Christmas Doings
Page 9
Chapter Six
Bones
“Mason.” Bones leaned in and gripped the back of his brother’s neck, holding him close for a moment. “It has been too long.”
It was Christmas day, and the party at the clubhouse had been a success. Ester and Plowboy had secured a present for every child under fifteen that matched both need and personality, and Bones had been amazed again and again at his woman’s powers of observation.
“Tell me, brother.” Mason’s eyes were shining, and Bones understood what he asked. “I hear you found a solution that couldn’t be more perfect.”
“Truth, my friend.” He turned and his gaze unerringly went to where Essence was playing with the other children. “She is quiet, but not more than one might expect.” He shook his head. “She is quietly perfect. And Ester, oh my God, Mason. So much change. All for the better and with no strain. None at all. This is not my woman trying to be something she is not. This is a woman coming into her own because a child depends on her.”
“How long has she been with you now?” Mason passed him a beer and Bones took it, scanning the crowd to see Ester seated next to Bella, her eyes also on Essence.
“Ester? She has been in my life for longer, but with me for nearly three years.” He shook his head. “Hard to believe. On the one hand, it seems just yesterday we lost Watcher and the other men, but on the other, I feel Ester has always been with me.”
“You were frantic to find her.” Bones nodded. Not something he’d ever tried to deny, the need to have Ester safe. “You gonna be a bear with the girl, too?”
Laughing, Bones said, “Probably true. Still, I find myself checking on her at night. It has been two weeks, but I count her breaths in the darkness. How do you do it with an infant? She will be five in days, and I cannot imagine the fear that would cloak me if she were so dependent.”
“Worth every minute, though.” Mason slung an arm around Bones’ neck. “Slate’s here, you see him yet?” Bones shook his head. “He’s got another one on the way.”
“No. Tell me this is not multiples. Tell me he did not gift Ruby with a third set of twins?” Looking around, he caught sight of Slate near the door, arm protectively around his Ruby, a petite woman with flaming red hair and a softly rounded belly. “I am glad he came.”
“He wouldn’t have if the child hadn’t landed on your doorstep. Respecting the challenges, he and Ruby had already decided to stay home.”
Bones was stunned into silence, then shook his head. “Damn. There are times, you know, when I forget how much love we all have for the other. He would have cut himself out of this, a chance to see old friends, to keep from hurting my woman.”
“Brothers, man. We always, always have each other’s backs.”
The lights from the enormous Christmas tree reflected off the walls, and in the glow, he saw Ester’s head turn his direction. Knowing her eyes were on him, he smiled broadly, then mouthed an “I love you” to her. She slumped towards Bella, their heads together, and he heard Ester’s bright laughter.
“I have never been this happy, Mason.” Holding up his beer, he waited until Slate made his way over, then clinked rims with him, then Mason, followed quickly by Shades and Red, and Tater, until he’d acknowledged them all. Every man who formed this close circle was his brother beyond the patch. His ride-or-die friends, the ones he counted on to have his back time and again, as Mason had said.
“Rebels forever,” Bones began the familiar refrain, pride filling his chest when every voice in hearing range picked it up, ending it. “Forever Rebels.”
~~ The End ~~
Dear Reader – I find myself at a loss for words fit to convey the depth of gratitude I carry in my soul for all of you. It is true Mica began this journey for me, and Christmas Doings will likely end the RWMC part of this path we walk together. Love her or hate her, if it weren’t for that green-eyed chick, we wouldn’t be here right now. But, if it weren’t for you? Well, let’s just say I owe you everything. So much love, respect, and honor for you. See you in another book! ~ML
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING
CHRISTMAS DOINGS!
I truly hoped you enjoyed the final book in the RWMC family saga. Thanks for takin’ this trip along with me.
~ML
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raised in the south, MariaLisa learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says "I've always loved to read, but then I discovered writing, and found I adored that, too. For reading...if nothing else is available, I've been known to read the back of the cereal box."
Also by MariaLisa deMora
Neither This, Nor That MC Series
Legends are born from moments like these. Folktales spun around a single point in time so perfect, you can almost hear the click resonating through the universe as things align. Meet Twisted, Po’Boy, Retro, and Ragman, good old boys from southern states who have many things in common.
First, is a bone-deep love of the biker lifestyle.
Second, would be their love of the brotherhood, and knowing that you trust the man at your back.
Finally, these men have the love of a good woman. None of these come without a price, and it is our pleasure to journey along with them as they discover the blessings that can be won, and lost along the way.
Raving Reviews for NTNT book one:
This is the Route of Twisted Pain
"This is the Route of Twisted Pain is an exhilarating, gripping romance novel contrived of incredible world building, complex yet relatable characters, and a unique, captivating plot.
Gifted storyteller MariaLisa deMora beautifully balances exciting suspense, fast action, intriguing secrets with delicious, blazing hot romance scenes.
Readers will be up all night with this riveting page-turner."
~NY Literary Magazine
“Bloody superb ... as beautiful deep as it is
hot, romantic, and fierce.”
~Becky Johnson
Executive director and CEO, Hot Tree Editing
“Getting a book that gives you that all-encompassing, can’t put it down, want to live in that world feeling is the holy grail for a reader
and this book has that.”
~Miranda J.
Mommy’s a Book Whore
“This story has it all. Enough drama to keep you hooked, enough spice to light you up, and an incredible amount of emotion that just seems to pour off the pages.”
~Erin B.
FMR Book Grind
“It's addictive and exciting as you travel the route of twisted pain. It's an experience you do not want to miss.”
~Rosa S
iScream Books
“I loved this book and the characters so much. I can't wait for more of the Incoherent MC.”
~Marie
Naughty Moms’ Story Time
“Theirs was an all encompassing love ready to stand together and at times stand for each other.”
~She Heart’s Books
“I enjoyed the ever-loving-heck out of This Is the Route of Twisted Pain.”
~Angela G.
Wicked Reads
“There are a lot of things that I could say about this book: The plot? Exceptional. The sex? Some of the best I've ever read. The characters? Impressive. This Is The Route Of Twisted Pain has every ingredient of a great book but you know what REALLY makes this an extraordinary book? The words. MariaLisa deMora has an uncanny talent for evoking your senses with words. You feel every. single. one.”
~Jamey W.
Confessions of a Serial Reader
“I love MariaLisa and the way she weaves a story!”
~G.M. Scherbert
“This is not your typical love story but let me tell you this is how a love story should be. ... I would give this book TEN stars if I could. Can't wait for the next installment of the Neither This, Nor That series.”
~Kylee
“This may be the best book I read all year.
These people...they're not characters, they're real... have stuck in my head from the day I met them. MariaLisa deMora can throw words down that'll Twist (hehe) your insides up till you can't breathe for waiting to hear what's next!”
~DeLane C
“This is a wild, gritty ride and I loved every moment of it. I was hooked from the first page and madly in love with ‘Twisted’ George Bell by the end of the first chapter…I devoured this story in a single afternoon and fell in love with a new to me author before I’d finished this first book. I love the characters, I love Twisted’s world and I can’t wait for the next book.”
~Sarah
Wicked Reads
“Fantastic!!! This story drew me in from the very beginning and held me on the edge to the very end. MariaLisa deMora did a great job setting the tone from the very beginning. Penny was one of the best heroines I’ve ever met. She was absolutely fearless! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.”
~Rose
“First off, let me state that there was one thing I didn't like about this book and that is the LAST PAGE! I hated for it to end. I dearly loved this book and its characters as well as their setting. Thank you dear authoress. I am a very happy reader for having been so entertained whist living vicariously through the lives of the characters in this book. It is indeed; a book I'll reread many times down the road.”
~Colleen M
“I was pulled into this story from the very beginning and couldn't put it down. The dishes, laundry, housework all got put on hold until I could finish this book. This is first book from MariaLisa and certainly won’t be my last.”
~LeAnn F
Cherry O Blossoms Promotions
“... it’s so dirty, dirty hot!!”
~Melissa M.
Alpha Book Club
ADDITIONAL SERIES AND BOOKS
Please note that books in a series frequently feature characters from additional books within that series. If series books are read out of order, readers will twig to spoilers for the other books, so going back to read the skipped titles won’t have the same angsty reveals.
Neither This, Nor That series:
This Is the Route Of Twisted Pain, #1
Treading the Traitor’s Path: Out Bad, #2
Trapped by Fate on Reckless Roads, #3
Shelter My Heart, #4
Rebel Wayfarers MC series:
Mica, #1
A Sweet & Merry Christmas, short story #1.5
Slate, #2
Bear, #3
Jase, #4
Gunny, #5
Mason, #6
Hoss, #7
Harddrive Holidays, short story #7.5
Duck, #8
Biker Chick Campout, short story #8.5
Watcher, #9
A Kiss to Keep You, novella #9.25
Gun Totin’ Annie, short story #9.5
Secret Santa, novella #9.75
Bones, #10
Gunny’s Pups, novella #10.25
Never Settle, short story #10.5
Not Even A Mouse, novella #10.75
Fury, #11
Christmas Doings, #11.25
Gypsy’s Lady, #11.5
Cassie, #12
Road Runner’s Ride, novella #12.5
Occupy Yourself band series:
Born Into Trouble, #1
Grace In Motion, #2 (TBD)
What They Say, #3 (TBD)
Other Books:
With My Whole Heart
Alace Sweets
Hard Focus
More information available at mldemora.com.