by Sarah Bale
I’m on the porch, enjoying the spring air. Liv and Bash are in his room, per the brother-husband schedule that Liv came up with. Razor is at the club, working on a custom car order. King comes outside and sits next to me, letting out a groan. It worries me that he’s still in pain.
“You okay, man?”
“No. I’m not.”
I look at him, but he’s looking into the distance, the colors of the setting sun reflecting off his face.
“King?”
“I’ve been thinking.” He turns, so he’s looking me in the eyes. “I want to step down as Vice President.”
“King-”
“Hear me out, Saint.”
I nod. He’s right. I owe him this much.
“I haven’t been the same since the fire. I hurt. All the time. I didn’t know if I was going to make it and now I’m gimping around on this broken leg. It’s just too much.”
“I had no idea you were in so much pain.”
“I know. I didn’t want you to know. I dealt with it then, but I can’t keep this act up forever.” He sighs. “I want to be there for Liv and the babies. I can’t do that and be the club’s Vice President at the same time. You’re going to be busy and need someone you can rely on to take on the burden.”
“King, we can make it work.”
“I know we can. We’ll make it work by making sure you find the perfect replacement for me. I’ll still be a member of the club and I’ll still do my share of work in the shop. But, I want to be able to take off when I want. Take our girl out to dinner. Take the twins to the park. Everything my folks did with me.” He exhales. “But, I won’t do it unless I have your blessing.”
My fucking eyes burn with tears. King has been the best right-hand man I could ever ask for.
“Of course, you have my blessing, King.”
He looks like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. “Thank you, brother.”
“When do you want to step down?”
“As soon as possible. Maybe even by the next time we have Church.”
That’s in two weeks. There’s no way I’ll find a replacement in that amount of time.
He must know where my mind is, because he says, “Razor would be one hell of a Vice President. Or, Hawk.”
This makes me look twice at him. “Hawk? King, are you sure?”
“Our beef was always because we were fighting for the same spot. He’s a good guy. Helped us with Liv when he didn’t have to. We’d be lucky to have him.”
I nod. “I’ll have to think on it.”
“I reached out to Hawk. Told him he might be needed here. Said he was still trying to track down that boat, but that he’d be here when he could.”
Hawk’s been obsessed with finding the boat that Jas, Lucy, and Agent Hill’s daughter, Allison, were on. With each day that goes by, the hopes of finding them diminishes. Poor Agent Hill took a leave of absence from his job. Last I heard he was with Foxy in Florida. She’s the best thing that could have happened to him, though nothing will ever truly take away the pain of losing a child.
I say, “Thank you, King. For everything.”
“No need to thank me, brother.” He stands. “See you in the morning.”
Tomorrow we find out the gender of the babies. Maybe then we’ll finally have some peace, because everyone is still arguing over names.
I stand. In the distance a doe walks out of the woods. My Mary always loved deer. My heart pangs and I smile.
“Thank you, Mary.”
Because without her, I would’ve never found Liv. I would have died alone and bitter. I wouldn’t have known joy again. But I know all these things now. And I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
Olivia
**Wedding Day**
Today is my fucking wedding. My stomach flutters, and not just because I’m pregnant with twins. I rub my swollen belly through my wedding dress as Foxy comes in.
“Liv, you look beautiful.”
She hugs me, and my eyes water.
“Thank you for coming. I know how hard it was for Agent Hill to come back.”
“No. Don’t even think like that. He’s happy for you, and wanted to be here.”
“Have there been any more leads?”
She shakes her head, smiling sadly. “No. Fred and his ex are talking about having a memorial service for Allison.”
My heart breaks for Agent Hill. “I’m so sorry.”
“Me, too.” She smiles. “Now, no more sad thoughts. This is your wedding day, Liv! You’re marrying Saint!”
I grin. “I still can’t believe it.”
I never thought I’d get to this point. Content. In love. About to be a mother to twins. About to become a wife with three brother-husbands. Yeah. I’m happier than I’ve ever been before.
Foxy looks out the window. “I can’t believe how many people showed up.”
“Saint said there are Devil’s Regents members from all over the country here. He wasn’t kidding when he said they were ready to party.”
The week leading up to the wedding was literally seven days of celebrating, all day and all night. I’d never laughed as much or had so much fun. To top it off, I graduated college two days ago, which led to an even bigger party, and an offer to officially become the treasurer for the club. I accepted, after negotiating my pay, which tickled the hell out of King.
There’s a knock on the door and Kiwi pokes her head in. “Oh damn, Liv. You look so pretty.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s time.”
Foxy give my arm a squeeze before picking up her bouquet of wildflowers. She joins Kiwi at the door. Both are wearing long, flowy dresses. Kiwi went with a midnight blue color and Foxy picked harlot red. Yes, that’s literally the name of the color, and I fucking love it. If King hadn’t insisted that I wear white, I might have picked that color, too.
I take one last look in the mirror. My dress is snow white, with intricate see-through lace that shows off my curves, and an empire waist that hugs my very pregnant belly. My favorite aspect is the deep V-neck. The guys are going to flip when they see how freaking good my boobs look.
My hair is curled and sits atop my head in a classic up-do. King gave me two hair clips that belonged to his mom, given to her by his dad. They sit on each side of my head, behind my ears. It’s strange, but I feel close to her in this moment. My neck is draped in a diamond necklace that Razor and Bash had custom made for me. They said that since Saint got to put a ring on my finger that they wanted to give me something to wear, too.
My bouquet is similar to Foxy’s and Kiwi’s, but mine is tied with a blue ribbon. It’s the same ribbon that Mary used on her flowers when she married Saint. He told me the other night that he hopes one of our kids will be able to use it one day when they get married. Brought me to tears.
I touch up my lip gloss and turn to my friends. “I’m ready.”
We make our way outside. It’s a lovely spring day, perfect for a wedding. The yard is filled to the max with our Devil’s Regents brothers and sister. I spot Grey, the charismatic member from Oklahoma with a long beard. I wave and he grins at me, hooting loudly. Next to him is Emma Webb, and her men. They brought moonshine as a wedding gift, and I can’t wait to try it after the babies are born.
The music changes and Kiwi walks down the aisle first. Foxy gives me a grin before following. My heart pangs. In another life, Lucy and Jas would be with them. Hell, maybe even Allison. Agent Hill comes to my side, holding out his arm. His hair has gone grey over the last few months, since his daughter was taken. His once kind eyes now have a hardness about them that can only come from a loss like the one he’s suffered. But when he looks at me, all I see is love.
“You look beautiful, Olivia.”
I sniffle. “Thank you. And thank you for coming. I know it’s a lot to ask.”
“None of that. It’s my honor to walk you down the aisle.” He smiles. “Are you ready?”
I glance down the aisle where Saint stands in a b
lack tux, waiting. Next to him are King, Razor, and Bash, all dressed in matching outfits. These men are mine and today we make it official.
“Yes. I’m ready.”
I hook my arm through Agent Hill’s as the song changes again.
It’s time.
With each step that I take, the bigger the smile on my face gets. Saint grins back, looking so damn sexy. King looks so happy. Razor winks at me. And my sweet Bash brushes tears from his eyes.
Rooster, the club’s chaplain, stands under the flower awning, and raises his hand, getting everyone’s attention.
“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Saint and Olivia. Welcome friends and family of the Devil’s Regents.”
That gets a loud cheer.
“Today is the beginning of a remarkable journey for this couple. Drawing on their mutual respect, trust, and love, they are ready to start the next chapter of their lives. We celebrate the love evident in their relationship. I think it’s safe to say we knew Olivia was going to bring Saint to his knees.”
I laugh and swipe at my eyes. Damn hormones.
“Who gives this bride away?”
Agent Hill says, “I do.”
He brushes his lips across my cheek before taking his seat on my side of the aisle.
Saint takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. God. I can’t believe this is happening.
Rooster goes on, “I know none of you fuckers are dumb enough to object to this union, so I’m not even going to ask.”
I grin up at Saint, knowing Rooster is right.
Rooster says, “Let us remember that the vows taken today hold great importance, just as they did to our brothers and sisters before us. We make the choice to enter the union of marriage in order to share all aspects of ourselves with our soulmate. Today, this is true for Saint and Olivia. But this union isn’t just between the two of them.”
I glance at Rooster. This wasn’t in the rehearsal that we did yesterday. Saint gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Saint and Olivia will legally be wed, but their union is between them, King, Bash, and Razor. As the good book reminds us in Corinthians, ‘If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.’. They are indeed lucky in love.
“Under the eyes of God, we take a moment to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being entered into today. With great joy, we also recognize the special bond between the five of them.” He goes on, “In Ecclesiastes, the power of partnership is noted. ‘Two are better than one, because they have good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who fall and has no one to help them up’. These five will always have someone there, on their side, and will be happy in love.”
King smiles at me over Saint’s shoulder. Fuck. How did I get so lucky?
Rooster says, “The couples will now share their vows to each other. These promises are the groundwork from which your marriage will grow and blossom over time. When things are tough, you will look back at this moment and remember what you are fighting for. Saint, please begin.”
Saint smiles, melting my heart.
“Olivia Elizabeth Mayhem, today you become my wife. I won’t sugarcoat it and say that we’re always going to have it easy, but I will promise to love you with all my heart until I leave this earth.”
Fuck. That wasn’t in the rehearsal, either. I swallow a sob of happiness as King steps forward.
“Liv, today you become my wife, too. I promise that I’ll always be there for you, especially when Saint pisses you off.”
I laugh at that.
“I will love you, too, until I leave this earth.”
Razor clears his throat. “Liv, today you become my wife. Something I never thought would happen. I am so fucking happy, and plan to make you just as happy until the day I die.”
Bash smiles. “Liv. My love. My life. I am a changed man because of you. You brought me back from somewhere dark, and ever since that moment I have felt nothing but joy. Today, you become my wife. And I can’t wait to start our life together.”
Now, I am crying, and it’s not the pretty kind, either.
Rooster turns to me. “Olivia?”
“Shit.”
Everyone laughs as I gather my composure.
“Saint, today you become my lawful wedded husband. King, Razor, and Bash—I couldn’t ask for better partners to join us on this journey. I promise to love each of you, from now until eternity. And I promise that no matter what happens that I will be there for each of you, at your side, ready to fight.”
Our brothers and sisters cheer at this, knowing that fights are always on the horizon in our world.
I continue, “Each of you have changed me in ways that I cannot even begin to express. So, let’s get this show on the road so that I can officially become your wife.”
Rooster motions for the attendees to quiet. “Saint. Olivia. Please join hands.”
Saint takes my other hand as we face each other.
“Saint, before your family and friends, do you take Olivia Elizabeth Mayhem as your beloved wife?”
“I do, as do King, Razor, and Bash.”
Each of my men nod at me, and I sniffle. God. I love them so much.
“Olivia, before your family and friends, do you take Saint Massacre as your beloved husband, alongside King, Razor, and Bash?”
“I do.”
“Wedding rings are the symbol of the bond between a couple. By wearing these rings, you will be reminded of the connection you share and the vows that you have made today, in front of friends, family, and God.” Rooster smiles. “Saint, repeat after me. I present you, Olivia, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love.”
“I, Saint, present you, Olivia, with this ring, as a symbol of our everlasting love.”
Bash hands a box to Razor, who passes it to King, who hands it to Saint. Saint smiles as he opens it. We picked our wedding bands a month ago, but this one is different. Imbedded in the gold band are five small diamonds.
Saint whispers, “One for each of us.”
He slips the cool band onto my finger, where it sits perfectly on top of my engagement ring.
Rooster says, “Olivia, please repeat after me. I present you, Saint, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love.”
“Actually, I’d like to present each of my guys with a ring.”
My guys aren’t the only ones who can change the script. Foxy hands me the first box.
“I present you, Sebastian, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love.”
Bash steps forward, looking surprised as I slip the band onto his finger. It fits perfectly and he stares at it in awe.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you, too.”
Foxy hands me the next box.
“I present you, Zayn, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love.”
Razor grins. “Damn. This is so fucking cool.”
Foxy passes me the third box.
“I present you, Gideon, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love.”
King’s eyes brim with tears as I slip the band onto his finger. Foxy hands me the last box, and I smile up at Saint.
“I present you, Saint, with this ring, as a symbol of my everlasting love. My love for you will never fade.”
He brushes his lips across mine. “I love you.”
Rooster says, “Hold on, folks. We haven’t got to the best part yet. Saint and Olivia, by the power vested in me by the state of Georgia, I happily pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Saint gives me a devilish grin right before he cups my face, kissing me until I’m fucking breathless. Our babies make their presence known, as they tend to do whenever Saint is near. He feels them kicking, and rubs my stomach, which settles them.
“I fucking love you, Mrs. Massacre.”
“I lov
e you, too, Mr. Massacre.”
King comes to me next, brushing his lips over mine. “I have the sexiest wife.” He leans forward. “And I can’t wait until our honeymoon starts.”
Razor lifts me, spinning me around before kissing me. “I fucking love you.”
“I love you, too, Razor.”
Bash comes to me, kissing each of my cheeks before brushing his lips against mine. “Wife.”
“Husband.”
We grin at each other, as our friends and family cheer.
Rooster says, “Settle down, you fuckers. Now…Ladies and Gents, I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Massacre.”
Saint and I step forward, lifting our joined hands into the air.
King comes to my side, holding my other hand. He calls out, “Let’s party!”
Saint says to everyone, “We have tattoo artist ready to put ink on people. We’ll also be branding the new members of the Devil’s Regents.” He turns to me. “Ready to get tattooed?”
We’ve talked about it on and off for the last few months. Me, getting the Devil’s Regents logo tattooed on my body. It will serve as a calling card to those in our world that I am taken, and not to mess with me.
I nod. “Hell yeah.”
We head right to the station where Mammoth, the former treasurer who moved to Oklahoma, waits. Holy shit. Even if I hadn’t known he was the one who was going to be running the tattoo station, his large frame and obscene amount of body hair would have given him away. I think back to the night Saint and I played ‘dirty accountant’ and laugh.
Mammoth smiles. “Ready to do this?”
A few feet over, one of the former prospects—now full-fledged member—is getting branded. The hot iron sizzles as it touches his skin, and he moans.
“You know, I think I’m going to get the actual brand.”
“Fuck me,” Razor breathes out. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
Each of my guys have the brand, a rite of passage they received when they became members of the club. To me, it shows loyalty.
Mammoth says, “I have one that the ladies like to get.”
He holds it up. Above the logo of the skull and wings it says “Property of the Devil’s Regents MC”.
