Page 79 of Thunder

Surrounded by those who genuinely care, supported unconditionally, I've found a sense of purpose. The road ahead, though uncertain and scary, is filled with promise.

Promise, family, and love.

Epilogue: Thunder

I stand surrounded by family, by camaraderie and laughter and love, with a fire burning in the fireplace in Eileen O’Connell’s living room, the roaring flames keeping at bay the coastal evening’s chill. The faint smell of the Pacific wafts in now and then, bringing with it a touch of salt.

Eileen's culinary magic fills the dining room, a rich aroma that hints at the home-cooked feast laid out in the dining room; a pair of roasted chickens, their skin dark brown and crackling, roasted potatoes, gravy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with crisp bacon, a loaf of fresh baked bread.

Bullet, slightly drunk, his face red and beaming, is deep in conversation with Owen, now aptly named "Striker," regaling the newest member of the Twisted Devils MC with stories about his fight against the ruthless Covington family. They’re all stories I’ve heard a hundred times before, but they still make me grin to hear them, and I grab a beer and settle into a chair next to him while he retells the tale of the time we ambushed Alexander’s car on the freeway and abducted Maddy.

Across the room, Rook and Maddy are entrenched in a drunken debate, about whether capitalism will save or destroy the planet. Rook seems to think it’ll destroy it, though it isn’t because he’s anti-capitalist, he’s just anti-everything; Maddy’s firmly of the belief that innovation and market forces and other terms she spouts off—terms that I have no fucking clue what they mean—will save us all. Eliza, like a hummingbird, darts between groups, making sure everyone's glasses are full, plates are heavy, and that Rook doesn’t hurt anyone. She’s mostly successful.

Then there’s Lia. Her curly, chestnut hair cascades gracefully down her back as she talks with Eileen and Natalie O'Connell. Her presence is magnetic, pulling my gaze and thoughts toward her every time.

How did I get so lucky?

But with that thought, a pang of anxiety courses through me. The weight of the little box in my pocket, and the surprise it holds, feels heavier than ever.

Eliza's voice breaks through my musings.

"Can you believe it? All the permits for the resort have been canceled, and the big shots are getting arrested."

Rook shrugs and grumbles. "Yeah, but don’t kid yourself. The Santoro Syndicate is like a hydra; cut one head off, another appears."

Maddy rolls her eyes. "You don’t need to be so grumpy all the time, Rook. Enjoy the moment, savor the win.”

“It’s a lifestyle choice. Called living in reality. You should try it sometime.”

“Maybe I’ll try slapping that frown off your face. How about that, you old grump?” Maddy says, grinning.

"Rook, dear, let's not ruin the night. Eileen's house is safe, and that's what matters." Eliza, ever the loving peacekeeper, sighs as she puts a calming hand on Rook’s shoulder.

Eileen looks my way, her eyes filled with gratitude. The room falls quiet before she speaks. "Thank you, all of you. Especially you, Marcus and Lia. We fought hard, and we've earned this happiness. Even if I spent every one of my remaining days telling you all how grateful I am for your help, it’ll still never be enough. I owe you all more than you’ll ever know, and you’ll always be welcome under my roof as family."

Pride swells in my chest, making the nervousness ebb for a moment. Seeing her gratitude, it sends my heart soaring; I like to think that somewhere up in heaven—a place that, honestly, I’ll probably never make it to, unless there really is a way to break in—my grandmother might be watching and she might be proud of me.

This one’s for you, grandma.

Suddenly, I feel Bullet's gaze on me. Meeting his eyes, I see understanding there. He knows something’s on my mind; there’s a reason he’s been my closest friend for all these years. He motions with a nod to follow him outside.

The chill of the coastal night wraps around us on the porch. Bullet breaks the comfortable silence, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"I’ve known you long enough, brother. What's eating you?"

I hesitate, looking for the right words. "I have something on my mind. A big question that could change everything. A serious question that’s way different from any question I’ve ever had to consider."

“Is it whether you should start using deodorant? Because, brother, the answer is yes, and we’ve all noticed how you’ve been lacking in that department.”

“This is serious, Bullet.”

“I know, Thunder. I know what’s going through your head.” A perceptive smile forms on Bullet's face. "How sure are you about this?"

Before I can reply, the door behind us opens, revealing Lia, a soft frown of concern on her face. "Is everything okay? You both seem serious. Has something happened with the Santoro Syndicate?"

Bullet chuckles and slaps me on the back, easing the tension.

"All good, Lia. Just two old friends having a moment."

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