Her face flamed red, thinning her lips; she said, “It’s none of your business when I painted that. Just put it in the truck, and let's go.”
“It’s okay, Ann; I thought tons of shit about you, including spanking that sexy ass of yours while I took you from behind, so if you were feelin’ me, that’s cool.”
“If I weren’t hurting, I would kick your ass, Black. Now get me in the truck so that I can get out of here.”
I laughed, kissing her, picking her up, and sitting her in the truck. As I got behind the driver's seat, I looked over at Ann, wondering how a dumb hick like me landed someone like Ann. But, dumb hick or not, I wasn't letting her go. Ann was stuck with me for life. Lucky girl.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
EPILOGUE
ANN
IT’Sbeen two months since my father gave me the ultimatum, and at first, I worried about what I would do. But, I had savings, so I could live off that for a while. Then, of course, Black told me not to worry; he would take care of me. But that’s not something I want, to be completely dependent on a man. So, I was surprised when Mary told me Jay wanted to see me in his office. When I got there, Kickstand was there seated. And then Jay offered me a job.
I almost fell over in shock.
Jay has been tolerating me, but our relationship is still a strained one. Jay explained that Kickstand came to him with the idea that I could handle the investments for the club. Kickstand would transfer me the money, and I would invest it along with collaborating with Kickstand on specific aspects of the club's finances. Kickstand explained it would take some of the workload off his back. I agreed and took the job. That led to others in the club wanting me to invest money for them. I have for now set up a small office next to Kickstands.
Jay is also letting me use one of the empty rooms for my painting since Black’s room is not big enough. We are looking for our own place, but for now, it works.
I haven’t had any contact with my father, but I have talked with my mother many times over the last few months. And will be meeting up with her for dinner soon. My father doesn’t pay enough attention to her to know what she does, so seeing me will be easy.
Mary has confided in me that she and Jay are having a baby due in May, and with Shay due in April, it should be interesting. I was going to be an Auntie, and I was so excited. And both couples are having houses built and should be finished before the babies come. I think Summer and Viking won’t be far behind in the baby department.
It’s my birthday today. Unfortunately, I was born a week before Christmas, which meant my birthday never got much of a celebration. Black wants to take me out tonight, but he is standing there looking like he wants to say something but isn’t sure.
“Spit it out, Black,” I said.
Letting his head fall back and sighing, he finally looked at me. “Ann, I love you; I want you to marry me, have my babies, and grow old with me,” Black said, rushing the words out.
I raised my eyebrow, inside laughing, but I needed to mess with him. “That’s it, Black, that’s your proposal?” I teased.
He gave me a wicked smile. “You’re not with me because I can spout all that poetic shit and throw flowers in your face. I want you to be my wife cause I love you and who is going to mouth off at me all the time, if not you?” Black reached behind and gave me the gift he had hidden there.
I opened it to find a ring box with a ridiculously expensive diamond engagement ring. Black came down to kneel in front of me, taking the ring. “Will you, Ann? Be my wife?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
Throwing my arms around him, “You know I will, you big pain in the ass. But, seriously, this ring is too much, Black.” He was slipping it on my finger even as I said the words.
“Nothing is too much for my girl. It’s the ring I wanted you to have, and it’s the one you’ll wear. And I also have this for you,” Black said, taking another box out from under the bed.
I opened it and inside was a black vest with ‘Property of Black,’ my name on the front. “Black, no offense, but I don’t want to wear anything that deems me property. I love you, but I don’t know about this.”
“I’m not asking you to wear it twenty-four seven, only in the clubhouse and its functions and on the runs we do. It’s part of the club life, and it doesn’t mean I consider you actual property like you would ever stand for that anyway.”
He had a point, and I knew this was going to be a give-and-take relationship if it was going to work. “Okay, but I’m not wearing it outside those agreed-on places.”
“There is one other time I want you to wear it,” Black said, giving me a smirk.
“Oh yeah, where?”
“In that bed, wearing nothing but the vest while you ride me as I'm looking up at you.” Oh hell yes.
“Agreed.”
“I’ve decided I want my Christmas gift early. So get naked, put the vest on and ride me, hard little general,” Black said, already stripping off his clothes.
I did as he asked; Black didn’t have to ask me twice. I was one lucky woman to have this to look forward to for the rest of my life. Two unlikely people finding love with each other, fate indeed works in mysterious ways. But I’m happier now than ever, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
The end