Trusting Nicole (The Last Hangman MC #4)(74)

“Well, hopefully but I wasn’t exactly in the right frame of mind to study last night.” I snicker.

“Someone got kinky.” Line giggles.

“Yes. What can I say? I’ve got my priorities sorted.” We all laugh. I take a much needed sip of the refreshing lemonade when Line gasps and starts clapping and grinning like a fool.

“What’s with you Line?” Ayd asks, laughing as Line just points at my hand with her mouth wide open. “No. Fucking. Way! Gabe and Aleck are going to have a f*cking heart attack.”

“When did it happen?” Viv asks just as excited as the other two.

“Last night.” I sigh happily playing with my ring.

“Details woman!” They all say in unison.

“Well, we were having sex on the roofto-”

“Why do you call it having sex or f*cking but never making love?” Line asks in confusion.

“Because it’s having sex? I don’t know, it’s just not my thing.” I shrug. “You want the story or not?”

“Yes, you big weirdo.” She glares at me then grins after popping a donut bite into her mouth.

“So we were ‘making love’ on the rooftop and well, he told me that he decided to marry me.”

“What? Like no asking or anything?” Line asks unimpressed.

“Nope. He just said he decided to marry me. I gave him some shit about it, but I did say yes.” I beam. “He woke me up with breakfast in bed with the ring set around a white rose. It was so sweet.”

“That’s actually quite romantic coming from him.” Viv comments, making me blush.

“It was. He’s still struggling, but he’s gotten a lot better with this commitment thing. I was shocked though, I wasn’t expecting it and even though it wasn’t the usual drop to one knee proposal, it was perfect.” I sigh happily.

“Wasn’t it pouring down last night?” Ayd asks.

“Yep, that’s how we spent our first night together when I moved back here; on the rooftop under the rain.” I beam.

“You’re happy.” Ayd smiles, reaching for my hand and squeezes it.

“I really am.”

“I’m happy for you, you deserve it.” She smiles and I fan myself, I know I’m going to cry if she carries on.

“Damn dirt in my eyes.” I chuckle.

“Dirt, sure.” Line scoffs and comes over to hug me. “I’m so excited, you deserve it.”

“Stop it I’m really going to cry!”

“Now we’re really going to be sisters.” Viv says hugging me.

“Looks like it. We can give Gabe and Aleck even more shit.” We smirk at each other.

“Count me in.” Line smirks, tapping her nose.

We talk about everything and nothing while eating cake and donuts bites for another hour before getting down to building the furniture for the nursery.

We head into the nursery and set everything out to assemble the crib. Ayd and Line are sitting on the rocking chairs giving orders while Viv and I start to build it.

We struggle a bit to hold it together and tighten the screws as it’s pretty f*cking heavy. Deep chuckles coming from the doorway let us know that Jase, Gabe and Aleck have been watching us and enjoying our struggle.

“Why didn’t you wait till I got home?” Aleck asks before kissing Line.

“A woman is just as capable as a man. Why can’t men understand this?” I groan and look at my brothers.

That earns me three "Amen, sister."'s and a fist bump from Viv.

The men finally decide to help us with the building as they quickly lose their patience with us, but not without a few swear words from all of them. They got shit done rather quickly so we could all get together in the garden to have a big barbecue.

Ant joined us not long after the guys called him and he’s been glued to Ayd ever since. We are all sitting in our men’s laps enjoying this beautiful evening and celebrating new beginnings. Jase and I being together and happy, living our lives openly; Aleck and Line expecting their first little one together; Viv and Gabe looking happy as ever; and Ayd and Ant expecting their second child. We are all enjoying our lives, things might not always be pretty, but we make the most of the good and leave the bad at the door.

Callum arrived a bit later along with Steph. Who knows what those two are up to, they keep looking at each other but they act like nothing is going on. I hope they’ll be able to mend whatever is broken between them.

I smile as I look around the garden at my friends and family. Life is pretty f*cking sweet when you surround yourself with the right people.

“To Nicole and Jase. I might give you two shit from time to time, but I’m pleased for you both. You deserve each other and I’m happy you two are engaged. I love you both.” Gabe smiles, raising his glass.

“Thanks, Brother,” Jase says clinking his glass with Gabe's before kissing me softly.

“I love you.”

“And I love you.” He smiles and kisses my temple.

Yeah, life is pretty f*cking sweet.



Jason

I think I’m still in shock over what’s happened.

I’m still affected by the loss of Sergei. Things with Nicole are going perfectly despite the occasional fight, which are always caused by my insecurities, but I’m getting better. I’m a work in progress. I’ve had to make peace with my past and accept the fact that I’m not the horrible person I thought I was. Everybody has been a great help, especially Nicole. Callum has finally warmed up to me and has been great too. I’m not sure if it’s because he cares or because he wants to get close to Steph and I’m his only way of getting news from her, but I welcome the company.