Page 35 of Mason

Three months later

Sunlight creeps through the blinds,cutting across the room like prison bars made of dawn. I stir, feeling a weight against my chest. It's her—Carlie, all soft curves and warmth tangled up with me. Today's the day, the big one. My heart's thumping like it wants to bust out and run a circuit around the room.

"Morning, Darlin'," I whisper, brushing away a golden curl from her face. Her eyes flutter open, them baby blues locking onto mine. "Today the day.”

She smiles, that kinda smile that could turn the darkest night into high noon.

CARLIE

Waking up next to Mason, it's like waking up inside a dream I never want to leave. His inked arms are my shelter, his heartbeat the rhythm of my new life. I used to wake to the ticking of a clock, counting down another predictable day. Now, each tick is a thump of adventure waiting to happen.

"Mason," I breathe out, his name a prayer on my lips. "I never knew life... real living, until you came into it." A single tear escapes, not from sadness but from the overwhelming blaze of change he's ignited in me.

"Hey, no crying," he says, thumb catching the runaway drop. "Tears are for the weak, and baby, you're anything but."

"Happy tears," I correct him, my voice a murmur full of promises and uncharted roads. "You taught me to ride through storms, not hide from 'em."

He grins, and damn if it isn't the sunrise itself breaking across his face. "That's my girl.”

"Always," I say, strength filling my voice as I think about the miles we've covered and the ones yet to conquer. Together.

I slip out from Mason's embrace and my feet hit the cool wooden floor, my heart a drumline marching me toward our forever.

Steam curls around me as the hot water cascades, a liquid cocoon erasing every shiver of doubt. This is it—the day I become Carlie Mason, the woman who rides shotgun in life with a man whose love roars louder than any engine. The mirror's fogged up when I step out, but I see myself clearer than ever—strong, fierce, ready.

"Today's the day, Carlie!" Jenny bursts into the room, her energy a whirlwind that could outpace any twister.

“Jesus Christ!” Mason curses, making sure he’s all covered up.

"Jenny," I laugh, wrapped in a towel, my skin still glowing from the heat. I pull her into the bathroom and close the door to give Mason his privacy.

She sweeps me into a bear hug, nearly lifting me off my feet. "You're getting hitched, girl! To the President of the Iron Reapers, no less. You sure know how to pick 'em."

“Oh my God, shut up. He’s literally right outside.”

There’s a quick knock on the door. “I’m heading out Darlin'. Give me some sugar.”

I stick my head out the door and look up at him. He’s dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and of course his cut. God, I’m so freaking lucky. Mason curls his hand around the back of my neck pulling me near and presses his lips to mine. Hungry for more, I sweep my tongue across his lips and he opens instantly, dominating the kiss like he always does. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Alright you two! Mason, get out of here, she needs to get ready.”

Mason grins and turns to leave. “See you real soon Darlin'.”

As soon as he’s closed the bedroom door, I open the one I’ve been using as a shield to keep us apart. I didn’t know what I was looking for until Mason. Now I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. And I get to be with him for always.

"Sit down, superstar. Let's get you glammed up." Jenny is all business now, her fingers working magic as she weaves my hair into an elegant style befitting a biker queen.

"Think Mason will approve?" My question hangs between us, half playful, half needing her reassurance.

"Girl, he won't know what hit him. You're gonna be a knockout." Jenny grins through the mirror, her hands deftlyapplying makeup that highlights my natural glow. "Remember that dirtbag ex of yours? Bet he's eating his heart out now."

"Who?" I feign ignorance, the past a distant speck in my rearview mirror. "All I see is Mason.”

"That's my girl." Jenny steps back, appraising her work with a nod of satisfaction. "You're ready to take on the world, Carlie Meadows. No, scratch that—you're ready to conquer it."

And damn if she isn't right. I rise, a warrior dressed in white, the embodiment of the love and loyalty that's defined my new family. Today, I ride full throttle into the future, and nothing's gonna slow me down.

MASON

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