Page 27 of Switch

Sophie laughs, a deep, easy sound. “Well, thanks for making it. And don’t let Carlie fool you—she’d hype up a peanut butter sandwich if it suited her.”

“I heard that,” Carlie calls from across the kitchen, setting the cheesecake on the counter.

I laugh, the tight knot in my chest loosening just a little. Sophie’s humor and laid-back vibe feel more familiar than I expected.

We make our way into the living room next, where a petite brunette is chasing after a curly-haired toddler who’s trying very hard to escape her grasp. The little girl squeals as she dodges behind the couch, and the woman lets out an exasperated laugh.

“Jenny, meet Bella,” Carlie says, stopping near the couch. “She’s Jax’s friend.”

Jenny straightens, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as she gives me a quick once-over. “Friend, huh?” she says, her tone teasing as she picks up the toddler, who immediately starts squirming.

I feel my cheeks heat, but I force a small smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” she says, adjusting the toddler on her hip. “Sorry about the chaos. Two-year-olds have one mission in life, and it’s to make me lose my mind.”

I smile. “She’s adorable, though.”

Jenny grins, her eyes softening as she looks at her daughter. “Yeah, she’s a handful, but she’s worth it.”

Her tone is so casual, but the love in her voice is unmistakable. It makes my chest ache in the best way.

Our next stop is the backyard, where a brunette with sharp features and bright eyes is bouncing a chubby little boy on her hip. The baby is all cheeks and curiosity, his little hands gripping at her shirt.

“Chloe, this is Bella,” Carlie says, motioning toward me. “She’s here with Jax.”

Chloe’s face lights up, and she gives me a warm smile. “Oh, hi! It’s so nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I say, waving awkwardly at the baby. He blinks at me for a second before letting out a wet raspberry, and we both laugh.

“This guy’s eight months old,” Chloe explains, adjusting him on her hip. “And he’s already trying to grab anything in sight. He’s at the ‘destroy everything’ stage.”

I laugh, watching as the baby reaches for her necklace. “He’s adorable.”

“Thanks,” she says, beaming. “And don’t let the noise scare you. These gatherings are always a little wild, but they’re a good time once you settle in.”

As Carlie continues to introduce me around, I start to notice something surprising, everyone here feels… normal.

I’d expected something a little more intimidating. Maybe leather jackets, sharp attitudes, and an unspoken “us vs. them” vibe. But these women? They’re talking about recipes, sharing stories about their kids’ antics, and swapping tips about which diapers are currently on sale.

They’re not “big bad biker bitches.” They’re just moms and wives and girlfriends, navigating life the best they can, just like anyone else.

By the time we loop back to the kitchen, I feel more at ease. Carlie hands me a drink, and Sophie starts asking me questions about my job, and if I enjoy being a nurse. She asks questions that make me feel like she actually cares about the answers.

As the conversation flows, I glance out the back window, catching sight of Jax. He’s standing by the grill with Mason, laughing at something Piston just said. When he glances up and meets my eyes, he gives me a small, reassuring smile.

I return it, the warmth spreading from my chest to my fingertips.

Maybe this world isn’t as different as I thought. And maybe—just maybe—I can find my place in it.

By the time the food is ready, long tables are set up under a string of lights, and everyone gathers around, plates piled high, laughter echoing through the air.

I find myself sitting between Carlie and Jax, feeling a little less like an outsider and more like I belong here.

The guys are loud, trading jabs and cracking jokes at one another’s expense.

“Remember the time Piston tried to grill burgers and set his sleeve on fire?” Blade says, barely containing his laughter.

“I didn’t set it on fire,” Piston protests, shaking his head. “It was a little singed.”

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