Page 80 of Gotta Dig Deep
“Fuck yeah,” Horse jumped in. “That’s why this is an all hands for the chapter, with invites out to anyone else. We don’t fuckin’ want people who aren’t ready. Unhappy members makes for the start of assholes, and don’t nobody need that in their charter. Nolan’s a good brother. I’m real proud of what he’s doing in his IRMC chapter.”
“Have you always been so fuckin’ smart?” The bellowed voice came from the doorway and Horse groaned as he turned. Gunny was beaming at him as he shrugged off his jacket, leaving him in his club vest.
“Smarter than you,” Horse called back, leaving the group of men so he could meet Gunny in the middle of the room. They gripped right thumbs, pulling each other forward so their chests met with a solid smack of leather. “Well met, brother.” Gunny’s arm was so tight around his shoulders, it was all he could do to not wheeze, but he managed. Just.
“You’re smart and fuckin’ strong. Proved it. Now, let me the fuck go, asshole.” Gunny twisted away, scowling at Horse as he dusted down his front. “No reason to manhandle the merchandise.”
“I didn’t know you were coming in.” He tapped Gunny’s shoulder with a closed fist. “I’m glad you’re here. You’ll stay with me and Glenna.” Pulling his phone out, he sent her a quick message, waiting until he got a response of a thumbs-up emoji. “Might as well put the guest room to use.”
“There’s plenty of room here, if it’s a pain in the ass.” Gunny swept his arms out expansively. “Likin’ this setup you got here. We got a good house in Baker, but this is tight, man. Fuckin’ nice.”
“Yeah, Blackie did us right.” Horse stood next to Gunny and swept the room with his gaze. “I heard one of the guys calling it a destination chapter the other day, and I can see that happening. Folks traveling here with family to stay for vacation, soaking in the brotherhood at the same time.”
“You should contact the Rebels and see if Myron can cook you up a booking app or some shit.”
“Not a bad idea. I’ll run it up the flagpole, see what Blackie says.” Horse felt his muscles relaxing. Here, surrounded by men he trusted with his life, the camaraderie was easy, comfortable.
After a few moments of silence, Gunny asked, “Everything still copacetic around here then? Locals cool with the changes?”
“After a little campaigning by Glenna and her friend Reggie. Everything settled out net positive for town folks, and they’ve seen real good trade from the brothers who are movin’ up here. We’re funding some of it, but either way, it’s income for the shop owners in Belle.” He rocked back on his heels. “It’s all good, brother.”
“Nothing less than I expected.” Gunny turned and hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Gonna get a beer before you call church to order. Want one?”
“Nah, I’m good.” He watched Gunny walk away. Checking the clock verified it was time, and he made his way to the president’s seat at the middle of the table. He picked up the gavel and chuckled. There’d been no time to gather anything formal, so he had a mechanic’s rubber-headed mallet as his business knocker.
“Get where you’ll be comfortable,” he called out, watching to ensure everyone heard him. “Gonna start as soon as I get Blackie on the horn.”
Duane appeared at his elbow, bending to pull the laptop closer. “I got this, Prez. We’ll be all set in a couple shakes of a dog’s tail.”
Silence fell over the crowd, and Horse took one last look around the room before the monitor mounted on the wall came to life. Blackie’s face filled the screen, and he cried, “What’s up, motherfuckers? Y’all ready to become Riders for real?”
Later that night, Horse was back home, sharing a final beer with Gunny. He’d sat on the edge of the stoop behind the kitchen, while Gunny stood, one foot propped on the edge of the raised platform.
“You’d tell me if you needed me, right?”
“I would,” he responded to Gunny’s question. “Things are good. I don’t think we’ll see the MDMC this way any time soon.”
“They’re still bunkered in about a hundred miles from Baker. Motherfuckers.” Gunny lifted his beer and drained it. “Might be me calling you for assistance next time.”
Horse finished his own beer then stood, gripping Gunny’s shoulder. “And you know I’ll answer that call, brother.”
“Counting on it.”
Back inside the house, they split up where the hallway turned, Gunny headed to the guest room and Horse making his way to the room he shared with Glenna.
It was the work of minutes to strip down to his boxers, and he slipped into bed next to her. She mumbled when he reached out, then burrowed closer as he wrapped his arms around her.
Her cheek found its way to his shoulder, and she sighed deeply, a lock of hair draped over her face.
Horse tucked the hair behind her ear and bent his neck, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of her head. She mumbled again and her arms and legs gave him a squeeze, bringing a smile to his lips.
This is how every day should end, he thought. Letting his body settle against the mattress, he listened and heard Shamu’s soft snores from the dog bed underneath the window. Outside, a cow lowed once, then fell quiet.
He tightened his arms around her and thought about the small box hidden in the nightstand drawer. His desire to see that ring on her finger lit up everything inside him. This was what he’d needed, without knowing it. Someone as good as Glenna loving an old outlaw like him.
Fuckin’ love my life.
Grinning, his eyes closed as sleep danced closer, pulling him under to dream about their future together.
