Makenzie squeezed her particularly tight. "So happy for you," she whispered. "You deserve this. Both of you."
"Thank you," Lily replied, her throat tight with unexpected emotion. "For everything. For being my friend when I needed one most."
"Always," Makenzie promised. "That's what sisters do."
And they were sisters, in all the ways that mattered. Bound not by blood but by choice, by shared experience, by the unique understanding that came from walking similar paths.
When everyone had arrived and settled in with drinks and food, Lucky called for attention, his imposing presence naturally commanding the room.
"We all know why we're here today," he began, his voice carrying easily through the space. "To witness and celebrate Blade and Lily’s commitment to each other."
Murmurs of agreement and a few good-natured whistles filled the room. Lily felt Blade's arm slip around her waist, drawing her close to his side.
"Trinity," Lucky continued, "I believe you have the paperwork?"
Trinity stepped forward, sleek and efficient as always, a folder in her perfectly manicured hands. "All prepared," she confirmed. "Just needs signatures and witnesses."
She placed the folder on the coffee table, opening it to reveal the documents inside. They’d been Simple legal forms, really, but their significance loomed large in Lily's mind. Trinity had gotten ordained just for them. Although, the club might be needing her services for other couples, she’d said.
A deed of ownership. Adding her name alongside Blade's for the cabin property.
A wedding certificate, granting each of them legal rights in the other's affairs.
And most importantly, to her, a BDSM contract, that Blade had labelled as adoption papers. A written recognition of the Daddy/little girl dynamic that formed the foundation of theirrelationship, giving Blade certain guardianship rights in specific circumstances they'd carefully outlined. Was it necessary? No. But, for them, it was another layer of commitment. Daddy Blade was being given certain rights to Lily. Rights Lily consented to. Their rules were carefully documented with discipline outlined in bullet points on page two.
It wasn't conventional. Nothing about their relationship was. But it was perfect for them, a formal acknowledgment of the unique bond they shared.
"Before we proceed," Lucky said, his expression serious, "I want to be clear that this has the full support and blessing of the club. Lily Hart has proven herself a worthy addition to our family, and this formalization of her relationship with our brother Blade is cause for celebration."
Nods and murmurs of agreement circled the room.
"Furthermore," Lucky continued, "the club has voted unanimously to extend official Old Lady status to Lily, with all the protections and privileges that entails."
This announcement caught Lily by surprise. She glanced up at Blade, who was watching her reaction with a small smile. He'd known, then. Had probably been part of the discussion.
Old Lady status was significant in MC culture. It meant more than just being someone's partner, it meant official recognition, protection from the entire club, a place in the hierarchy that commanded respect. Lucky stepped forward and gave her a jacket. On the back, a large patch.Property of Blade.
"I... thank you," she managed, overwhelmed by the gesture. "That means a lot."
"You've earned it," Savage told her from across the room. "Many times over."
With the formalities established, they proceeded to the signing. One by one, they worked through the documents, Blade and Lily signing each, witnesses adding their nameswhere required. Trinity guided them through the process with practiced efficiency, ensuring everything was legally sound.
When the last signature was in place, a cheer went up from the assembled group. Bottles of champagne appeared, glasses were distributed, and Lucky raised his in a toast.
"To Blade and Lily," he declared. "May their road be smooth, their enemies few, and their bond unbreakable."
"To Blade and Lily!" the others echoed, glasses raising in unison.
As Lily sipped her champagne, looking around at the faces of those who had become her family, she felt a sense of completion she'd never experienced before. Of belonging. Of rightness.
Beside her, Blade slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Happy?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, leaning into his solid warmth. "More than I ever thought possible," she admitted. "Though it still feels a little surreal."
"What part?" he asked, curious.
She gestured to the room, to the signed papers, to the life they'd built. "All of it," she replied honestly. "Six months ago, I was alone, terrified, being hunted by people who wanted to hurt me. And now..."
