Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“You’re a good person, Angel,” Adam said.
She turned toward him and smiled. “Thank you. I do try.”
“I doubt you even have to try.”
****
“I can’t believe you did it,” Tiny said.
Lash turned to the man who’d been like a father to him. When his parents were killed, Tiny had taken them in and treated him and Nash like his own two sons. They had grown up with Tate, and she was more of a sister to them.
“I cannot take credit for all of this.” Lash stood outside, amazed at what Angel had gotten organized. The two clubs had come together and there were decorations set out outside. Carolers stood just inside the gates.
He couldn’t recall carolers ever coming to The Skulls’ clubhouse, but the two clubs were outside, wrapped up in jackets, listening to them sing.
Angel had done this as well. His wife was well-respected and adored in Fort Wills. It had taken her a long time to build up trust and support.
She wanted the best for the club at all times.
Lash saw the men, women, and children, all standing and listening to the carols as they filled the air. Fairy lights twinkled in the background. It was a truly beautiful sight to behold. He loved it.
Lash didn’t have a clue what Angel had to arrange to get this, but he was glad that she had. The club needed the boost. Christmas cheer was all around them. The scent of baking filled the clubhouse, even though it wasn’t long before they’d have dinner.
Angel had also kept to her promise of not allowing Lacey anywhere near the kitchen.
So far, no one had gotten food poisoning, which was a bonus.
There hadn’t been any fighting. Nor had there been any calls from the Billionaire Bikers MC or Michael Granito. It was a slow month.
“This was all Angel,” Lash said.
“That woman is always surprising me,” Tiny said. “I always thought she was a weak woman.”
“Angel’s not weak. She’s strong.” He wanted to hold her.
“You know, in the beginning, I thought you were making a mistake with the club. The Skulls has never been the kind of club to follow the rules. We’ve always made up the rules to suit our own needs.”
“The club would have died,” Lash said.
Tiny held his hand up. “Let me finish. You’ve done one hell of a transformation. You— I know this isn’t easy for you at times. Especially with everything that went down with Tabitha. I know it’s hard to keep that level head. You were one of the biggest hotheads around. Doing whatever the fuck you wanted, when you wanted.” Tiny laughed. “At times, you and your brother were giant pains in the ass. I thought it would be easier with two boys, but fuck me, it was hard.”
Lash looked at Anthony and Connor. He had to agree. Chloe was even worse. His little girl, his little baby, he didn’t even want to think about her dating. It was going to happen. He couldn’t kill the boys who came knocking on his door.
“I’ve never been good with words or knowing what shit to say, so I just want to tell you.” Tiny put his hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Nigel.” It was rare for Tiny to use his real name. He preferred to be called Lash. He hated his real name.
“And I know that if your parents were here, they would be damn fucking proud of you as well.”
Lash gritted his teeth, and Tiny gave his shoulder a squeeze.
His previous Prez stepped away and went to Eva and his family.
Lash looked at the carolers, at the club, and he had to take a moment. He tried not to think of his parents. Always kept that pain buried deep and never allowed it to rear its ugly head. It wasn’t a good feeling. It was never a good feeling.
He stepped into his office and moved toward the far wall, putting a hand flat on the surface and another on his heart. He took in deep breaths.
He should have known that she saw him. Angel was always watching him. Always alert. She wrapped her arms around him and held him.
“I’m fine, babe.”
“I know you’re fine, but I want to hold you.”
Lash turned, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in close. He pressed his face against her head and breathed her in.
“What did Tiny say?”
“He told me that my parents would be proud of me.”
Angel pulled away and smiled up at him. “They would,” Angel said. “I know they would.”
“This is all because of you,” he said.
“No, this is all because of you, Lash. This is your club. This is your heart. This is everything. You’re a good man, and I know. I’m so proud of you.”
Chapter Ten
Christmas Eve
Angel was never going to admit to this being a bad idea. Having two club houses under one roof with all the kids was a good thing. At least, it had been before Adam came back from the long lines at the supermarket and unleashed a lot of candy.