Page 97 of Shake the Spirit

But when things get rough, my cousins know how to be serious, make plans, and kick ass. If West were even half as corny as he acts, Court would never even consider letting him run the club one day.

“Yes, I would,” Court says and then shrugs. “But I’m giving the club to West. Though if West died, Val was my second choice.”

“Aw, you’re almost as good as me, queef-sniffer,” West tells Val, who shrugs.

“Why is marrying your daughter part of the job requirements?” I ask, and everyone stares in shock at how I can form words.

McGraw considers his answer before explaining, “If someone marries my daughter, he becomes family. I’m more willing to trust family than a stranger with what matters to me.”

“I’ll be a good husband,” Val insists, so gung-ho with this situation that I start wondering about his “frigid slut” dream girl. “I’m very sensitive about lady needs. Just ask my ma or Tuesday.”

“This is serious,” McGraw mutters. “My daughter and the Blood-Red Suns aren’t toys to be handed off to a child.”

“He’s smarter than he looks,” Court says, stepping between McGraw and Val. “And you’d be around to teach him everything about your club and family. Even if this marriage thing doesn’t work out, you’d be lucky to have my nephew as your heir.”

Val grins at me while Court continues, “I don’t want the Charleston club in my territory any more than you do. But I also don’t want to hold your hand, and I know you aren’t looking to check in with me all the time. If you take Val under your wing and set him up to claim this club one day, we can have an alliance while staying out of each other’s way.”

Despite his dirty looks in Val’s direction, McGraw already seems sold. That makes me wonder if he already planned to accept whatever Court offered.

I stand back and watch my president talk things out. My gaze flashes to my pa, who never says a word but silently files away every bit of information for later.

One day, I want to be that guy for the club. West can flash his smile and talk a lot while I scan for trouble and possible allies. Plus, as a Mooney, I’ve got a connection to the sheriff’s department filled with my kin. I can do the job I grew up watching my pa do.

Riding back to Tumbling Rock, I imagine a new future. A lot has changed over the last month. My woman is cooler than even the fantasy in my head. Oana loves me with everything she has. We haven’t even scratched the surface of shared experiences yet.

By next year, we’ll have a house of our own. Otto will likely be back full-time. Hell, I might even have a kid.

Oana and I have a lot of plans, from traveling to learning the guitar. I can’t wait to take her to concerts and check out local bands. The next few years are bound to be wild.

As I arrive at the homestead, Oana is waiting for me on Otto’s front porch. She stands awkwardly when I stroll toward her. My brain runs through possible problems. Can’t be her parents or the church since they’re currently neutered. Probably isn’t Anouk since Oana would look more upset if her sister was in danger. I know she hasn’t fought with anyone on the homestead because her face would be red and puffy from crying.

I study my dream girl, taking in the sight of her as she always wanted to be. Her feathered hair flutters in the breeze. Her blue eyes are lined with black and a hint of purple. She’s wearing a tank top revealing her perky tits. Her shorts allow a great view of her bare legs. Oana is the picture of wild chick beauty.

And she’s mine.

Based on where her hands are currently placed, I think I know why she seems nervous.

I sweep her up in my arms and walk inside the house, already knowing her big news.

The future got bigger today, for me and Oana, the club, and the homestead.

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