Page 74 of Concede

“This place is special to me. I used to come down here with my Dad. I have never brought anyone else here.” He softly presses his lips to my neck. “When I brought you here the first time, deep down I knew you were meant to be mine. I just didn’t know how to accept it. Then when I found you here that night, the night I lost you.” He clears his throat and spins me around. “After you left, I sat here for hours. I couldn’t understand why I felt like I did. Why I felt like I couldn’t breathe anymore.”

He takes my hands in his, bringing them up and kissing the back of each. “I never want that feeling again. I know you're my Queen to this club, but I want the world to know.” He slips his hand into his pocket and bends down on one knee. HOLY SHIT.

“Oh my God,” I whisper.

He smiles at me and opens the little black box. “I know this may seem fast, but when you walked into my clubhouse six months ago, I knew. I knew you would be the one to turn my world upside down. Tanner Bennett, will you marry me?”

Tears have filled my eyes and when I say yes it almost sounds like a sob. “Yes, I will marry you.” I say again, clearer this time as he slips the beautiful diamond on my finger.

“It’s beautiful,” I say as I beam up at him.

“I love you, Vix.” He brushes his thumb over my cheek.

“I love you, Zeke.”

He grins and scoops me up. I squeal as he charges up the path and to the front of the clubhouse.

He pushed open the door, and I’m startled by everyone screaming, “SURPRISE!” The entire main room is full of balloons and a congrats sign hangs above the bar. A huge blow up engagement ring is being tossed around like a beach ball and I can’t stop the tears that flow from my eyes.

Everyone comes to congratulate us and hugs me. This place has given me more love than I could have ever imagined. I’ve felt alone for so long. I learned to depend on myself, and no one else. Since I entered the town of Paradise, I learned what family really means, and it’s not always your blood, but the people who are there for you day in and day out. They wipe your tears, fix your meals, and throw outrageous parties. I hate to admit it, but I never felt truly at home growing up. Something was always missing. This feels like home. He feels like home.

“So, I guess you will officially be my brother huh?” Travis nudges Maverick’s arm and he chuckles. “Congrats guys, I couldn't be more excited.”

I hug him and try not to be a blubbering mess.

“What do you think baby?” Maverick leans his head down and buries his face in my hair.

“You knew about all this?” I look over my shoulder at him.

He smiles and kisses my cheek.

“What if I would have said no?” I arch a brow.

“Questions, Vix.” He presses his thumb to my lip with a chuckle.

I roll my eyes and catch Dani who is coming down the stairs. She has a weird look on her face, so I untangle from his arms and weave my way through the crowd to her.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

She frowns. “Yeah… I think it’s my gallbladder that’s been acting up. I feel like shit. I need to get medicine.”

“Okay.” I look around the room. Travis and Maverick just started a game of pool, so I grab onto Skittles.

“Hey, can you run us up to the store really quick to get Dani some meds?”

“Sure.” He nods and heads to the front door.

I walk over to Maverick, “Dani isn’t feeling good. Skittles is going to take us to the store really quick.”

“Okay, y’all be careful.” I raise up on my toes and kiss him.

“Dani, okay?” Travis asks as I round the table.

“Yeah, we are going to get her some medicine.”

I motion for her, and Skittles and we leave the clubhouse, piling in my mini coupe.

We make a quick dash for the store on Turner Street.

“Do you know what kind you need?” I ask as I gather my purse.

“Anything for nausea or vomiting.” She leans her head back against the seat.

“Ok sweets. I'll be right back.” I jump out of my car and stroll through the automatic doors on a mission.

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