Page 39 of Gunner

My family.

The previous day’s events gave me a new perspective, making me push aside any remaining reservations or doubts. James has always been the one for me, and deep down in my heart, I’ve known it since the day we met. After what I had been through, all because of Striker, I wasn’t going to waste a single moment of our second chance together. It’s only been a week since Caleb returned to me, but the three of us have been inseparable ever since.

Now, I’m watching my little boy color a picture as he sits at my feet on the rug in our living room. His new dinosaur stuffie, Bob, sits right beside him. No clue how he came up with the name. He just said he looked like a Bob, so Bob it is, and no one questions it.

I reach for my mug on the coffee table, grunting in discomfort as I do.

“Need a refill?” Sienna asks, setting a plate of fresh fruit on the table next to Caleb.

She and Emma have been absolute godsends this past week. I’ve been able to move around, but it’s been a challenge with my broken ribs and sprained wrist. James is an excellent caretaker—although that’s no surprise after seeing how well he cared for his mother before she passed. But when he has to leave or be away for a while on club business, he always makes sure one or both of the girls can be here to help me and Caleb.

“I’m good, thanks,” I tell her as she plops down next to me on the couch.

“How you feeling? Need more pain meds or anything?”

“No, I actually feel pretty good right now.” And I mean it.

I really am fortunate that I walked away from my attack with as few injuries as I did. It could’ve been so much worse, and I honestly believe that’s what my attacker intended when he arrived. I don’t know what changed his mind or spooked him, but I’m thankful for whatever it was, because not only did it save my life; it ended his. Once I was able to describe him to the Disciples, they identified him as Blade, one of the men they killed when they raided the Outlaw’s clubhouse.

Well, good riddance. Serves him right for beating up on a woman.

Emma, Sentinel, and Throttle join us in the living room, but James is missing.

“Where’s Gunner?”

They all glance around, giving each other looks, but no one answers me. That’s odd.

The front door opens and I assume it’s him, but instead, Venom walks in with Crusher—Maverick following behind them.

“Did any of you see Gunner out there?”

“No, darlin’. Just us.” Venom smiles as he heads to the kitchen, carrying bags of groceries. He’s been so sweet to me and Caleb, but from what James says, he is not a man to be trifled with. Guess I’ll stay on his good side. He returns to the living room, looking around. “We came to check on you, but it seems we’re not the only ones with the same thought.”

“Of course, we came. She’s one of us now.” Throttle winks at me, pulling Sienna onto his lap.

“We’ll get this one on a bike soon enough.” Sentinel nods toward my son and my eyes widen, causing everyone to laugh. I trust these men with my life, but the thought of my son riding a motorcycle scares the bejesus out of me.

He’s my baby.

Seeing them all sitting around me and Caleb sends warmth through my body. This is what it feels like to belong. This is what it feels like when you choose your family. A family I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for James. They’ve all been so good to us that I see why James would do anything for them. Just as they would do anything for him. For us. I want to stay with them forever.

And thinking of James, where is he?

When he isn’t near, I’m restless and anxious. He’s been by my side almost constantly since the minute he came back into my life, and I’ve grown accustomed to his dominating presence. I’ve never been the kind of person who likes to depend on others, but I’ve definitely become attached to him. So much so that I feel incomplete when he isn’t around. I crave him, and I’m not ashamed to admit that.

So, where the hell is he?

I reach for my phone to shoot him a text when the door to the garage swings open. Then I hear his deep, baritone voice booming from the kitchen, and something in my soul settles into place. “Who let all you motherfuckers in here?” he jokes.

“Where the fuck you been? We been taking care of your woman and kid for the last thirty minutes.” Crusher’s only teasing, but James glares at him from across the room. Those boys have been thick as thieves for years, and calling him Crusher still takes some getting used to.

“Ain’t nobody taking care of them but me, you asshole.”

Everyone laughs, including James, before he calls over to Caleb and the two of them retreat into the kitchen. Then my son comes barreling back out, his green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Mom! Mom! We’re gonna be a family! James is gonna be my new dad!” He’s practically bursting out of his skin.

All eyes are on my little fireball presently vibrating with energy, before everyone turns their gazes on me. I look to James, who watches me from the edge of the kitchen.

“What’s happening?” I chuckle nervously.

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