Page 60 of Loving Winter

“How can we help you?” she asks formally.

“We want a word with the happy couple. Alone,” Jaxon says.

Starla glances my way, almost as if to get my permission. Probably more like checking in to make sure I’m okay. She gives my hand a small squeeze and then walks away.

“To what do we owe the honor?” I ask as soon as Starla’s engaged in a conversation nearby.

“We won’t stay long. I know this is awkward, and I have no urge to linger. But I wanted to tell you that I hope you’re able to find peace in your fresh start, the way I have.” Her hand moves to her stomach in the same protective gesture I find myself using a lot lately. “You’re not welcome in Blackmoor any longer. I think too much has happened between us for it to just go away. But a new start could be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes you have to burn everything down to find a new beginning.”

It’s strange to hear my own words coming from the mouth of my enemy. A blessing in disguise. For once, I actually agree with her. I even can appreciate the metaphor of burning things to the ground to start over. It took losing everything for me to find Gabriel and a life I truly enjoy.

“Thanks for the words of advice,” I say. It’s hard not to sound snide, but I know it must have taken a lot to come here today and try to be something other than contentious. I have to appreciate that.

Athena studies me for a long moment, Jaxon hovering behind her protectively like a shadow guardian. When I think about the room full of bikers who might have a bone to pick with Athena and how entirely outnumbered she and Jaxon are standing here, I’m surprised she had the courage to come. Today of all days, when everyone’s gathered to celebrate.

“No, really,” I say with more conviction. “Thank you for thinking that I’m possible of change. I think this move is going to be good. For our baby and me.” I grasp Gabriel’s hand, and he gives my palm a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “I’m grateful for the second chance.”

Athena smiles thinly, giving me a single nod in response. “Good luck, Winter Romero. I hope it all works out for you.”

“Thanks.” I hesitate, awkward in trying to negotiate a civil conversation with the girl I hated so passionately not long ago.

Athena starts to turn, and I know it’s now or never to step up and try.

“Athena?”

She pauses next to Jaxon, looking back with her head rather than turning her whole body.

“Congratulations to you,” I say, flicking my eyes down to her stomach. She looks about as pregnant as I do, and I’m not sure that she wants that information floating around town, but offering her those few words is about the best I can do as a peace offering.

A genuine smile curls her lips this time, and when she’s not looking so cold or hateful, I can see a little bit better why the Blackmoor heirs could fall for her. She’s pretty.

“Thank you.”

She and Jaxon exit the same way they came, leaving a trail of bystanders in their wake.

“Okay, what was that about?” Starla demands, stepping close to us once more as soon as the door closes behind them.

I shrug. “She just wanted to wish me well.”

“You’re joking.”

“That’s about how I heard it, too,” Gabriel admits. “And I was paying close attention for any thinly veiled threats or demands that we get the hell out of dodge.”

Starla looks toward the door once more, her expression perplexed.

I shrug, not ready to give any more time to Athena Saint. “Can I have another of those baby cocktails?” I ask, sliding my empty glass toward Starla.

She laughs. “I didn’t know we were calling it that.”

“We are now.”

“Well, anything for the just engaged soon-to-be mother.” Starla steps behind the bar to mix me the drink. “You about ready to start playing games?” she asks casually.

“Games?” Gabriel and I say in unison.

“Yeah, you know, like the whole nearly wed trivia and stuff like that.”

“I’ve never even heard of that,” I say at the same time as Gabriel mutters, “Sounds like woman stuff.”

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