“I’m just hormonal and bloated, and feel so lost at the moment.”
“Oh, Tarren.” Alexis reached out and took her hand. “You got your period?” She tried to sound teasing, like getting her period was a life or death experience, and although Tarren smiled she didn’t laugh. “It isn’t that bitch Red again, is it? ‘Cause I’ll tell you, I’m not above ripping out her cheap hair extensions on my wedding day.”
Tarren shook her head, and the smile Alexis wore slowly faded as she realized this was a big issue, and not something that had to do with that cunt Red. Tarren had eventually spoken to Lucas about wanting more than just the random hookup, and although Alexis didn’t know everything because that was Tarren’s story in life, she knew enough that Tarren had kicked Red’s ass when she tried to make another go at being with Lucas after he and Tarren had become exclusive. But Lucas hadn’t taken the bait of that slut, and after a good ass kicking by Tarren to Red less than a year ago, the two had been closer than she ever thought possible.
Tarren shook her head. “No, that tramp would have to be the dumbest bitch alive if she came back to the clubhouse after I kicked her ass, and after she was thrown out by The Grizzlies and Lucas.” Tarren sat up straighter and stared right into Alexis’s eyes. “I’m feeling fat and hormonal, and crying for no damn reason because…” She took a deep breath and for a second just stared at Alexis before speaking again. “I’m pregnant.”
Everything stilled around Alexis as she let those words sink in. “You and Lucas are going to have a baby?” She could hear the shock in her voice.
Tarren swallowed audibly and nodded again. “Yeah, crazy shit, huh?” She didn’t give Alexis time to respond. “I found out last week, and made an appointment with the doctor when it had settled in. I wanted to make sure it was real before I started announcing it, and that’s why I didn’t tell you right way.”
“Well …wow, Tarren. Congrats?” She left that last part on a question because she wasn’t sure if Tarren was happy about this or not. And then she smiled, big and brilliant, and Alexis knew her friend was happy.
“Yes, I’m happy. I mean I was so damn scared at first, worried about what everyone would say, and what Lucas would say.” She exhaled roughly. “I didn’t know if I could be a mom at twenty-three. But I told Lucas, and he was happy.”
“I am so happy for you, Tarren, and you’ll be a fantastic, kick-ass mom.” They both laughed. Alexis stood, and they both hugged. “No more crying or we won’t be able to fix your make-up in time.”
Tarren chuckled, and then pulled away. “I know, and I don’t want to be the chick wearing this gorgeous dress with raccoon eyes walking down the aisle.” They hugged once more.
“Have you told your parents yet?”
Tarren grimaced. “Are you kidding? My dad will flip for sure.”
Yeah, Dallas would probably lose his shit, but Alexis had a feeling that the biker would actually be happy for his daughter. Alexis knew enough that the man had lost a son years before Tarren was even born, and because of that any new life was a blessing. “I think your dad might be a little more accepting than you even realize.”
Tarren smiled and nodded. “I hope, and I kind of think he might be. He loves children, and a grandchild?” Her smile widened. “Yeah, I think he might not have an aneurysm when I tell him.”
“Tarren, Alexis, it’s time to start.” Molly poked her head through the opening in the tent and smiled. “You ready?” Molly asked Alexis.
“As ready as I will ever be I guess.” She gave Tarren one more hug, and she took a step back and watched Tarren leave the tent to join the rest of the bridesmaids.
Ten minutes later and Alexis was standing at the end of the aisle and staring at everyone that had joined in the celebration. There were so many Harleys lined up on the side that it looked like some kind of biker show. There were over one-hundred guests in attendance, and the majority of them were Grizzly MC members. Many of the bikers came from all over the country to be here with them today, and all of them had on their dark sunglasses and leather Grizzly MC cuts. They stood on the outer side of the chairs that the rest of the guests were sitting in. Seeing all those bear shifting bikers framing the aisle had this warm, protected feeling surrounding her. She didn’t know the majority of them, but that didn’t matter. The Grizzlies were one huge extended family. But it wasn’t just The Grizzlies that had showed up, but The Brothers of Menace from River Run, too. Malice and Lucien were in attendance, and Dakota sat beside his father. The other members of The Brothers of Menace all sat beside their President. She also noticed that Dakota was single at the wedding, and she couldn’t help wondering what had happened to the girl he had been dating. More than likely she hadn’t been able to handle the hard, rough life the biker lived.