Page 30 of Always My Fate

She smiled softly, her hand covering his on her belly. “And we’ll protect it together.”

Blackie kissed her slow and deep, holding her close as the threats outside pressed against their walls. For now, in this bed, with his woman and their unborn son safe in his arms, he let himself believe they would make it through.

They had to.

Chapter Fifteen

The backyard was filled with the warm, chaotic energy only club family could create. Smoke rose from the big grill, carrying the smell of ribs, burgers, and sausage. Coolers sat open with beer and soda, lawn chairs were scattered across the grass, and kids ran wild—laughing, chasing each other, and occasionally dodging between the legs of patched members.

Blackie stood near the grill, flipping meat with a beer in one hand, but his attention kept pulling towards the wide porch where Peaches reclined comfortably in a padded chair. Her poor swollen feet were propped up, headful of dark curls caught the late afternoon light. He’d made sure she had everything she needed within easy reach and a clear view of the kids.

At twenty-nine weeks now, not much longer.

“Prez, you burnin’ my ribs while you stare at your old lady again?” Rook joked, coming up beside him with a plate.

“Watch your mouth, asshole,” Blackie growled, but there was a smirk in it. He plated a couple of ribs and handed them over. “These are for Peaches. Don’t drop ’em or I’ll make you eat ’em off the ground.”

Oaky laughed from the other side of the grill. “He’s gone soft. Never thought I’d see the day Blackie Langdon plays grill master at a family cookout instead of sendin’ prospects to do it.”

“Soft my ass,” Blackie shot back, flipping another burger. “Just smart enough to know my woman deserves the best cut. You two worthless sacks keep talkin’ shit and I’ll put you on diaper duty for Lil Bit.”

Gunny wandered over with a beer, grinning wide. “Kids are runnin’ wild. Tater and Possum tried to convince me to let ’em ride my bike. Told ’em they gotta earn a prospect patch first.”

Blackie chuckled, the sound deep and genuine as he watched the yard. Tater and Possum were tearing around with a group of club kids, Punkin was showing Lil Bit how to blow bubbles, and Randi was helping some of the old ladies with drinks. The brotherhood was on full display. This was the truth and beauty of the life he lived. It was brothers watching each other’s kids, old ladies checking in on one another, and easy camaraderie and loyalty thick in the air.

He handed off the grill to Rook and walked over to the porch, dropping into the chair right beside Peaches.

“You good, baby?” he asked quietly, voice low and protective.

Peaches smiled, squeezing his fingers. “Better now that you’re here. This is nice. The kids needed it. We all did.”

Blackie stayed close, one arm draped behind her chair, eyes scanning the yard even as he soaked in the moment. The laughter, the bonds, the visible strength of the club family—it was a reminder of exactly what they fought to protect.

For a few hours, the MDMC threats and Roscoe’s betrayal felt a little further away. But Blackie never fully relaxed. He stayed right by Peaches’ side, the king watching over his queen and their growing family while the brotherhood celebrated around them.

This was what mattered.

***

Peaches

She was on the porch, the afternoon sun warm on her skin and the sounds of the gathering wrapping around her like a favorite blanket. Laughter rang out from the yard where the kids were running wild—Tater and Possum leading a chaotic game of tag, Punkin’s giggles floating over everything, and Lil Bit toddling after the older ones with determined steps. The smell of barbecue and the low rumble of brothers talking and laughing filled the air.

For a moment, pure joy filled her chest. She was home. Surrounded by her family, by the club family that had become hers over the years. This was what she had fought so hard for.

But the joy was edged with frustration that refused to stay quiet.

She shifted in the padded chair Blackie had insisted on, her back aching and the weight of Daniel making even sitting for long periods uncomfortable. She should be up helping with the food, chasing after the little ones, or coordinating the old ladies as they moved between groups. Instead, she was stuck here like a queen on a throne she hadn’t asked for.

One of the older old ladies, Marlene, approached the porch with a concerned look. “Peaches, you need anything, honey? I can bring you a plate.”

Peaches smiled warmly, but her eyes were sharp. “I’m good, Marlene. But listen, Tammy’s been quiet lately. I heard her man’s been drinking heavy again. Make sure someone checks on her tomorrow, yeah? And tell her the guest room here is always open if things get bad. No questions asked.”

Marlene nodded, respect clear in her expression. “You got it. You really do see everything, even from that chair.”

Before Peaches could respond, Blackie walked up the porch steps, drying his hands on a towel. He dropped into the chair beside her, automatically reaching for her hand and placing it over her belly.

“You holdin’ up okay, Peaches?” he asked, voice low and protective.