I almost smile. "Your standards are low."
"My dad's standards are impossible, so yeah, my standards are adjusted accordingly."
She curls against me and I wrap my arm around her.
"He didn't approve," I say.
"No, but he accepted it. That's the best we're going to get right now."
"And you're okay with that?"
"Yeah, because I don't need his approval. I just need him to not actively try to sabotage us."
"Fair enough."
We sit there in silence and I think about Diesel's question.
Am I planning on marrying Everly? Yeah, I am, eventually, when the time is right and when I can afford a ring that's worthy of her. But that's a conversation for another day.
We arrive at the clubhouse that evening and the atmosphere is normal—bikes parked out front, music coming from inside, laughter and noise. Everly's nervous. I can tell by the way she's gripping my hand.
"You ready?" I ask.
"Yeah, let's do this."
We walk inside and heads turn. People notice us.
Tank sees us first and grins. "Well, look who showed up."
"We need to talk to everyone," I say.
"Sounds serious. You good?"
"Yeah, just need everyone together."
Pyro appears from the back. "What's going on?"
"Can you get everyone in here?"
"Yeah, give me a minute."
He disappears and comes back with the rest of the guys. The old ladies filter in too. When everyone's gathered I clear my throat.
"Everly and I have some news," I say.
The room goes quiet. Everyone's watching us.
I look at Everly and she nods.
"We're having a baby," I say.
There's a beat of shocked silence, then Gráinne squeals and rushes over to hug Everly. Chloe's right behind her, then Ailbhe and Caoimhe. The guys are grinning. Tank claps me on the shoulder so hard I almost stumble.
"Congratulations, brother," he says.
"Thanks."
Bozo shakes my hand. "Didn't think you had it in you."