AN. Okay so I have royally fucked up. Like truly and honestly fucked up. The last author's note was a false one. Whatever I had said, ruined everything so I went back and deleted that AN.
First point I'd like to bring to your attention if any of you even care about these things is that I got the whole timeline messed up after realizing it now.
FORGET WHAT I HAD SAID IN THE AU I PREVIOUSLY MADE
I've corrected my errors and fucked up mistakes and quite frankly, I'm pissed off with myself about it.
I have already gone and deleted what I'd originally written for chapter 6 * which was the Author's note* and chapter which is the chapter coming up below.
IF YOU WANT TO SKIP THIS AN THEN JUST SCROLL DOWN BUT I'M SURE YOU WOULD WANT TO READ AHEAD BEFORE ANYTHING.
Without giving too much away, the following chapters NEED to stay at ten years later so I'd like to state right here that in the present of the chapters now and following will be set ten years after chapter 3 and not thirteen years later.
So to correct the age timeline between the characters, Abel is fifteen, Thomas is thirteen and Faith is ten.
Second point.
This means that Abel IS NOT going off to college in the fall as he is still in his junior year of high school like I state in chapter four which brings me to my third point. Sadly Chelsea is not in the story *although her memory will live on, she just wasn't cut out to make the story any longer. I didn't want Abel's attention being deflected elsewhere and he is still a new boy in town so he doesn't have a girlfriend.
Forth point.
When, after I realized my biggest mistake, I'd gone through chapters 4 and 5 to tweak out any existence of Chelsea unless she comes up in upcoming chapters with Karyn. I've also added a few things here and there of the family and changed a few also.
Although the above paragraph alone is not a major concern and no other important details were taken out or thrown in, you don't have to read over the first five chapters unless you really want too.
And finally, this leads me to my final and last point.
I have readjusted chapter 6 and 7 seeing as 6 was an author's note so I deleted that and put what was originally chapter 7 as chapter 6 and am currently updating the latest of my chapters.
It may seem confusing and I hope that I haven't lost any readers because of this royal fuck up but here is the correct timeline.
So in saying that... the chapter below may already seem familiar because it was first chapter 7.
Moving on with this massive rant now, I hope you all stick with me on this.
After locking herself in her office all morning and afternoon typing away at a few reports, her mind continuously skipped out on her. She couldn't concentrate much knowing that the guys most likely wouldn't accept her dinner invitation.
But she got through the day, made it through the meeting that was sprung on her earlier that morning and she'd spoken with Samuel sometime and arranged a one on one briefing in the near future after Karyn had informed her he had permission to sit and assist. Tara had also made sure her son and Chelsea had invited Karyn around for dinner to which the woman answered with a yes and also informed her that a few possible people could be in attendance.
Karyn knew of Tara's past and her history in Charming so she wasn't as gullible as people appeared when dealing with the club. She was glad to be invited in the first place. Somehow Karyn was the type of person that would take a shining to the men in leather so she couldn't wait.
When Tara pulled into her driveway a little after 4pm she made quick work changing into something a little more comfortable before starting on the two different meals for her kids and the guys.
"Whoa, are you cooking for an army or something ma cause I thought it was just gonna be us and Karyn?" Thomas stated as he looked around the kitchen seeing Tara overworking with dinner and made his way towards the kitchen for a bottled water in the fridge.
"I know. I want tonight to be special though." Thomas furrowed his brow but shrugged after seeing a text message from a friend. "Well, I'm going for a fast run, what time is dinner?"
Tara noticed now that Thomas was wearing his running gears but narrowed her eyes. "Eight. You better not be lying to me to get out of this Thomas. I expect you home before seven to shower."
"You got it ma. Bud let's go" he made sure he had one of their two family friendly golden retrievers attached to his leash and swiftly made his way out of the house hoping to get a long enough run in before the boring dinner he no doubt would have no interest in.
-o0o-
7pm past before 8 had finally come. Thomas was back a half hour early to Tara's surprise and was locked away in his room with Buddy. Faith had showered and fed her golden retriever Tammy and done her homework while Abel entertained Karyn in the lounge by just sitting on the couch watching some show while occasionally switching out from the TV to his phone.
"Faith, can you get Thomas and tell him dinner's ready?" Tara informed as she platted the last dish on the large mahogany table.
"What's with the extra place settings?" Thomas asked before Faith had the chance to.
"Uh-" before she could answer, their ears were on high alert of the familiar motorcycles coming towards them.
"Your kidding me?" Thomas asked as he snuck a look out the kitchen window. He waited a few moments as the rumbling edged closer and closer to their house before a wicked grin masked his face. "No way" he high tailed it out of the kitchen with Faith on his heel. Abel was next, Karyn wore confused looks while Tara stood in complete surprise having thought they would've turned down her invitation.
-o0o-
"It's almost eight brother, are you coming?" Chibs asked as he slapped both Tig and Happy on the back of their shoulders. He, Bobby and Quinn were forthcoming with the idea of having dinner with Tara and the kids. They couldn't wait actually. Chibs and Quinn were far too excited about seeing the kids that they went out and got a few presents while Bobby kicked up a helluva storm in the kitchen making a few of their favorite sweets.
"Does it look like I wanna start world war three in front of the kids?" Happy scoffed while Tig raised his glass toasting to that.
"You're a bunch of bikers moping over a mother who was only doing what she thought was good for her kids. Get over yourselves" Bobby stated with a roll of his eyes. "Get your asses outside and on your bike or I swear to god you both won't be on watch at Caracara, Redwoody and Diosa which means no pussy for the next week" Bobby declared.
Tig and Happy both glared at Bobby who shrugged his shoulders making his way out of the clubhouse. Their president's threat was clear and lingering thick in the air as Tig watches the rest of the club head out.
"Think he meant that?" Tig asked even though there was no problem with his piece of ass at home, he was curious about how Happy would take that.
Happy sent Tig a glare but stayed seated at the bar downing the last of his beer before he pushed off his stool heading for his dorm room with no intentions of making it to the dinner.
-o0o-
Arriving at the new Teller-Knowles home, Bobby, Chibs, Quinn, Rat, Cortez, Benny and a begrudging Tig all lined up along the road pulling their helmets off as they found their bearings along the sidewalk.
"She did good for herself I see" Quinn said breaking the awkward silence.
"Doesn't mean she's forgiven" Tig snapped.
"Now now tiger. Must you remember why she did that in the first place." The ever so sweet southern accent of the one and only Venus Van Dam stated with a little sass to her as she looked over to her fiery better half. "You know I love you tiger but I love Tara and her babies more. If you step one foot out of line I swear to-" Venus didn't have time to finish her sentence as they heard Thomas Teller's booming voice advancing on them. A chorus of uncles sung out from the little girl who was hot on her brothers tail followed by a laid back Abel who casually strode towards them.
"Little Thomas, is that you?" Chibs asked as Thomas pulled in the first member within arms reach. "Aye it is?" Chibs grinned from ear to ear picking the younger fellow up. "Look ay yah."
"Uncle Quinn" Faith cheered leaping into the hulk like of a biker.
"Look at you three" Bobby grinned after the much needed reunion took place between the bikers and the three now grown terrors who'd given them all grieve at one stage in their toddler live's.
"My sugars. Come give your aunt Veve some loving on" Venus cheered with delight as she leaned forward with open arms after handing her rhubarb pie to the prospect.
"Aunt Venus" Faith chuckled as she and her brothers embraced her one after the other.
"It is mighty fine to see you beautiful colored eyed beauty's in Charming again. Where's that sweet mother of yours?"
"Inside aunt Veve."
"Well I shall go and see my best friend."
Although Faith was more than ecstatic to see her uncle's present before her, she couldn't help the frown that crossed her face as she noticed her most favorite Son wasn't standing among them. Before she could address the issue, Chibs and Bobby had noticed her look of slight change of demeanor and spoke up before she could.
"Chibs, Rat, Quinn, go get the kids their presents."
"What? Did I hear presents?" Faith asked, gleaming with her eyes bright, she cast a look in the three mentioned Sons who were grinning from ear to ear. "You didn't?"
"We did" Quinn responded, slipping a few of his wrapped gifts, he pulled them from Faith's reach with a raised brow and a knowing look. "Inside first" Quinn stated looking towards the now preoccupied front patio seeing Tara with Venus and two women he had no knowledge of. "Who are they?"
"My sweet sugar. It seems I lost my invitation to your dinner tonight so I hope I'm not crashing any" Tara heard the never forgettable southern accent as it flowed into her home. She almost sprinted toward the front door and ran full force for the woman.
"Venus. I'm so glad you could make it. I missed that sweet friend of mine" Tara cried as she clung to her friend. "And you haven't crashed anything. The invitation was open to all."
"Oh I missed you too sugar. Uh oh and who are these beautiful women?"
Faith followed Quinn's line of sight and beamed. "Mom? Why didn't you tell us?" She asked while slowly jogging up towards her mother.
Tara smiled from ear to ear and pulled her daughter in. "In all honesty baby, I didn't think they'd make it."
Faith sent her mother a knowing look before the sound of a lone rider entered the neighborhood.
"Well I'm more than happy that we moved back ma."
"Happy" Faith screamed in delight from the top of her lungs while running full force towards him.
Abel and Thomas followed in suit while the guys greeted Tara with warm and warning hugs to watch out for Happy and his mood swings.
"Guess he changed his mind" Chibs chuckled knowingly.
"Guys, I want you to meet Karyn, my boss at work and friend after hours. Karyn, these are the men that have been in my children's lives for as long as I can remember. This is Bobby, the president, Chibs his Vice, Tig, Quinn, Rat, Cortez and I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name earlier" Tara introduced pointing from one member to the other before landing on the prospect.
"Benny. It's nice to meet one of the original old lady's of the club. I'm honored to-" Whatever else Benny was gonna say was cut off by Tara gesturing her hand in front of him to stop talking.
"Okay Benny. Let's get one thing straight. I'm not an original old lady of the club but was once the matriarch so please don't ever refer me to that title again. Tara will be just fine."
"But-"
"No buts Benny" Tara stated with a reassuring smile and a friendly hand to his shoulder.
"Tara here is our only matriarch Benny. Always was and always will" Bobby stated.
"Bobby-" Tara tried cutting in to correct him only to be shut down by his stern look.
"Mama. Look, I thought Uncle Hap wasn't gonna come but he did" Faith stated in excitement as she pushed through the small crowd while pulling the enforcer inside.
Once everyone was settled inside the three teenage kids couldn't wait to see what Chibs, Quinn and Rat had gotten them.
"Kids, say thank you to the guys."
A round of thank you hugs came from the boys while Faith pecked each one on the cheek.
"Okay let's sit down for dinner before it burns" Tara rasped.
While dinner was being served, a steady and safe flow of conversations were being held. Most of the guys asked Abel, Thomas and Faith what they'd been upto over the years they hadn't made contact but it was as if time didn't change a thing.
Faith demanded to sit next to Quinn and Happy while Thomas sat between Quinn and Chibs. Abel didn't care where he sat as long as he had a table full of uncles reminding him of all the dinners they used to host back when they were younger.
He was partly grateful that Tara had invited Karyn knowing his mother would in some ways receive a cold shoulder but was glad that most of the guys had spoken to her as if nothing happened.
Once dinner was complete, a show of dishes were piled to the max on the kitchen counter while a room full of biker's sat around in the lounge still chatting away with the kids and reminiscing on the past.
"Well, I see why you moved back. You hang with a loving crowd" Karyn admitted. She'd loved the welcoming feeling she got from the guys. She wasn't one to judge a book by its cover and was surprised that they welcomed her with opening arms. They made the effort to get to know her and what she did for a living, especially Venus who loved to take care of her boys in the absence of the matriarch. They could see that even though Tara had made a few mistakes in the past, making a friend out of Karyn wasn't one of them. The guys felt as if they could do the same too.
Tara offered a soft smile. "You'd think they're a bunch of women who gossip at a country club or something" Tara chuckled as she piled a load of dishes into the dishwasher.
"Yeah I know right. I can see why you invited me" Karyn stated raising a brow when Tara looked on innocently. "What? All I'm saying is that they do seem to be a bunch of men who love kids. Yours to be exact" Karyn laughed.
"It's familiar to them. My babies are basically the only club kids they've ever known besides my best friend Opie and Lyla's three."
Karyn smiled politely having heard some about Opie and Lyla.
"Well, this is almost clear. Why don't you head in there with them and I'll finish up."
"No I couldn't. The grounds are still a bit raw between me and a few of the guys so I'd much prefer the safety of these walls instead."
"Oh come on Tara. I saw a bit of that hostility but time will heal. They're not bikers if they don't hold grudges."
Tara did have to agree with that but she didn't want to spoil the night by interacting with the guys.
"I can't."
Tara begrudgingly stayed in the kitchen allowing herself the time to clean the room up while making small talk with Karyn going over a few of her next week's scheduled surgeries.
"Jesus, with all that shit lined up, who's gonna be here watching the kids?" Quinn rasped causing Tara to jump out of her skin at his heavy tone. He smirked and pushed off the wall.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"A while. Didn't wanna interrupt so I went for a smoke out back" Quinn rasped as he took a seat at the table.
"Right."
"So?"
"So? What?" Tara asked furrowing her brows.
"Who's gonna be watching the kids?"
"Oh. Abel's old enough to watch his brother and sister. He's been doing it ever since he and Thomas convinced me not to waste money on a sitter. I trust the boys to do the right thing but every now and again I'll hire a sitter to drop in unexpectedly."
Quinn acknowledged her answer before spinning her files around so he could read over the headlines.
"Uh patient confidentiality Rane" Tara stated sharply and spun her files back the right way before gathering them up into a sorted order then piling them on one another.
Quinn chuckled as he sat back in his seat. "It's good to see you doc. The kids too."
"I'm glad Rane" Tara replied with a bright smile.
"A few of us are about to head out. Is there anything you or the kids need?"
Tara rolled her eyes. Quinn was very much the older protective brother figure in Tara's life along with Happy and Chibs while Bobby gave her the fatherly vibe.
"No. The kids and myself are perfectly fine thank you."
Quinn nodded as he stood with Tara following behind before she gave Tig, Rat and Cortez goodbye hugs.
It was getting late and Tara could tell that her babies weren't getting any sleep tonight while the remaining Sons camped out in the lounge with them. Faith couldn't get enough of Bobby's sweets and eventually Tara had to force her to stop eating so she wouldn't throw up.
AN. Thoughts.