Sorry for the slight delay in uploading this chapter. I've been bombarded with lots of school work. Thank you for the reviews and alerts. It means a lot to me that people are reading and enjoying the story.
Stefanie stared at herself in the mirror as she finished applying the last of her make-up. Glancing down she noticed the stack of letters that were on the vanity stand staring her in the face. Shaking her head she ran her fingers threw her hair she smiled as she saw Abel walking toward her with his sippy-cup in his hand. "Hey baby-boy. What are you doing?" She asked as she scooped him up as he giggled.
"Daddy." Abel replied as Stefanie smiled as she held him onto her hip. "You wanna wait for me in the living room while I finish getting ready?" She asked as Abel smiled as he nodded his head. "Yeah...okay." She said as she placed Abel onto the floor as he ran out of the room.
Sighing she turned back to the vanity table as she grabbed the stack of letters as she grabbed the envelope and stuffed them inside. "You ready darlin'? Jax and the guys left Stockton. Should be at the clubhouse soon." Chib's asked as his reflection appeared in the mirror in front of her.
Looking up Stefanie smiled as she turned around so that the letters were hidden behind her. "Yup I'm almost ready. Just gotta grab my jacket and grab Ember and I'll meet you out there." She said as Chibs nodded his head as he went to leave. "Oh, just make sure Abel isn't running around. He fell yesterday. And we're meeting Gemma there." She said as Chibs laughed. "Don't worry Angel, I won't let the lad get hurt." He said as Stefanie smiled.
"Thank's Chibs." She said as Chibs nodded his head as he left the room. "Oh boy." Stefanie said to herself as she turned around and grabbed the letters as she walked hastily over to the closet. Reaching into the back of the closet she moved the box to the side as she reached and removed one of the floorboards as she stuffed the letters in and quickly replaced the board and moved the box back into place.
Standing up she walked over to the bed as she grabbed her jacket and bag as she moved to the door and left. Throwing her jacket on she walked into the nursery to see her daughter asleep. "Come here baby-girl." She said as she picked up her daughter as she held her to her chest as she walked out to see Chibs and Miles sitting with Abel. "Alright...I think that I'm all set." She said as Chibs and Miles got up from the floor. Abel walked over to Stefanie as he held onto her pant leg."Ready to see daddy?" She asked as she bent down and placed Ember into her carrier. "Daddy." Abel replied as Stefanie grabbed his hand. "Yup...let's go see him." She said as Chibs bent down and scooped up Abel as Stefanie picked up the carrier as they all headed to go to the clubhouse.
Pulling up to the Teller-Morrow garage Stefanie smiled as she got out of the car as Gemma came up to her. "Hey Angel." She said as she threw her arms around Stefanie.
Smiling slightly Stefanie pulled away as she walked over and undid Abel's car seat. "Hey, sorry we're a bit late, Took forever getting ready and getting the kids ready." She said as she picked up Abel as she held him onto her hip as Gemma came around to her.
"Here I'll take him while you get Ember out of the car." she said as Stefanie handed Abel to Gemma. "Hey little man...causing your mama hell today?" She asked as Stefanie walked around the car as Abel giggled at what Gemma had said.
"He's very excited to see Jax." Stefanie replied as she opened the door as she looked to see her daughter awake. "Hey pretty girl...you awake." She said as her daughter smiled and gurgled as she picked her up and carried her over to the picnic table.
Gemma placed Abel down onto the picnic table as well as she placed the baby bag which had some coloring books for Abel inside as well as Ember's things too. "Forgot this." Gemma replied as Stefanie looked over and shook her head.
"Thank you...my mind has been five steps ahead today. I'm surprised that I didn't forget one of the kids at home." She said as Gemma smiled and laughed.
"The joy of children. It'll be easier once Jax is home. So how is the situation with that bitch of a mother being back in your life?" She asked as Stefanie gave Abel the crayons and a cup of juice as she cradled her daughter giving her a bottle.
"Well let's just say that my cell won't stop ringing and I'm pretty sure that she's been driving by to make sure my car's been in the driveway." She said as Gemma sat down next to her as she gazed at her granddaughter.
"What does Jax have to say about Laura being back in the picture?" Gemma asked as Stefanie placed the crayon that she had been holding onto the table as she looked up at Gemma.
"He doesn't know yet. I've been waiting to have that conversation. I didn't want Jax being on the inside knowing that Laura's been back in the picture. Trying to "save me" from this life you know?" She said as Gemma nodded her head as Stefanie looked over at the kids. "She hated my father for being in this life. You must think I'm just like her." Stefanie said sadly as she looked at Gemma again holding back the tears.
Gemma shook her head as she grabbed her hand. "No...I don't think you're like Laura. She made the choice to hate the club and what it stood for. She only stuck around so long because you were young she couldn't support you on her own. Once your dad went away and we all found out that he got a life sentence...that is when she got out for good and left you to deal with the aftermath. She quit on you baby." Gemma finished as Stefanie looked up and nodded. "You should let Jax know that she's back in town though." Gemma spoke as she sat Abel in her lap as he continued to color.
"Thanks Gemma." She said as she looked at the kids again as she looked up to see Lyla walking over to them.
"Hey Stefanie, Hey Gemma." Lyla said as she walked over to the table that she and Gemma were sitting at. "Wow...I haven't seen her in a while she's so much bigger." She said as Stefanie placed the bottle down as she placed Ember in her carrier as she stood and gave Lyla a hug.
"Hey Lyla...ready for the big day?" Stefanie asked as Lyla looked down and back up.
"Yes and no...I'm nervous I guess. Sometimes I think that he's trying to replace Donna with me...you know?" She said as Stefanie looked to Gemma as she gave a slight shrug.
"Look Opie loves you he wouldn't have proposed if he hadn't." Stefanie said as Lyla nodded her head as the distant sound of motorcycles filled the air.
"They're here."Miles screamed as Stefanie and Gemma scrambled to their feet as they watched as the group of motorcycles drove into the lot as screams and whoops filled the air.
"Abel, come here." Stefanie said as she grabbed her son's hand as she pointed to where the bikes had come to a stop. "Look who it is." She said as she looked up to see Jax get off his bike and walk over to her.
"Get the fuck over here." Jax replied as he grabbed Stefanie in for a fierce kiss. Wrapping her arms around his neck she felt him deepen it as he lifted her slightly off the ground.
"Hmm...Jax, I missed you." She said as she pulled away to rest her forehead against his.
"Missed you too baby." He said as they both smiled as they looked to see Abel run to Jax.
"Daddy." Abel replied as Jax caught him and held him in the air as Jax held him to his hip.
"Hey buddy, giving your mom hell?" He asked as Stefanie smiled as she walked over with Ember held against her.
"You have no idea." She said as she walked over as Jax used his free hand to grab his daughter's hand.
"She's gotten so big. Abel too." He said as Stefanie leaned in to kiss his lips softly. Pulling away Jax smiled as he kissed his son's and daughter's forehead. "Finally all together." He said as Stefanie smiled as Gemma came up on the family moment.
Jax placed Abel down as Stefanie grabbed his hand. "Come on sweetie let's color some more." She said as Abel bounded to the picnic table as she looked back at Jax. Jax smiled as Stefanie gave him a wink as she placed her daughter in her carrier as she sat next to Abel. "Draw something for daddy." She said as Abel smiled and nodded as Clay came up behind them.
"Beautiful family Angel." He replied as Stefanie turned around and tried to fake a good smile.
"Hey Clay. " She said as she stood up and gave him a quick hug as she looked over to see Gemma and Jax talking.
"Kid's look great." Clay replied as Stefanie shook her head.
"Thanks." She said as Clay gave her shoulders a squeeze as he walked away from the picnic table. Jax returned to them as he picked up Abel and sat him down onto his lap.
"Everything okay?" He asked as Stefanie nodded her head as she sat down next to him as she looked to her daughter to see that she had fallen asleep. "What're drawin' buddy?" Jax asked as Abel continued to draw as Jax looked over at Stefanie as he reached over and cradled her head in one hand as he pulled her closer pressing his lips to hers once again.
"Church!" Clay screamed as both Jax and Stefanie pulled away from each other.
"I'll see you later?" Jax asked as Stefanie nodded her head as she leaned forward.
"You bet your sexy ass I will." She said as Jax gave her his signature smirk. As he leaned forward and kissed her hard on the lips. Stefanie pulled away as she gave him a wink before getting up as Jax did also before he disappeared into the clubhouse.
Stefanie cradled Abel on her hip who, had fallen asleep on the car ride home as she walked into the house followed by Gemma who held Ember in her carrier. "A lot of excitement for one day." Gemma replied as Stefanie walked into Abel's room.
Pulling back the covers she placed him in bed as she put his favorite puppy dog stuffed animal in next to him. Smiling she gave him a quick kiss on his forehead as she stood and closed the door softly. "You're telling me. Now if I can only get this little girl to go to sleep." She said as Gemma smiled as she watched Stefanie cradled her granddaughter in her arms.
"So I'll see you at the wedding?" Gemma asked as she walked to the door. Stefanie looked up as she looked to Gemma.
"Yeah, I'll be there. Lyla asked me to be her maid of honor." She said as Gemma nodded her head as she pulled on her sunglasses and pulled out her keys.
"See ya." Gemma replied as Stefanie nodded her head as the door closed behind Gemma.
Stefanie walked into Ember's nursery as she placed her daughter into her crib. Grabbing the pink bunny rabbit she placed it into the crib as she turned on the little mobile as she smiled as her daughter's eyes began to shut.
Closing the door she walked into the hallway as the sound of the front door opening and shutting made her look over to see Jax in the doorway. "Hey, kids are down for a nap." She said as she drew her arms around his neck. As his arms encircled her waist.
"I missed you." He said as Stefanie smiled as she leaned up onto her tiptoes.
"Missed you too." She replied as Jax bent down and crashed his lips to hers making her pull down on his neck to bring him closer. Moaning into his mouth she felt his hand dig into her waist as he lifted her up.
Wrapping her legs around his waist she tore at his sweatshirt as Jax walked them into the bedroom as he closed the door behind them. Stefanie tore open his sweatshirt as she pushed it from his arms as Jax laughed at her impatience. "What? You aren't the only one who had to wait 14 months." She said as Jax grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him again as his mouth found her's once again. Jax's hands grabbed at her shirt as he pulled it over her head as she pulled at his shirt as she pulled it over his own head.
Stefanie smiled as she grabbed his hands as she led him to the bed as she laid down onto the bed. Jax hovered above her as he bent down and kissed her forcefully on the mouth as she wrapped her arms around him. Jax kissed his way down her chest as he laid butterfly kissed down her exposed stomach as he reached the hemline of her jeans. Stefanie ran her hands over his head as she felt him tug her jeans free as he pulled them from her body. Sitting up in just her bra and panties she grabbed at Jax's jeans as she pulled free the belt as it dropped to the floor with a loud CLANG. She pulled free his jeans as she slid them down his legs.
Grabbing a hold of his neck she brought him down to her as they both allowed the 14 months that once held so much loneliness quickly disappear.
Stefanie's eyes opened as she felt a tickling sensation on her back. Turning her head she smiled as Jax traced the intricate lines of her crow tattoo that she gotten to surprise Jax. "You like?" She asked as she felt Jax's arms encircle her waist as he turned her to him.
"I love it." He said as he leaned down and captured her lips in a soft kiss. "When'd you get it?" He asked as her own fingers traced the new tattoo he acquired of their daughter's name; she also couldn't help but stare at the scares that were etched into his skin on his chest. "Lyla and I got ours a few weeks ago. I got the kids names too." She said as Jax reached down and looked to her right wrist which had both Abel's and Ember's names in cursive writing. He gave her wrist a kiss before he brought it to lie on his chest.
"So Ope's wedding is tonight right?" He asked as Stefanie nodded her head as she let out a slight yawn as her hand that lay on his chest traced invisible circles.
"Yup, starts at 6:00." She said as Jax looked over at the clock to see it was 3:30. Jax shifted so he was propped up against the headboard.
"Probably should get ready." He suggested as Stefanie leaned up to look at the clock on the table next to the bed.
"No...I think we should stay here for a bit." She said as Jax smiled as he brought her down onto the bed as his lips found hers. Stefanie's hands round around his neck as Ember's cries filled the quiet air. "No." Stefanie said as she leaned her head against Jax's bare chest as Jax laughed.
"I should get her." Stefanie replied as she began to wrap the sheet around herself as Jax's hand caught her arm.
"I got her." He said as he leaned down and kissed her lips softly as he stood up as he headed to the door.
Stefanie laughed lightly as she picked up his boxers from the floor. "Jax." She said as he turned around to look at her. Stefanie smiled as she threw his boxers at him. "Show your daughter some respect and put your pants on." She said as Jax smiled at her as he bent down and slid his boxers on. He then turned to go get his daughter.
Stefanie shook her head as she got out of bed and walked over to her dresser as she pulled out a fresh pair of panties. Sliding them on, she then bent down and picked up Jax's discarded SAMCRO t-shirt.
Jax entered their bedroom as he walked in with their daughter in hand as Stefanie pulled on the t-shirt over her head as she sat down on the bed. "She fussy?" She asked as Jax handed her Ember and a bottle.
"Yeah a little." He said as he walked over and pulled on his jeans and a white t-shirt as he walked back over and sat down next to Stefanie who continued to feed his daughter. "She's going to be a daddy's girl. You know that right?" He said as Stefanie looked up and raised her eyebrow.
"Let's just hope she doesn't follow her mommy's taste in men. No bikers for her." She said as Jax smiled.
"You're right about that." He said as Stefanie looked at him as she saw him fighting with something internal.
"Are you okay?" She asked as she shifted Ember in her arms as she looked at Jax again.
"You know that I love you and the kids right?" He asked as Stefanie looked at him as she nodded her head.
"Jax you're scaring me what's going on?" She asked as Jax shook his head as he looked down at his daughter and at the picture of Abel on the wall across from him.
"I'm leaving SAMCRO." Jax replied as Stefanie stared back at him with a look of shock on her face.
"Jax are you sure about this? I mean you have to be 100% sure that you don't want SAMCRO anymore." She said as she placed the Ember's bottle on the ground as she walked over and put her in the portable crib that was in their room as she turned and sat back down in front of Jax.
"I'm sure...I know that if I stay with SAMCRO I'm going to end up right back in Stockton. I don't want my kids to only know they have a flighty dad. In and out of their lives. I want out...all the way." He said as Stefanie grabbed his hands as she moved closer to him.
"How are you going to do that?" She asked as Jax took a deep breath in and then looked up into her eyes.
"Clay's time is done...he's knows it, I know it. And when he steps down. That's when I leave." He said as Stefanie nodded her head as she felt tears prick her eyes as she listened to Jax. "The club is different from when we were kids. From when Opie and I were patched in. It's even fucking different from the time that Abel was born. Its filled with greed and power and I want nothing with that anymore. Not if it costs my life and family." He said as his forehead rested against hers.
Stefanie smiled as the tears that pricked her eyes fell as she raised her head and stared at him. "Jax, whatever you decided. I'll follow you wherever you go. Because...I love you." She said as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his as he responded as his hand wrapped around the back of her head deepening the kiss.
Jax pulled away as his kissed her forehead. "I love you too." He said as she smiled as his thumb wiped away the tears that slipped down her face. "You and I should get ready for this wedding." He said as Stefanie nodded her head as she and Jax stood up as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her into his embrace.
"You okay?" Stefanie asked as she walked toward Lyla who was pacing back and forth and in mini white wedding dress. "Wow wish I could have worn that when Jax and I got married. Granted I was 10 weeks pregnant. Probably wouldn't have looked that good." She said as Lyla smirked as she looked down at her engagement ring.
"I'm nervous still...I mean I love Opie and I want us to be a family. It's just hard trying to not think he is trying to replace me you know." She said as Stefanie nodded her head as she ran her hands over the cobalt blue and black lace dress she was wearing with punk style gladiator high heels which were black with zippers down the front and sequins over the straps. Lyla noticed and raised her hand as she pointed to the dress. "I thought you were going to wear the champagne colored dress." Lyla said as Stefanie shrugged.
"I didn't feel that great in the dress. I just had a baby and I've always look better in darker colors. What are you worried about Opie's going to love you in that dress." Stefanie said as Lyla let out a breath she was holding.
"You're right I'm sorry I'm freaking out about this. I'm being a bitch I'm sorry." She said as Stefanie shook her head.
"It's okay...It's almost time so I'm going to go out there. You'll do fine." She said as Lyla nodded as Stefanie walked toward the beautiful wedding scene as she stood in front of the flowered wedding arch.
Stefanie looked up as Opie and Jax approached her as she looked over at Jax who eyed her up and down. Stefanie smiled as she winked at him as the music began and Lyla started down the ales as Piney gave her away.
Lyla and Opie's wedding was simple compared to most of the SAMCRO weddings that had happened in its history. Both Stefanie and Jax listened to the service both staring at one another as the pastor said the blessings to each Opie and Lyla. When it came time for the rings Lyla turned to Stefanie as she gave Lyla the ring. Opie turned to Jax who appeared to be joking around about "losing the rings." Stefanie shook her head as her husband shrugged and smirked at her as both Opie and Lyla slid the rings on each of their fingers. While reading the vows Stefanie thought back to her and Jax's vows which made her tear up as she quickly wiped them away.
With the vows said Opie and Lyla were about to kiss when Jax nudged his arm. "What else man?" He asked as Stefanie looked up and glared at her husband as Opie look embarrassed about what he was about to say.
"And I to treat you as good as my leather..." He said as Stefanie raised a hand to her face as a smiled raised her lips.
"And ride you as much as my Harley..." Everyone in the crowd and Jax repeated as Lyla smiled and laughed. The pastor then pronounced them husband and wife and the ceremony was over.
Jax and Stefanie walked over to one another as Jax looked his wife in the eye. "Nice dress." He said as Stefanie raised her arms as they encircled his shoulders.
"Nice cut." She said as Jax's fingers grazed the hem of her dress as Stefanie forced his hands to remain respectfully. "Not here Jax...but later I promise." She said as Jax pouted playfully as he leaned in and captured her lips in a soft passionate kiss.
Stefanie is sitting at a table as she watched Opie and Lyla talk with a few of the guests.
"You okay babe?" Jax asked as he sat down next to her and grabbed her hand.
"Yeah I'm fine...you know..." She said as she turned toward Jax as and leaned forward toward him. "You owe me a dance from our wedding." She said as Jax shook his head as he grabbed her quickly around the waist as she let out a slight shriek as Jax sat her into his lap.
"I owe you a dance huh?" He teased as his hand cupped her cheek as he stared into her eyes.
"Yes." She answered as he bent her head down to capture her lips as her hands are placed on either side of his face. Jax and her pulled away as Tig and Opie stand in front of them.
"Damn brother...you two missed each other a lot." Opie replied as Stefanie's cheeks turn bright red as Jax laughed.
"You know it." He said as Stefanie slid off out of his lap as he stood behind her his hands never leaving her waist. She leaned into his chest as his hands draw invisible circles over her hips.
"Club business...we gotta go." Tig replied as Jax nodded his head as Lyla came up and grabbed Opie by the hand.
"Come on...can't hide forever." She said as she slightly lost her balance swaying a little.
"Drunk already?" Stefanie asked as Opie nodded his head as he followed Lyla. Stefanie turned as Jax looked down at her.
"Gotta go babe...I'll be back soon." He said as Stefanie nodded her head as she leaned in and kissed his chest.
"Go do what you gotta do...just be safe." She said as Jax kissed her forehead as he let her go and walked toward Tig and Bobby who were waiting with Clay.
Stefanie watched as Jax disappeared as she walked over and sat down with Piney as the two watched Opie and Lyla start to dance.
Jax returned from dealing with the club business with the Russians as he saw Stefanie laughing and talking with Piney as they danced to the couple's choice song.
Stefanie looked over and smiled as Jax approached her as he held out his hand. "I owe you a dance." He said as Stefanie smiled as she stood up and the two embraced one another as they sway back and forth to the music.
"I know you hate dancing Jackson." Stefanie said as Jax smiled against her neck as he laid a genital kiss against it. "Don't think you're getting laid again." She said as Jax raised his head as he looked down at her. He tilted her chin upward as he laid a soft genital kiss against her lips as the music continued to play behind them.
With All the chaos that was sure to erupt with SAMCRO it was this time that both were happy they could call a peaceful moment.
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