Page 39 of Timber
I debate about telling him about Reaper’s offer, but if we do decide to take him up on it, I’d have to tell him anyway. That and stress that my threat was real.
Clearing my throat, I shake my head. “Reaper also offered his help. That Python could look into things regarding Mae’s history or background, so there’s no conflict of interest. Also, for if things get too tense and strained here with Smoke and Dragon, that we’d have a place in his club until things calmed down. If they calm down, that is.” I pause, licking my lips. “I meant what I said about my business. If the club won’t help protect her, I’ll turn in my cut and leave. Buy out the club’s percentage. Nothing’s more important than Mae’s safety.”
His face softens, and he nods. “You claiming her?”
“Yeah, I’m claiming her as my Old Lady, even though I know she won’t get a unanimous vote because of Smoke. Told her earlier that I want her as my woman, my Old Lady, my wife. She’s not there yet, but she’s getting there. If only things weren’t so fucked up with Smoke, she might get there sooner.”
Thor nods. “You’ll have protection and backing one way or another from the club. I’m glad Reaper offered you a place if need be. In fact, it might not be a bad idea depending on how things go with Smoke tomorrow. It’s going to be rough. Lillian burned him in more than one way.”
I pause, more things clicking in place. “You were there, weren’t you? You know what went down that day.”
Thor nods. “Me and Patch were there. I can’t believe that bitch did something so fucking vile. With Mae showing up out of the blue, I get that the man’s been thrown a clusterfuck, but that’s no excuse for what he’s done or said. That said, it may take time to come to terms with the fact that his daughter didn’t die. A little space might be good for both of them.”
He shakes his head and continues. “Apparently, Mae’s asked that the ladies, you, and I meet with her tomorrow and she’ll tell us what’s all happened so far. Depending on Smoke’s... condition, both physical and mental, he might be there as well, but that is ultimately up to Mae. If Mae doesn’t want anyone else there, then those of us that are there will relay the information to the rest of the brothers at Church.”
Nodding, I run my hand through my hair. God fuck damn. This is such a fucking mess.
“After talking to Mae, I’ll have a sit down with Smoke. Make him watch the feed of what he did and said. Then share anything Mae wants me to with him, unless she wants to sit in on that part to tell him herself.”
I start to object, but he raises his hand.
“It’s ultimately up to her. If she chooses to take that path, I’ll make sure nothing happens to her, but if she requests you there, I’ll allow it. Mainly because I think after all this mess, she’ll need your support when she tells him.”
Sighing, I give him a chin lift. He’s right. It’s up to her how she wants to tell Smoke. And probably show him whatever was in the rest of her notebooks and folder.
“Now, get out of here and go to your woman. I bet she’s about to crack from what I saw earlier. She’ll need you. Text me if anything else comes up. I’ll let you know when we’re heading over in the morning.”
Giving him another chin lift, I leave the office and stalk out of the clubhouse, ignoring my brothers on the way out. I need to see my woman.
Firing up my bike, I make my way down the winding road to my house. Thank fuck Thor and the others listened back when we first started planning to build houses here. Having a paved lot and road instead of gravel helps with a number of things, but especially when we need to get out of here quickly. None of us have to worry about kicking up a bunch of rocks in the process and scuffing someone’s paint job.
Within minutes, I’m pulling up to my house and turn off my bike. Some of the tension in my shoulders lessens a bit when I hear laughter coming from behind the house.
Making my way up the porch steps, I walk around the porch toward the back of my property. It butts up along the tree line, which is something I love. I’ve always preferred being outside, and having this space helps calm my nerves.
Leaning against the house, I watch the women. They’ve lit a fire, and Levi, Sasha, Nikki, and Sunshine are all sitting around it. Sunshine and Levi have water, but the others have beer. Does Mae not drink? Not that it would matter if she doesn’t.
As if feeling my gaze on her, Sunshine looks up at me and the smile that lights up her face is fucking beautiful. How the fuck did I get lucky enough to have her in my life?
The others finally take notice of me, and Nikki raises her beer. “Hope you don’t mind that we grabbed a few beers.”
Pushing off the corner, I grab myself a beer out of my outside refrigerator before making my way to them. Reaching Sunshine’s chair, I pick her up, sit down and settle her in my lap.
Shaking my head, I shrug. “Don’t worry about it.” I pause, nodding at Sasha. “Thanks for helping Sunshine earlier.”
She waves me off. “We’re family. That’s what we do.”
Sunshine squirms on my lap. Her cheeks heat a little, and she dips her head to try to hide it. I wonder if the family comment got to her? From what little I know, she really only includes Peggy and Glen as her family. I’m not even sure if she has any friends.
“How are you doing, Sunshine?” I whisper in her ear as I brush a lock of hair behind her shoulder.
Her gaze meets mine and my chest tightens at seeing the whirlwind of emotions in her eyes. “Barely holding together,” she whispers back.
“What do you want to happen tonight? Watch a movie? Talk? Or head upstairs to go to bed? Whatever you want to do, we’ll do it.”
She nibbles her lip as she thinks. A slight blush creeps across her face again. “Can you just hold me for a bit? I feel safe when I’m in your arms. That everything isn’t falling apart around me.”
Fuck, if that doesn’t hit me hard. “Of course, Sunshine.”