that almost has me stripping him down right here. Until I remember that we’re in the middle of the clubhouse, surrounded by people.

Grayson pulls me to my feet and gazes down at me before brushing his thumb along my lower lip and fixing my lip gloss.Or what’s left of it.I take a deep, steadying breath, and then find Asher looking grossed out. A laugh bursts out of me, and I reach out and ruffle his hair.

“Going to have to get used to that, bud,” Axel tells him with a laugh.

“Gross,” Asher mutters before running over to his grandparents and aunt.

I shake my head and smile. Grayson’s hand finds my lower back as everyone moves to congratulate us. Lisa hugs me extra tight as she welcomes me to the family officially. I blink back the tears that fill my eyes, so I don’t embarrass myself.

The guys grilled so we could enjoy the cool fall night. Summer is long gone and its finally bonfire season. As the sun sets the guys dish out burgers and hot dogs for the kids, and steaks for everyone else. We sit outside at picnic tables and laugh through our meals. When we’re done eating, the kids make smores in the fire.

When the kids are with Lisa and Kurt, I sit by the fire with Wren. We’re a few drinks deep already and have been laughing our asses off all night. It’s so niceto have her back.

“What the hell is going on with you and Axel?” I ask when I see him watching her for the fifteenth time tonight.

She groans. “Nothing. He’s annoying.”

I laugh. “It sounds like nothing has changed between the two of you, then.”

“It never does,” she murmurs.

I swear I can hear a hint of sadness in her tone, so I change the subject. “What’s the deal with those two?” I ask with a gesture in Nash and Cole’s direction.

They’re sitting off to the side with Ana between the two of them. Nash and Cole are both hot as hell. Actually, every member of this club is hot now. I don’t know if that’s something they require of prospects, or if it’s just the luck of the draw, but you won’t see any of the women complaining.

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