Page 62 of Torch

“I do.”

He circled me in the middle of the room, looking me over from head to toe. “I must say, you look fine as ever, baby. But your outfit is missing something.”

I cocked my head to the side. “What do you mean?” I asked, glancing at myself in the mirror. He ambled over to the dresser and opened three boxes. Inside them were a red Rolex encrusted with diamonds, a bracelet, and a diamond necklace. My jaw dropped. “Christian…”

“Come here, Brit,” he ordered. I walked over, eyeing the jewelry. Christian took his time putting it on me. All I could do was watch through the mirror with wide eyes. I had never received a gift like this in my life.

After he was done, he took a step back and examined me. “Mmm. I still feel like you’re missing something.”

I spun around to face him. “What else could you possibly add?” I sputtered.

Without a word, he walked to the bed, reached underneath it, and pulled out a larger box before setting it on top. “Open it.”

I made my way over and pulled the lid off with shaky hands. Tears filled my eyes instantly when I saw my property cut. Christian had explained to me what this meant a while ago. After the dinner with the Ol’ Ladies, I was curious about the cuts they wore. I knew that if he was giving me this, it was his way of telling me he wanted me forever. To bikers, a property cut was more final than marriage.

I gazed up at him right as a tear fell. “Are you serious?”

Gripping my chin, he pecked my lips. “One thousand percent. You’re it for me, beautiful.” He pulled my cut out of the box and showed me the back. Property of Torch was stitched there, making this moment feel even more surreal. “So, tell me, Brit, will you officially be my Ol’ Lady?”

I bobbed my head vigorously. “Yes!” Rising on my toes, I kissed him like it was the last time. Before things could get too heavy, he pulled away and helped me put the cut on.

He smiled wide as I twirled for him. “Now, you're perfect. Come on, baby. There is so much more in store for you today.”

I grabbed his hand, allowing him to lead me away. I could honestly say that even if we didn’t do anything else, this was already the best birthday of my life.

I didn’t know where we were headed. When we got inside Christian’s G-Wagon, he put a blindfold on me. For the entire drive, my palms sweated. Once the truck came to a stop, my heart sped up. I didn’t know why I was so nervous.

“Stay right there. I’m going to come around and help you out,” Christian said after I heard his door open. After he helped me out, he held onto my hand, guiding me. I could hear a few noises but couldn’t make out what the sounds were. Suddenly, we came to a stop. “Are you ready?” he asked in my ear.

“Yes.”

“SURPRISE!!” everyone yelled when Christian removed my blindfold.

I scanned the crowd and saw not only my entire family but people from our neighborhood plus the club. My granny was the first person to rush over and hug me tight. Kira was next. As I glanced around the park we were in, I noticed it was my favorite park to go to when I was a kid. Then I started taking in the details.

Christian had planned my dream party. Growing up, I always wanted to host a block party at this particular park. I was starting to wonder how he knew all this, since I had never told him.

Kira noticed the confusion on my face. “He called me last week asking what you would like for your birthday.”

For about twenty minutes, everyone hugged me and wished me a happy birthday. Christian stood beside me, smiling brightly. I threw my arms around his neck and stared into his eyes. “Thank you. I know you tell me it isn’t necessary, but I beg to differ. You have no idea how happy you make me.”

“I’m sure it’s just as happy as you make me. Happy birthday, beautiful.” His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out. After checking his screen, he looked back at me. “Also, I should let you know, your brother and father are parked down the street. They didn’t want to assume you were ready to bring them around. They said they understood if you weren’t ready yet.”

I shook my head immediately. “No, I want them here.”

I wasn’t hiding either of them. I talked to my dad and brother every day. They had been to my and Bianca’s homes several times for dinner. Recently, Bianca introduced them to her children. If anyone was uncomfortable with their presence, they could leave. Today was about me.

Christian typed something on his phone, placing it back in his pocket. I saw Kira sprinting toward us with a worried expression. “What is it?” I asked her.

“Your parents and Morgan are here. I didn’t invite them because of everything that has happened, but I’m pretty sure someone from your family probably told them.”

I was in such a good mood, I didn’t allow it to bother me. “It’s fine. If they start any drama, they can leave. Simple.”

Suddenly I was spun around, lifted from the ground, and pulled into a bone-crushing hug. My feet dangled several inches above the ground.

“Bentley!” I shrieked when he started spinning us around.

He placed me on my feet, grinning wide. “Happy birthday, sis!”