Page 129 of The Heart We Guard
“You can’t go,” Wraith says.
“I’ve handed in my notice to King. As of today, I’m done. It’s time. I’ve given the last thirty years of my life to this club. It’s all I’ve known. And while the good will always outweigh the bad, the losses have been heavy. I’ve gained friends. Lost ‘em too. Buried men we shouldn’t. And the highs…” I smile as I look at their faces. “There was Sturgis in ’22.” The men laugh at that, and it breaks the ice. “But I’ve gotten a second chance, brothers. This morning, I proposed to Greer, and she said yes. I’m hoping you’ll accept her officially as my old lady.”
The response is mixed. Some cheering and whooping, but some confused expressions as they try to figure out what the fuck is going on. I know they’re still reeling from what I’m saying. So, I continue.
“I’ve got a baby on the way.” I look at Atom. “And I’ll have a wedding and a grandbaby next year too. I wanna enjoy them. I want to build something with Greer. So, I’ll be riding with her, providing security for her mobile clinic. Of course, I got an old lady who can repair just about anyone, but she wants to helpthose who dance the lines of legality. One day, she might put you back together like she fixed me.”
I think of those first few days at her house. When she took care of me. When she made food that would heal. When she felt safe enough with me to fall asleep on the sofa while I watched a medically incorrect action movie.
I pull my new cut off the table and put it on, turning so they can see the back. I hear the rumbles and gasps as they take it in. “I’ll be a nomad. Once an Outlaw, always an Outlaw. In times of real trouble, you can count on me to have your backs. We will not be voting on new positions. I’ve decided them, discussed it with King, and I hope you all stand by them.”
I turn to Grudge, and that’s when the bite of tears gets real. My eyes blur as I look at my right hand. “Brother. It’s your turn to lead the club forward. I leave her stronger than she was when I became president, but there is so much more she could be. King and I both agree you should be the one to get her there.” I hand him the patch that saysPresident. “Wear it with honor.”
Grudge stands and takes it, but pulls me in for a hug.
Tears fill his eyes, but he shakes his head in disbelief as his brothers cheer.
“Don’t know what to say, Prez,” he says quietly. His voice is gruff with affection.
“You’ve earned it,” I say.
The brothers applaud Grudge’s ascension.
“Wraith,” I say, turning to my sergeant at arms, who has been loyal and steadfast. Perhaps carrying the heaviest load of what it means to be a one percenter.
“Don’t,” Wraith warns, shaking his head. But I know in my heart, he’s ready.
I slide the vice president patch to him. “The past is done, brother. Grudge’s gonna need your help to build the future.There was never a doubt in my mind over putting you forward for this.”
He looks at the patch like it’s going to poison him, but then, he takes it. “Been an honor, Butch.”
I nod. “Feel the same, brother.” Then, I look at the man who is going to be my son-in-law, holding the sergeant at arms patch toward him.
“Ah, fuck, Butcher,” he says. “This isn’t how it goes.”
This time, I can’t find the words as the tears finally spill over. All I can do is nod when the words get stuck in my chest.
He stands and walks over to me, ignoring the patch, pulling me into a tight hug that truly lasts. He holds me while I swallow hard and try to find something to say. When I finally find words, they’re unexpected. “Maybe you’ll start calling meDadinstead ofPrez.”
He nods against my shoulder, finally takes the patch, then walks back to his seat.
Finally, I pull two enforcer patches and two Colorado rockers out. “I know you might need some time to think about this.” I look at Jackal and Shade. “But you two have the experience of different clubs, different ways of doing things, an experience the club needs. King is in agreement to the swap from nomad to member of the Colorado brotherhood.”
Jackal looks to Shade, who nods, then back to me. “We already talked about what it would be like to stay here. We’d be honored. The patch? That’s the cherry on top. We’ll switch.”
The patches and rockers get slid down the table.
I watch each of those who just received a new title. They’re all running their fingers over their patches with the reverence the titles deserve.
“To the rest of you, I hope you’ll serve these men the same way you served me. To the end. With all you have.”
Grudge stands. “I think I speak for all of us, Butcher, when I say you’ve been the man we looked up to. And you’ve sure as fuck caught me by surprise by saying you’re stepping down. Thought I’d still be your vice president when I was in my sixties. But this clubhouse is what it is because of you. So, as president of the Iron Outlaws, which, holy fuck, thank you …nomad or not, you’ll always be welcome and revered in good standing in this clubhouse. And if ever you need us, we’ll be there. On a personal note, you changed my life. You found me when I was at my very worst and turned me into my very best. I won’t let you down.”
“None of us will,” Atom says, standing.
Then, one by one, my men all stand.
Unable to take it, I pat the smooth surface of the table one last time and step out of the room to where Greer is waiting.
