His Loyal Rebel - Debra Kayn Page 0,75

closer, giving Twyla a hug, and said, "How many are single?"

"A lot." She raised her brows. "Just introduce yourself. They're friendly. I promise."

Lynette hugged her. "You look radiant."

She put her palms on both cheeks. "I feel like I've been smiling all day."

"You deserve it," said Amy.

Callie walked past with her arms loaded with presents and grinned. Twyla excused herself from her friends and hurried to catch up to Kent's old lady.

"Let me help you." She took the top two wrapped gifts off the stack. "You guys shouldn't have bought presents. The furniture the club gathered up for us was more than enough."

"Most of the furniture came from storage." Callie stopped. "Tracy had her parents' things put into storage after she got together with Rick. She knew Whip would want them after he got out of prison."

Her eyes widened at the news. "I didn't know."

The furniture was in good shape. She assumed the members had donated them.

She walked with Callie, finally spotting a table full of gifts. "Who organized all of this?"

Callie cocked her head. Overwhelmed, Twyla couldn't believe everyone had gone out of their way to help her make today even more special.

"Nicole does the parties." Callie's gaze softened. "It's her job as Priest's old lady."

She had much to learn about the workings of a motorcycle club. Though, it was apparent with how they were treating her that she was one of them now. Belonging gave her a sense of what it was like to have a normal family that loved and cared about every member.

None of them were related by blood, and yet, they loved each other. Whip chose her, and because he'd committed to her, the others welcomed her with open arms and treated her like a sister.

Reminded of her sister, she looked up to find Angie and Ringtail walking toward her. She touched Callie's arm and slipped away from the table, not wanting her sister to cause a scene in front of the others.

Before they reached her, an arm slipped over her shoulders and a solid body pressed against her. She smiled up at Whip, welcoming his support when dealing with her sister. True to his word, he wouldn't allow Angie to ruin her day.

"Congrats to both of you." Ringtail clasped Whip's hand and looked at Twyla. "Thanks for the invite."

"We're glad to have you here." She glanced at Angie, prepared for some kind of remark about how it was Whip who invited them, and not Twyla.

Angie stepped forward and awkwardly hugged her. Taken back by the show of affection, Twyla stiffened, patting her sister on the back, not knowing what else to do.

"Congratulations," whispered Angie.

She pulled back and studied her sister. There had to be more that Angie wanted to say.

"Um, thanks." She pointed toward the tables. "Did you get a piece of cake?"

Maybe she could put a couple slices in a box and send her sister on her way.

Whip's arm appeared around her again. She curled at his side, welcoming the strength he gave her.

"We were on our way to get a piece." Angie raked her upper teeth over her bottom lip. "I told mom and dad you went off and got married."

Of course, she had. Angie would take any opportunity to make herself look better. They probably talked about how Twyla never called or considered they'd want to know about her marriage.

Her pulse pounded harder. She couldn't imagine any good wishes from her parents, that's why she hadn't called them herself. They hadn't tried to contact her or send a message through Angie in over two years. Changes in her life meant nothing to them.

Whip kissed the side of her head. She swallowed. "What did they say?"

"They wanted me to tell you congratulations, and they'd like your new address to send you a card." Angie quickly added, "They're happy your new husband will be taking care of you."

And, there it was. The truth.

Her parents no longer had to worry about her disappointing them or ruining their life. She was someone else's problem.

She glanced at Whip. His mouth softened, and he whispered, "Yeah, sis. I'll be taking care of you. Real soon."

Instantly, the bad feelings were gone. She'd found someone who understood and loved her for who she was. He wasn't afraid to push her when he believed he was doing his best to take care of her, and he was undaunted when she argued back. He was here for the long-haul. Through thick and thin.

"I'll make sure I drop them a card in the