Page 78 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

Kai grinned mischievously. "Picking up the princess," he replied, his voice laced with amusement.

“Should be here any minute,” Finn added.

“In fact…” added Andrew.

He nodded toward the door and I turned to see James coming in, my heart and soul in his arms.

My heart skipped a beat, a rush of excitement washing over me, just like it always did at the mere sight of my little girl.

Rowan.

That was the name we'd chosen for her. It resonated with the strength of ancient trees and whispered tales of Celtic myths. Rowan signified a protector, a guide against evil forces, and it was already clear our girl was destined to be a force like none other.

As James walked in, Rowan's tiny head peeked out from her infant carrier, her thick, dark hair tousled in cute disarray. Those arresting gray eyes—a shade that she’d most definitely not received from either James nor I—stared back at me with an intensity that always startled me. People said babies that age didn’t focus, but Rowan seemed to have a perpetual focus, always alert and always aware, like she was trying to soak in as much of the world as her young mind would allow.

James had a little smirk on his face, like he knew he was carrying the most prized possession between us, and he wasn’t wrong. Before he could say anything, I walked over and took Rowan from her carrier, burying my nose in her sweet baby scent. God, I could never get enough of it.

The guys, tough as they were, all gathered around, cooing and making those ridiculous faces that adults only seem to make around babies. It was heartwarming, seeing such rugged men become absolute puddles around our tiny human.

After securing Rowan in my arms, I turned to James, leaning in to give him a quick peck on the lips. “You took your time,” I teased.

“She needed a change,” he shot back, that playful glint in his eyes.

Our banter was cut off by Rowan’s little coo, drawing our attention back to her. No matter what was happening, she had an uncanny ability to make everything about her, and none of us minded in the least.

Maddie was next, leaning in to play peek-a-boo, making Rowan smile in delight. The sight was infectious, spreading smiles around the room. The past year had been a whirlwind, but that moment, with my friends, my loves, and my beautiful daughter, was what made every challenge, every fear, worth it. The tattoo parlor wasn't just a business. It was a symbol of our resilience, our family. And with Rowan in the mix, the picture was finally complete.

As I gazed around the room, my eyes settled on the freshly inked sign spelling out "Blackjack's." A feeling of protective fierceness bubbled up within me, even amidst the serenity of the moment. The last year had been a wild rollercoaster full of incredible highs and harrowing lows. Yet with everyone I cherished in one room, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and belonging.

Little Rowan’s tiny hands wrapped around my finger, grounding me. It amazed me how such a small being could mean the entire world to me. Her smile was infectious and healing. She was my legacy, the tangible proof of the love shared between me and the men who had stood by my side.

Taking in the restored studio, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. These walls had seen countless stories, each person looking to etch their personal journey into their skin. The studio stood not only because of the recent fixes but because of the resilient spirit that vibrated within its very foundation.

So much had changed in the last year.

A smirk danced on my lips, thinking of how Klaus met his bitter end. The once-feared leader of the Crimson Devils was now buried and forgotten. Knowing that his reign of terror had ended brought an undeniable satisfaction. With him gone, his band of goons had been arrested or hightailed it out of the city, lost without their ringleader.

My thoughts briefly lingered on Adele. She'd served a few months in county lockup and disappeared without a trace after her release. Good riddance. Occasionally, the night's silence would make me wonder about her, perhaps plotting some vengeance. But in the reassuring light of day, surrounded by my fierce family, I felt invincible.

With the downfall of the Devils, the power vacuum needed filling. That's where Jack's old mob connections came into play. They moved in swiftly, ensuring Blackjack’s remained untouchable. We were under the wing of the law while simultaneously being protected by an age-old underworld code.

It was a delicate balance but somehow, it worked perfectly.

Finn, always sensing my moods, wrapped an arm around me, his lips pressing a kiss to my temple. "Penny for your thoughts?" he teased.

"Just taking it all in," I murmured, leaning into his embrace.

Kai, ever the inquisitive one, asked, "Thinking about?"

"How fortunate I am. And how much of a force we've become," I replied with a playful wink.

Holding Rowan close, I was certain of one thing: my baby girl would grow up surrounded by an unyielding love, strength, and unity.

The sound of roaring engines interrupted our intimate moment. Turning, I spotted Jack leading the charge, a massive grin on his face, flanked by the crew from Blackjack's, along with some of the guys’ outlaw buddies. Their bikes lined up in front, glinting under the evening sun like loyal steeds awaiting their knights. Everyone dismounted, arms full of booze, bags of takeout, and whatever party supplies they'd been able to grab.

"Thought you'd start the party without us, huh?" Jack boomed, pulling me into a bear hug, which I returned with equal vigor.

"Wouldn't dream of it," I laughed.

---