Ethan would be willing to walk away from that, even with the promise of a president’s chair. But for Dennis to throw the idea out into the crowd caught her off guard.
She studied Ethan’s face, but his expression was stoic, and for once, she couldn’t read him. Curious, she glanced at Rafe and Rocky, neither of whom looked particularly surprised. In fact, Rafe crossed his arms and said, “I don’t think that’s a bad idea at all. I mean, we’re not trying to get rid of anyone back home, but Ethan’s earned the trust of the club here, and he’s familiar with how we operate. He has the knowledge and experience.”
With that endorsement, Ethan looked completely astounded. “I don’t know if I’m the best choice.”
“Why not?” Rocky asked. “You’ve been here, getting to know everyone, and like Rafe said, you’ve earned their trust. You’ve pushed to help them from the start, and I think it would work out well.”
Brett couldn’t stay silent. “Come on, Ethan. You’ve got Martin’s drive and the morals and experience of the Devil’s Flames. You’d be ideal for the role.” Admittedly, she had a vested interest here, but at the same time, she couldn’t think of a better leader for the ragtag group that wanted to be so much more.
“Put it to a vote,” Rafe told him. “If they don’t agree, you won’t do it.”
Ethan looked torn as he gazed at her, and she gave him an encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Alright.” He shook his head. “I can’t say I’d mind. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable here, and I do want to see the club succeed.” He winked at Brett, and like some giddy school girl, she felt all tingly inside. It was his way of letting her know he wanted to stay for her, and that felt better than she could have imagined.
She wasn’t the least bit surprised when the vote was unanimous, and she threw her arms around him in celebration, not even caring who was watching. He hugged her back, careful of her ribs. When he released her, he asked the group, “What are we going to do with this fearless leader? She’s the one who’s gotten you this far.”
Brett started to shake her head, but Dennis again spoke up. “We don’t have a treasurer, and she’s good with money. I know it’s unprecedented to have a woman officer in a man’s club, but honestly, I think Brett’s got balls bigger than any of ours. I think she’s conducted herself well and can handle whatever we throw at her.”
“She’s definitely a survivor,” Rocky endorsed, and Brett felt a bit overwhelmed. All this time, she’d felt like she was bucking against the popular opinion, and Dennis in particular had made her feel unwelcome. Knowing now it was his way of trying to protect her eased some of her discomfort, but she still struggled to wrap her head around the fact that she had so much support. To even suggest she take a role as an officer was huge.
But as she stood there, looking for words to say, the rest of the club echoed the sentiments. Ethan chuckled next to her, and she could feel his joy. It boosted her confidence once again, and she stood straight, her emotions roiling as another unanimous vote went around the room.
It was Rocky who brought over their cuts, beaming and motioning for Ethan to shed the one he wore. “I think we’ll let you keep it, in case these fools finally figure out they need to kick your ass to the curb, but this one is yours.” He turned to Brett. “I guess we’ll need to get you a Treasurer patch. We didn’t know we needed one.”
Brett rolled her eyes. “Please! All of this is a little crazy. Thank you.” The leather was butter smooth as Ethan helped her slide it on her shoulders, and she realized that, for the first time, she was truly accepted into the fold, regardless of gender or tradition. This was going to piss off some motorcycle clubs, but those purists were as bad as white supremacists with their inability to progress. She would deal with it. This club meant everything to her, and being a full fledged member, with a president she adored on so many levels, was going to be incredible.
25
Ethan’s mind was still blown as the meeting ended. The club – his club – had been more than accepting, every one of them clapping him on the