“She’s my daughter, and she won’t be stuck in this town for the rest of her life raising mini Lost Souls for the club, or your son.”
“You’ve always had a problem with the club, haven’t you?”
Alannah steps forward and so does my mom. Cas steps in between them and dad remains in the corner watching me.
I hang my head and wish Leo was here. I should’ve let him drive me home and hold my hand. This is brutal.
“You haven’t done too bad from them though, have you? Nice house, which wasn’t all paid for from your store. The clothes on your back, your kids back, Indie’s college fees, all paid for by club earnings.”
“Enough,” Cas booms and the two moms fall silent.
“What my wife is trying to say, is our son will step up and this fighting has to stop. She’s pregnant and in a matter of weeks, there will be a baby here whether you accept it or not. We’ve all known each other a long time, but make no mistakes, Slade, she’s carrying my grandkid and if you’re not going to let this go, I’ll make sure she is where she needs to be.”
I struggle to breathe, Leo didn’t want this. For us to come between our fathers.
“I’m her dad, she isn’t old enough for this kind of responsibility.”
“She was old enough to make it, she was old enough to make the decisions that led her here today.”
“Yeah, and where’s your boy? I don’t see him here assuring me he’s going to stand by her…”
“You know him, Slade, you know we raised him good.”
There’s another knock at the door and this time, I pray it’s Leo. Mom is the one to answer the door this time, and less than a minute later, Leo follows her into the kitchen. He seeks me out and comes to stand beside me.
He doesn’t look happy that I’ve been crying. He squeezes my shoulder and I want to lean into him. Dad is watching too closely, I don’t want to give him another reason to punch Leo.
“I’m sorry, Slade. I should’ve spoken to you months ago when we first started seeing each other. I disrespected you as a brother, and as someone I’ve known my entire life. I swear to you I will be there for your daughter every step of the way. I won’t let her down, I’m going to be by her side and there for the baby.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“You know what, I don’t care if you don’t. I’ve given you my word, if that’s not good enough for you, it’s your problem. I love your daughter, and as far as I can see, you’re the one hurting her, not me.”
“You jumped up little prick.”
I stand before any punches can be thrown. Cas isn’t doing much, but he’s standing there simmering with anger.
“I’m sorry I disappointed you both, but Leo and I are going to do this together.”
I walk out, and don’t stop until I’m outside and opening my car door. I quickly realise I’m alone and Leo is back in the house. I climb behind the wheel and start the engine.
It isn’t long before Leo walks out and jogs over to the car, shaking his head as he looks over at his bike.
“I think I’ve made it worse,” he admits, closing his door.
“I don’t think it’s possible,” I sigh, and back out onto the road.
“I punched your brother, sent him flying out the back door.”
“Why?”
What the hell happened in the sixty seconds I wasn’t in the house?
“He admitted he trashed my bike, he had it coming.”
I’m staying out of that one. The brothers and their bikes are their business.
Leo
“We’ve got a lot to sort out before the baby comes, and we don’t have much time.”
I keep staring at the ultrasound photo. My baby girl. India’s let me read her notes, it doesn’t make much sense, but I understand that she and the baby are healthy.
Both my girls are doing well.
“I told you, your parents will come around.”
“I mean, the baby. We need to buy a crib, clothes, bottles, there’s so much I don’t even know.”
Sadness falls across her face and I know she’s thinking of her mom. She wants her to be a part of this experience and it’s getting her down that she isn’t.
I fall beside her on the couch and put my arm around her. Kissing the top of her head, she leans against me, and sighs.
“They hate me.”
“They don’t, I promise you that.”
“All they wanted was for me to go to college.”
“And you will. If it’s the last thing I do, it’ll be getting you to college,” I promise her.
It’s always quiet out here, it’s going to be different having India around making noise and then our baby. I can’t fucking wait.
She yawns again, and I wonder how she’s still awake now. We didn’t get to sleep until the sun nearly rose this morning, and then she was waking and leaving to go and see her parents.
“Can I get you anything?” I ask her, reaching for a throw over from the back of the couch. I drape it over us and she makes herself comfortable against me.
“I’m good, but I might sleep for a while.”
It’s not going to happen any time soon though, a knock at the door has her sitting up again and I growl. This better not be her mom or Slade on my doorstep here to have another go. No one is making her cry again, not while I’m around.
“Why don’t you go upstairs, and I’ll wake you in a few hours. I’ll deal with whoever is at the door.”
Another round of knocking fills the air and she shakes her head.
“I’ll sleep later.”
I jump off the couch, and find it’s my parents on the doorstep and dad doesn’t wait to be invited in.
Opening the door wider, mom stops to kiss me on the cheek and beams an excited, huge grin before heading into the living room.
I know before I step into the room that she will be at India’s side. After a quick scout outside, I close the door when they’re alone and join everyone in the other room.
“Slade and Kristen will come around, I want you to know Cas and I won’t make life harder for you. I’m happy for you both.”
I roll my eyes behind my mom’s back and India catches it, making her smile. Dad doesn’t linger around and slides the back door open and steps outside.
I leave mom talking baby stuff with India and join my father.
“Why didn’t she come back and tell you? This could’ve been settled months ago.”
“She had her reasons and it’s all in the past now. What happened after we left?” I ask, flexing my fist. Punching Zach felt better than it should have.
“Slade wouldn’t talk to me and Kristen ignored your mom, Zach left, and we left shortly after.”
“I didn’t want this for you, I wanted to avoid it.”
“You’re my son, you love her and you’re taking responsibility for your actions. I’m proud of you and I’m actually looking forward to meeting my granddaughter. My family is growing, it’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time. But I’ll warn you now, you’ll make mistakes with India, and you’ll make them with your kid, but never walk away from them, and never, ever walk away from your daughter. If she’s like me, she will never forgive you.”
It’s no secret dad never forgave his mom for abandoning him as a baby. If there is one promise I can make him, it’ll be I will never do that to my kid.
A stab of regret hits me, my Grandma would’ve loved having a great grandchild to hold and fuss over. Dad never really let her fully dote on us, as I got older, I realised it was his way of punishing her, reminding her that he could take her happiness away at any moment if he chose.
I wouldn’t have treated her like that. I understand my dad, and I don’t think any less of him for it, but I know I would’ve done it differently.
“I’m going nowhere, nor is India,” I vow, meaning every single word.
He nods and jerks his chin towards the cabin.
“Let’s get back inside, you’re about to l
earn women and babies are a bad combination for your bank balance. I hope you’ve got savings.”
Inside, India is writing a list and when I sit on the arm of the couch beside her, it’s a fucking long list.
“What’s all this?” I ask, taking it from her.
“Your mom is telling me what we’ll need for the baby.”
I scan down the list and let out a low whistle. Dad chuckles from the armchair.
“How much? I don’t even own this much,” I stammer out.
“Welcome to fatherhood, it costs a fuckin’ fortune,” Dad outright laughs and mom chuckles.
“It’s also worth every penny, you wait and see.”
I can see me talking dad into picking up more runs. The cash I have plotted away over the years won’t last long after the kids first birthday, and now India is my fiancé, I’ll be paying her college tuition.
Perhaps I should rob a bank, dad won’t like it, but I know JJ and the twins will be up for it.
Dad’s phone rings and he leaves the room.
“We don’t have to go crazy, Leo, we can just get the essentials.”
I instantly feel like an ass. I don’t want her thinking I can’t look after them.
“It’s not the cost, Indie, it just took me by surprise how much shit a baby needs.”
I wonder if the cabin is going to be big enough. After I’ve robbed the bank, I might have to invest in a mansion.
“We’ll need to start getting this lot soon,” I murmur.
“India and I will go shopping tomorrow,” Mom beams, already planning.
“Leo. We’ve got to go.”
I turn to see dad hovering in the doorway and he isn’t happy. I’m immediately on my feet and then I twirl back to India.
If Slade knows I’m at the club, Kristen might show up and take her back to their house. They don’t seem to grasp she is an adult now and can make her own decisions. I haven’t got a clue how this is going to play out and until I do, I’m not taking any chances. She’s their daughter but she’s mine now, and I won’t let anyone come between us again.
“Well, you look tired. Why don’t you get some sleep while they’re gone, and I’ll do some cleaning? You don’t need to be cleaning up after Leo today.”
I throw my mom a thank you and lean down and claim India’s mouth.
“She’ll still be here when we get back, let’s go,” Dad grunts, and India smiles against my lips.
“What’s going on?” I ask him, once we’re outside.
“Sparky’s holding Niall in the basement and won’t let him leave.”
“What the fuck for?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out, no one is telling me shit over the phone.”
I forget my bike is in pieces on Slade’s front lawn, and now I’m angry. He put his hands on me last night and his cock of a son put his hands on my bike.
“I arranged for a prospect to pick your bike up after I left Slade’s, take your truck and we’ll arrange to fix your ride sometime soon.”
“Thanks, dad.”
To my surprise, dad didn’t ride here on his bike, mom must’ve driven him in her car. He jumps in the passenger seat and sits quietly, smoking one cigarette after the other till we arrive at the club.
It’s quiet in the bar, and Tal lets us know most of the brothers are in the basement. It isn’t long before we’re walking down the stairs and find Sparky leaning over in Niall’s face. I’ve seen Sparky angry with JJ too many times to count over the years, but I’ve never seen him like this.
“I swear, if Cas got shot for this, I will kill you myself, brothers be damned,” he threatens.
“Is someone going to explain what the fuck is going on?” Dad calls out and I stay by his side.
Niall jumps up to his feet, and pushes the chair out as he rises, and comes over to us.
“Cas, I didn’t fucking know in the beginning, I promise you, brother.”
“Fuck. Someone talk to me, now,” Dad yells, beginning to lose his temper.
“He’s been fucking Roman’s old lady behind his back, all loved up apparently,” Ricky speaks up.
Both, dad and I look to Niall and he doesn’t argue his defence.
“Is that why you’ve been getting trouble over the months? Is it why I got shot?”
Niall the pussy doesn’t speak, he nods his head and looks down at his boots. Fucking pathetic.
“So, we’re fighting over a woman who couldn’t keep her legs closed, this is what I’m hearing, yeah?” Dad clarifies.
“You haven’t heard the best of it yet, brother?”
“Enlighten me then,” he growls.
“She’s pregnant, and it’s his.”
“Looks like everyone’s knocking up women they shouldn’t,” Slade mutters and I sigh.
“Cut it out,” Dad hisses, losing all patience, “Why are we down here?”
“Cause I was this close to killing him myself,” Sparky growls, clearly pissed.
“Well, I’m not getting any fuckin’ younger, let’s take this up to the back room and I can sit my ass down.”
Sparky walks on in front with dad and I hear him break the last piece of news.
“She’s here, Roman’s old lady, a prospect’s watching her in your office.”
“Fuck sake,” Dad breathes and slams the door open before taking his seat at the head of the table.
I take my usual seat and Niall stands to the side of the room.
“You brought your trouble to the club, more than that, you brought it to my door. What were you thinking bringing Roman’s old lady here?” Dad asks first.
“I didn’t, she showed up this morning. I didn’t know she was coming until she was here.”
“You should’ve got rid of her,” Sparky grunts.
While they carry on, I catch both Slade and Zach watching me. It’s hard not moving a muscle. I don’t want to provoke them, but at the same time I don’t want them thinking they can pull this shit for the rest of our lives.
“Okay, enough of this. Everyone out, and let me think, Slade, Leo, stay behind.”
I tune back in and realise I wasn’t paying any attention. The room slowly empties, and Sparky stays close to Niall closing the door behind them.
“India and Leo are together, she is pregnant and there isn’t anyone who can come between them,” Dad begins, not wasting any time getting to the point.
“I’ve come to terms with my daughter’s predicament. My issue now is the disrespect he’s shown me. He should’ve come to me long ago.”
He’s right, I relax into my chair and hope rises for India.
“Remember the consequences you faced when you went behind Michael’s back?”
Michael was my mom’s uncle and he’s only spoken of when the brothers lecture us about loyalty and what happens when you betray the club.
Dad pales and I know what Slade is referring to. I swallow thickly and look at the scar that hides just above my dad’s hairline. He told me once, Sparky left it there when he had to hit him under Michael’s orders for dad’s betrayal seeing my mom behind his back.
“You want that for my son? You saw how that left me.”
“As India’s father, I only want the very best for her. I want to see how far he will go to be with her. If he rises to his feet like his dad before him, then I’ll lay off him.”
“That’s fair, I’ll do it.”
I don’t hesitate to agree. If this is what he needs, he’s got it.
“Trust me, son, you don’t understand what you’re agreeing to.”
“I know I’ll do anything for her, if this is what he needs, I’ll do it.”
He is far from happy, but he nods and stands.
“Then it’s settled, let’s get it over and done with. After, I don’t want either of you putting me in this position again, or I’ll throw a few punches myself.”
Dad heads out the back room first and Slade and I flank him and stop each side of him by the bar. He pierces the air with a whi
stle to get everyone’s attention.
“I’m sure you’re all aware of the shit going on between Slade and my boy. Tonight, it comes to an end. Slade has called for a solution to appease him and Leo has agreed. Everyone outside.”
Slade is the first one to walk out and dad keeps me close to him. Outside, the three of us stand in the middle as everyone gathers around us in a circle.
“It hasn’t happened in nearly thirty years, but it’s simple. My son has disrespected a brother and we can’t stand for it. Each brother will have two hits against Leo.”
I first see Zach grinning, standing by the garages and then I see JJ. He’s confused and not liking what he has to do.
Dad pulls me to the side and tips my chin up.
“Are you ready for this?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
He steps closer and lowers his voice.
“Don’t underestimate how much this is gonna hurt, go with the blows, don’t try and take them. Above all, every time you want to fall to your knees, and you will want to, remember why you’re doing it. Your mom was worth it for me.”
Smiling, I see my reflection shine in my dad’s eyes. My mom has spent my whole life telling me I’m more like him than her. I see it for myself today. If I can be half the husband and father he is, India and our kid will be two lucky people.
I am my father’s son and I will ride out every hit thrown my way. I will rise to my feet and show Slade I am worthy of his daughter.
“Take your cut off,” Slade yells over.
JJ has been creeping closer and after dad has moved on to talk to Sparky, he’s at my side and looks worried.
I shrug out of my cut and pass it over to him. I pull my hoodie over my head and then my tee and pass them over to him too.
“This is fucked up, I can’t hit you.”
“You have done before,” I remind him.
“Yeah, but not like this. Not because you love someone. This is so wrong, brother.”
“You have to, and you will, I need this, and I need Slade to give us his blessing to make India happy.”
“You’re fuckin’ crazy,” he snorts, shaking his head.
I leave him and walk into the middle of the circle formed by the brothers.