Page 56

Where I was Meant to Be

Brenna

I’m not sure what I expected out of the place. I was a little surprised by how clean the place was in the lobby. The clubhouse wasn’t as spotless, but it also had a bar inside, so I supposed that made it acceptable.

Cole led me around, introducing me to women with funny nicknames like Tail and Spoon. By the time we made it out back to the fire and actual gathering, I’d gathered a few names to put with the faces.

For a few hours, I forgot they were outlaws. I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the laughter and stories.

“Come here, darlin’, I want to show you something special before we head home,” Carl quietly asked, once I’d finished my soda.

“Excuse me,” I told the woman I’d been speaking with. I was sure her name was Carol, but I wasn’t certain enough to actually use it.

Carl took my hand and led me away from the others to a small gazebo on the edge of the property. The bench inside looked ancient, but he still urged me toward it.

“Set down there.” He pointed.

I froze; unsure it would hold me.

“Go on, it’ll only take a second, but I want it to be perfect.”

I laughed, my nerves carrying on the sound. After a moment of hesitating further, I slowly made my way toward the bench and hovered on it to humor him.

“It’s nice, I like the lattice and–” I pretended to really appreciate the place before returning my gaze to him.

I wasn’t expecting him to be on one knee, with a ring extended between us.

His mouth opened a bit, but he didn’t seem capable of forming words.

“Am I to interpret this as a question, or like a cat that presents a dead mouse it’s proud of,”

His face fell, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes, it’s a question. A question that already has one of your son’s approvals,”

“Oh, is that what we’re banking on?” The smile reached my eyes, “Well, Victor might be more of a win over than Oakl–”

“It was Vick that gave his blessing, I ain’t said nothing to Oakland. I was scared to, in case you said no.”

I didn’t know what to say, or how to wrap my head around the idea of Victor being okay with it.

“You didn’t ask him.”

“No, I didn’t,” he admitted. “He came to me and asked that I keep my intentions clear and honest. I already had the ring and my intentions, but we discussed it.”

“And?” I pressed.

He smiled and leaned forward, kissing my thigh and taking up a lean against my knees, “And now we’re here. So, will you marry me, Brenna?”

I realized my entire weight was given over to the bench; my concentration having been shattered by the surprise before me. My pulse quickened until I could feel my heart beating in my chest and tears pricking at my eyes.

He was a good man. His friends might be rough, and his choice of lifestyle different from the one I had known, but he cared for us in a way that felt right. It felt good, and as best I could tell, his presence had been a positive thing for Oakland.

I realized I was nodding and laughed as I wrapped my arms around him and planted a kiss on his lips.

“Beauty queen, blue-line widow, and now the outlaw’s ol’ lady…” I whistled and stared into his eyes, “If I keep adding titles, I might need another tiara.”

“Darlin’ I’ll buy you a fancy one that you can find, and I’ll make you my queen, just promise me this dance– our dance will never end.”