Smokey by Sam Crescent
Epilogue
Ava laughed at the scowl on Raven’s face. Her long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a few strands falling around her face. The bruises had long gone, and she’d been doing some physical therapy for her leg and hand.
Most of the damage had been healed with time, however, Raven had also been living with Abriana, and that woman had bought her dresses. It was why they were at the Fort Clover summer picnic, and she looked like she wanted to commit murder.
Ava sat with Umberto resting against her stomach. She lay on her side, watching her friend. Harlow had already made her excuses to leave. Raven’s bad mood had gotten to her, and she’d headed off somewhere.
“You find this funny?”
“Who wouldn’t?”
Ava ran fingers through her hair. It had started to grow out again. She had thought about having it cut, but Smokey loved the length.
Speaking of her husband, she glanced over to see him talking with Carlos. The mafia man seemed to be spending a lot more time in town, which pissed Smokey off.
Raven didn’t look toward him, and Ava wondered if the other woman even realized she had an admirer.
Smokey shook Carlos’s hand and then made his way to their picnic mat. He sat next to Ava’s head and she rested on his thigh.
He stroked his fingers through her hair.
“You’re looking pretty, Raven.”
She glared at Smokey, got to her feet, and stormed off.
“You did that on purpose?”
“What? I said just the right thing that would piss her off and make her walk off? I didn’t mean to.”
“You’re lying.” Ava sat up, putting a hand on Umberto’s stomach.
Smokey reached out, stroking his son’s head.
The club surrounded them, and she felt at peace just by being near them. In the last few months, she’d gotten over her anxiety when it came to stepping foot into the club. She spent a great deal of time there.
The memories, no matter how painful, were all in the past, and she was determined to move on.
Raven struggled.
Smokey had told her many times how she woke up the clubhouse screaming. Sometimes, Ava was there and she’d go to her, offering her comfort.
“What were you and Carlos talking about?” Ava asked.
“He’s purchased a house in town.”
“He has?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re happy with that?”
“I’m not happy with any of it. I don’t want him near Raven nor in town. One problem at a time.”
“Have you heard who has replaced Creed?” she asked. That name left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“No. They’re still arguing for leadership. I’ll deal with whatever comes. You know me. No more talk of shop or business.” He pulled her close, resting his face against her neck. “Where do you want to go on your honeymoon?”
“I thought we couldn’t go.”
“I’ve already organized it. Hunter can handle things. If things fuck up, I’m a phone call away. Harlow can handle everything at the bakery. I want to take you and Umberto somewhere.”
Ava smiled as she glanced behind her. “I only ever want to be where you are. You pick a place, and I know I’ll love it.”
Smokey gripped the back of her neck and slammed his lips down on hers.
She had finally found what she’d longed for.
Her soulmate.
The End
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