Page 61 of Dutch

I reached for the basket and unpacked our lunch. "Are you hungry?" I asked.

"I'm starving. What's on the menu, Chef Dutch?"

I laughed at the nickname. I laid out fresh fruit, cheese, and sandwiches. After we'd eaten for a bit, I pulled out a bottle of champagne, popped the cork, and filled the flutes.

"How about a toast?"

"Okay, but what are we toasting to?" Makari asked.

"You'll see."

I watched as she brought the flute to her lips, and I held my breath.

"What…" Makari tilted her glass, her eyes widening at the object inside.

I was already moving into position, propping myself up on one knee. "I know we've been through hell and back, and we are both scarred people, but you make me want to do better, be better."

Her eyes were on me, and I swallowed hard.

"You are my ride or die, and though I can't promise it will be easy, I will fight for us every day I have left on this earth. Makari London, will you marry me?"

Makari was silent, and I swear that moment felt like forever. Then tears spilled down her cheeks, and she nodded. "God, yes, big man," she choked out.

I pulled the real ring out of my pocket and slid it on her finger, my hand shaking. She jumped on top of me, and we kissed and laughed all at once.

"I love you," I murmured in her hair.

Makari pulled back and cupped my face. "I love you too."

After a few minutes more of kissing, Makari sat up. "Does this mean I get to wear white leather to our wedding?"

I threw my head back and laughed. "Wear whatever the hell you want, baby, as long as you're there."

I poured more champagne, and this time, we toasted for real.

I pulledup to the club's parking lot with my bag in tow. Tiya was already there, waving me over.

"Heeey girl, Dutch's mom is inside and has taken charge of this like a pro."

"Hey, sis, thank goodness because I'm a nervous wreck," I greeted.

Tiya grabbed my bag, and we headed inside.

"Makari, thank God you're here. We have decorations coming out of the yin-yang," Mama Knight informed me.

I smirked. "What, the big bad bikers couldn't handle a little party planning?"

As if on cue, Saint stumbled out of the storage area with a string of lights. "I swear these things are possessed," he grumbled.

I burst out laughing. "Oh, real intimidating," I agreed.

Saint scoffed, but there was no heat behind it. That was the thing with the Sons of Shadows. Underneath all that attitude and leather, they were family. My family now, I guessed.

They had transformed the club into something not quite elegant but definitely better than usual. Other members were inside helping by placing tablecloths over the tables, arranging flowers, and hanging streamers.

"Who'd imagined the Sons of Shadows would be full-fledged Martha Stewarts?" I laughed.

Tiya nudged me, grinning. "They look tough but are big teddy bears at heart, especially Saint," she stated.

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