Thunder (Hell's Handlers MC #10) - Lilly Atlas Page 0,148
too-full house. Their boy was only seven right now, one of the younger kids.
Jig and Izzy had blown everyone out of the water, having four children. Who’d have thought the badass, MMA fighting, tattoo artist would take to motherhood like a duck to water? But she had, and within a year of having her first child, Jig had knocked her up again. They were by far the MC's coolest parents with little kick-ass kiddos set to follow in their mother’s footsteps.
Rocket and Chloe, as well as Holly and LJ, had also added to the kid’s club with a couple of rug-rats each. He and Shell had Beth, Lana who was fifteen, and Paige, their twenty-five-year-old in a four-year-old’s body. She’d been a bit of a surprise, but very welcome addition to their crew.
What could he say? He couldn’t keep his hands—or other parts of his body—off his wife.
Paige sat across the room on Cassie’s lap. At seventy-three, Cassie still lived with them, and neither he nor Shell would have it any other way. They both viewed her as the mother they’d both been denied by nature. He loved her fiercely and hoped Viper would be pleased she’d come to live with them and had stayed for so long.
Copper cleared his throat again. “We’ve been through a lot as a club. Some really fucking high times and some devastating lows.” His gaze met Cassie’s, who gave him a watery smile and a nod. Still, after all these years, the hole in his heart caused by Viper’s death remained gaping. It always would.
Cassie had found happiness, diving into her new role of club grandmother with both feet. She had more love in her life than almost anyone he knew.
“I’m proud to call each and every one of you, my chosen family. A lot is changing and will continue to change as the younger generation grows into adulthood and begins to take over the club.”
His gaze shifted to Beth, who watched him with a smile and his chest filled with warmth. Fuck, he loved his family with everything he had.
Beth’s hand rested on the table, linked with Lee’s. As much as he wanted to protect his eldest daughter and keep her close, Shell was right. Lee couldn’t be a better choice. Even if it chapped his hide. “I’ll be proud to welcome each of our children into the club as they come of age.” Then he cleared his throat again. “I’m getting off track. Tonight’s a celebration.” He lifted his glass. “Let’s raise ’em up for Shell. Heart and fucking soul of our club, and the woman who deserves a whole room full of awards for putting up with my grumpy ass for so many years.”
The room erupted in cheers, shouts, and whistles as everyone called out their birthday wishes. The music kicked back up, and everyone returned to partying even louder than before.
Shell turned in his arms and gazed up at him. All the love she felt for him shone bright in her eyes, hitting him right in the gut.
“You know,” she said. “Every one of those people out there are just as lucky to have you in their life. You’ve given all of them purpose, a place to call home, and a family when they needed it most. But no one is luckier than me,” she said as she placed her hand over his heart.
“Baby,” he whispered, pressing her hand even closer.
“I’m the only one who has every single piece of the most remarkable man in the world.”
“Shell, you are my everything. I love you so much.” The words seemed weak in comparison to how he felt about her, but her eyes let him know she knew exactly how he felt about her.
“I love you, Copper.”
He leaned down until his lips were a breath away from Shell’s. “Happy birthday, baby,” he whispered right before he placed a kiss on that smiling mouth.
And to think of how easily he could have missed out on this life…
Acknowledgments
And that’s a wrap on the Hell’s Handlers series.
It’s hard to find the right words to express my gratitude for every person who’s played a part in this series. Even more than four years into publishing, I feel such a giddy joy at the thought of people enjoying my books. I’ve always been an avid reader, so I completely understand the wonder of getting lost in a book. It’s such a gift to be able to provide that feeling to other readers. So thank you to every one of you who have given my books a chance. I can’t wait for you to see what’s coming next!
This series would never have happened without the help of so many incredible and talented individuals.
To the editors at Words Between Pages (formerly Red Pen Coach), especially Nancy, Shirley, and Donna, you’ve kept me from publishing a hot mess each time. I’ve learned so much from you and owe my growth as a writer to you amazing ladies.
To Leah Suttle, thank you for all the gorgeous covers you’ve created for me over the years. They have never failed to make readers swoon!
To Gel from Tempting Illustrations, thank you for the countless teasers, banners, and promotional items you’ve designed. Not only are they beautiful every time, but they also represent me and my books in a fantastic way.
To Ena and Amanda from Enticing Journey Book Promotions, thank you for making cover reveals and book releases a breeze. Your hard work takes so much stress off every release.
To Carli, thank you for always being willing to listen to my ideas and help me when I’m stuck, which is often. Thank you for being willing to proofread at the drop of a hat. But most of all, thank you for allowing me to turn you into a heinous character. Miss you.
And finally, the most heartfelt thank you goes to my husband. Without your support and help, I wouldn’t have published a single word. There isn’t anyone else I’d be willing to take this journey with. Let’s get ready for more.
Thank you so much for reading THUNDER. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Other books by Lilly Atlas
No Prisoners MC
Hook: A No Prisoners Novella
Striker
Jester
Acer
Lucky
Snake
Trident Ink
Escapades
Hell’s Handlers MC
Zach
Maverick
Jigsaw
Copper
Rocket
Little Jack
Joy
Screw
Viper
Thunder
Audiobooks
Audio
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About the Author
Lilly Atlas is an award-winning contemporary romance author. She’s a proud Navy wife and mother of three spunky girls. Every time Lilly downloads a new eBook she expects her Kindle App to tell her it’s exhausted and overworked, and to beg for some rest. Thankfully that hasn’t happened yet so she can often be found absorbed in a good book.