Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
It was that feeling that would fuel me to be the best VP I could possibly be.
Once I’d collected myself, I looked to my brothers and said, “I’m honored, and I give you my word that I won’t let you down.”
“We know you won’t. It’s why we chose you.”
Dad placed his hand on my shoulder, and his voice was strained as he said, “I’m proud of you, son.”
“Thanks, Pop.”
He gave me a nod, then turned to the others and said, “Boys, I’d say we have some celebrating to do.”
“Hell yeah, we do.”
The brothers came over to congratulate me, then, one by one, they slowly filed out of the room and headed down to the bar. I held back, waiting to have a word with Maverick, Torch, and Wrath. Once the room had cleared out, I stepped over to them and said, “I just wanted to tell you that I’m honored to have the opportunity to stand by your sides. I’m here for you any way that you might need me.”
“We feel equally honored,” Wrath, the club’s enforcer, chimed in. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, good instincts, just like your ol’ man. We know you’ll make the tough calls when they need to be made.”
These men, my brothers, had my back.
And I had theirs.
I meant it when I replied, “Ab-so-fucking-lute-ly.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Maverick clapped his hand on my back. “Now, I’d say it’s time for us all to partake in a celebratory beverage, don’t ya think?”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Torch and I followed Wrath and Maverick into the bar, and just as I expected, they were already celebrating. I’d just grabbed a beer when I spotted Dad sitting in his spot next to Guardrail and Stitch. I walked over and sat down across from him as I said, “Is it just me, or does all this feel a little surreal?”
“It’s not just you,” Dad answered. “We’re all feeling a bit dazed, but in a good way.”
“Agreed,” Stitch interjected. “The brothers chose well today.”
“That they did.” Guardrail lifted his beer in my direction as he said, “It’s not easy to step away from being VP, but knowing you’re the one they chose to fill my shoes makes it a bit easier.”
“Glad you feel that way.” I took a sip of my beer before adding, “I hope that means you’ll be willing to give me some advice from time to time.”
“You know I will.” Guardrail motioned his hand over to my father and Stitch. “We all will.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” I looked over to my father as I said, “You didn’t think I was ready for president. Do you feel the same about VP?”
“No. Quite the opposite.” He sounded confident as he continued, “Being VP will give you the experience you’ll need for the day you take the reins. And before you ask, yes. I still believe that day will come.”
“No doubt about it,” Guardrail chimed in. “I just hope I’m still around to see it.”
“You and me both.”
Stitch stood as he announced, “I don’t know about you boys, but I need another beer.”
“I could use two,” Dad chuckled.
“You got it.”
Stitch headed over to the bar, and moments later, he returned with another round for all of us. As the night wore on, the drinks kept flowing, and I found myself feeling better and better about my new role. And as I looked around the bar, watching the chaos unfold, I thought I had it all.
I thought my future was set, and I couldn’t imagine wanting anything more.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
CHAPTER 4
Londyn
I’d always loved driving through Port Angeles. I’d roll down my windows, letting the cool breeze whip around me, and the second I smelled the salty air, I would be overcome with the need to put my toes in the ocean. Doing my best to dismiss the urge, I'd continue through town and up into the lush forests where towering evergreen trees created a beautiful makeshift tunnel. The sun would filter through the branches, casting dappled shadows and flickering light on the pavement below, and then, without warning, I'd catch a glimpse of the sparkling blue waters of the Strait, teasing me from between the gaps in the buildings.
The charming downtown area was filled with quaint shops, inviting cafes, and local boutiques, and the people were laid-back and welcoming, adding a charm to the town. It was one of the many reasons why my parents refused to leave. They’d set their roots there right after they married, and it wasn’t long after when Joseph and I were born.
Feeling the same nostalgia about our small hometown, my brother, Joseph, and his wife decided to buy a place a few blocks over, so when I finally arrived at my parents’ house, I wasn’t surprised to find his car parked in the driveway. I pulled in behind them, then turned to the backseat and gave Dalton a little nudge, waking him from his nap. “Hey, sweetie. We’re here.”