Charlie chuckled beside her. “They are just like their fathers. I can just see William and Theo standing here fighting over whose grandkid was faster. They would have lovedto be here,” Charlie said, her chuckles turning into tears.
Ariel slipped her arm around Charlie while Adley slipped her arm around her mother-in-law.
“I want to thank both of you. The reason I’m standing here with Justice and Ariel is able to stand here with Pit is because of both of you. While you were grieving the loss of your husbands, you held the club together and found a way to protect the boys until they could come home and take over. So here’s to fierce women who do what it takes, no matter the cost,” Adley said.
“And here’s to the fierce women our sons found who will continue the legacy. Now, if one of you ladies would have a little girl for your next child, I would love that. Can you imagine how protective Pit or Justice would be with a little princess in the club?”Ruthy said through her tears, snickering a little. Charlie giggled until Adley was laughing too.
These women. These amazing women she was blessed with in her life.
“Ready, set, go,” Tack yelled. Shield and the current FNG, who were each holding a baby, set the boys down on the floor. Justice and Pit started calling the boys to them. Both boys started crawling. They were crawling side by side while Justice and Pit were now lying on their stomachs, pleading with the boys to crawl faster. Ian and Teddy crawled across to their dads and crossed the line at the same time.
Laughter from the women had Justice and Pit turning toward them.
“What’s so funny?” Pit and Justice asked.
“Ariel and I had a side bet. If the boys tied, Justice would change all of Teddy’s dirtydiapers for a week, and Pit would change all of Ian’s for a week. So she and I both win,” Adley said, walking toward Justice, giving Ian a kiss, then sliding her finger across Justice’s chest tattoos.
“Well, I guess somebody won,” Justice said.
“Yep, and if you give Ian to your mom, maybe you could win in a naked hide-the-sausage game at our house,” Adley said, grinning when Justice laughed at her offer.
He walked quickly with Ian toward his mom. “Love you, Mom. Ian needs Mimi time. We’ll be back later,” he said.
Justice jogged over to her and grasped her around the waist. Tossing her over his shoulder, he started jogging to his house.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Making sure my Honey Badger has plenty of stamina for hide-the-sausage,” he said, carrying her into the house.
When he got to their bedroom, he slid her down his chest. “But in all seriousness, Adley, thank you for this life. I served my country, and I fought for my club and clients, but I wasn’t complete. Then you came into my life, flipping me the finger at every turn. You—you’re my Ol’ Lady, my fierce Honey Badger, and my reward for living this life. I love you.”
