Just like us.
When we came together that night at the Sweetheart County Fair, neither of us could have predicted where the road would lead. But standing here now, with the woman I love in my arms and a future spreading out before us like an open highway, I know one thing for certain:
Sometimes the most unexpected detours lead exactly where you're meant to be.
Epilogue - Katty
Two years to the day since Tank rode into the Sweetheart County Fair and changed my life forever, I stand at the edge of the same fairgrounds, watching him direct his prospects on setting up the Iron & Heart booth. The muscles in his arms flex as he hefts a heavy banner, and even after all this time, the sight still makes my panties wet.
The club has grown in ways we never imagined. Three new patched members and three prospects. Our garage now employs six people, and the mobile library program reaches four counties.
But it's the change in the town itself that amazes me most. The balance of power has shifted gradually but unmistakably. The Thomas family still has money and influence, but they're no longer untouchable. People know there's an alternative now—somewhere to turn when traditional channels fail them.
I rest my hand discreetly over my still-flat stomach, our secret nestled safely beneath my fingers. A secret that Tank knows nothing about yet. The test showed positive three days ago, and it's been the hardest thing in the world not to tell him immediately.
Only Lilly knows so far. She was with me when I bought the test, pacing outside the bathroom door until I emerged, test in hand, tears in my eyes. Her shriek of joy had nearly deafened me before she'd switched to immediate panic about keeping it from her brother. Tank can read me like a book, she'd warned. He'll know something's up.
"You look suspicious," Lilly says now, appearing beside me with two lemonades. "Stop touching your stomach or he'll figure it out before the announcement."
I drop my hand quickly, accepting the drink. "I'm nervous. What if he's not ready? We've talked about kids, but always someday, not now."
Lilly snorts. "Are you kidding? He's going to be over the moon. Insufferable, probably, but thrilled."
I take a sip of lemonade, watching as Tank finishes with the tent and steps back to inspect it. The stern set of his shoulders, the authoritative way he directs the prospects, all melt away when he turns and catches sight of me. His whole face softens, and I fall in love all over again.
"The booth looks great," I tell him as he reaches us.
"Should work," he says, ever the perfectionist. "First fair where we have an official presence. I want to make a good impression."
The Iron & Heart MC is officially sponsoring the children's area this year—bounce houses, face painting, and a bike safety demonstration. It's part of our ongoing effort to integrate with the community, to be seen as protectors rather than outsiders.
"Members should start arriving soon for the meeting," Tank continues, checking his watch. "They're ten minutes out."
My heartbeat quickens. I planned this. Our announcement at the pre-fair meeting when all members and prospects will be present. A celebration of our club's growth, capped with news of its newest future member.
"I need to check on the refreshments," I say, needing a moment to collect myself.
Tank's eyes narrow slightly. "You okay? You've been quiet today."
Damn his perceptiveness. "Just excited about the fair," I deflect. "Lots of memories here."
He pulls me close for a brief kiss. "Good ones, I hope."
"The best," I assure him, thinking of that first night on the Ferris wheel, the hot chocolate, the confrontation with Dylan that set everything in motion.
An hour later, all members of the Iron & Heart MC have gathered in the private area behind our booth. Wrath and Crow, from the original Iron & Blood, and who helped establish our chapter before returning to the main club, are catching up with the newer members. Two of the new prospects, Jake and Nate, are setting up chairs under Lilly's direction.
Tank stands at the center, the natural leader he was always meant to be. Pride swells in my chest as I watch him. This man who reshaped his entire life to build something that matters, something that protects the vulnerable and stands against corruption.
"Alright, let's get started," Tank calls, and the chatter dies down immediately. "First, thanks to everyone for the work on the booth. We're making history today. First time an MC has officially sponsored part of the Sweetheart County Fair."
Appreciative nods and murmurs follow this announcement.
"Two years ago," he continues, "I rode into this fair as a member from another chapter, here to handle a problem and leave. Now we've built something permanent. Something that matters."
His eyes find mine across the circle, full of meaning only we fully understand.
"The Iron & Heart has grown beyond what any of us imagined," he says. "And I'm proud of every one of you for making that happen."
