Page 138 of Stella
Hearing those words never ceases to pull me under her spell. And that’s how it’s been from day one. Now we’re not at odds with the club, nobody cares what we’re doing. In fact, the club is more than happy for us to be together. I keep joking that taking a bullet might have played a significant part, but Stella maintains that they would’ve come around on their own accord. I’m not so sure, but I’m glad that I’ve been spending time getting to know my real dad, and hanging out with the family.
“Well, I’ll be sure to not let the praise go to my head.”
I kiss her as I stand. “You ready?”
“I’ve never seen somebody so eager to get to a barbecue before.”
We’re having a get together at the clubhouse, and I know for a fact that I don’t want to miss this one.
Cash made sure the repairs were carried out quickly and efficiently. You’d never even know that there had been explosions in that building. Plus, it gave Deanna a new excuse to put her decorating skills to the test.
“Well, we don’t want to keep my dad and your dad waiting now, do we?”
She gives me a little grin. “Let them wait.”
“Ooh, such a rebel.”
“A rebel or a Rebel?”
We link hands, and Calli joins us as we leave. We walked the short distance to my truck, and Stella tells me all about her day. She still works for Tag, and despite his usual grumpy self, she loves her job. We’re also thinking about giving up her apartment because she’s always at my place. I’ve never lived with anybody before, but I know this feels right. We’re moving into a different phase of our lives, and I can’t wait.
The decision to run for mayor wasn’t one that I took lightly. And it was mainly due to my colleagues and friends who encouraged me.
I still want to clean up the city, and the depths of the corruption and lies that happened when Vanders was in office made me realize that I want so much more out of my career. I can do so much more. Maybe the last three months have been a wake up call, because I never would’ve considered anything like this if not for the recent events. Now I’ve had a taste of what could be, I really want it. Will I be disappointed if I don’t get the job? Sure. But there are lots of other things I could still do in the force.
When we get to the clubhouse, the party is in full swing. Caprice runs up to me and I pull her into my arms and swing her around as she laughs uncontrollably. She loves having a big brother, even though it is a little hard to explain to a five-year-old.
At least when I come here now, I’m welcome instead of being told, in no uncertain terms, to fuck the hell off.
Tag still side-eyes me an awful lot, but I’ve come to expect that from him. He’s good to Stella, and that’s all that matters. She’s his number one employee, and when she’s done finishing her qualifications, she’ll be a fully licensed mechanic; something she’s always wanted.
When Cash calls the room to be quiet, I smile to myself, knowing what’s about to happen.
“All of you know that the past few months have been trying for all of us. We were tested. We were brought to our knees. And yet this club still stands mighty,” he says, wrapping an arm around his wife. D is starting to show now, and I’m excited to have a baby brother.
“It’s a testament to all of you how strong we are as a club, as a family. We pulled together, we got through it. And I have each and every one of you to thank. We all know that corruption is rife in this city, and I’ve made mistakes with my misjudgement.” He casts a meaningful look over towards me, and I nod in response. “I found my son. Someone who was constantly in our lives, but for all the wrong reasons.” Laughter rings around the room, because he’s not far off. “But the important thing is; wearea family. We were brought back together, and just like all of you are part of this family, we will weather the storm time and time again. When our code of ethics comes into question, we will not falter. What matters is how we stick together through times of trouble, when our loyalties are tested, and above all else, the way our hearts are always bonded as one.” He holds up his drink. “We are Rebels. Ride or Die!”
“Ride or Die!” Everyone sings out, clapping and cheering.
“We also have a very special announcement.” He looks down at his wife. “Would you like to do the honors?”
She smiles, then turns our way. “Stella? It’s the club’s honor and with pride that we ask you to hang up your prospect boots, and become a fully patched member of the NOLA Rebels MC.”
I turn to look at my girl, who is gaping, her hands over her mouth as tears stream down her eyes. “No way?”
Manny appears, holding a brand-new cut, beaming as he wafts it in the air. “Freshly sewn on by Grandma Nancy,” he announces. Yeah, my grandparents have become regular attendees at the club, and they love hanging out with the kids especially. Any excuse to babysit.
I pull her into a hug and kiss the top of her head. “Congratulations, honey,” I say. “You deserve this.”
She wipes her eyes. “Did you know about this?”
I shrug.
I smack her butt as she walks toward her prez, D and Manny to get her new cut. Her dad and Indi pull her into a hug as she passes by. Kai high-fives her, as does Cami. Applause sounds loudly around the room as she removes her prospect cut and slides on the new one.
I clap loudly, whistling as she does a spin, showing it off. It fits perfectly.
“Speech!” Harlem calls through his hands.
