Page 137 of Stella
Dad slaps Kai upside the head as Kai dodges off laughing, swooping Caprice up as he goes.
“I know we’ve had our differences, Cale,” he says, looking down at his shoes, then back at the man I love. “But what you did for Stella, for Cash, hell, for this club, it’s what a true brother would do.”
“I hope you’re not expecting me to patch in,” Cale laughs. “I think I’m just glad you don’t wanna knock my block off every time you see me.”
Dad smirks. “Sometimes you just can’t see the forest for the trees, you know what I mean?”
Cale nods. “I get it. One day, a long time from now, when we do have kids, I’ll be coming to you for advice.”
Dad wraps an arm around his shoulders, gripping his good shoulder tight. “Let’s not think about that too closely right now.”
“Yeah, not quite at theDadstage,” Kai laughs, zooming Caprice around like she’s an aeroplane.
Cale shakes his head, settling into the chair at the table and we hold hands as everyone tucks into the food; I had some salads already prepped, and Manny helped take the chicken out of the oven, as well as some Beyond Meat cutlets for me.
I watch our found family with new hope. When Cale squeezes my hand, I turn to him.
“This,” he says. “This is what it’s all about.”
I nod. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
This is the man I love, the man I chose, and this club? They’re the extended family I always wanted.
Life may not be perfect, but it’s as it should be.
I gaze at Cale, and when he notices me watching, he gives me a wink.
Life couldn’t be sweeter, and I know without a doubt, we’re on the right track.
What’s even better? I have the man of my dreams by my side.
Cale
Three months later
I find my girl at the Soup Kitchen; she often helps out when she can, and it’s something she loves to do for the community. Priest and Bella run the place along with Priest’s good buddy, Pastor Dan. It’s a hub for the less fortunate, and the food is amazing. Manny helps out, too, when he’s not busy at the clubhouse.
She waves as I take a seat and wait for her; the place is bustling with people enjoying the food and talking amongst themselves. Calli is down by my feet, yawning because she’s had a hard morning of walking the city with me. I do that sometimes when I need to clear my head.
The last few months have been interesting, to say the least. Troy took everybody down. And when I say everybody, I mean it. He has some pretty persuasive friends in office, and they came down hard on police corruption. Montgomery is still facing charges, and while he maintains he had nothing to do with Vanders, he still okayed my mom’s case to be re-opened and pinned on Cash with no evidence other than hearsay. Funny how a large amount of cash was deposited into one of his off-shore accounts from Vanders, thanks to Sawyer, Rock and Jett’s investigative work. He’ll be explaining that one to the courts. Dougie and several other officers were charged with taking bribes, fraud and conspiracy. While I never could stand Beckett, he’s proved his alliance by doing what was right. I guess sometimes you misjudge people for the wrong reasons, and that’s on me.
When Stella has a free minute, she comes over with a big smile on her face. “Hey handsome.” She smiles, dipping to peck me on the lips. “Fancy seeing you around this neck of the woods.” She bends to pet Calli, who immediately jumps to command. “How is my favorite girl?”
Calli pushes her head into Stella’s hand, groaning like she didn’t just see her this morning.
“We were in the neighborhood.” I smile.
Myself and Willow also received medals of honor for our part in taking down the corrupt system, and putting our lives at risk that night. It was a nice touch, but somehow, the job lost its shine.
“So,Mister Mayor,” she whispers. “Does this mean we won’t be using those handcuffs anymore?”
I smirk, pulling her to me as she wraps her arms around my neck. “I haven’t won yet.”
“No, but you’re going to.”
“I love how you have faith in me.” I rub my nose against hers. “But whatever happens, I have everything I need right here.”
“Of course you’re gonna win, duh,” she says, like it’s obvious. “Everyone in this city loves you, including me, oh, and Calli, of course.”
