Page 91 of Single Mom's Biker Brigade
They went back and forth all the way across the yard, up the steps, and into the house. The strangled feeling I’d been living with relaxed a fraction.
Hawk poured coffee and handed me a cup. I waved it away. “I’m going to put Cody to bed.” He had to be exhausted, and even with all the excitement last night I’d caught him yawning several times throughout the day.
I shook my head at Colt and Cody as the food argument continued all the way through Cody pulling on his pajamas and climbing into bed.
He pulled the covers up to his chin and burrowed into the pillow. “I like it here. Can we stay forever?” Cody lobbed the question like it weighed nothing, but it landed with all the subtlety of a bomb.
“I’d like that.” I locked eyes with Colt.
“But you have to learn how to make pasta.” Cody yawned again and tucked his hands beneath his chin.
“I will.” Cody brushed his son’s hair back and kissed the top of his head.
We walked out together, pausing in the hallway for a moment alone. I crossed my arms loosely over my stomach, more to keep from shaking than out of fear or a need to protect myself. I felt at home here. For the first time in my life, I had a place that welcomed me. “I’d like to tell him you’re his father. If that’s what you want.”
Colt nodded. “I’d like that a lot. Not tonight. Let him rest. But soon.” He skimmed his knuckles down my cheek. “It’s good to have you back. Both of you.”
“Vehicle on the property line.” Diesel stuck his head around the corner. “Got eyes on them. Looks like someone thinks they can sneak onto the property.” He tossed his phone toward Colt. “Watch my back.”
“Diesel, wait.” Colt took a step forward.
“No.” Diesel strode out of the house.
Colt cursed and turned the phone around to show the screen. Six camera feeds scanned left and right. One locked onto movement on the service lane that Diesel had marked and added a camera to last week.
The image zoomed in on a man creeping down the fenceline, something small in his hands.
Diesel streaked across the yard in a low crouch, darting from cover to cover.
My heart rose into my throat, and I gripped Colt’s arm with both hands.
Hawk stepped into the hallway, phone in his hand. “Agent Hart, we have a situation. Got an intruder being taken down. Attempt at a live retrieval. Need you here for the handoff. On camera.”
“On my way.” The call ended almost before Hart finished talking.
Hawk eyed us with a deep frown marring his expression before turning on his heel.
“I’m coming with you.” Colt took a step forward at the same time the bedroom door flew open and Cody hurtled out.
He threw his body at Colt’s legs and wrapped both arms around him. His body trembled, and he scrambled up Colt’s legs. “What’s going on?”
It took a second for anyone to answer.
Colt’s upper body leaned forward like he might break free of Cody’s grip and take off after Hawk. He pulled his body back and picked up Colt, tucking him into the curve of his arm. “It’s okay, bud. Diesel and the others are taking care of it.”
And he chose to stay with his son.
My aching heart fractured and healed all at the same time. He chose Cody. In a moment when he fought his instinct to run into danger, he chose, of his own willingness, to stay.
Chaos ensued around us. Hawk’s phone rang at the same time voices trickled in from outside. Diesel had captured the guy without either getting hurt. Time slowed as Hawk answered the call. His eyes met mine, and he smiled. “They have Ridge in cuffs.”
Finally. Thank god. Finally. Getting the Hellhound’s president had been the final piece.
We were done. I swayed toward Colt and wrapped my arms around him and Cody. “It’s over.” The Hellhounds no longer had any sway over the county. We were free.
EPILOGUE: CALLIE
SIX MONTHS LATER…
