One Day Like This

  Simone
Four months later…

“Are you one-hundred-percent sure, Simone?” Alexandra asked as Blake prepped his workstation.

I shot her some side eye. “Of course, I’m sure. I made the appointment weeks ago, you know.”

“Yeah… I don’t want to be superstitious—”

“But you’re gonna do it anyway,” I muttered.

She inhaled sharply. “I can’t help it. Of all things, you’re going with a name! Can’t you put it in Latin or something?”

I chuckled. “No, Lex. The way I love Steel… there will never be anyone else. I didn’t know love could be this consuming and giving at the same time.”

With coordination and arm strength I’d never have, Blake whirled his wheelchair around to face me. “He isn’t going to fuck me up because you want this on your chest, right?”

I smiled. “I’d never let him do that, Blake.”

He nodded. “Good. Because there’s no way to do this design with a trail between your breasts and his name below your bra-line without your chest on display, and I’d hate for him to try and break my legs.”

That was one of the main reasons I came to Blake. We’d been close friends since junior high, and he wasn’t interested in women, so baring my breasts to him didn’t make me uncomfortable.

Alexandra shook her head. “To be fair, Steel would break your arm — or both arms — instead. He’s vicious like that.”

Against my will, my lips tipped up.

Alexandra gasped. “And you like that about him!”

No, I loved that about my man.

“Hard to believe you’re gonna tie the knot,” Blake said.

“Why’s that?” Alexandra asked.

He looked at her, but tipped his head toward me. “She always said she’d never get married.”

“Most fifteen-year-olds don’t know what they’re talking about,” I muttered.

“Fair point,” Blake said.

As a teen, Blake never thought he could make a living from his drawings. Fast forward half-a-dozen years and he had a station at a tattoo parlor.

Alexandra frowned. “How are you going to keep this from Steel? You get married next week, and I can’t see him not getting a glimpse of the bandage.”

A coy smile pulled at my lips. “He’s gone to Augusta for a week. I scheduled it this way for a reason.”

“Devious as always,” Blake said, shaking his head.

“Not devious,” I scoffed. “Just a meticulous planner.”

Blake pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “Do you know where you’re going on your honeymoon? Or is Steel the meticulous planner for that?”

My lips quirked to the side. “You could say that. I have no idea where we’re going, but I’m fairly sure wherever it is, we’ll be on his bike, and I cannot wait.”

***

“Do you have something blue?” Alexandra asked.

I jutted out a beaded-sandal-clad foot from under my dress and wiggled my toes.

“Ooh, that’s like Tiffany-blue except they sparkle. I need to get a bottle of that polish, don’t I Felicity?” Aunt Abby asked my four-month-old daughter who was nestled in Abby’s arms. Felicity was dressed up in a little white dress and a delicate cherry-blossom pink headband.

“And your something new is your dress,” Alexandra murmured.

“She’s borrowing my diamond hair combs,” Mom said.

Alexandra’s eyes filled with worry. “So… what’s your something old? Or do the combs do double duty?”

I shook my head. “I’m wearing Grandma’s jade earrings that she gave me before she died.”

“And you aren’t going to wear your jade necklace, too?”

My lips twisted into a smirk. “I thought it would be better to keep things simple today.”

Understanding lit in Alexandra’s eyes, but Abby spoke.

“More like you want him focused on that hint of a tattoo in your cleavage.”

“Maybe,” I said, my cheeks heating with a blush.

Dad’s voice sounded from the other side of the door. “Are you ready yet? You’re running five minutes late.”

“Like there’s a set schedule, hold your horses, Volt. She’s almost finished.” Abby called.

Jasmine dusted my face one last time with a make-up brush and smiled. “You’re stunning as always, Simone.”

Mom moved in front of me and grabbed my hands. “You look absolutely radiant, sweetheart. That wouldn’t happen if Steel didn’t make you so happy, and I’m thrilled you’ve found that for yourself… and for your beautiful daughter. Your dad and I love you very much and we’re so proud of you.”

She had tears welling in her eyes, but she hadn’t let them slip.

“I love you, too, Mom. I’m sorry we’re going to live in Augusta.”

She shook her head. “Don’t be sorry. It isn’t that far, and it’s clear Steel loves you so much, he’ll move mountains to keep you happy.”

I nodded, fighting off tears. “Yeah,” I breathed.

She gave me a small smile. “Besides, we can video chat, and I’ll be checking in a lot so I can see you and Felicity.”

Really she just wanted to see Felicity. To say my girl had stolen many hearts was an understatement. I’d never seen Dad dote on someone like he did my little girl, but Mom (and other ol’ ladies) assured me, he’d treated me the very same way when I was a baby.

“Are you ready to do this?” Abby asked.

I nodded and she opened the door.

***

“If he mauls you before I get you to the end of the aisle…” Dad muttered.

“Then what?” I asked, holding back my laughter.

“Then nothing, except everyone else will be uncomfortable. Did you tell him you were getting a tattoo?”

“No,” I whispered. The fire in Steel’s eyes took my breath away.

Dad groaned, but my smile widened.

“Your mom and I want you to be happy, Simone. From what I’ve seen, Steel will move heaven and earth for you.”

“Yeah,” I murmured.

We stopped at the end of the aisle, and Dad squeezed my hand. “I love you, babydoll. If he hurts you, though—”

I smiled up at Dad. “He won’t. I may not know much, but I definitely know that.”

Cathy, Patch’s old lady, had agreed to marry us. She cleared her throat. “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

Dad answered, but Steel had stepped away from his place and started pulling me away from Dad.

I heard some chuckles from his side of the aisle.

Once Steel took his spot again, he stared down at me, his hands cupping my cheeks. “You’re so damned beautiful, Jade.”

I smiled. “You’re even more handsome today, tough guy.”

He lowered his forehead to mine. “Never thought I’d get hitched in the backyard of a Riot MC clubhouse.”

“As much as Mom and Dad had wanted civilian life for me, neither did I.”

Cathy broke into our moment when she said, “Family and friends, we’re gathered here today to witness Simone and Steel join in matrimony.”

***

I always thought I’d remember every little detail about my wedding day, but the ceremony felt like a blur. Though I’d never forget the kiss Steel laid on me which had people cat-calling and hooting in mere seconds.

The wedding was everything I wanted, but Steel and I hadn’t discussed how long we’d be at the reception. We were swaying to “One Day Like This” by Elbow for our first dance, and the lyrics reminded me of how much I loved Steel’s eyes when he stared at me.

“Time to cut the cake,” Steel said the moment the music ended.

I widened my eyes. “What? We danced to one song, Steel.”

His eyes drifted down to the deep v of my lace gown. “Yeah, and I’ve been away from you for eight days and thirteen hours. In that time, you’ve gotten your gorgeous skin inked…and whether it’s temporary or permanent, I need to know where that tattoo leads.”

I clasped my hands behind his neck and leaned my weight into him. “Surely, you can wait another four-ish hours. I only get one wedding day, baby.”

His lips twisted while he mulled it over. “Fine. Tell me, is that tat temporary?”

My head tilted. “Of course not.”

That earned me a stern look. “Female artist?”

I aimed a closed-lip smile at him. “No, but don’t worry. He’s one of my oldest friends.” When Steel glowered, I quickly added, “And he’s into men… hell, he pointed Jordan out to me way back when.”

Steel scanned the crowd behind me. “Is your friend here?”

“Blake had to work.”

He nodded, but his eyes were still aimed over my head. “I see. Were you and Volt going to dance?”

I shrugged a shoulder. “We hadn’t talked about it. This isn’t a typical reception, and that’s fine with me.”

He grinned down at me. “I suspect your father expects a dance from the way he’s staring and now coming this way.”

A gentle guitar melody filled the air and Steel shifted my hands to Dad’s. I put my left hand on Dad’s shoulder just as Tom Petty’s voice sang “Wildflowers.”

“Don’t get mushy on me, pumpkin. I might get misty-eyed. Can’t do that since Har, Brute, Blood, and Cynic would never let me live it down.”

I smiled even as I felt my nose sting with threatening tears. “As if they have room talk, especially Brute. You were there for his special stepdad dance with Aubrey.”

Dad chuckled. “Right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thanks for everything, Dad. Coming to get me a few months—”

“Shh. None of that negative shit today.”

I smiled and listened to the lyrics. “I’m surprised you chose this.”

He kissed my cheek. “Your mother did. I suggested ‘Run Like Hell’ by Pink Floyd, but she pointed out that Steel loves you like no other man could.”

I peeked up at him. “And without Steel, we wouldn’t have Felicity.”

As the Tom Petty song faded, the distinct bass line of the Pink Floyd song began, and I gave Dad a quizzical look.

“Don’t look at me, baby doll.”

Blood sidled up to us. “I thought his idea was better than Jackie’s. Now, don’t leave your Uncle Blood hanging.”

I faced Blood. “How do we even dance to this song?”

He arched a dark brow at me. “Give me your hand and follow my lead, sweetheart. I got tricks up my sleeve thanks to Vamp and his dad.”

Thank heavens Alexandra caught everything on her phone, or I’d never believe what happened. Blood led me around the floor of the common room in a ballroom dance of all things. I didn’t know what specific style it was, but I didn’t care because I was having so much fun. It felt like we were in a movie it was so well choreographed with dips and twirls. I’d never listen to the Pink Floyd song the same way again.

“That was fucking awesome, Blood! I love you,” I said giving him a tight hug.

He pulled away, lowered his chin, and I swore his eyes were shiny. “Love you, too, but the point of dancing that quickstep was so I didn’t have to get all choked up. Now don’t forget to give Steel hell every once and a while.”

I rolled my eyes. “I love him too much to do that.”

***

“Why is Trixie giving us her vicious side-eye?” Steel asked, after we’d eaten our cake.

“You encouraged her first born to hang around your club. That’s bad enough, but then you insisted that Blood and Abby watch Felicity… and I think that’s what she’s really bitter about.”

Rafferty brought his mom a beer and she smiled up at him.

“Nah, she’s pissed I tried to recruit him. You were right, babe. That would have caused a major problem. Are you going to change soon?”

I smiled. “Yes. I need to wear my motorcycle boots, right?”

“Whatever you want to wear on a plane.”

“A plane? I thought we were taking your bike on a road trip.”

“Never said that, but we are taking the bike to get to the private airport.”

“Private airport?” I gasped.

He nodded once. “There’s a very wealthy man who lives in Augusta.”

“Does he own the tree farm?”

His eyes twinkled with his smile. “One of them. He actually made his billions in dirt. Anyway, he offered me the use of his jet. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get to the Caribbean.”

My eyes lit with surprise, and I hustled to find Alexandra so she could help me get out of my dress.

***

Steel

Three years later…

“No, Daddy. You can’t pick up your cup. I haven’t made the tea yet.”

Felicity’s voice was music to my ears no matter what she said or how she said it. Though her whining was the only exception. I didn’t care how bossy she got with me during our tea parties, or how stubborn she could be about what foods she ate. I loved the sound of her voice.

We were in her room at a house I bought in Jacksonville so we could have longer visits with Simone’s family.

I was still president of the Devil Lancer mother chapter. As of this month, all the chapters had gotten out of drugs. While Simone and I were on our honeymoon, a Dallas street gang took out Walker, his sergeant-at-arms, and three prospects. That woke up the brothers in the Dallas chapter, and many others since Walker had been the most vocal about drugs being our biggest income source.

It took time, but Torque and I convinced our cartel to work with other sources in our cities.

To celebrate, I brought Simone and Felicity to Jacksonville.

“Daddy, is big bubba coming today?” my little girl asked.

“I’m not sure, sweetheart. Jordan said it might be tomorrow, but we’re going to see him.”
Felicity had her big brother wrapped around her little finger. He loved spending time with her, and made it a point to come see us whenever we were in Florida.

“And Uncle Wobby, too?”

I heard Simone choke on laughter and glanced over my shoulder. My wife stood leaning on the door jamb with a huge smile on her face.

“Never mind me, honey. You got tea to drink… when it’s ready. But I’ll never get tired of hearing her call my brother, Robert, her Uncle Wobby.”

“Odd, you seem pleased as punch about more than that.”

She shrugged a shoulder. “Who knew you’d be so irresistible when you wear an Elsa wig.

Though, it really is a shame you’re too big for her tutu.”

“You say Daddy’s birfday is coming soon,” Felicity said.

I looked at my girl grinning at her momma. My gaze drifted back to Simone. The way her eyes warmed on our daughter. It had to be one of my favorite looks on her.

“I did say that. I’ll have to see what we can find.”

Felicity picked up her teapot from the toy kitchen stove and poured the tea.

“I think Mommy should join us, Felicity. There’s another chair here.”

Seriousness filled my daughter’s brown eyes. “No, Daddy. Mommy makes dinner. You a mess in the kitchen.”

“No, not a mess, a terror, sweetie,” Simone murmured.

I stared at my wife. “Sure you don’t want to join us, Jade?”

She kept eye contact for a moment. “Tempting, but I’ll leave you two alone.”

***

I came to the living room after tucking Felicity into bed for the second time. Simone lounged on the sofa.

I lifted her ankles, sat down, at put her feet in my lap. “What gives, woman? Seems like you got something on your mind.”

“You’re gonna be forty-five, soon,” she said.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

She shifted and I let go of her ankles so she could sit closer to me. “Since you don’t think forty-five is a big deal, then I don’t want to hear anything about it when I tell you we’re having another baby.”

My head jerked toward her, my eyes locking with hers. I replayed the last few days. She hadn’t been dead-ass tired like she was with Felicity. If anything, I’d noticed she seemed hungrier, but that wasn’t always a sign of pregnancy. I hadn’t thought much of it the past two weeks, but she hadn’t had any cocktails or wine during that time.

We hadn’t ruled out having more kids. We also never discussed birth control either. She and I agreed that if it happened it happened.

“How long have you known?” I asked.

She slowly dipped her chin. “I didn’t know for sure until today. I’ve suspected for a little over a week.”

“You’re pregnant?”

“Yeah… are you excited?”

I was scared, but also excited. Just like with Jordan, and just like with Felicity.

I leaned toward her, she fell to her back, and I cupped her cheeks. “Yeah, Jade. I’m excited, but how did you know? You don’t seem tired or anything like the last time.”

She shrugged. “Instinct probably. But they say every pregnancy is different, even in the same woman with the same man. And if the old wives’ tales are true, this might be a sign we’re having a boy.”

“Baby, I don’t care if you give me a boy or a girl. I love you so damned much, and I can’t wait to meet our newest family member.”

The End