by Chiah Wilder
As they sat on the couch in her house, Ethan snuggled in his bed upstairs, Belle pulled Banger’s face to hers and kissed him passionately. “Thank you for today. It was wonderful sharing that part of your life.”
“I loved having you and Ethan with me. You know what Kylie whispered in my ear when she hugged me good-bye?” Belle shook her head. “She said you’re ‘pretty and seemed nice.’ That’s a big step for my little girl.”
“I so want all of it to work out, but I know this isn’t a romance novel or one of the fairy tales I used to read to my kids. Life has so many fucking bumps in it.”
“It does, babe, but the key is how you take them.”
“Maybe. Sometimes things are so fucked and you don’t have control over them. Like Emily. Where the hell is she? I gave her space today, didn’t make her come to the barbecue with us even though I really wanted her to go, and she’s way past her curfew. She drives me crazy! I don’t know what her fuckin’ problem is. I’m trying so hard with her.”
Banger held her close and stroked her hair. Belle leaned her head on his shoulder, happy she wasn’t alone waiting for her daughter to come home. The back door slammed and Belle jumped. Emily staggered into the foyer and waved at her mom and Banger. “Hiya,” she said in a loud, slurred voice.
“Why are you home at two in the morning? And why are you drunk?” Belle rose to her feet and marched over to her, but Emily just ignored her and stomped up the stairs.
Belle began to follow when Banger said, “Leave it alone, babe. Nothing good’s gonna come out of you confronting her when she’s like that. Things will turn bad, and you’ll both be sorry come morning. Come over here.”
Belle hesitated, her eyes fixed at the top of the stairs, then she slowly padded over to Banger’s waiting arms. “She was doing so well, and now we’re right back where we started,” she lamented.
“You can’t expect change overnight. She’s got some demons that’ll take time to work themselves out.”
“But when? I just want my little girl back. I’m so scared she’s going to get herself in some serious trouble. You know, she’s back with her old group of friends, and they’re a bad influence on her. I’m nervous all the time about it.”
“Maybe she needs to go through some bad shit to appreciate the good stuff she has. I know the worst thing for a parent is to see their kid go through hell and not be able to help or prevent it, but maybe that’s what it’ll take for her to see what she’s got.”
“I don’t know. I’d die if I knew she was living on the streets, or with a man who hurts her. I can’t even think about it.”
Banger laid her head on his shoulder. “She’s stronger than you think. I see the fight in her, the determination. She’ll be all right. She may have a tough go of it, but she’ll come out okay.”
“Can you stay with me tonight?”
“What about your kids?”
“We can stay here on the couch and hold each other. I need to be in your arms tonight. I don’t want to be alone.”
He kissed her. “I’m here for you, baby.” She reached over and grabbed an afghan she kept by the couch for cold nights. He kicked off his boots, took off his cut, and stretched out on the couch, drawing her to him. She threw the afghan over their legs then brought it up over them as she cuddled against him, safe in his embrace. His arms wrapped around her calmed the storms in her heart.
Chapter Thirty-One
Belle smiled when she saw Banger and Ethan holding their baseball mitts, walking down the sidewalk toward the house. As promised, Banger had come over and taken Ethan to the nearby park to practice throwing and catching the baseball in preparation for summer Little League. Heat radiated through her chest, and she found herself humming one of the catchy jingles she’d heard numerous times on television.
For the previous two weeks, she’d felt more at peace than she had in years. Emily and Belle talked a long time the day after Emily came home drunk, and continued the discussion in their therapy session. Emily seemed better since she’d found a part-time job at the hair salon. Earning some money on her own seemed to boost her self-confidence, and she’d started hanging around a better caliber of people. Taking the therapist’s advice, Belle fought the school to place her daughter in advanced classes, even though her grades weren’t that good. The harder classes seemed to have helped because Emily was enjoying school more, and she’d even been talking about applying for colleges. Belle kept her fingers crossed every time her daughter walked out the door.
Ethan had invited a few friends over for video games and pizza, and two of them waited anxiously for him in his room. Belle wanted to make Banger a good meal, to show he was such a wonderful addition to her life. She loved him madly, and she longed to hear him tell her he loved her. She was pretty sure he did from the way he looked at her, made love to her, and cemented himself in her and her kids’ lives.
Belle pulled out the pork loin from the oven just as Banger and Ethan came through the back door. “Fuck, something smells awesome,” Banger said as he entered the kitchen. She saw his eyes sparkle, lips curving up into a smile, and she couldn’t help but smile back.
“I thought you said we were having pizza.” Ethan hung his head down.
“You and your friends are. I made this for me and Banger. Luke and Peter are in your room, and Blake’s mom called to tell me they’re on their way.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Ethan dashed out of the room, his loud footsteps on the stairs making Banger and Belle laugh.
“So, what are you making for us?” Banger asked as he leaned over and smelled the roasted pork.
“We’re having pork loin, scalloped potatoes, asparagus with cherry tomatoes, biscuits, and a roasted pear salad with goat cheese and walnuts. I know you loved it when I made it at the diner.”
He drew her into his arms and whispered in her ear, “You like spoiling me, don’t you?”
She laughed softly. “I wanted to make you a nice dinner to show you how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for us. You’ve been wonderful with Ethan. You can’t imagine what that means to him… and to me.”
Banger kissed her. “I love spending time with you and your family. You’re a part of my life.”
“Am I?”
“You know you are, woman. Fuck, I spend more time here than I do at my own house, and the guys are wondering why in the hell I don’t go to the parties more often.”
“Because of me?”
He pressed his lips together, nodding. “I’m crazy about you, Belle, and I think you are ‘bout me.”
She circled her arms around his neck, pulling his face close to hers until his warm breath fanned over her cheeks. “I’m fucking crazy about you.” She ran her finger across his lips and he caught it, sucking it hungrily into his mouth. A small, breathless whisper escaped from her. His thumb caressed her cheek, then his mouth covered hers; she drew his tongue into it as their breaths intertwined.
Pulling away, he said softly against her cheek, “I love you, babe.”
Warmth radiated throughout her body, and she hugged him close to her. “I love you too.” They kissed passionately, her hands rubbing his back, his cupping her ass cheeks. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you,” she murmured against his lips.
“For the past six years, I’ve been half a person, and now I’m whole.” They kissed again, only pulling apart when Ethan shouted at the top of the stairs that they wanted their pizza ordered. They laughed, and Belle plugged in the pizza parlor’s phone number while Banger grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator.
After dinner, they sat together on the couch, watching a zombie movie. Belle was still buzzing from Banger’s declaration of love, and she thought spending a chunk of her paycheck on the dinner she’d prepared had been worth it. Her phone rang, and she turned down the television. It was Holly.
“Am I bothering you?” her friend asked.
“No, I’m just watching a low-budget zombie movie with Banger.” She mouthed, “It’s Holly,
” in response to his quizzical face.
“I won’t keep you. We need a girls’ day out with plenty of shopping and good booze. You’ve been working too hard and worrying too much, and I’ve just been bored out of my fucking mind. Darren works so many hours, and I’m alone a lot of the time. I want to have some fun. I also haven’t shopped for a long time.”
“Sounds like something we could do some time.”
“Some time, my ass. When’s your next day off?”
“Tuesday, but I’m doing something with Banger.”
“Okay, then after that.”
“Thursday.”
“Thursday it is, then. We’ll touch base before then. I thought we’d go to Aspen to look around and have lunch.”
“Aspen? I can’t afford anything there. It’d be too depressing.”
“What about Silverplume?”
“It’s so cute and quaint there, and there are a ton of affordable shops and antique stores. Sounds fun.”
“I’ll pick you up at eleven o’clock so we can do some shopping before lunch.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it. Great idea.”
“I’ll let you go. Bye.”
Belle hung up, saying, “Holly’s concocted a girls’ day out. It should be a good time.”
“When you going?”
“Next Thursday.” She turned up the volume and settled back in Banger’s arms.
Emily came home from her job at The Last Tangle Hair Salon. “Anything to eat?” she asked, standing by the entrance to the living room.
“Yes. I made a pork loin, and there are potatoes and asparagus in the fridge. I also bought cold cuts, if you want to make a sandwich. How was work?”
“Good. I’m so tired. I’m gonna eat something then crash.” She shuffled to the kitchen.
Belle turned to Banger. “Am I going to see you before we go out on Tuesday?”
“Wish we could, but I got some club business I need to take care of that’s gonna take me outta town tomorrow and Monday. I’ll call you.”
“Is it going to be dangerous?” She scanned his face.
He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Don’t be fretting ‘bout this the whole time I’m gone. I’ll be fine.”
She nestled back against him, but worry settled inside her. She knew she wouldn’t feel at ease until he was back in Pinewood and in her arms.
* * *
Belle had been anticipating the arrival of Tuesday for the past two days, and it had finally come. Dressed in jeans and a turquoise t-shirt, she waited on the front porch, listening for Banger’s Harley. From a distance, the bike’s roar rolled over the breeze, and she smiled when he came into view a few seconds later. Her step was light as she ran down the sidewalk to greet him, and they kissed passionately. She hadn’t seen him for the previous two days, and she’d missed him so much. Even though he’d called each day, it wasn’t the same as being with him.
“I missed you, babe,” he said.
“Me too.” She buried her head in his chest. Then he helped her on his Harley, and they took off.
They wound around parsley-green mountain hills then dipped into valleys where colorful wildflowers sprung up from the lush grass. As the bike sped along the mountain roads, the spring winds caressed their faces and ruffled their hair. Slender ribbons of light came down from the sky, and Belle tilted her head back, loving the warmth on her face. She didn’t have a clue where he was taking her, but it didn’t matter; the only thing that was important was that he’d come home safely.
They crossed over the peak of a mountain, and a small town lay below. Its inhabitants, cars, streets, and stores looked like miniatures that grew larger the closer they came. Banger drove down what Belle presumed was the business district, where the storefronts were made of brick and had an Old West feel to them. He pulled the Harley into a parking place, and the two of them headed into a rustic-looking café. Belle had to wait several seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the lights, then she scanned the eatery, amazed at how much it looked like a set for an old Western. Alan Jackson’s soulful voice singing “Remember When” flowed through the speakers as they sat down at a small table.
Ordering a beer and a glass of white wine, they clinked their glasses together, their eyes locked on one another’s. Banger held Belle’s hand and kissed her, the depth of his emotion shimmering on his face when he moved away. They sat silently, listening to the song, holding hands, and staring into each other’s eyes. When the waitress brought their food, Belle sighed, sorry to break the quiet connection they were sharing.
After lunch, they walked up and down Main Street, which consisted of two blocks on either side of the road. They climbed back on the Harley, and Banger asked, “You ever been to Arrowhead Canyon?” Belle shook her head. “That’s where we’re going. I know you’ll like it.” He turned his head and they shared a kiss before he revved the engine and they were off.
Arrowhead Canyon took her breath away. Crystal-clear water from Red Fern Peak’s watershed had shaped the natural box canyon, the steep walls enclosing it. Towering pillars of granite flanked the canyon, a cascading waterfall cutting through them—a wall of blue satin threaded in silver. Dismounting, they stood in the canyon, and Belle leaned back as she looked up at the massive stone columns, a pinkish tint to them in the afternoon sun. The cliffs and waterfall surrounded the couple, and the gushing water danced in a twirling downward ballet. Pine trees loomed above the granite pillars while a few sprung out from the rock formations. The tumbling water crashed around them, a light, cool mist dampening them, several miniature rainbows shimmering among it.
Banger pulled her to an area that had some smooth rocks to sit on. “You like it?”
“I love it. It’s so serene here, and gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He squeezed her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “I never expected to give my heart to any other woman. You’ve captured my heart and driven away the loneliness by filling the void that has been in my life since Grace died.” He kissed her then gently wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Babe, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You’re the only woman for me, and I’d be mighty pleased and honored if you’d agree to spend your life with me.”
Belle stared at him, her pulse racing, heart fluttering. “What are you asking me?”
“I’m asking you to be my old lady and to marry me.” He reached inside his cut and took out a small box. Opening it, he took the ring out. It was a simple white-gold band with a three-carat black, pear-shaped diamond. Around the stone, round diamonds sparkled, catching the light from the sunbeams.
Belle’s hand trembled, and her insides exploded. He’s asking me to marry him! I can’t believe it.
He placed the ring on her finger then cupped her face. “Life’s a long, winding road, and I want you by my side. You’ve brought me back to life, babe, and I want you to ride with me all the way to the end.”
Belle looked into his clear, blue eyes, brimming with tenderness and love for her, and her heart lurched. She loved this biker, totally and completely. She bobbed her head up and down, the lump in her throat making it difficult for her to speak. Tears trickled down her face as she threw herself at him, hugging him and peppering his face with kisses.
“So, it’s a yes?” he joked.
She laughed. “Yes. I’d be honored to be your wife. I love you so much, and I need and want you in my life. I want to share my life and my children’s lives with you. But are you sure you want an old lady who has a troubled teen, a pre-teen, and a murder charge hanging over her head?”
Banger’s eyes twinkled. “Is that all you got for me, woman? Fuck, that’s nothing.”
They held each other, listening to their hearts beating in tandem with the waterfall as it rushed over the rocks.
Later that evening, Banger took Emily, Ethan, and Belle to Big Rocky’s Restaurant for steak and barbecue. When they were all seated, Belle looked at her kid
s, inhaled deeply, and said, “Banger has asked me to marry him, and I’ve accepted.”
“Yes!” Ethan said, which made her insides sing, and brought a chuckle from Banger.
Emily smiled. “I’m happy for you, Mom. I’m cool with it.” She scrunched her face and looked at Banger. “But there’s no way I’m calling you Dad.”
“I don’t give a damn what you call me, as long as it’s respectful. The nasty shit you wanna say, keep it to yourself, or say it behind my back.” He curled his lip, but from the tinge of amusement lacing his eyes, Belle knew he was teasing Emily.
Emily looked surprised at first, then a wide grin crossed her face. “That’s fair,” she said.
They ate their steaks and burgers, and an air of gaiety surrounded them. Besides my kids being born, this is one of the happiest days of my life. During dinner, the couple stole glances at each other, and Banger kept his hand on her knee. She couldn’t stop looking at her beautiful engagement ring. It just didn’t get better than this.
Life was very good.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The following afternoon, Banger sat at the clubhouse’s bar and threw back a shot of Jack, the amber-colored whiskey creating a burn that dragged all the way into his stomach. He jerked his chin to Puck for another. As he threw back his second shot, Hawk slid onto the barstool next to him. Banger motioned Puck to bring a couple more shots. When the prospect set the two glasses in front of the patched members, Banger lifted his and hit it against Hawk’s.
Hawk raised his eyebrows. “What are we celebrating?”
“I’m gettin’ married. Fuck.” He threw his drink back, a buzz growing in his head.
Hawk downed his shot and stared at Banger. “Fuck, now Cara will never let me forget that she was right in setting you up. I was against it. Thought she was meddling, but she’s gonna have me eating crow for quite a while on this one.” Hawk clapped Banger on the shoulder. “Congrats, man. You deserve to be happy, and Belle seems like a good, loyal woman.”
