Angel burst into the house, helmet still on his head, eager to fill Zara in on his trip. "Z?" He shouted, his boots clomping loudly as he searched for her. "Where you at?"
"Kitchen," she hollered back to him. "The suspense has been killing me."
They met halfway, Zara's hands still wet from washing dishes, with Angel looking as if he were about to burst.
"Found your mom at the hotel, she was on top of Creep, Z. They were going fucking hard, it was nuts," he explained with a look of shock. "I couldn't fucking believe it."
"She was what?" Zara asked, not nearly as excited or eager as Angel.
"Your mom and Creep, me and Coco found em' in bed," Angel said using more gentle words than he normally would have. "Like IN bed."
"My mom fucked Creeper?" She asked, horrified and furious. "Holly and Creeper? Are you fucking playing with me cause it's not fucking funny, Angel."
Angel drew his head back. "It's not funny, your right, sorry, but I'm not kidding."
"She cheated on my dad," Zara sneered. "What the fuck? I don't even know who the fuck she is! How fucking dare she?"
"Hey," Angel closed the gap between them and cupped her face. "I'm sorry."
"Oh what, did you fuck her too?"
"No," he said sharply. "Apparently only Creep is good enough for Holly."
"Right?" Zara snapped. "She goes off about us, tells me she doesn't want a relationship if I marry you but she can cheat on my dad and ride a Mayan dick with no worries?"
"They split," he told her. "I thought she woulda called and told you before I got in."
Zara's face went white. "They split up?"
"That's what she said, it's why she came down," Angel said sadly. "I told her to call you and tell, I didn't wanna have to tell you but I'm not gonna keep that shit from you."
"I don't even know who she is," Zara sighed. "What a fucking whore. How fucking dare she?"
"Z," Angel said softly. "I get the shit with your dad and what she said about me is fucked but maybe she'll loosen up? Two consenting adults, ya know?"
Zara looked at him, knowing exactly what he was saying and what he was trying to do, and nodded. "I trained you well, you're growing into quite the woke feminist."
"That's me, a regular uhh, Gloria Steinem."
"Oh you're adorable," she laughed. "I'm surprised you know her, to be honest."
"Just the name," he shrugged. "Z, call your mom."
"No. I'll call my dad," she sighed. "I'm not talking to Holly, not yet."
"I'm sorry," he said shamefully. "I shouldn't have been a dick about it."
Zara pursed her lips and nodded. "Not exactly as hilarious for me as it was for you."
"I didn't think," he said with a frown.
"You're lucky you're pretty," she said with a playful smirk. "I'm gonna go call my dad, Pup's in the yard."
"Good luck," Angel said, giving her hand a squeeze. He watched mournfully as Zara took the steps, to call in private, before heading out to play with Pup.
Bob was sure he knew why Zara was calling and he was mostly right, there was one tidbit that would still be a surprise though.
"Hello?" Bob answered the call as normally as he could.
"I wasn't even sure if you'd answer," Zara said with a huff.
"I should have called," he told her. "I'm sorry. Holly said she wanted to tell you, it was her choice so it was her responsibility."
Zara rolled her eyes. "Well, she didn't tell me, Angel did."
"Angel?" Bob asked angrily. "Why him?"
"She went MIA, so Angel went to find her."
"Did he?" Bon asked with genuine concern.
Zara held her breath while thinking over her answer. "Yeah, he did."
"She okay? What happened?"
"She just lost track of time," Zara muttered. "What happened, Dad? You guys were always so solid."
"We had our down times, Zara, we just didn't show it around you," he sighed. "Honestly, I couldn't take how she reacted to the truth about Angel. I know he's no, well, he's no angel," Bob chuckled, "But he loves you and you clearly love him. He's never hurt you, does by right you, at least not that he's got his head on straight, and he'll protect you. I focus on that, she can't see beyond the blood, the gun or the leather."
"I-I'm sorry, Dad," Zara sighed. "I hate this. I hate that my choice forced this rift."
"Your mother's behavior forced this," Bob said staunchly. "I can't fathom cutting your child off for something like this. I never thought she'd be capable of it."
Before she could speak, Zara felt her phone vibrate wildly in her hand. It was her mother calling, finally, but Zara wouldn't answer. Instead, she did what her mother had done to her earlier and simply sent a text while Bob was on speaker.
"Sorry but I don't think we should meet up. It's not a great time."
"We should talk about all this."
"No thanks."
"I'm sorry Dad," Zara didn't know what else to say.
"Do not apologize," he said sternly. "How are you?"
"Getting fat," she whinnied.
"I'm sure you look wonderful," he said with a bright smile.
"Yeah. That's me," Zara laughed. "You should come down soon. I miss you.
"Miss you too kid," he chuckled. "I'll be down, I just have to take care of business up here. Pack up, find a place," he rattled on.
"Maybe I'll come up and help you house hunt!"
"I was thinking I'd move a little closer to you actually," he told her. "If you're okay with that, of course. I don't want to overstep."
"I would love to have you closer, your grandchildren would too," she said sneakily.
"Children?" He asked, dumbfounded.
"I'm having twins, two freaking babies," she said excitedly.
"Poor Angel," Bob laughed heartily. "I'll be seeing you soon, little girl."
"I'm counting on it," Zara said with a smile.
When she got up off the bed to head back down the stairs she saw Angel in the doorway. "You look happy."
"I guess," she shrugged. "I haven't heard my dad sound so chipper. Ever."
"It's gotta be freeing," he said with a shrug.
"You gonna need to be freed eventually?"
"Fuck no," he said, pulling her body to his and kissing her. "I can't get enough of you, Z."
"I love you," she sighed, resting her cheek against his chest. "I told my mom I didn't wanna see her."
Angel stepped back and looked at her with furrowed brows. "When?"
"I don't know, ten maybe fifteen minutes ago?"
"Fuck," Angel groaned, pulling his phone from his pocket. "Creep called me."
"Why?" She asked suspiciously.
"I don't know," he shrugged. "Lemme call him back."
Angel paced between their bedroom and the middle room as it rang, stopping on a dime the moment Creeper answered.
"Yo, what's up?" Angel eagerly before Creeper could speak.
"Holly hit me up for round two," Creep said with a chuckle. "She's hot man, a great ride, you mind if I hit that again?"
"Jesus," Angel groaned. "I don't fuckin' know man but Z is not gonna be cool with it."
"You don't have to tell her," Creeper said slyly.
Angel rolled his eyes. "She's right here and even if she wasn't I'd still tell her you're asking for goddamn permission to sleep with her mom."
"No," Zara snapped. "No fucking way."
Looking at her, Angel shook his head and pressed his phone to his chest. "Querida, you don't have to like it but you gotta let it roll. Two consenting adults, remember?"
"It's my mom!" She snapped tears in her eyes. "What is she doing? Why is she being like this?" Zara grabbed Angel's phone and pressed it to her ear. "You have to know I am NOT happy about this but I can't police anyone's body and as long as you're both consenting I have no right to interfere."
"Sorry," Creeper said, slightly embarrassed.
Taking the phone back, Angel immediately apologized much for Zara's annoyance. She understood the club made Angel's relationships with the guys more intense but emotionally she was undone.
"You okay?" Angel asked Zara.
"I just, I just don't know who she is anymore," Zara whimpered. "We're getting married, I'm pregnant and my mom is banging a man twenty years younger who just happens to be your friend," she shook her head. "I just want my mom back."
"Come here," he said, opening his arms to her. "Maybe it's a midlife crisis? Maybe, maybe she's just lost it for a minute?"
"I don't know," Zara sighed, wrapping her arms around his waist as he held her close.
"Holly and Felipe can go fuck off, alright? No one is gonna mess with this, the wedding or the babies. No one."
"Don't even say it, you're tempting fate," she huffed. "If anyone ruins this wedding I'm going to personally ruin their life."
—
Two months later when their wedding day arrived, Angel was relieved that no one had lost their lives during the planning. He was in the clubhouse with his brothers, an air of excitement in the room when Letty strolled in with a smile.
"Hey, Angel," she said smugly. "I'm done."
Hurrying out, Angel saw the work Letty had put into making their day just a bit brighter. Letty had painstakingly woven daisies into the chainlike cage where the ceremony would be taking place.
"It's perfect," Angel said happily. "She's gonna love it."
Letty smiled and laughed. "I still can't believe she wants to get married in there."
With a wistful grin, Angel remembered the night she'd asked him for some fighting tips. It was their second date. It was the night he knew he was ruined, she had ruined him, and he'd never find peace unless he was with her.
"Love is war and all that," he said dismissively. "Thanks, Letty, it was a great idea."
"I feel bad about, you know, Molly and besides Zara's pretty cool when she's not my teacher."
Angel smiled broadly and nodded. "Yeah, she's not all bad."
Noticing Pup bouncing around in a tutu, Letty scooped up the puppy. "He's a boy. In a tutu."
"Talk to Zara," Angel laughed. "She said it was too cute and that tutus know no gender."
"Your brother here?" She asked, sneaking a peek around the trailer.
Giving Letty a look, Angel nodded. "In the clubhouse. Don't bother, kid."
She shrugged and rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
"Is she here?"
"Not yet," Letty laughed a little. "Don't worry, she'll be here."
—
Across town, Zara was running late but had every intention of marrying Angel that day. The worst part was that she was alone, her mom wasn't invited and her relationship with Emily was still lacking.
She moved slowly, nervous but only because I'd the silence and loneliness of the morning. It just wasn't what she thought it would be.
Before heading out the door, when Zara grabbed her bag, the first real hoot of nerves hit. Her stomach churned a bit but she calmed it with a few slow, deep breaths.
Stepping out onto the porch she saw Emily waiting for her.
"Uh. Hi."
"You look beautiful, Zara," Emily said tearfully as she gently touched Zara's stomach.
"Oh, um, thank you," Zara chuckled awkwardly. "Did you know?"
"I did," she said with a guilty smile. "I got you a ride and some flowers," Emily explained.
"Jesus Em," Zara sighed, "You didn't have to do that."
"I want to," she said sadly. "Things haven't been the same and I know it's because of business and that shouldn't be."
"I appreciate the gesture," Zara frowned. "Why don't you come? I don't have a maid of honor or anyone really."
Emily shook her head, "I would love to but I can't. Miguel doesn't even know I'm here."
"Oh," Zara was clearly disappointed. "Okay."
"Let me take your picture," Emily said in a hurry. Using portrait mode, Emily managed to snap a gorgeous photo of Zara. "How about one more with your dad?"
"My dad?" Zara looked around. "He's supposed to be at the clubhouse."
"And let you arrive alone?" Emily laughed. "No way." Reaching for Zara's hand, Emily guided her halfway down the block toward a mint condition, black 1967 GTO with her father behind the wheel. "Better than a limo, huh?"
"Holy shit," Zara gasped. "It's gorgeous. Thank you, Em!"
"Get in," Emily said excitedly. She took another picture of Zara and Bob, posing with sunny smiles as they sat together with the GTO's top-down. "Congratulations, Zara. I'm so happy for you."
Zara nodded, blotting her eyes to keep from crying, while Bob revved the engine of the expensive class rental.
"You ready, kiddo?"
Wearing a dreamy smile, Zara nodded as they took off. "I am so fucking ready."
—
The wedding was small, club members, Marcus, Chucky, Letty, and Bob were the only ones invited. EZ and Letty approached the gate, both impressed by the gifted ride, as Angel and the others gathered in the cage.
"You look great," Letty said. Zara got out of the car on the opposite side of the cage as not to give Angel an early peek. "Wait, sneakers?"
"I'm pregnant with twins, Letty," Zara reminded her.
"True, alright," she shrugged.
"You look beautiful," EZ said ruefully. "Angel's gonna flip out."
"He's here?" She asked timidly.
EZ nodded. "He's here. He's about to jump out of his skin."
Zara smiled sweetly and nodded. "That's my guy."
"Ezekiel," Bob said, extending his hand toward the young man. "How are you?"
"Good," he said, shaking Bob's hand. "They're ready, just waiting for you, Zara."
"I'm scared," she whimpered. "I don't like the attention," Zara admitted.
"Come on," Bob handed her the yellow and pink bouquet. "Time to go. Just focus on Angel and you'll get by."
"Thank you, Daddy," Zara said, her voice cracking.
Bob guided her around the car, now in full view, and the two walked toward the cage and through the chain-link gate. Angel was in tears as she approached, Coco on his right while Bishop stood to the left prepared to officiate their wedding.
Kissing Zara's cheek, Bob turned to Angel and gruffly hugged him. "I love you, son, but don't think I won't end you if I have to."
Angel laughed and nodded. "Good. I'd deserve it."
As Bob stepped back, Angel took Zara's hand and they shifted around to stand before Bishop.
"You look beautiful," he whispered.
Zara's cheeks flushed. "Thank you. I'm glad to see you didn't rip the sleeves off this button-down," she joked, running her hand down his arm.
From behind Zara, Creep waved at Angel, gesturing for him to leave the cage and follow him. It had to be important, Angel knew it, so he played it off.
"Shit," he felt around his pockets. "The rings. I'll be right back," he said, kissing her and running off into the clubhouse.
"Brother I'm sorry," Creeper huffed.
"What? I'm about to fucking get married, Creep. What is so goddamn important?"
Pointing toward the bar, Creeper sighed and admitted the massive mistake he had made. "The date slipped out."
"Holly?" Angel asked incredulously as his eyes focused on the woman practically hiding from him. "You gotta go. Now."
"I want to see Zara, she won't know I'm here."
"This shit is fucked up," he snapped. "She doesn't want you here. I don't want you here. You can't respect me or our relationship at least respect Zara's decision not to invite you."
"Shit dude," Creeper whispered. "You sound like you know what you're talking about."
He just shrugged.
"Come on, I'll take you out the back," Creeper said to Holly.
"You know it's bullshit," Angel reminded her. "I'm not good enough for Z but you're all over Creep."
"I'm not as good as Zara," Holly said sadly as Creeper gently pushed her toward the exit.
"Go," Creeper urged Angel.
Hurrying back, Angel laughed and forced a smile for Zara. "I'm sorry, mi dulce."
"As long as you found them," she said with a hopeful lilt.
"I did," he smirked.
"We ready?" Bishop asked.
"We're ready," Angel laughed. "Sorry it was my fuck up."
"Shit head," Bishop said, slapping Angel upside their head. "Alright, Angel, you wrote vows?"
"I did," he said with a sheepish grin. "Z, I fucking love you. I wanted some romantic shit, some beautiful words that are as beautiful as you, but I couldn't. They're just not up here," he tapped his head, "There's nothing as beautiful as you and our kids. I'm gonna do whatever I have to to keep you three safe and happy and when shit goes south I'll pull us out together."
"Angel," Zara giggled, "That was perfect."
"Like me?" He asked with a wink.
"No, you're far from perfect and that's why I love you," Zara smirked. "I would rather have hard times and struggles with you than a lifetime of joy and amazing luck with anyone else. We're a solid team, we have each other's backs and if shit goes south, we can BOTH pull our family out of the mess you most likely helped create. I stressed over this for weeks but it's simple, Angel. I will always be here for you with open arms. I will support you, and the club," she added with a smirk toward Coco, "And I will love you no matter what. I've never felt content like I do with you, loved, accepted, at peace and comfortable, and I will make sure you feel the same for the rest of our lives."
Angel sniffled, looking away from Zara for a second as he tried to keep from crying. Grabbing the rings from his kutte pocket, Angel silently urged Bishop to move on.
"Too early for the rings, Angel Take each other's hands," Bishop directed them. "Angel, before your family and friends, do you take Zara as your beloved Wife, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Angel said, his voice wavering.
"Zara," Bishop looked back at the paper to read the intent statement again. "Before your family and friends, do you take Angel as your beloved husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she said, a bright smile on her face.
"Now it's time for the rings," Bishop told Angel. He tilted the paper for Angel to read rather than having to repeat it all. "I, Angel, present you, Z, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unbreakable bond. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade." Angel slipped the ring onto her finger only exhaling once it was on.
"I, Zara, present you, Angel, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love and unbreakable bond. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade."
Once Zara got the band onto Angel's finger, he grabbed her and kissed her fervently.
"Uh, alright," Bishop laughed, crumbling up the wedding ceremony script. "By the power vested in me by the Mayor for the day, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
The kiss lasted longer than the applause but once the couple was separated the party began.
Zara felt overwhelmed and suffocated by the hugs and excitement. Giving Angel's hand a squeeze she pointed toward the couches and put her feet up.
"Here," Angel said, a cold bottle of water in his hand. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just hot and, honestly, very overwhelmed," she shrugged. "Still think we should have had Bishop do it in the living room so we could go right back to bed."
Angel laughed as he sat on the small coffee table with her legs on either side of him. "You would have been disappointed, Mrs. Osbourne-Reyes."
"Yeah, I would have," she admitted. "It was perfect, wasn't it?"
"It was," he leaned into her, laying his hands on her stomach. "How are they treating you?"
"They're good, they're excited," she giggled. "I think they know you made an honest woman out of me."
"I made you my wife," he crooned. "I feel good, Z. None of that foreboding shit hanging over me."
"Me too," she placed her hands over his. "We are totally not having sex tonight. I'm sorry."
"Shit, that happened fast," he teased. "Not even married an hour and you're already shutting me out."
"Your dick isn't that big but even still there is no room here for you tonight."
Angel laughed as he moved from the table to the spot beside her. "I picked the best song for us."
"I thought we weren't gonna do that because we couldn't decide!"
"I'm the man, I took charge," he winked at her. Seconds later, perfectly planned by Angel and Coco, Bel Biv DeVoe's Poison began playing in the clubhouse.
"You're an asshole," she said, playfully slapping him. "Poison? Really?"
"Can't trust a big butt and a smile," he wriggled his eyebrows. "Come on, let's dance."
"Can we wait?" She asked, gripping his hand tight.
Angel shook his head. "Hell no. You're not getting out of this one, Z."
Reluctantly, Zara followed Angel toward the center of the room and, egged on by the joy in his expression, danced with him. Hoots, hollers and laughter nearly drowned out the song but that wasn't the problem.
"Angel," Zara said, grabbing his kutte, "My water just broke."