“Shut up, Dix.”
“Okay, so he’s fine. What’s wrong? Or right.”
I hear the hint in her voice and I laugh. “Shadow and I decided to give it a chance. I know I told you that. But now—he’s claimed me. He wants to make it official ink, vest the whole nine yards.”
“Holy shit, it’s finally happening.”
“What?”
“True love meeting back up. I always knew what you two had was more than attraction,” Dixie explains.
“How?”
“We saw a lot growing up. You learn to tell the difference. How do you feel about this?”
“Terrified, excited, content. Like a part of me that’s been missing has been found.” The words pour out like water in a bucket with holes that I can’t stop.
“You know it means giving up a chance on civilian life for good,” Dixie whispers.
“I know. I know.” I sigh. “I can’t do this without you, Dixie. I need you here.”
“You know I don’t do the club thing.”
“You’re family.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m welcome.”
“Fuck those old heads. Not everyone feels like that. The bylaws are antiquated and unnecessary.”
“Trust me, I agree. But it doesn’t change the way things are.”
“It’s a handful of people. The rest of us love you. Please, Dixie. You know I’d never ask you, unless it was really important.” I hold my breath.
She always felt like an outcast. “Damn you, Strong.”
I exhale. “Thank God.”
“I know the dates, times, and places. I get the emails same as everyone else. I just choose to ignore them. You know Pops comes out here and see’s me. He doesn’t like it, but he understands.”
She’s not too far. Santa Monica is about two hours away, depending on traffic. It’s also the home of a sister charter, so she’s not completely alone.
“Thank you for doing this.”
“Are you kidding me? How could I miss you getting hitched to the man of your dreams?” she asks.
I smile. She gets it, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. A person you don’t have to explain anything to. “I love you, Dixie Rose.”
“You know I love you, too. How’s your mother taking that? God, how’s Calla taking it?”
“Those bitches.”
She barks a laugh. “Oh my God! He’s already influencing you. I love it.”
“Mom just came over and threw a bitch fit. I haven’t seen Calla, and I got to tell you I don’t plan on making a trip anytime soon, either. The things I’ve learned about that girl.” My anger grows.
“Whoa. You haven’t filled me in on this.”
“I been processing. You know who I am.”