Bash

by Sapphire Knight

  “Surprise!” is shouted by multiple people, and I jump.

  Sebastian’s front comes to my back, and his arms wrap around my middle, his palms protectively resting over my small bump. He leans in until his lips are next to my ear as his deep voice lowly rasps, “Surprise, Momma.”

  I take everything in, tears making my gaze watery as my chest warms. There are balloons everywhere, along with a few signs and random pastel decorations. A table’s set up with food and a cake, half of the table has a blue tablecloth and treats while the opposite is all pink. Everyone stands around smiling at us and talking amongst each other, their moods putting me at ease and happiness blooms inside me.

  “They did this?”

  “You deserve something special, baby. You deserve a baby shower, a chance to celebrate, and be happy.”

  Sebastian’s mom and dad approach as I’m about to spin around and make out with my man, maybe drag him to his old room and fuck his brains out for being so good to me all the time. “There’s my daughter!” Sebastian’s mom exclaims, beaming brightly. With her here, I know she must be responsible for all the decorations, and it makes me adore her a little more for going to the trouble for us. I first met her when I was in the hospital after Maliki found me. Sebastian’s mom is one of the kindest, most accepting women I’ve ever met. “Come here, doll,” she calls and pulls me in, wrapping me in her warm mom embrace.

  God, I missed this.

  She says, “I’m so happy we get to find out what my grandchild is going to be today,” she exclaims, rocking me back and forth until Sebastian releases me with a chuckle so his mom can continue to be excited with me. She pulls back, still holding my arms. “Now everything we got is in neutral colors, but if you want, we can exchange them for anything specific. This is your day, honey, and Sebby wants it perfect, as do I.”

  I nearly choke, wanting to tell them that it’s already the best, just having them here supporting us. The day was going to be great, regardless, knowing we were planning to tell Sebastian’s brothers what we’re having, but to see that everyone did this…it’s so much. These people really have become my family over the short amount of time I’ve been around. They’ve welcomed me in with open arms, gave me their protection, their friendship and one of their members to keep forever.

  Sebastian’s dad leans in with a hug next. “Savannah, you look radiant. You make such a pretty momma.” Tears track down my cheeks, and I quickly move to swipe them away. I’m so overcome with emotion. I’m pregnant and full of hormones, but to have a family again after it was so ruthlessly stolen from me, I can’t help but cry from happiness, hope, and love.

  Chaos’s ol’ lady flashes me a bright smile. I don’t know her well, except that she’s nice and been through her own share of issues. I’m hoping that we’ll grow closer over time. I haven’t been around her much with everything going on and working. Sebastian wants to include me in the club more, he’s mentioned it, so hopefully, Chaos’s ol’ lady will end up becoming a longtime friend. It would be weird if we didn’t like each other since our guys are so close.

  “I’m so happy,” I manage to acknowledge, and Sebastian flashes a wide, joyful smile at me.

  “That’s all I want, Angel. Now, would you like to tell everyone about our baby, or me?” After seeing what he helped plan for me, I nod my head at him. He can have this moment of excitement. I’ve already gotten everything I could want. He beams, yanking me to him to tuck me under his arm. He shouts enthusiastically, “We’re having a baby, Bash! Get ready, motherfuckers, there’s about to be a mini me around here!”

  His brothers hoot and holler, making me laugh as they head over to congratulate us and slap him on the back. Sebastian’s parents come over to hug me again and tell me how excited they are for us. I promise we’ll visit a lot and they say the same. Family is everything, and I’m glad they feel that way as well. I already know we’ll have the MC around forever. It’s my man’s second family and now mine as well.

  A few people from work offer me quick hugs and tell me they’ll fill in for me if I ever need a day off. They have kids and say that they know how it is. I don’t know what they mean just yet, but I appreciate their offers. It’s nice to have a few people from the diner show up for this too and be allowed to see a different side of the MC.

  Chaos steps in front of me, along with his woman. She offers me a friendly smile while he stares down at me wearing a serious expression. “Prez,” I greet, showing him the respect he deserves for running this club. The guys have chastised me on several occasions that I don’t need to address them as so, but I kind of like it. It makes me feel like I fit in with them, and everyone wants some sort of acceptance in their lives. I have it with Sebastian, so, naturally, I want it here, too. He loves these guys in his own way.

  Chaos breaks out into a grin. He doesn’t share them often, so I know it’s reserved for special moments. “Happy for you, girl. Proud to call you an ol’ lady of this club.”

  I flash him a soft smile. He’s like the older, gruff brother I never had before and never realized I needed until coming here. “Thank you, Chaos. I’m proud to call you my family,” I return, and I think it catches him off guard.

  He tilts his head, and then almost as if he silently says fuck it, he leans in and offers me a hug. These guys aren’t big huggers, especially to another brother’s woman, so I take it as the gift it is. He’s welcomed me into his club and has given me his blessing to be with his brother and best friend. That’s a pretty damn good feeling. His ol’ lady leans in to embrace me once Chaos has moved out of the way, whispering, “I’m excited for you and Bash.”

  “Thank you,” I reply, and the other guys congratulate me as well. The moment fades into the background, but it’s a memory I won’t ever forget.

  Bash presses a kiss to my temple. “You’re not crushing on my prez, hm? Gonna make me jealous?” I can feel his grin against my skin, and I shake my head.

  I meet his gaze, wearing a tender smile. “Never, that man is my brother now too. He was congratulating us, and it was a big compliment coming from your best friend, babe. I don’t ever want to cause problems for your club or your brothers. This is your life, and I’m a part of that now too.”

  His hand goes to my chin, and he tilts my face up, his cobalt irises taking me in. He shakes his head. “You’re wrong.”

  I swallow tightly, suddenly not feeling so confident with everything. “I am?”

  “This isn’t my life, it used to be. This is my club, my brothers. You and our baby are my life.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Angel. Forever.”

  “Forever.”

  Epilogue

  Forever is composed of nows. - Emily Dickinson

  Savannah’s water just broke, and now she’s freaking out…

  “I can’t believe all of this hasn’t made you want to run away from me,” she murmurs, looking a little lost and broken. Her pregnancy is making her worry overtime. Now that the baby’s coming, she’s afraid I’m not going to stick around, but she couldn’t be further from the truth. A little labor and delivery won’t scare me off, especially not when I plan on knocking her up again as soon as she’ll allow me to.

  “Angel, I’m a thirty-two-year-old man. I’ve lived long enough that these issues we’ve gone through don’t mean anything to me. Aside from me making sure everything is taken care of, however that may be. I’m old enough to be ready for a family; you and the pregnancy have been the light in my life so far. The shit storm you were dealing with, never should’ve been at your door in the first place. You fell victim to a duo of predators, and you never deserved to go through any of it. I’ll always protect you from any problems I can. Running away from you is the very last thing I want; in fact, I think it’s time we made it official.”

  “What?”

  “That you’re my ol’ lady, my woman. We’ve mentioned it in passing, but it’s overdue that we have a serious discussion on it. There won’t ever be anot
her for me, Savannah. You’re it for me. Also that we’re living together. I’m getting rid of my apartment, and we’re gonna find a nice house with a yard and a garage that you love. We’ll buy it, and we’ll raise our family there.”

  Her brow wrinkles as her mind races with my words. “You would do all of this for me and our baby, Bash?”

  “I’d do so much more, Savannah. All you have to do is ask, baby. I meant it when I told you that you’re my whole world.”

  She bites her bottom lip, her eyes falling to the ground before determination steals over her regard, and she meets my curious stare. “Would you marry me?”

  I swallow, not expecting that. She always has a way of throwing me off-kilter. “Is that what you want?” It may be hard while she’s pushing out my kid, but where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I’ll somehow figure out a way to make it happen.

  “If my father were still alive, he’d insist on it. In our culture, you’re married before having a child…well, that’s how it’s preached anyhow.”

  “We don’t have to follow anything we don’t want to.” Besides, her water already broke. I’d say it’s a little too late for us to be following all the traditions now.

  She nods, releasing a breath. “I know, but it would’ve made him proud of me.”

  “I’d bet a million times over that he’s prouder of you than you can ever imagine.”

  Tears fill her eyes. “I hope so, but I want to honor him this way.”

  “I would love to marry you, don’t get me wrong, but I will only do it if it’s what you want, not for your old man. Tell me, baby, you wanna marry me because you love me and can’t imagine your future without me being in it?” I ask, ready to fall down on bended knee if she were to agree. I don’t plan on ever letting her go, regardless of if we’re married or not. I’ve already committed myself to her and our son. That won’t change in the slightest whether she has a ring on her finger or not. She’ll have my property patch on her, and that’s proof enough for me.

  Her lip trembles, and with it, fresh tears fall. She whispers, “I do love you, Sebastian. I want to marry you more than anything.”

  With a swift nod, I bend, holding her hand in mine. “I love you, Angel. I promise to cherish and protect you always. I promise to hold you and our children near to my heart, and always put my family above all else. I promise to be your ol’ man, if you’ll be my ol’ lady…will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and my partner?

  “Oh, honey,” she breathes. “Yes, yes, yes!”

  I leap up, wrapping her in my arms, wearing a smile so wide it makes my face hurt. “You’re mine,” I growl, leaning my forehead against hers, wanting a kiss.

  I’ll be texting my brothers in about two minutes to discuss this marriage. I don’t care if they have to kidnap a priest for me, I need one ASAP. First of all, however, I need to drive my woman to the hospital. Her safety and well-being are above all else, no matter how much I wish I could shower her with love for the rest of the day. We’re having a kid today, and my world is becoming even more complete.

  “I am yours.” She flashes me a grin as I help her to the car. “And you’re mine too.”

  “Forever, Angel.” I lean in, taking her mouth with mine, sealing our fate with a promise and a kiss.

  ***

  Thank you so much for reading Bash! I hope you enjoyed Sebastian and Savannah. I love writing about my alpha asshole heroes, but sometimes we don’t need a man to come in and save us. Sometimes, we want to have someone in our corner cheering us on and that’s enough. I’m fortunate enough to have fifteen years with my OTTA. He’s saved me, let me save him, and also stands in my corner cheering me on when I’m being my own hero. For everyone who doesn’t have that special somebody, now you have Bash.

  XO- Sapphire Knight #BeYourOwnHero

  ***

  My husband – This life wouldn’t be possible without having your continued support. I know it’s not always easy when I zone out on my laptop and don’t want to be disturbed. I appreciate you rolling with it and embracing my chosen career. I’m glad you’ve discovered a way to implement Knight Creations business to fit so well with mine. I wouldn’t want to spend my life with anyone else. I love you, I’m thankful for you, I can’t say it enough.

  My boys – You’re my whole world. I love you both. This never changes, and you better not be reading these books until you’re thirty and tell yourself your momma did not write them! I can never express how grateful I am for your support. You are quick to tell me that my career makes you proud, that I make you proud. As far as mom wins go, that one takes the cake. I love you with every beat of my heart, and I will forever.

  My Beta Babes – This wouldn’t be possible without you always being there to cheer me on. I can’t express my gratitude enough for each of you. I’m blessed to have your continued support.

  Editor Mitzi Carroll –Mitzi, I couldn’t do this without you. You always polish my work up while not attempting to smother my voice and I greatly appreciate it. You are the best! Thank you for pouring tons of hours into my passion and being so wonderful to me. Thank you for your amazing support and always being there whenever I need you.

  Marisa Nichols Proofreading/Alated Bibliophile thank you for proofreading Bastard, I enjoy reading your comments with Mitzi’s. You two make my day! It’s an honor to have you two in my corner.

  CT Cover Creations – A huge thank you for your help on this unique project! I can always count on you and that means so much. Thank you for all of your hard work and the kindness you don’t ever hesitate to share with me. Your designs are superb and your professionalism is on another level entirely. You set the bar high with designers and you’ve completely spoiled me. Thank you!

  A special thank you to M.N. Forgy for dreaming up this project and inviting me to be a part of it. To my fellow Authors in the Kings of Carnage project, I admire you a great deal and am honored to have made this little world come together with you.

  Hilary Storm, thank you for being so goddamn awesome. I love you and am grateful to call you my friend. You are a force and I admire your commitment, your talent, and your genuineness. You are the realist person I know and consider you my friend for life.

  My Blogger Friends – YOU ARE AMAZING! No, really, you are. You take a new chance on me with each book and in return, share my passion with the world. You never truly get enough credit, and I’m forever grateful! There are so many of you that have stuck with me from the beginning, that dedication is truly humbling.

  My Readers – I love you. You make my life possible, thank you. I can’t wait to meet many of you this year and in the future. To those of you leaving me the awesome spoiler free reviews, you motivate me to keep writing. For that, I will forever be grateful, as this is my passion in life.

  And as always, ADOPT DON’T SHOP! Save a life today and adopt from a rescue or your local animal shelter. #ProudDobermanMom

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