Page 55 of Hard as Stone
“Later.” He starts carrying me toward the hallway that leads upstairs to our room. “Right now, I need to handle this attitude problem of yours.”
“Don’t forget the roadwork meeting at two!” Duck calls after us.
“And my cinnamon rolls will be ready in an hour!” Ginger adds.
“Save us some!” I call back, then yelp as Axel’s hand lands firmly on my backside.
“Keep talking sass, trouble, and we’ll miss both.”
As his long strides carry us up the stairs, two at a time, and I can’t help but smile. One day we’ll have our own place, but for now, being here with our crazy, mismatched family feels exactly right. We’ll fight Summit together, protect our community together, and build something lasting—just like Axel and I have built this love between us.
And really, what more could a girl want than a man who carries her off caveman-style while an entire MC whistles and catcalls behind us?
Life is pretty perfect, spelling mistakes and all.
EPILOGUE 1
AXEL
One month later...
Summer’s final days paint the clubhouse lawn in golden light as kids chase each other between picnic tables, their laughter mixing with the sizzle of burgers on the grill and the steady thrum of motorcycles revving to celebrate Hawk and Andi’s wedding. From my spot at the grill I can see everything—my brothers relaxing with their families, Duck arguing with Tank about proper grilling techniques, and Lee chatting up one of the new bartenders from Devil’s.
But my eyes keep drifting to Poppy.
She’s sitting with Andi on a blanket in the shade, baby Adam sitting in front of her playing with a stack of cups while the twins perform a little song and dance in front of her. The sight of her so natural with the kids, those mama-bear instincts already showing in how she handles them, hits me right in the gut. Makes me think about our own future, about seeing her round with my child.
“You’re burning the burgers,” Lee says, appearing at my elbow. “And staring at your old lady like a lovesick teenager.”
I flip him off without looking away from Poppy. “Thought you were busy with that new bartender.”
“Sarah? Just being friendly.” But there’s something in his tone that makes me glance over.
“She why you’ve been at Devil’s every night this week?”
“Nope. Been talking to Devil. He’s selling. But it isn’t to us.”
“For real? Who’s he selling to? Better not be fucking Summit.”
Lee shakes his head. “Nah, Devil made it clear it’s not Summit. Said the buyer wants to keep Devil’s as a bar, just spruce it up a bit. Bring in some live music, maybe expand the patio. Devil seems to think it’ll be good for the neighborhood.”
I nod thoughtfully as I flip the burgers. “Long as it’s not Summit moving in, I’m good with it. That area could use some new blood, some investment that doesn’t have to come from us. There’s only so many things the club’s funds can manage.”
“Speaking of business—Duck says Summit’s scrambling. They tried finding another construction company when the Bennetts missed those early deadlines, but with the club’s backing and materials already in place, we kept the contract. Summit’spissed.”
I grin, pride swelling in my chest. Under Poppy and her brothers’ management, Bennett Construction has already made more progress in a month than Summit managed in six. The difference is obvious in every repair we complete. “Good. Let them choke on it.”
“West side’s looking better too. Those drainage systems they put in actually work now.” Lee’s eyes track across the lawn to where Felix is deep in conversation with Stone about their next project. “Amazing what happens when you do repairs right instead of using them to drive people out.”
“Speaking of the west side...” I nod toward Hugo, who’s helping Maria carry a plate of cookies to the dessert table. Their hands brush as she sets down the platter, and the shy smile they share doesn’t escape my notice. “Something’s starting there.”
Lee chuckles. “Yeah. I heard he’s been volunteering to help with repairs around her place ever since they moved into Paradise. Think he’s worked on her porch three times this week alone.”
“JJ seems better too,” I note, watching the teenager actually smile as he teaches some of the younger kids how to throw a football. “More like his old self.”
“He wants to be a prospect.”
I raise an eyebrow at Lee. “He’s still too young.”
