Page 58 of Hard as Stone
As Poppy gets pulled into a conversation with Andi and Ginger, no doubt being grilled for details, I make my way over to whereStone is nursing a beer, watching the kids play with a wistful smile.
“They’re something else, aren’t they?” he says as I come to stand beside him. “Make you realize what’s really important in this life.”
I nod, my eyes finding Poppy again. She’s laughing at something Andi said, her head thrown back, the sun catching in her hair and making her look almost ethereal. “Never thought I’d have this,” I admit quietly. “A woman who loves me, a future to build. After everything with my father, the family legacy I walked away from... I didn’t think I deserved it.”
Stone claps a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve more than earned it, brother. You and Poppy both. After all you’ve been through, all you’ve done for this club and this town, you deserve every happiness.”
I nod, unable to find words for the contentment settling in my bones. This is what I walked away from my family’s legacy for—not just the brotherhood of the MC, but the chance to build something real. Something honest.
Poppy catches my eye across the lawn and gives me that sunrise smile that still hits me like a punch to the gut. Yeah, we’ll have our own family soon. Build our own legacy. One made of love and trust instead of power plays and lies.
“Get over here and feed me, Road Captain!” she calls out. “These burgers aren’t going to assemble themselves!”
I shake my head, grinning as I head over to where my woman is waiting for me to help her prepare our food. Some things never change—like her sass, or the way my heart races every time she looks at me. But that’s exactly how I want it.
This is our life now. Our family. Our future.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
EPILOGUE 2
POPPY
Three months later
“So,” I say, perched on the bathroom counter in our quarters at the clubhouse, “remember how you kept talking about putting a baby in me?”
Axel freezes in the act of brushing his teeth, toothbrush hanging from his mouth as his eyes lock with mine in the mirror. He spits, rinses, then turns to face me with an intensity that makes my toes curl.
“Trouble,” he growls, stepping between my legs, “what are you trying to tell me?”
I hold up the pregnancy test, positive sign clearly visible. “Looks like all that practice finally paid off, Road Captain.”
For a moment, he just stares at the plastic stick in my hand. Then his eyes lift to mine, and the raw emotion I see there steals my breath.
“You’re sure?” His voice is rough as his hands settle on my thighs.
“Got the blood test results this morning.” I bite my lip, suddenly nervous. “I know we haven’t really talked timing, or how this fits with my work schedule and?—”
His mouth crashes into mine, cutting off my rambling. The kiss is deep, possessive, full of promise and love and something that feels a lot like forever. When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathing hard.
“Marry me,” he says against my lips.
I blink. “What?”
“Marry me.” His hands frame my face. “Be my wife, not just my old lady. Let me give our kid my name, make us official in every way possible.”
“Axel...” Tears prick at my eyes. Damn hormones. “Are you sure? I mean, I’m already yours. The patch?—”
“Isn’t enough.” His thumb brushes away a tear that escapes. “I want it all with you, Poppy. The ring, the ceremony, the whole damn thing. I want everyone to know you chose me, that we chose each other.”
“Even though I’m a troublemaker who tried to tip over your bike?”
His laugh is low and rich. “Especially because of that.” He kisses me again, softer this time. “So what do you say, trouble? Want to make an honest man out of your biker?”
I pretend to consider, even as joy bubbles up in my chest. “Well, I guess Thornisa pretty cool surname…”
“Is that a yes?”
