Moving On by Erin Osborne
Chapter Ten
Grim
TODAY IS THE day we’ve all been waiting for as parents. Our boys are patching in as full members and will wear a different bottom rocker than us. My dream was to have my son in the same chapter as me, but it’s time for him to live his own life and move on from the loss of Aryn. Like Goose, he’s not going to be able to do that here. Aryn will always be with my boy. Sami will always be with Goose. We’re not going to ever stop looking for Sami, we’re just running on empty and have no new sightings or leads to follow through. Every single man and woman involved in this club needs to be uplifted and this is our way to do it. I’ve been in contact with Gage, and he agrees with me. So, his chapter is coming here, and we’ll patch our boys in as one giant club instead of the different chapters. It makes sense considering these boys, now men really, will be forming their own chapter and starting their lives in a new place.
Everyone has been working together over the last week to make tonight as special as we possibly can for everyone. The ol’ ladies have been cooking for days, Skylar’s been baking up a storm, Irish and his men and women from the tattoo shop are preparing to be here tonight to do the boys tattoos if they choose to get them done before heading to Cedar Bay, and our new Prospects have been cleaning up a storm to make everything perfect. Despite being worried about Sami, it’s the first time in months there has been even a small hint of excitement in the air. Our sons have been busting their asses to prove to all of us they deserve not only a spot in the club with us, but now to form a new club where they’ll be in charge.
We’ve already decided what positions they’ll be gaining in their new club after much deliberation over the last week between both clubs. There were several meetings between all of us with little to no arguing about who was going to be filling what role. Honestly, it’s the way I hope our boys run the new club. Talking and figuring things out without having to bring in other people. The way we raised them to be and the confidence we tried to instill in them as they grew and started facing various problems within their lives. It’s only been lately where they’ve truly been tested by life.
Walking into the clubhouse with Bailey at my side, we pause and take in the scene around us. So many people fill the common room and I know our night is going to spill outside to accommodate everyone. For now, we’ll be fine to do the patch in ceremony right here.
“Go get with Gage and the guys. I’ll be front and center,” Bailey tells me, going up on her tippy toes to give me her lips.
“I love you, Crazy Girl,” I tell her after pulling away.
“I love you more.”
Walking away, the men all follow me into church. We have all the cuts waiting in here after having them done by the ol’ ladies for tonight’s ceremony. Usually the new member would have to sew their new patches on. However, we got all the boys brand new cuts with their new patches and their mom’s wanted to take care of this for them. It’s definitely a new chapter in everyone’s life and we only want the best for them. Even Goose is getting a new cut despite him already being a fully patched member. It’s the only reason he’s not currently in church as men from both chapters fill the room and stand around the table shoulder to shoulder. This is a big moment for all of us.
“Why is this so fuckin’ hard?” Cage asks, looking down at the cuts of his boys. “Both of our boys are stayin’ the fuck here and it’s still hard as fuck.”
“Because it means one day, they’re goin’ to take over this club too. And we’re losin’ most of our boys to a new chapter. With everythin’ else goin’ on, it’s no doubt hard as fuck because we’re missin’ more than one family member who should be here with us right now,” Pops answers, always the voice of reason and insight.
“How are we doin’ this?” Trojan asks, looking down at his son’s cut while running his hand over the leather.
“We’ll do it in order of rank. That’s how Gage and I believe is the best way to do this. Over the years, our boys have expressed interest in the different positions and that’s how we determined who would fulfill which position in the club. Includin’ the ones who just wanted to be patched in but not have the stress of bein’ an officer on their shoulders. Everyone good with that?” I question, looking around the table at men I’ve known most of my life.
With nods all around, we pick up our son’s cuts and begin to make our way to the common room where music is still playing and the sweetbutts are hanging off of our sons. Looking at Bailey where she stands in the crowd, I take a deep breath and walk over to turn off the music. It’s time for our night to begin and I hope we’re doing the right thing here.
“Alright everyone. Today is an important day for the Wild Kings. After setbacks, life alterin’ changes, and circumstances beyond our control, our sons are finally patchin’ into the club. Not only are they patchin’ in, but most of them are leavin’ to start a brand-new chapter so they can start their lives and help clean up a community in desperate need of help. This patch in ceremony is gonna happen a little different than any other one we’ve ever done. We’ll be patchin’ you in based on your rank in the new club and then finish with the boys who will stay here with us,” I announce to everyone, pausing long enough to take a deep breath before continuing on. “You will relinquish your cut to us as we hand you a brand new one. Your moms have all sewn on your new patches because they decided that would be their contribution on your new journey.”
“We want you all to know how proud of you we are. It doesn’t matter if you’re stayin’ in your home chapter or movin’ to Cedar Bay. You all have grown into amazin’ men we’re all proud to stand beside and off any and all help we can when you need it. Our club has been hit hard over the years. Just know each and every member of our family we’ve lost are watching over you all and cheerin’ you on in your journey. Those who are gone temporarily will be by your side and home with you before you know it. Always keep your head up and don’t shut anyone out. As you leave Clifton Falls and Dander Falls, you’ll only have one another to rely on. We’ll still be here whenever you need us, but you need to be there for one another first and foremost,” Gage says as it’s my turn to hand out the first cut.
“Zander, please come up here,” I say after the clapping dies down. “You’ve been through a lot this year, son. After pushin’ aside your pain and anger, you’ve rallied back stronger than ever before. Zander, your road name is Venom. You know the reason why as do most everyone here. You’ll be steppin’ into the President role of the club. I’m so fuckin’ proud of you.”
My son, Venom, gives me a hug with the largest smile on his face. It’s rare my boy smiles these days, but tonight, he’s happy and proud as fuck. Bailey has tears streaming down her face as she takes in our son as I slide his new cut on his shoulders. Instead of rushing up here like I know she wants to do, my wife remains directly in front of everyone else with a smile on her face as Zander finally pulls back from me and turns to face his mom. Now, she rushes up from her spot to hug him. Zander swings his mom around in a circle before placing her back on her feet to continue hugging her.
“Congratulations Venom. Now, Maddox, come on up here please,” Gage says, a smile on his face much like I’m sure I was wearing when I just patched in my son. “You have grown into a good, strong man. A man your mom and I are proud of each and every single day. Even though you have a tendency to be wicked with your tongue when you’re pissed and in other ways we’ll not talk about in mixed company. Your road name will be Wicked as you patch in as the Vice President of our new chapter of the Wild Kings. Congratulations son!”
Like my son, after having his new cut slid over his large shoulders, Wicked hugs his father and they exchange some whispered words. Riley is there waiting for her son to give her the attention she needs in this moment. Tonight might be all about our boys patching in, but their mothers are so damn proud of them and have been through every single good and bad moment in these young men’s lives. It’s understandably an emotional night for everyone involved.
Irish steps forward, pain filling his face as he searches out Goose in the common room.
“Goose, we all know two things about you. First, you’re already a full patch member. Secondly, you’re not my son by blood. However, you’re my son-in-law and I’m gonna give you the new cut just like Whit was the one to put your new patches on. Not many of you know but Goose is leavin’ Clifton Falls and headin’ to Cedar Bay with the rest of the guys. We’re gonna miss you and Kels more than you know. Here’s your new cut, son,” Irish tells him as Goose hands over his cut to accept his new one filled with the Cedar Bay bottom rocker. “Your road name isn’t changin’, but you are now the Secretary of the Wild Kings Cedar Bay chapter. Congratulations. She’d be proud of you.”
Whitney doesn’t hesitate to step up as the three of them share a moment together. There isn’t a dry eye in the house because we all know why Goose is leaving here. It’s just another reminder of our missing family member. All three are crying and holding onto one another before Goose leaves their small huddle to make his way through the crowd where he’ll hide out for a while until he heads home to his daughter.
Blade steps out of line, his eyes zeroing in on his woman.
“Kenyon, your turn,” he states simply. “You are patchin’ into our new chapter of the club as Vikin’. You’ve always had a way with numbers, and I know you’ll do your new club proud as the Treasurer for the Wild Kings. As you start this new chapter of your life, know we’ll always be here to have your back and support you no matter what. Love you, son.”
I watch on as Blade slides the cut on over his son’s shoulders. Kenyon hates being the center of attention as he hugs his father before moving back to Keira’s side away from the spotlight. Out of all the boys, I believe Viking is the shyest member we have. Hell, there have been a few times we’ve made the poor kid blush. The only reason it’s funny is because he shares girls with Dylan who is one of Shadow’s sons.
Tank is up next as Maddie moves through the crowd. “You all know my triplets are holy fuckin’ terrors. We’ve all had to get them out of various scrapes over the years. However, you’ve grown up tremendously over the last year or so. Your mama and I are proud as fuck of you. So, I know we’re supposed to be doin’ this based on the positions in the club, but seein’ as I have three heathens patchin’ in today, I’m gonna do them all at once. Brax, Chance, and Shawn get your asses up here.”
Laughing at Tank’s words, we wait for the boys to get up in front of their dad.
“Brax, you’re goin’ to patch in as the Enforcer of the club. Your new name is Hawkeye because of all the trouble you used to get into with that damn bow and arrow. Over the years you’ve gotten damn good with the thing. Next up is Chance. You will be named Ricochet. Everythin’ seems to bounce right the fuck off ya, and you’ve had more close calls with shit than anyone I’ve ever met in my life. Shawn, you’re now known as Kevlar. You protect your brothers and everyone you love and respect with everythin’ you have. You all need to watch out for one another and make sure you have the back of all your brothers in the new chapter. I love you all and wish nothin’ but the best for you. We got your back if you ever need us,” he says, his voice filling with emotion as he slides a cut on each son’s back.
“Anthony, your turn boy,” Glock states simply as he leans against the bar looking relaxed as hell when we know he’s not. “From the very beginnin’ you have watched every other fuckin’ kid younger than you. If you think they’re gettin’ in trouble or are gonna get hurt, you step in. Your main goal has always been to shield the kids from everythin’ you could. To this day you still do the same thing. So, your road name is Shield as the new Road Captain of the Wild Kings Cedar Bay chapter. Proud as fuck of you son. We love you and are sad to see you go. Let the road guide you and lead you to your happily ever after. That’s all we’ll ever want for you.”
Melody is a blubbering mess as Shield turns to her and pulls her into his arms. She’s a mama bear and only wants the best for her boy. She just wishes it wasn’t several damn hours away. We’ve heard them all talking about this new journey for months now and it’s all the same from the women; they don’t want their baby boys to leave but will do anything for them to be happy.
Trojan and Crash are up next as Axel steps forward.
“Son, before anythin’ else is said, I’m gonna apologize to your ass now. You can thank your mama for your road name. As the Sergeant at Arms of the club, you will be known as Otter. Somethin’ about bein’ slippery as fuck and always gettin’ out of trouble when you shouldn’t. We love you and know you’ll do great things in this new chapter of your life,” Trojan says as Crash slides his son’s cut on.
“There’s nothin’ you can’t do, Otter,” Crash adds in, pulling his boy into his arms. “No more crashin’ your bikes because you’re out racin’. Love ya and make sure your mom knows you’ll be careful. She’s scared because there are times you have her clumsiness.”
No sooner do the words leave Crash’s mouth when there’s a loud commotion from the large group surrounding us. Trojan’s head drops as Crash shakes his head.
“I’m okay,” Darcy says, finally popping out from the group. “That damn table got in my way. I may have broken one or two of your chairs and several drinks are now spilled on the floor.”
There is no way not to laugh at Darcy and the shit she manages to get into. As Otter walks over to his mom, he makes sure she’s okay before pulling her into his arms. He might be the only one not laughing. This kid hates anything that might hurt his mom. He’s very protective of her as he should be.
When we finally get ourselves under control, Steel steps up at the same time his son Cole does. Cole’s been watching his dad because he’s excited and wants to get his new cut. They all do but no one more than this young man.
“Son, you’ve gotten yourself out of mess after mess. Your mom and I are so proud of you for all that you accomplished. Now, you’ll be known as Brick because you’re built like a brick fuckin’ wall. It’s good to see you turn your past injury into somethin’ more. Don’t push yourself past your limits or let anyone taunt you to the point you explode. We’ve all been there and it’s okay to be the bigger person sometimes,” Steel says as he accepts his son’s old cut to place his new one on Brick’s large as fuck body.
“Thank you everyone. Not only for stickin’ with me, but for helpin’ me find my way out of my shit after my accident. Your support has been overwhelmin’ and I’m gonna miss that more than anythin’ else. Except maybe Skylar’s baked goods,” Brick thanks us all while accepting hugs from his parents.
“Looks like I’m the last to go for the men of the new chapter. Will and Dylan, get your asses up here,” Shadow says with a new cut over each arm. “Will, you’re my mini me in every single fuckin’ way. You can get in places without anyone seein’ you which used to piss your mom off more than anythin’ else. Especially when you wouldn’t come out of your hidin’ spots. Your new road name is Ghost. Try not to cause too much fuckin’ trouble in Cedar Bay. Dylan, because you’re so damn stubborn and have been since the day you were born, your new name is Bull. Don’t take anyone’s shit, but let people in. They’re not goin’ to fuck you over like others you know. If you need us, we’re a phone call away.”
Renee rushes up to her boys and hugs the shit out of them as we all laugh. It’s hard as fuck knowing our boys are leaving in a few short days. In less than a week, they’ll be loaded up and heading for Cedar Bay with our help. There is no way in hell their moms are going to let them leave without making sure they have everything set up and don’t need anything else. It’s just not in their blood. Or ours.
As the remaining members are patched in who will be staying in either Clifton Falls or Dander Falls, we all stand back and watch them accept their new cuts. Yes, we even got them new ones. There is no way we won’t do something for one of our boys without doing the same thing for the others. That’s not how we run our club.
“Congratulations to all of our new members. We have watched you grow up in the club and turn into the amazin’ men standin’ before us. Not a single one of us want anythin’ more than for you to be happy as hell and live your lives the way you want. Now, Irish and his crew have their shit set up in the back if you want to get your tattoos tonight. You know it means no drinkin’ if you do. If not, before you leave is fine. Eat, drink, and do what you gotta do. Spend some time with your mom’s because we’ll be leavin’ soon to let you have your night. Don’t do anythin’ we wouldn’t and make sure you wrap your shit up tight,” I say, looking out across our huge family.
Clapping and whistles soon fill the room as our boys are accepted into the fold. Turning on the music once again, everyone begins doing what they want for the night. Beginning with the amazing food our women have been busting ass all week to prepare. As I take a seat and watch everyone go through the food line in the kitchen, I realize how much life there still is to live. We might be getting older and soon we’ll be looking to step back in our roles in the club to spend time with our ol’ ladies. The next generation is taking it over and I couldn’t be happier or prouder than I am in this moment. Our family will always grow, fight, support one another and come back. At the end of the day, we’re a family who loves hard, works hard, and plays even harder. For now, it’s our time to step back and trust we’ve raised our boys the right way and they take over for us in ways we never dreamed of. That’s all I want for them. It’s all any of us want.
This is just the beginning, not the end! Now the fun begins!
