by Skye McNeil
“Niall and Orla left.”
Turning, Isa took in the sight of Doc walking into the kitchen. He overwhelmed the small space, his wide shoulders seemingly larger in his green T-shirt. His cut was lying on her bed, but he kept his bike boots on all night. While he hadn’t brought his handgun overseas, he didn’t need it to protect her. He’d proven that multiple times since they met. His love was all she needed to be safe.
“Thanks for playing host.” She grinned. “I’m sure it was difficult at times. Orla and Niall can be a handful.”
He kissed her temple. “No more than you.”
Hugging his torso, she carefully leaned in to him. Ever since the shoot-out, she’d been terrified to do anything more than light caresses.
He kissed her head and moved to the bedroom. “You coming to bed?”
“Soon.” She pointed to the sink. “Dishes don’t do themselves.”
Doc frowned and grabbed her hands, moving her away from the sink. “I’ll take care of those in the morning. Right now, I want to take care of you.” He searched out her eyes. “You gonna fight on this, princess?”
She smiled. “It’d be pointless.”
“Glad you’re finally seeing it my way.” He narrowed his eyes and suddenly lifted her off the floor. “Because it’s the only way.”
She laughed as he walked her into the bedroom and plopped her on the bed.
“Get undressed.”
She cocked her brow and almost made a snarky retort until he tore off his shirt. The dim light from her bedside lamp beautifully cast him in a muted glow. His muscles appeared more defined, his tattoos almost shimmering in the cool air. Not remembering to turn on the heater had a few advantages, the main one being that Doc would keep her warm all night long. A scar on his side reminded her of the past months and his bravery. She’d never forget how he’d protected her and how he continued to do it each and every day.
Sitting up, she slowly pulled off her wool sweater and bra. He watched with rapt attention, his eyes darkening with each article of clothing lost. When she had nothing left on, she stood by the end of the bed, long hair covering her peaked nipples. Lust lingered on his face, his eyes darting along her body.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” She crawled on the bed and sprawled out, arm holding her head up. “Because you could always just watch me.”
Doc hissed a breath, a muscle in his cheek twitching. “You sure I was your first?” He kicked off his boots and the rest of his clothes.
“I said I was a virgin, not a nun.” She crooked her index finger at him.
Instead of immediately obeying, he leisurely ran his fingertips along her legs. His touch sent goose bumps across her skin, the sensation too good to deny.
“You know why I like your sassy mouth?” he asked, bending over and kissing the inside of her thigh.
Isa’s breath hitched as a bundle of nerves shot straight to her apex. She shook her head, thoughts suddenly muddled.
Doc slowly positioned himself between her legs. “Because we both enjoy the punishment.”
Before she could reply, he wiggled his brows and flipped her on her stomach. She gasped when his palm connected with her arse once, then twice, the singeing pain only turning her on more.
“Doc!”
“Yes, princess?” He kissed up her spine.
“Do it again.”
“Nah, baby, can’t spoil you already.” He kissed the side of her neck. “I think that’s enough for now.” He nipped her bottom lip. “I’m going to show you exactly how rough I can be, princess.”
“I’m ready.”
“I know you are.” He flipped her to her back. “I’ve craved you from the moment we met. And after a month, I’m desperate for you. For the way we fit so perfectly.”
Isa wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him closer. “Show me.”
As his answer, he slid his cock into her warmth. Her mouth dropped open involuntarily. The sensation of skin on skin was better than how she’d imagined it. “We don’t have protection.”
He leaned down and kissed her hard. When she came up for air, her mind was blank and vision blurry. Doc paused his hips and cupped her face. “I don’t want anything between us ever again.”
“But what if—”
“I love you more than life itself. That’ll only grow stronger if we have a baby. Unless you don’t want one. Then I’ll—”
“No. I do.” She rubbed her lips together. “I always thought I’d, um, be married.” She held her breath, waiting for his reply. They’d never discussed marriage and only just mentioned children moments earlier.
He eased out of her and she instantly felt lonely. He hurried off the bed and rummaged through his carry-on bag. She tilted her head, staring at his firm arse. It was bite-worthy, that much she knew for certain. Scars lined his body where bullets had grazed him. They didn’t scare her anymore. They made her love him even more.
He caught her gawking and gave her a cocky smile before walking back to the bed, right arm behind his back. He knelt next to her, his face filled with confidence.
“I love you, Isa. I’ve known since day one I wanted you as my own. You’ve shown me what it truly means to be a man. You brighten my life one moment at a time, and I don’t want the sun to ever set on our love.” He pulled a small box from behind his back and opened it.
Isa’s heart thudded against her rib cage. The deep green gem was unlike any other she’d seen before. It wasn’t one from a jewelry store the public could easily obtain. It was one of a kind.
“A normal ring isn’t you, princess. You’re the best kind of unique, and I wanted this to represent your past and our future.” He licked his lips. “There’s no one but you for me. Will you be my old lady?” He laughed. “My wife. My old lady. Damn, never thought I’d say that out loud.”
Isa’s eyes welled with tears. She leaned forward and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Aye,” she managed between kisses. “I’ll marry you.”
Doc let out a loud whoop and kissed her until her head nestled against the pillow. He slipped the ring on her finger and laid a gentle kiss on it. “You’ll always be my old lady, my wife, my Macha princess.
Epilogue
Doc
Four months. Damn, has it been that long already?
Doc parked his bike outside the shop and rested his helmet on the handlebars. Summer came and went, as did the turning leaves of autumn. Now, the winter winds blew in from the mountains, and the daily rides on his bike were shorter if not nonexistent.
He followed the sidewalk to the front door and pulled off his shades. The ski shop hadn’t changed much except for the addition of Isa’s line of clothes. He glanced over to her dedicated portion of the store. It was full of customers—men, women, and children alike—each one finding an item from her line to purchase.
He nodded to Queenie, who was helping a customer, and made his way up to the loft area. Originally, she’d wanted to put a café up there, but Isa quickly changed her mind and the duo made it a workspace. It was mostly for Isa, but with a comfortable recliner next to the window, Queenie also enjoyed the slice of heaven during the slow hours.
“Baby, where you at?” he called, not seeing Isa at her usual place by the drawing desk, courtesy of Brewer. Evidently, the redhead was a bit of a woodsman at heart.
“The loo. Be out in a moment.”
Doc walked over to the recliner by the window and grunted in pleasure at the soft plush. Snowflakes dotted the windowpane, telling him to put the bike away for winter. Snowshoe would be bustling soon enough with holiday shoppers and tourists. Once January hit, the town would be filled with extreme snow seekers thanks to the winter games. It was the club’s busiest time of the year and one that set them up for the down season.
“From what I saw, your clothes are flying off the hangers,” he said, hearing the bathroom door open and close. “Good thing we found that manufacturer in Denver to keep up with demand.” He stared out the window at
the town already setting up for the Christmas holiday. “Hell, you’ll probably make more money than the club this year.”
“Maybe, but I’m afraid I won’t have much time for it in a few months.”
He glanced over and noticed her pale face. Worry immediately lined his gut, and he walked over to her. He kissed her forehead, checking her temperature. “What’s wrong? You don’t feel warm. Are you hungry?”
Isa’s hand went to her mouth, and she shook her head. “No. God, no.”
He stood in front of her and cradled her chin. “Tell me.”
Her gray eyes met his and all anxiety slipped away. She wasn’t sick, that much he could tell from her expression. “You remember how we got married?”
Doc thought back to their Halloween nuptials. It’d been one hell of a night, complete with a full moon and plenty of drinking. Her best friends and dad even flew over from Ireland to celebrate. “Yeah.”
“Well, next year, we’ll have a little pumpkin to take trick-or-treating on our anniversary.”
For a split second, his brain stopped working. He slowly registered her words, and his eyes widened. He looked down at her flat stomach, then back to her face. “Really?” She nodded, and he placed a palm on her belly. “I’m gonna be a daddy?”
“Aye.”
He whooped with joy and picked her up.
“Stop spinning me or I’ll hurl again,” she warned, patting his back.
Doc gently put her down and knelt in front of her. Lifting her shirt, he kissed her stomach. “You are so loved, little one.” He looked up to Isa. “Your mama is the best there is, so don’t give her too much grief.”
Isa threaded her fingers through his hair. “And your daddy is the best biker doc in Colorado.”
He got to his feet and tenderly kissed her. “And we’ll raise the baby with both parents. No running. No hiding. Just us against the world.”
She kissed him longer this time. “And we’ll teach her all about Macha.”
“Hell yeah.” He carefully rubbed her stomach. “And how he should treat a woman.”
“Or how she should be treated.”
He chuckled. “All right, all right. Either way, I’m glad to have a miniature of us running around.” He lowered his voice. “And maybe even another one after that.”
She looped her arms around his neck. “One of each sounds good to me.”
“As long as I’m with you, I’m the happiest man alive.” Doc leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. He’d never have imagined this life. He fell deeper in love with her with each passing day. She made him better, and he never wanted to return to the life he once knew.
“I guess Cameron was right. Once I found the woman who makes my heart beat, I never want to be without her.”
Leaning back, she eyed him warily. “Who’s Cameron?”
He smirked. “Just a mobster I knew once upon a time. I used to give him shit for being so in love with his fiancée.” He kissed her nose. “But after falling for you, I get it.”
“Sounds like a good guy.”
“Yeah, he is.” Doc grinned. “You’d like him”
She kissed his jaw. “But not as good a man as you.”
Lifting her off the floor again, he led them over to the couch and settled her on top of him. “I’m only good because of you. I’m a mess without you, Isadora.”
“Did I hear somebody mention a baby?” Queenie’s voice drifted to the rafters, and he reluctantly paused his affections. There’d be plenty of time to show his old lady how much he loved her.
Isa swiveled just enough to say, “You already knew, Queenie.”
The older woman laughed and, to his surprise, didn’t join them in the loft. Isa turned back to face him and captured his lips. “Now, where were we?”
“I love you so damn much.”
“I know.” She cupped his jaw. “Now kiss me, Doc T, and never let me go.”
He closed the distance to her lips. He’d always give in to his princess’s demands.
Epilogue
Isa
The snowstorm took over the town before she could prepare for it. After telling Doc the good news, she’d promptly reserved the loo for the remainder of the afternoon. He’d only left after she convinced him that Queenie would take care of her. Plus, he couldn’t very well drive her home on the bike today.
Isa turned off the neon sign in the window and made her way to the counter. Only the security lights were on, Queenie having left ten minutes prior. She flipped off the last set of lights for the display wall and grabbed her coat.
Tightening the belt, her hands hovered over her stomach. She pressed her lips together. A baby. She didn’t try to hide her excitement. A mini Doc or mini me.
After their return from Ireland, she was positive they’d be pregnant before they tied the knot. When it didn’t happen, she’d worried herself into a tizzy. Sighing, she rested her hand on her belly. But Doc hadn’t.
“We’ll have one when the timing’s right, princess.” That was what he’d said whenever she doubted. He was right, of course. The entire subject was put on hold during the summer and fall. Between preparations for their nuptials, club business, and her design line, the little time they had together was spent riding his motorcycle through the mountains and enjoying each other’s company. She had to admit, she wasn’t sure she could handle every rough inch of Doc T, but she was sorely wrong. He was everything she desired and more.
A blush crept up her body recalling the times they snuck off the road to “experience nature,” as Doc called it. Being part of Macha felt right. In one summer, Isa gained a family filled with annoying brothers, protective father figures, and doting mothers and aunts. It was the exact lifestyle she wanted their baby to experience.
Isa slipped her scarf around her neck and locked the door behind her. A gust of air littered her hair with snowflakes. Inhaling deeply, she carefully made her way down the sidewalk to Doc’s truck outside. Even with her long legs, climbing into the jacked-up Dodge was difficult in heeled boots.
Her phone beeped with a new message from Orla. Checking it, she grinned at the photo. Her best friend’s belly looked like she’d swallowed a basketball. Niall, of course, was every bit the proud father next to her. She saved the picture to her phone, making a mental note to visit Ireland before she was too pregnant to fly. While she missed her friends and their little shop, being in Colorado with Doc was home.
She sent a reply to Orla, bursting to tell her the good news but not wanting to spoil the final part of her friend’s pregnancy. They deserved all the attention. After the last six months, they’d earned it.
She cranked the diesel engine and quickly merged with traffic. Snowshoe’s streets weren’t covered with snow yet thanks to the orange plows making their rounds. She easily followed the road, country tune on the radio.
Only after she reached the clubhouse did she check her phone again.
Orla: You know you can tell me anything, right?
Isa: What’re you talking about?
She kept the car running, the prospects moving the motorcycles into the shop next door.
Orla: Doc just spoke to Niall.
Shite, that little bastard. She rolled her eyes. Her old man was nothing if not boastful.
Isa: What’d he say?
She tapped on the steering wheel as little bubbles showed Orla’s typing.
Orla: That our little girl will have a playmate.
Deciding a call was better suited, she dialed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to steal your thunder,” she said the moment her friend answered.
Orla laughed. “Please, we’re best friends. All of us. I’d never worry about that. Hell, I’m glad you’re pregnant too. We can be belly buddies.”
Relief coursed through her and she chuckled. “Seeing how you have two months left and I have more than that, I doubt it very much.”
“Hmm, true. You suck.”
They both laughed, and she wished Orla was close enough to hug
.
“I’m kind of scared, honestly.”
“Why?”
“My mum isn’t around to talk to about this parenting stuff.”
“No, but your da is,” Orla reminded. “Even though he wasn’t around all the time, I think he’d be ecstatic to give you advice.”
“Well, I guess that’s true. I bet he’ll be excited to hear the news.”
“You haven’t told him?”
“I just told Doc today.” She turned down the radio. “He’s so excited.”
“Damn right he is,” Niall said in the background.
She heard Orla say something under her breath but couldn’t make it out.
“Sorry, my husband is quite cheeky lately.”
“I can get cheekier,” Niall called.
This time, Isa giggled when she heard a manly yet high-pitched squeal.
“There. That ought to keep his bloody mouth shut for a while.”
“Did you gag him again?” she teased.
“He wishes.” Orla cleared her throat. “But don’t worry. I’ll manhandle him later.”
“Oh, you little minx! Let me out of these cuffs.”
Isa stifled her laughter. She’d never guessed her best friends to be kinky of any variety, but then again, she’d thought the same about herself.
Doc came out of the clubhouse, Rubble and Hawk on his tail. Isa unbuckled her seat belt and simply watched him. The trio was nearly inseparable ever since the Twelve Brothers fiasco. Their comradery was endearing. She didn’t worry about him so long as he was with his brothers.
“Love, I need to go. Something pressing came up. Talk later.” Orla signed off, and Isa shut down the truck and braced herself for the cold.
The moment her boots hit the pavement, Doc’s eyes locked on her. He nodded to Rubble and Hawk, then jogged away from the duo. Snow fell on his shaggy blond hair, his Macha cut hugging his hooded sweatshirt.
“Hey, beautiful.” He kissed the top of her head and tucked her beside him as they walked toward the clubhouse’s warmth. “How’re you feeling?”
