Page 30 of Harley

“Yeah. Tell me, why haven’t I ever met you before?”

“Because, Dad, Oakley is a new friend. She’s in trouble, and I’ve been helping her. Did you want me for something?” Harley announced from behind Drake, and I sighed in relief.

Drake stepped to one side and eyed the both of us. “This is the girl you called Doc Paul for?”

“What? How the hell did you know that?”

“Because I am your dad. So, Doc wasn’t lying to me when he claimed it didn’t concern you,” Drake said, folding his arms across his chest.

A look passed between father and son, and it was clear I was missing something.

“I’m fine and have been for a few years, Dad. Stop worrying. Everything is okay. If anything was wrong, I’d let you know,” Harley replied softly. A twinkle lit his eyes. “And then you could tell Mom.”

“Like fuck. That would be on your head.” Drake turned back to me. “Introduce me, Harley.”

“Oakley Ferguson, meet Drake Michaelson. Dad, Oakley is in trouble, and I’ve been helping her for a few days.”

“How bad? Do I need to rally the brothers?”

“No. I am handling it. I’m going to bring Oakley to Reading Hall tomorrow. She’ll be staying for a while until we can resolve her problems,” Harley said.

Drake stiffened, and his body straightened as he looked between Harley and me. A knowing glint came into Drake’s eyes. “Is that so? Well, I’ll see you then, Oakley.” He grinned and disappeared.

Harley groaned. “Ah fuck. I know that look. Get ready because tomorrow Mom will be all over you.”

Wonderful. This was complicated.

“I’m sleeping in a guest room,” Harley said, collecting some of his items and literally running away.

Damn coward.

???

I couldn’t believe I was getting married. Harley had secured the marriage licence and managed to get us a slot.

I was in front of a judge saying vows that, a few days ago, I was meant to say to Bronson. However, this time, there wasn’t a sickening feeling in my gut. Nor did I feel the need to flee. As Harley stood beside me and recited our vows, I felt… safe.

That was something I’d not experienced since grandad died and Aspen disappeared.

I shoved aside the momentary sadness and relished in taking control of my life back. And this man placing a ring on my finger was the reason. Behind us stood his brother Jared, his sister Jodie, Klutz, and Gunner.

Jodie and Jared were signing as witnesses. What Harley had told them, I’d no idea, but they were here.

I had been expecting some sort of judgement, but everyone was really nice to me. Harley had even bought me a bouquet and wedding rings. He planned to sit down with his parents once we hit the hall this afternoon.

“You may kiss the bride,” the judge announced with a grin, and Harley bent and pecked me on the lips.

Wow!

I shivered under his hands, and he lifted his head with a knowing smile. That must run in his family, I decided.

“Congrats!” Jodie shrieked.

Moments later, we signed the papers.

“I’ll go and file these,” Klutz said and gave me a hug. “You’ve got our protection, Oakley, don’t be a stranger.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

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