Piper claps from beside me. “I’ve never heard you talk to your dad like that before.”
“I usually don’t, but he’s crossed a line. For so long, all I wanted was his approval and for him to be proud of what I’ve accomplished. No matter how hard I tried, I never felt I achieved that.”
She frowns. “He’s your dad. I think even as adults we crave approval from our parents.”
“After all of that, when I’m finally at the point where my business is running well without me having to be there all the time, I was at home spending time with my brothers and I finally found a genuine relationship.
“My relationship with Viper might have started off fake, but it grew to be so much more than that. He saw the real me. He showed me again and again that I was it for him, and Dad ruined that. Ending up in the hospital scared me, but Viper was by my side. Dad destroyed the chance of me being happy and giving my relationship with Viper a proper go, and I hate him for that. And to be honest, I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive him.” I said the truth out loud. Dad’s not only ruining my relationship with Viper, but also with him.
“I understand,” Piper replies. “If I was in your shoes, I’d feel the same way. As selfish as it sounds, I’d hate for you to leave”—she frowns—“but I want you to be happy. So, if you and Viper work out, I understand if you leave to go back home. Even though I’ll miss you, please know I want what’s best for you.”
My eyes blur with fresh tears. “Thank you,” I reply, a little choked up from her kind words. I jump up and hug her tightly. It’s the acceptance I desperately need from my father.
“When’s the wedding?”
My heart beats faster just at the thought of having to see everyone again, especially Viper. “In one month.”
“That’s coming up quickly… Are you still going?”
I nod. “Bomber and Zara mean a lot to me. That day is a special day for them. It’s not about me, so as hard as it’s going to be, I want to be there to celebrate with them. They have been through hell together but have come out the other end stronger than ever.”
TWENTY-FOUR
WEDDING
Viper
I spraythe cologne on me that I know Sophie loves and go downstairs to meet the rest of the men. Bomber is by the front door, leaning against the wall, fidgeting. It makes me smile. He’s always self-assured and in control, so to see him so anxious is highly amusing.
I walk up to him and slap his back. “You’re not going to throw up, are you?”
He shakes his head, though he doesn’t look one-hundred percent sure, which makes me laugh. “You’ve got nothing to be anxious about. Remind me to thank Zara for allowing us to wear our cuts and jeans. I’m so glad she didn’t make us dress up in those clown suits and ties.”
Zara’s friendly and down to earth. Everyone’s ol’ ladies are. There’s no bullshit drama with them, and we all get along. Sophie fit in so well with them and the other men. She belongs here with us.
“If it’s okay with you, I was hoping to talk to Garrett tonight at the wedding reception, though I don’t have to if you don’t want me to.” I’d understand if Bomber doesn’t want me to have a serious conversation with Garrett at their wedding. I shouldn’t be selfish, but I don’t know if I’ll get a chance again to talk to Garrett and Sophie face to face on the same night.
“Go ahead, but if it gets heated, I’d prefer for you two to organize the discussion for another day.”
That’s fair.
Axle walks over. “I can’t believe you’re getting married,” he says to Bomber. “You’re the second, after me of course… though Reaper and Ava are practically married…” His eyes skim all the men as we wait for Reaper. “But you’re most likely the last of us to get married too.”
I clear my voice. “I was the second.”
“Oh yeah… I forgot about you. You were the second to get married and the first to get divorced.”
Low blow. I barge his shoulder.
Axle smirks. “Too soon?”
“Dick,” I mumble under my breath, knowing he’s only playing. “I haven’t signed any papers.”
“Sophie was funny. I liked her,” Axle replies. “Is she coming tonight?” Axle asks.
“All of my family will be there,” replies Bomber. “Except my mom, for obvious reasons.”
Axle glances at me. “It’s shit that protecting the club has to come at the cost of your relationship. I know how much you like her. You must be stoked you’re seeing her tonight though.”
