Page 87 of Renegade Biker

“I’m okay. He’s nothing but a bully.”

He kissed her head. “A bully who was a damn fool to show up here.”

“He sure was,” Hudson said.

“Thank you.” Tammy released Jayden and hugged her uncle. “For everything.”

He squeezed her close. “I knew from the moment I saw him, the way he spoke, the way he looked at you, the way he looked at everyone with disdain and a sense of superiority, that he was a rotten egg. I’m just glad it’s come to a head and you canget on with your life.” He held her at arm’s length and studied her. “And it seems I sent the right man to look out for you, huh?”

“Yes.” She slid back into Jayden’s embrace and kissed him on the mouth—a slow, confident press of her lips. “You did.”

“I ain’t ever letting anyone hurt your niece again, boss,” Jayden said determinedly.

“I believe you.” Hudson smiled. “I really do.”

“Where’s Daddy?” Zak asked.

“He’s gone away for a while, a long while actually,” Hudson said.

“Where?” Zak pulled a face.

“Kind of like a vacation.” Hudson shrugged. “Somewhere hot, where it’s really damn hot all day and all night.”

Epilogue

One year later

“Come on,” Leah said excitedly, “they’re all waiting by the shoreline.” She hovered by the door. “Time to get married, girlfriend!”

“I’m nearly ready. Wait, my shoes.” Tammy spun around, white tulle swishing against her legs, and slipped her feet into white flip-flops decorated with small diamanté.

“Here.” Belle passed her a bunch of small pink lilies. “Don’t forget your flowers. And hold on a second, there’s a strand…”

Tammy stood still as Belle fussed with her hair. It had been piled on the top of her head in a series of curls with tiny pink flowers added. “Thanks.” She smiled at Belle. “Do I look the part?”

“You look incredible, doll.” Hudson stepped into the house, his leather-covered wide shoulders almost brushing the doorframe. “Better than the first time around.”

“She’s radiant.” Belle reached for baby Damon and hoisted him onto her hip. Immediately, he grasped for her chunky gold necklace. “Don’t you think?”

“I do.” Hudson took her hands and squeezed. “You ready to make that crazy Barbarian out there the happiest man alive?”

Tammy felt her cheeks heat. “Yes.”

Hudson lifted his shades to the top of his head and scrutinized her.

“What?” she asked. Her heart was racing. Excitement and anticipation winged through her.

“I’m just glad you called when you did.”

“Me too.” Her attention slipped to the fourth crucifix tattooed on his neck. She’d wanted to ask him several times if it signified Gary’s life. But did she really want to know? Weren’tsome things best left unsaid?

Her uncle was a killer, and Gary deserved everything he got as far as she was concerned.

Besides, it was old news. As was her first marriage. Her attorney had received a signed document from Gary saying he granted a divorce and was giving the house and their meager savings to her—there wasn’t a scrap of Tammy that believed he hadn’t been forced to sign before he’d suddenly disappeared. She’d since sold the home that she’d been so miserable in and bought 1983 from Hudson. Hudson had promptly bought another property six doors down and rented it to Wyatt and Belle, much to Belle’s approval.

“And I’m proud of you,” Hudson went on. “Getting away from Gary wasn’t easy to do. But you did, and not only that, you’ve built a new life for you and Zak, a happy life.”

“Jayden makes me happy.”

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