“Don’t worry, babe. Your dad and I are just going to have a little chat. I’m sure it’s nothing to be concerned about.” I lie through my teeth because, frankly, I’m terrified. I have no idea what he wants to talk about, but hopefully, he’s not going to demand I leave his daughter alone.
“Why don’t you start making something for dinner?” Randolph tells her.
“Okay,” she agrees hesitantly before heading for the kitchen.
As we sit facing each other, the faint smell of disinfectant from the hospital fills the quiet room. He needs a shower, but the home health nurse won’t be by for a couple of hours. Until then, we can’t do much about the scent that still clings to him.
I wait for Randolph to speak, wondering what could be on his mind. He seems to gather his thoughts before looking me straight in the eye.
“First off, I want to thank you for saving my daughter’s life. And mine. You went above and beyond, putting yourself in danger to save us. Words can’t express how grateful I am.”
The sincerity in his voice touches me deeply. Warmth spreads through my chest.“I appreciate that, but you don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything for Jessica, and now, for you, too.”
“Even so,” he continues,“if there’s ever anything I can do to repay you, just name it.”
I take a deep breath and try to calm my racing heart. This is it. The moment I’ve been waiting for. It’s now or never.“Actually, there is something. I want to marry your daughter.”
A moment of silence hangs between us as Randolph absorbs my words. Then, he leans forward, studying me with his piercing blue eyes.
“Can you provide for her?” he asks seriously.
“Look, I’m not rich,” I admit, holding his gaze steadily.“But I’ve got the club, and we’ve got a lot of resources. We take care of our own. I want Jessica to be a part of our family. She’s everything to me, and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without her.”
I hold my breath as I wait for his response. If he doesn’t agree to let me marry her, I don’t know what I’ll do. Family means everything to me, and I’d hate to have to defy her father if he won’t give us his blessing. However, it’s a price I’m willing to pay if it comes to that.
“I’m usually pretty good at reading people, but after Allison …”
“You can trust me. I love her more than anyone in the world. I want to take care of her for the rest of our lives.”
“In that case, yes. I’m glad she found someone who can truly cherish her.” Randolph finally nods his approval.
“You won’t regret this, I swear.” Relief washes over me.
“There’s just one more thing.” His eyes soften, and a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.“If you want to marry my daughter, then I’m going to want to call you my son.”
“That sounds good to me.” I grin like an idiot. I extend my hand to shake his, but he surprises me by pulling me into a hug instead. It’s a warm, fatherly embrace, and it feels right—like we’re family already.
“Hey, uh, Randolph?” I ask hesitantly, pulling back just enough to look him in the eye.“Would it be okay if I called you‘Dad’?”
The corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles warmly.“I’d be honored, son.”
***
The sound of laughter fills the clubhouse as Randolph mingles with the guys. It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago, he was lying in a hospital bed. Now, he’s surrounded by his new family—the Underground Vengeance MC.
Despite our differences, he’s fitting in nicely. Everyone seems to like him, and he hasn’t stopped smiling since he walked through our door. It’s a relief to see everyone getting along so well.
“Hey, Talon,” Scar calls out.“You’re up next for charades. You ready?”
I glance over at Jessica and Nina, who are setting down trays of snacks on the coffee table. Jessica’s smile lights up the room, and my heart swells with love for her. There’s something I need to do before I join the game, something important.
“Actually, guys, can I have everyone’s attention for a moment?” I stand up from the worn leather couch. The chatter dies down as all eyes turn to me.
“Go ahead, brother,” Matrix encourages, giving me a nod.
“Okay. Here we go …” I take a deep breath and lock my gaze on Jessica.“You all know my story. You know about my past and my parents. For a long time, I never thought I’d ever be more than just a swamp rat—”
“Get out of here. A mouse maybe, but you’re not big enough to be a rat,” Nitro teases.
