"You're lucky, Tiggy," Chibs said, pulling a piece of buckshot from the wound, "This was a close call."
Tig, body in shock and mind hazed with alcohol, just nodded. I held his hand as Chibs flushed the wound once more.
"Wasn't supposed to happen like that," Tig grunted out.
Chibs reached for the supplies to stitch the wound.
"Not unless you lose your shit and pounce," Happy said, who was watching over the operation.
Tig grinned.
"Yeah, but no one gets away with insulting Cal like that," he said.
I smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Thank you, Pop."
He smiled warmly.
"You're welcome, baby girl," he replied.
"He deserved what came to him," Montez said.
I looked over all of my brothers and sisters.
"Thank you. All of you," I said.
Rat leaned down and hugged me.
"Welcome," he said softly.
Rane laughed.
"Chibs, you shoulda seen what the girls did to that jackass's car," he said.
Wanda and Trisha smiled proudly. Chibs smiled as he focused on pulling the last of the stitches through Tig's thigh.
"Too bad that piece of shit didn't get to see it," Trisha said.
"Probably just as well," Chibs said, then bandaged Tig's thigh, "All done, my brother."
Tig patted Chibs' shoulder.
"Thanks, Chibby. Did anyone call Venus?" he asked.
"She's on her way," Rat replied.
Tig nodded.
Chibs stood and removed his rubber gloves. He thanked our brothers and sisters for their work tonight, even though he was a little disappointed they had to drop Dr. Kohl. However, they assured him everything was covered, and even though Tig got hurt in the end, justice had been won.
Once Venus arrived, the club was sent home and Chibs helped Tig to the car while I locked his Dyna in the garage. There would be no riding for the VP for a good week or so.
After putting the bike away, I met Chibs inside the clubhouse, finding him on the couch putting the last of his supplies away. I crossed my arms and stepped up to him.
"Been a busy day, boss," I said.
Chibs looked up at me as he zipped his bag.
"Aye, it has, love," he replied, then stood up and walked up to me.
He put his hands on my waist and smiled.
"Let's get ya home. I wanna finish our celebratin'," he said.
Before I could agree, he slug his bag over one shoulder and me over the other. I squealed and grabbed the back of his jacket, trying desperately not to fall.
"Filip!" I laughed.
He playfully smacked my ass as he carried me to the door, flicking the lights off as he went.
Week 20
Belfast, Northern Ireland
She should not have been surprised to find the coffee shop barren. Normally, the early morning rush spilled into mid-morning, but today, she had been able to purchase two hot coffees, perch herself on the stool of her favorite stool by the window, and wrap her frozen fingers around the cup and shakily sip her drink, the second steaming in front of her. The day was bitter cold and blustery, with the weather just above freezing and the promise of a rain darkening the skies. It was the dead of February, and Kerrianne Larkin-Telford was ready for a change. The past few days' events had offered her the opportunity, which had brought her to the coffee shop on this morning, waiting on her friend, Trinity Ashby.
Kerrianne had arrived half an hour early, needing desperately to get out of the house. Though she had 30 minutes to wait, she decided it was just as well. It gave her time to piece her thoughts together—time to work on her proposal she had for Trinity. It seemed to Kerrianne as if everyone had some sort of proposal. Her mother, Fiona Larkin, for a start. Her new beau, Ryan Whateverhislastnamewas, whom had been dating Fiona for approximately a year, had proposed to her, and Fiona accepted. Kerrianne had had a difficult time accepting this new man, though. She had only really known IRA goon Jimmy O' Phelan, but since this Ryan guy had entered their lives, she could not make herself call him her new step-father. At 21 years old, she was too old to consider him family, although he was much kinder than O' Phelan had ever been, and she had approved. The only man that she accepted as her father is and would always be her real father, Filip Telford. He had not been in contact with her in a little over a year, but she knew about the war happening in Charming. She understood, but since they were reunited a little over five years ago, she had become close. Now that Ryan was taking his place, she felt that she needed to get out. She could not stand to hear the word "wedding" one more time, and she desperately just wanted to see her dad. She decided to get a plane ticket to Charming, as it was not only the perfect excuse to skip the damn wedding, but she had the lie to cover herself so her mother would not kick her for skipping the wedding. What Fiona did not understand is that Kerrianne could not handle it anymore. Especially after the night's news.
Fiona had called Kerrianne in late just as she was getting ready for bed. Ryan was still at work, so Fiona seized the opportunity. Kerrianne came into the kitchen where her mother was dressed in a robe and slippers, sipping a cup of tea. Another cup was waiting for Kerrianne on the table. She looked between the cup to her mother in confusion.
"Ma?" she asked.
Fiona gestured to the table.
"Sit, love. I have some things I need to talk to ya about," Fiona replied.
Kerrianne swallowed thickly and shuffled to the table, sitting behind the cup, keeping her hands in her lap. She watched her mother nervously as she moved around the table and sat across from her daughter. Kerrianne studied her mother's tired face, noting how suddenly nervous the normally fierce woman had become. Something was wrong, and for a fleeting moment, she had hoped that the wedding had been canceled. It was not that she did not want Fiona to be happy, but this extravagant wedding just felt unnecessary.
Fiona bit her lip, eyes flickering up to her daughter.
"This about Ryan?" Kerrianne asked.
Fiona smiled.
"No, this is…it's actually about Filip," she replied.
Kerrianne's eyes widened and her heart stopped. She knew the dangerous life her father led, and knew that it only took a second for a gun to be fired.
"He's not dead, is he?" she asked, panicked.
Fiona laughed.
"No, no, no! No, he's fine. This is…well, it's about the divorce," she replied.
Kerrianne let out a relieved sigh, but it was quickly replaced with concern.
"The divorce?" she asked.
Fiona nodded.
"I told Filip something, and you must understand that I did it to protect him," she replied.
Kerrianne was confused.
"Protect him from what?" she asked.
Fiona sighed heavily.
"Kerrianne, please listen carefully. I have never told a soul what I'm about to tell ya, but I think it's time you knew," she said.
Kerrianne was silent.
"Ya know that Jimmy gave your father those scars?"
Kerrianne nodded.
"You never explained why," she replied.
Fiona sighed.
"Jimmy O' Phelan was a jealous, sick, greedy bastard, and someone should have given his mother a bloody condom if she knew what was good for her!"
Kerrianne tried not to laugh. Fiona grew quiet.
"Guessin' he fancied me. Hated Filip because he married me, and he let me know," she said, then locked her eyes on her daughter's, "He raped me, Kerri. Happened not too long after ya were born."
Kerrianne stared at her mother in horror, her throat running dry and heart falling into her stomach.
"He what?" she exclaimed.
Fiona nodded.
"Said if I ever told Filip, he'd kill him in front of me. There was nothin' I could do. Not then, and not when he got fed up and gave Filip the boot. He wanted me and wanted Filip out of the picture before we decided to have another child."
Kerrianne looked away, trying to digest the information.
"Jimmy tried several times to get a baby out of me. Fortunately, the man was…ill-equipped, shall we say? He couldn't provide with anyone if he wanted to. Don't know why he wanted to. Guess he had a pre-planned agenda."
Kerrianne nodded numbly.
"So, you were protectin' Filip from…?"
Fiona frowned.
"From findin' that out after the divorce. So, I called him after things became final, and I told him a lie I'm not proud of."
Kerrianne blinked, unsure how to respond. Fiona sighed.
"In order to keep him in California, and to keep him from getting his heart broken more than it would if he knew I kept that from him all these years, I lied to him, and told him I cheated on him with Jimmy, and that…that you were Jimmy's daughter."
Kerrianne's face fell, not believing her ears.
"What?" she whispered.
Fiona looked down in shame. Kerrianne's temper flared, and she shot up from the table.
"How could ya tell him that, Ma? You thought that that wouldn't break his heart?" she exclaimed.
Fiona could not meet her daughter's eyes. Tears of anger rushed to Kerrianne's eyes. She could not believe her mother would tell her father such a lie. He and his charter had done so much to protect them. Keep them safe and alive. Growing up, she had always believed Filip Telford never cared about her. That was the farthest from the truth. He had done everything in his power to protect them while under the protection of the Sons' mother charter, and had eliminated the man she and her mother feared. Besides that, he had been so kind to her. She wore the cross necklace he had given her almost every day, and they wrote each other once a month. She could not understand how Fiona could hurt him like that.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Fiona whispered.
Kerrianne clenched her jaw and left the room, untouched tea remaining on the table. She decided that she absolutely had to get to Charming.
It had been the reason she called the emergency meeting with Trinity. Trinity Ashby had been one of her closest friends in their world of chaos. IRA drama and SAMBEL issues. Trinity was several years older than Kerrianne, 27, willowy with strawberry blonde hair and her mother's bark. She knew everything about Kerrianne. Things Fiona would never know. Things she had been slowly admitting to Filip. Neither had ever shared her secrets, and she knew she could trust Trinity with this.
Kerrianne took a sip of her coffee and watched a familiar woman cross the street and jog up to the door. Kerrianne raised her hand in the air and called as Trinity entered the coffee shop. Trinity smiled and weaved around the tables to reach her friend. Kerrianne smiled and stood to hug her.
"Hey. Mornin'," Trinity said.
"Mornin'. Already got ya a coffee," Kerrianne replied.
The girls took their seats. Trinity thanked her for the coffee and took a sip to warm herself up.
"Should take the chill off," Kerrianne said.
Trinity smiled and nodded.
"Definitely. Thanks," she replied.
Kerrianne looked down nervously.
"Must've been urgent to get out on a miserable day like this. Fiona drivin' ya nuts?" Trinity asked lightly.
Kerrianne smiled.
"Not so much. I just had to get out of that house, ya know?"
Trinity nodded understandingly. Kerrianne pushed her half finished coffee aside and clasped her hands together on the table.
"Listen, Trini," she began, "I have a favor to ask ya."
Trinity took a sip of her coffee and swallowed.
"What's that, love?" she asked.
Kerrianne's eyes met Trinity's, and Trinity realized the seriousness of the situation.
"It's big," Kerrianne warned.
Trinity shrugged.
"Tell me," she replied.
Kerrianne took a deep breath.
"Ya remember that offer I got from uni to study in Australia?" she asked.
Trinity's eyes lit up.
"Are ya takin' it?" she asked excitedly.
Kerrianne nervously bit her lip.
"That's what I'm gonna tell my Ma, and that's what you're gonna tell her if she asks ya," she replied.
Trinity's eyes narrowed in confusion.
"I don't understand," she said.
Kerrianne looked around the room, as if she feared someone was eavesdropping. She leaned closer to her friend.
"This is my only way to get out of this weddin' business. I have no interest in goin' to Australia, but it's the perfect cover."
"Cover for what?" Trinity asked worriedly.
Kerrianne let out a sigh.
"I'm goin' to see my Da," she confessed.
Trinity's eyes widened.
"What? Ya mean you're goin' to Charmin'?" she asked, shocked.
"Ma would skin me alive if she knew I was skippin' her weddin' to go there. That's why I'm usin' Australia as a cover. She won't understand. I just…with all this goin' on, I just need to talk to him in person."
But since the news Fiona had unveiled to her, it was more than that. He deserved to know the truth, no matter what her mother's wishes were, and she had something else to tell him.
"Of course. I understand completely. Ya got a passport?" Trinity asked.
Kerrianne nodded. Trinity took another sip of her drink.
"Guessin' things have calmed down there a bit since he got remarried. Probably a good time for a visit," Trinity said.
Had she been drinking, Kerrianne would have spewed coffee all over her best friend. She choked and stared at Trinity like she had spoken in tongues.
"Excuse me?" she asked.
Trinity's eyes widened.
"What?" she asked, confused.
Kerrianne's spin was bone straight.
"Did you just say he got remarried?" she asked, slowly, careful to articulate.
Trinity nodded.
"Yeah. That's what I sort of thought this was about. Didn't ya know?" she asked.
Kerrianne scoffed.
"No, I didn't know! How the bloody hell did you know?" she exclaimed.
Trinity reached across the table for Kerrianne's hand.
"Easy, love. Paddy's mum and Maureen are still friends. She told her about it. SAMCRO was in Fort William not that long ago. Got hitched there," Trinity replied, "Can't recall her name. Catherine? Cassie? Callie? Yeah! Callie. She was a member of the club or somethin'."
Kerrianne stared at Trinity with her jaw slack. She wondered why the was the first time hearing about it, but then realized that all fell to her mother's little lie.
"Ya want to go to Charmin' with me? Ya think Mo could handle the store for a few days?" she asked.
Trinity shrugged.
"I don't see why not. Besides, I'd like to see Jackson and my little nephew again," she replied.
Kerrianne smiled.
"Let's go get tickets," she said, then slid down from the stool, Trinity gathering her things and following.
Kerrianne still could not believe her father had gotten remarried, and it gave her all the more reason to go see him.
I had never blown through three hours so quickly, and when I finally returned home to see the glossy black Street Glide missing, I tore through the side door, having no idea how much time I had before Chibs returned home.
The club had been called on a run early this morning, and were supposed to return by noon. Chibs, unfortunately, had to go on the run. I could no longer participate in runs, as being five months pregnant with twins restricted me from any fun. Chibs could not leave anyone to watch me, either, as I had an appointment with Dr. Hayes in Stockton, and could not risk anyone discovering our secret. So, I drove to Stockton on my own, returning with a clean bill of health, a few prints of the ultrasound, and news that I was bursting at the seams to tell my Old Man. So, on the way back from the clinic, I made a quick stop at the Stockton Harley Davidson store, another at the Dollar Tree in downtown Charming, then raced home.
I called Chibs as I shot into the bedroom, Harley bounding in excitedly. I shut the door behind the dog and dumped my items on the bed, quickly boxing up the presents.
"Hey, Callie girl," Chibs answered.
"Hey, babe. I was just wondering when you were coming home," I replied.
"We're leavin' right now. I'm gonna stop by TM and then head home. Did ya make it back okay," he asked.
I wrapped one present and moved to the next.
"Yeah. Everything went well. I was just wondering when you would be back. I have a surprise for you," I said.
I really wished I could see his face.
"Oh shit! Did ya find out the genders? They had a hard time findin' them at the last appointment," he said.
I smiled.
"Hurry home and I'll tell you about it," I teased.
"Do ya know? Tell me, Callie!" he pleaded.
I laughed.
"Patience, my sweet boy," I said.
Chibs groaned.
"'Kay. I'll be home in 15," he replied.
"Alright. Love you. Ride safe," I said.
I wrinkled a ball of tissue paper and stuffed it in the box. I knew he could hear it. There was no doubt I was up to something.
"I will. Love you," he replied.
We said our goodbyes and hung up. I tossed the phone onto the sheets and quickly finished boxing my little "gifts" before rushing them out to the living room. I searched for a pen, marking one "Baby A" and the other "Baby B." It seemed like a silly and corny thing to do, but it was the best surprise plan I could come up with on the fly. It would work, though. I just had to make sure I had the camera ready.
When I heard the sound of the Glide coming up the road, Harley and I jumped up to look out the window. I watched as my Old Man pulled in, driving up to the carport and shutting off the engine. I pushed myself up as fast as my body would let me, and sprinted out of the room and down the hall to open the door for him. Chibs was just walking up to the steps. When he saw me, he smiled and jogged up the concrete steps, his long legs allowing him to skip a step.
"Hi, love," he said, pecking my lips as he ducked in and out of the cold.
I shut the door for him as Harley pounced him, tongue poking out to lick. Chibs smiled and greeted the dog before sending him off and moving over to me.
"C'mere, sweetheart. How'd everythin' go?" he asked, enveloping me in his arms.
"Fine," I replied, hardly able to breathe, his hug was so tight.
"I'm sorry I couldn't go. I wanted to," he apologized.
I gave him a small squeeze and kissed his cheek. I had never heard of a man being so into his wife's pregnancy. He was there for every step. Every time I puked. Every ultrasound. Every time we measured my stomach. He had missed a big one today, but I hoped my little plan made up for it.
Chibs pulled back and cupped the half-basketball of belly.
"How are our little monsters?" he asked.
I smiled.
"Perfect," I replied, then took his hands and led him down the hall, "Come on. I have a surprise for you."
He smiled and followed me into the living room where the presents were. He set his helmet down on the coffee table and examined the mysterious boxes.
"What's this?" he asked, shrugged his cut and jacket from his shoulders, followed by the knife holster.
I took them off of his hands and hung them on the coatrack in the foyer.
"Thank ya, darlin'. Are these presents?"
I smiled as I returned, taking his arm.
"Mhmm. Sit. Open them," I said excitedly.
Chibs reluctantly obeyed.
"Okay. Since you couldn't go to the ultrasound, I thought I'd recreate the surprise," I said.
Chibs' eyes lit up.
"Did ya get to find out the genders? Were they able to tell?" he asked excitedly.
I nodded.
"Yes, sweetheart. So, I have prints of the ultrasound, but I wanted to make a big deal out of it."
Chibs just laughed, and fiddled with the first box.
"But! Before you open them, let me ask you something," I said.
Chibs looked up at me.
"What's that, Callie girl?" he asked.
"What were you hoping for?" I asked.
He smiled sweetly.
"Two girls," he replied.
I smiled at that.
"What were you hopin' for, though? Ya still haven't told me," he pointed out.
"I know, baby," I said, pulling my cell phone out of my pocket and opening the camera app, "Open 'Baby A' first."
Chibs snorted.
"Ah! More pictures? Callie!" he whined.
I snapped my fingers at him.
"Hey! I want to remember everything," I said.
"We've been takin' pictures nonstop for four months!" he complained.
He could be such a little kid.
"Filip!" I scolded, "And we will continue until I pop. Now, open your present. And don't be disappointed if one or both are not what you were hoping for."
Chibs was in the middle of peeling the wrapping paper when he looked up at me.
"Ah, ya know I'm not gonna be upset, love. I could care less. So long as they're healthy," he said.
I smiled and aimed my camera as he pulled the top from the box. Inside was white tissue paper, but once he removed it, he jumped and his eyes lit up. I started snapping away as he grinned and pulled a pair of pink Harley Davidson baby booties from the box.
"Baby A is a girl?" he asked.
I nodded. Chibs laughed.
"Holy shit! Where'd ya get these little boots?" he asked.
I lowered my phone and walked around the coffee table to sit on the couch beside him.
"Harley Davidson in Stockton. Saw that on the way up there and thought I'd see what kind of baby stuff they had and I found those," I replied.
Chibs turned a bootie over to examine the sole and read the bottom.
"Will they be able to wear these?" he asked, "Or are they some sort of costume thing?"
I shook my head.
"No, they're real. They're for six to nine months, so they can probably get a good month or so out of them," I replied.
Chibs smiled. I nudged him lightly.
"Open the second one," I urged.
Chibs set the booties on the coffee table and picked up the second box. He was more impatient this time, and tore through the wrapping paper like a little kid. I held my phone up and snapped his expression when he removed the second set of tissue paper and saw the color on the booties inside. His smile was nothing less than precious.
"What color are they, baby?" I asked.
He reached inside and held up a pair of identical booties.
"Pink," he whispered.
I set my phone aside and hugged him arm.
"You got your wish," I replied.
He put the booties back in the box, set it beside the first pair, and reached over to hug me.
"Now, ya gotta tell me what you were wantin'," he said.
I laughed and pulled away to look at him. I couldn't contain the smile on my face.
"Girls," I replied.
His eyes lit up.
"Ya wanted girls, too?" he asked.
I nodded and felt my cheeks burn. He took my hands and kissed my knuckles.
"You want to see the pictures?" I asked.
He nodded. I stood up and walked back to the bedroom to grab the prints and returned as he was wadding the paper into balls. I handed them to him and returned to my spot. He studied the pictures of his 20 week old girls and sniffed.
"God, I wish I coulda been there," he said softly.
"I know, but sometimes the club has to come first," I replied.
Although, I wished he had been there with me. Still, he had business with the boys only he could handle, and I understood that.
"Well," he said as he switched to the next print, "I hope Tiggy can handle bein' president pro tem for the third trimester."
"I think he can handle it. Besides, he has two brothers who were once Presidents at his side. You sure you want to step away from the club for that long?" I asked.
"As much as I can," he replied, "Look at her little arm."
I smiled and looked at the ultrasound shot to see Baby B's little arm sticking up.
In being there for almost every step of this, Chibs had begun to take on the role as "second midwife." My health had become his top priority, and he would be damned if something came up, forcing him away, and something such as labor were to happen. No, he was not missing anything!
"Besides," he continued, leaning over to set the pictures on the side table, then looking back down at me and smiling, "We got church, and Sticky has asked if we help out on a protection run this afternoon."
I sighed.
"Another run?" I asked.
He nodded. I looked down at my lap—or, what was left of my lap.
"I wanna go," I said quietly.
Chibs pulled me into a hug.
"I know, love," he said softly.
I looked up at him as he kissed my forehead. He smiled and lovingly cupped my stomach.
"Ya gotta take care of our girls, though," he said.
I smiled and butted his forehead.
"Don't worry about me. Worry about you," I said.
He grinned and kissed me.
"Let's go grab lunch and head to the clubhouse. We got some Prospects to patch in, and," he paused and grabbed one of the pairs of pink booties, "I wanna rub this in Ratty Boy's face!"
I burst out laughing. For weeks, Rat had been insisting that the baby (well, babies) was going to be a boy. He had said repeatedly that it all came down to Chibs and his genetics, as he carried mostly dominant genes. I knew he was hoping for boy cousins for Felix, but unfortunately for him, little Felix was going to be growing up around twin girls.
"Hell yeah!" I agreed.
Chibs laughed and stood up before offering his hand to help me stand.
"Two vehicles, just in case," he said.
I nodded, and went after one of his hoodies, as mine were pretty snug on me now, and my cut, which would probably not be buttoned again for the next 20 weeks. Once I grabbed my bag and car keys, I was out the door, Chibs following me out, talking nonstop about his daughters.
The clubhouse was oddly empty as the afternoon wore on. The guys were on a run, Chucky was out running an errand, I was sitting in the floor watching cartoons with Felix, and two Crow Eaters were disinfecting the bathrooms and kitchen. Normally, this would be the duty for one of our new Prospects, but Chibs had wanted them on the run. Trisha and Wanda had proven their worth to him, even though Rane and T.O. could vouch for their skills. Still, Chibs understood they were just as good as anyone, and better than someone Brooke's age who had never even shot a gun before. Besides, I believed that having such strong women on the crew would be something he wouldn't regret. We were officially a co-ed club, but it was going to work, and hopefully when I was back in full operation, I would be able to congregate with my sisters.
I cuddled Felix to me on the warm blanket as he fisted a superhero toy, eyes glued to Spongebob. In being a cold February day, Brooke had just put him in a fuzzy footed onesie made to look like a teddy bear. With the hood up and the round ears sticking up, he looked like a little bear cub. I made a mental note to get the twins some when they were big enough. I couldn't get enough of how cute Felix looked.
"Hey."
I looked up to see Brooke enter, coat zipped, diaper bag slung over her shoulder and keys in hand.
"You clocking out already?" I asked.
She nodded and smiled at her son.
"Yeah. Fingers is going to close for me. I need to run to the bank and get some groceries. All that kind of shit," she replied.
I watched her worriedly.
"You're not going to wait until Rat gets back?" I asked.
Of course, I often forgot how independent Brooke could be. It was getting close to sunset, as if the day wasn't dark enough with the cloud cover. Home alone without your Old Man during the day was fine, but I could not stand being alone in the dark. Not after what happened last time. For Brooke, this never bothered her.
"Nah. I'll see him when he gets back," she said, "Are you staying here?"
I nodded. Brooke smiled sympathetically. She and Vee were the only two, besides Tig and Chibs, who knew of my anxiety of being alone at night. I was safest here, of course, but I could see Brooke's hesitation.
"'Kay. When the guys get back, can you text me?" she asked.
I smiled and nodded. Brooke leaned down and grabbed Felix's toys. I looked down at the little human teddy bear.
"Time to go home, bud," I said to him.
Felix looked up at me.
"Say bye-bye to Aunt Callie, sweetie," Brooke said.
I picked Felix up, eliciting an excited squeal from him.
"Give me kiss," I said.
Felix laid a wet one on my cheek. I laughed and hugged.
"Be good, little man," I said.
Felix just smiled. I raised him up and passed him to Brooke.
"Say bye to Callie," she said, hefting the six-month old on her hip.
Felix grinned and twisted his hand, not quite the master of a wave yet.
"Bah!" he squealed.
I smiled.
"Bye, baby. Bye, Brooke," I said, "Drive safe."
"We will. See you later, Callie."
I waved to them and watched as she talked to Felix and nuzzled his little nose. I sighed and looked down at my stomach. I rubbed the dome and tapped the top lightly with my fingers. Spending time with my nephew always made me impatient for the day the twins—the girls, arrived.
I reached up onto the couch behind me and grabbed the remote to shut the television off. I pushed myself to my feet, picked up the pillows, then grabbed the sippy cup Brooke usually left here with the blanket and took them to the office, where the baby stuff was kept in an empty locker. The entire club had their own locker, much like a school. Daycare for bikers, it felt like. I only used mine to lock up my belongings during parties, but sometimes hid an extra pair of clothes, and Chibs and I had secret lockboxes full of emergency cash and burners hidden beneath worn shoes, gloves, and whatever other junk we could use. Brooke had commandeered one of the bottom lockers for her and Felix's possessions. Her purse and such was usually locked up in the garage. This particular locker was left unlocked so anyone could have access to the diaper bag, blanket, cups, toys, and the Post-It that had all of Felix's emergency numbers. I placed the folded blanket inside, then took the cup to the kitchen to rinse it.
As I was washing the cup out, I heard the front door of the club house open. Quickly, I dried Felix's cup and walked out, hoping to see one of my brothers enter. I hadn't heard the rumbling of their motorcycles, but I thought I might have missed it over the sound of the water coming from the faucet. However, it was only Chucky.
"Hey, Chucky," I said, then walked to the office to put the clean cup away.
"Hey, Cal. Um," he paused.
I placed the cup on a shelf and shut the locker. When I looked up at him, he had moved to the side, revealing a woman that had come in with him.
"This young woman needs to talk to the club," he said.
I nodded.
"Oh, okay. Cool. Thanks, Chucky," I said.
Chucky smiled and quickly left to return to the garage office. I smiled at the woman and offered to shake her hand. She smiled nervously and shook my hand.
The woman was a little taller than I was, dark skin, long, curly brown hair, and big, dark brown eyes, and a backpack over her shoulder. She looked eerily familiar, but I couldn't pinpoint where I might have seen her before. Regardless, she was a gorgeous woman.
"Hi. What can I help you with?" I asked.
She fidgeted nervously.
"Um. I was actually lookin' for my father," she replied, her voice so shy and quiet, I could hardly hear her.
It only took a second before I realized who was standing before me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Her accent gave her away. The same accents that spewed Irish curses back in Stockton. Once she spoke, I knew who she was. It was hard to mistake the eyes, but this woman was the spitting image of Chibs, and I didn't care what Fiona had to say. Unless I was hopelessly wrong and this was someone from another woman Chibs had no idea about, she was not that bastard O'Phelan's kid. She was Chibs' flesh and blood. Same eyes, cheekbones, and nose. Irish accent.
"Kerrianne, right?" I asked.
She looked surprised.
"Um…yeah," she said.
I smiled.
"Filip's told me a lot about you," I said, then led her away from the office and to the bar, keeping a cool exterior and flipping shit internally, "He's out on a run with the guys. He should be back pretty soon. You want something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee?"
Kerrianne timidly sat on a barstool and set her backpack on the floor.
"Soda's fine," she replied.
I went to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of cans of Coke and returned, handing one to her. She thanked me and opened the can.
"Ya must be Callie," she said.
I shuddered. She smiled and pointed to her collarbone. I looked down, seeing the crow I often forgot about. I was wearing my hoodie half zipped, my stomach concealed but the Gaelic words on display above my collar. I felt my cheeks burn.
"Yeah," I replied quietly.
I walked around the bar and sat down beside her.
"I just recently found out," she said, sounding disappointed.
I frowned.
"I'm really sorry. He was supposed to tell you, but stuff was really crazy last year," I replied.
She shrugged and smiled.
"I don't blame him. I know how crazy life gets here. I blame my mother for that," she replied.
I bit my lip and decided to change the subject. It was none of my business to pry.
"So, what brings you to Charming?" I asked, then took a sip of my Coke.
Kerrianne tapped her fingernails on the side of her can.
"I just needed a break. Ma's gettin' remarried and everything's been total chaos. I needed to see my Da," she replied.
I nodded sadly.
The poor girl had no idea what Fiona had told Chibs. However, something was amiss. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that she was Chibs'. She looked just like him! I had never seen what Jimmy O'Phelan looked like, but I didn't think that scumbag could produce such a beautiful girl. I knew what Fiona looked like based on Chibs' description. Strong, African Irish woman with curly black hair, full lips and large eyes, tall. I knew Kerrianne probably resembled Fiona in that way, but she took after the Telford side. Although she had darker skin and hair, she took after her grandmother as well.
"It wasn't a bad time to show up unannounced, was it?" she asked timidly.
I broke out of my thoughts and smiled, shaking my head.
"No. No, actually, you arrived at a pretty calm time. Maybe calmer than it's ever been here," I replied.
Kerrianne nodded. I took another swig of my drink and we settled into awkward silence. I cleared my throat. There were probably millions of questions she had, not to mention a little bit of anger towards us. I broke the tension before it got any worse.
"I guess, um…I guess this is kind of awkward for you. Finding out your dad remarried and everything," I said.
She shook her head.
"Not so much," she said weakly, "It was a surprise. When my Aunt Cait found out, she sent the newspaper clipping to a my friend's mum. She thought I already knew."
I sighed.
"I'm really sorry you were left in the dark. That was unfair," I replied.
Kerrianne smiled softly.
In my pocket, my cell phone vibrated, and I fished it out quickly to see Chibs' number on the screen. I answered it nervously.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hey, love. I'm ordin' a pizza. What kind do ya want?" he asked.
I smiled.
"A real pizza, or is this code?" I asked.
Kerrianne watched on curiously. I smiled and covered the receiver.
"Guess who?" I mouthed.
I quickly decided not to tell him who I was sitting with. He would need to be seated and not on a motorcycle before we dropped this bomb.
"No! Real fuckin' pizza. I know ya've been wantin' it for a week," he bitched.
I laughed.
"What kind are you getting?" I asked.
"Meat Lovers," he replied.
I laughed.
"Okay. Are you doing half?" I asked.
"Aye."
"Okay. I want my side to be cheese, and go ahead and grab a full pepperoni and some breadsticks," I replied.
Chibs snorted.
"Jesus Christ, love. Ya cravin' it that much?" he asked.
I bit the inside of my cheek. I almost verbally reminded him that I was eating for three, but I didn't want Kerrianne knowing just yet, as it may be too overwhelming.
"It's your fault," I said.
Chibs laughed.
"Alright. I'll get it ordered. I'm almost home now, so ya can come on. Unless ya want me to ride behind ya," he said.
"No, I got it. I'll be home in a little bit," I replied.
"'Kay. Love ya, sweetheart. Drive safe."
I smiled.
"Love you, too, baby."
I ended the call and looked down at Kerrianne.
"You like pizza?" I asked.
She nodded. I smiled and waved for her to follow me.
"Don't you ride?" she asked.
I grabbed my bag from the office as she slung her backpack over her shoulder and followed me to the door.
"I'm gone!" I called to the remaining Crow Eaters.
"'Kay, hun!" one called back.
I let Kerrianne pass me and walk out first.
"Yeah, I usually ride, but I drove today," I said to Kerrianne.
She nodded.
"Filip ordered pizza, so I'm guessing he's having it delivered to the house. He's probably already home," I went on.
Kerrianne pushed the front door open. I grabbed my cut from the coat rack and walked out with her, fishing my car keys out of my cut pocket.
"Wonder what he'll think, seein' me in his house uninvited," she said, a hint of bitterness in her words.
I looked down at her worriedly, and it dawned on me. She thought he had shut her out. I reached up, gently touching her arm and stopping her.
"Hey," I said softly.
She halted and looked at me sadly.
"Filip loves you," I said, "He'll be thrilled."
She looked down at her feet. I stepped closer to her, trying to make eye contact.
"He didn't abandon you, sweetheart," I said softly.
She looked up and nodded.
"No, I know," she said quietly.
I smiled and patted her shoulder.
"Come on," I said.
Kerrianne gave me a shy smile and followed me to the Challenger. Once settled and moving, she shuddered at the roar of the engine. I smiled meekly.
"Sorry. It's loud," I apologized.
"I don't think I've ever been in anything like this," she said.
I laughed, but took it easy on the gas as we left TM.
Kerrianne was silent for a little while, nervously twiddling her thumbs and sitting bone straight.
"How did you two meet?" she asked, breaking the silence.
I stopped at an intersection and looked over at her.
"Just through the club?" she went on.
I smiled and shook my head.
"No. Um, actually I got in a motorcycle accident just outside of town. Got hurt pretty badly," I replied, omitting the part about one of The VII's Prospects running me off the road, "Luckily, the club was coming up the road and saw the wreck. Filip and the guys brought me to the clubhouse. Filip stitched me up. Tig and his fiancé, Venus, took me in for a little while. We all became close friends. Eventually, Filip offered me a spot as a Prospect."
Kerrianne nodded.
"Filip and I became close friends, and soon developed a relationship," I finished.
Kerrianne was silent again, taking my words in. She seemed to be the exact opposite of Chibs, personality-wise. I'm sure she was very nervous about seeing her father again, not to mention being in a foreign country, riding around in a giant sports car with a stranger, but she seemed to be very quiet. Naturally shy. Chibs had times where he was quiet, too, but he always had something to say. Some days, he was so wired, he could not keep his mouth shut. That was just him, though. I wondered if Kerrianne just took some time.
"Is he well?" she asked.
I nodded.
"Yup. Now, he did get in a motorcycle wreck a few months ago, messed his leg up for a little while, but he's back to normal now," I replied, knowing she would probably notice his slight limp when he stood up, "Still a smoker, but he's let up on that a lot. He might have one in the morning, and maybe one or two during church, but that little habit has improved."
Of course, in not being allowed to smoke around me, he had less opportunities to chain smoke, and therefore, broke himself of it. However, and he would never admit it, but I think he was trying to take up healthier habits before the twins arrived. Whether or not it was true, I was extremely proud of him.
We turned onto the dead end gravel road in time for the pizza delivery truck to pass us. I smiled and sped up a little, ready to surprise Chibs. Kerrianne's anxiety increased when we arrived, seeing the motorcycles under the carport next to the 60s ranch house. I pulled up under the carport, killed the engine, and we gathered our things and climbed out of the car. Kerrianne followed me up the concrete steps to the side door. As I opened it, I could hear the deep bark of Harley. He knew mommy was home, but I didn't want him to freak out and attack Kerrianne. Before I pushed the door open, I look back at her over my shoulder.
"You're not scared of dogs, are you?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Okay. Just beware of getting jumped and slobbered on," I replied.
She smiled at that. I pushed the door open and Harley shot right around me, ready to investigate the newcomer, most likely making sure she wasn't Althea. Deciding she was not a threat, the big goof rubbed up against Kerrianne, blocking her and leaning on her, wanting attention. I smiled and shook my head.
"He's an idiot," I said quietly.
Kerrianne scratched him behind the ears, and he plopped his rear end right on her foot.
"Harley! Come on!" I hissed, then grabbed him by the collar and tugged him, urging him to go on.
Once free, Kerrianne was able to fully enter the house.
"Sorry about that," I whispered.
She smiled.
"It's alright," she replied.
I shut the door and she followed me through the house, staying right behind me as if she were hiding, though she had an inch or two over me. She was honestly scared that this could go south.
I peeked inside the kitchen to find it void of Chibs, but two pizza boxes and a few brown paper bags were on the table, ready for us to tear in to.
"Filip?" I called.
Down the hall, I could hear the toilet flush.
"Bathroom!" he called back.
I turned to Kerrianne.
"Why don't you go sit on the couch? I'll get him," I whispered.
She nodded in agreement and stepped down into the living room, Harley excitedly following her. I quickly shot down the hall and to the bedroom and to put my bag away, which was haphazardly dropping it in the old chair by the dresser, dropping my cut on top of it and slinging my tennis shoes under it before sliding back across the hardwood to catch Chibs. Luckily, I caught up with him just as he was exiting the bathroom.
"Hey," I said breathlessly.
He spun around in surprise.
"Jesus!" he breathed out, then smiled and pulled me into a hug, "Hi, my darlin'."
I hugged him tightly. He pulled back and kissed me deeply. When we parted, I held my arms around his neck. He held my waist with one hand and rubbed my stomach with the other.
"How was the run?" I asked.
He shrugged.
"Nothin' to report. Went pretty smoothly aside from a cage cuttin' us off," he replied.
I smiled.
"Good," I replied.
He smiled and laid his forehead on mine.
"How was your afternoon?" he asked.
I laughed.
"Four hours of cartoons, a diaper change, and a nap with Felix. Can only go one of two ways," I replied.
He chuckled and kissed my cheekbone.
"How about we go eat before the pizza gets cold?" he suggested.
I looked up at him nervously, almost forgetting about Kerrianne.
"Okay, but first, I have a surprise for you," I said.
He laughed.
"More surprises?" he asked.
I smiled.
"Yeah. It's in the living room," I said quietly.
His face slowly fell. He had no idea what I could possibly have for him.
"What?" he asked, then his eyes widened, "Oh! Don't tell me we're havin' triplets, because I will—"
I burst out laughing.
"No! Just go look," I replied.
He sighed, taking my hand and reluctantly leading me down the hall and around the corner.
"If this is a prank, ya cheeky shite—" he murmured.
I swatted him.
"Would you hush and go on?" I snapped playfully.
He grinned and walked down into the living room. I stayed close behind him. When we entered, Kerrianne looked up from playing with Harley and stood. Chibs froze. She smiled shyly.
"Hi, Da," she said quietly.
Chibs quickly relaxed.
"Jesus Christ!" he breathed out.
The phone call from Fiona and the weight of the news about Kerrianne following the divorce dissipated into thin air. Chibs shot over to Kerrianne, and when she saw that I had been right about him being happy to see her, she all but jumped him.
"Hi, baby," Chibs said.
Kerrianne held him in a death grip, and I saw tears come to her eyes. Chibs turned his head and kissed her cheek. I bit my lip, my own emotions getting the better of me (although, I was at the point where if I saw a dog abuse infomercial, I was hugging Harley and bawling).
"I missed ya, love," Chibs said.
At that, Kerrianne lost it, burying her face in the crook of his neck and clawing her arms in an effort to hold herself together.
"Missed you, too," she choked out.
He lowered her to the couch and stroked her beautiful curly hair and rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. I knew I would have to leave before I became a mess.
"I'll be in the kitchen," I announced.
Kerrianne's eyes shot over her father's shoulder.
"No, stay. Please?" she asked.
I nodded and padded over to the recliner neither Chibs nor I ever used. Harley followed and laid down at my feet. I tucked my legs under me and watched Chibs, for the very first time, parent. The way he held Kerrianne, the look of absolute love in his eyes, seeing all his rough edges softened…seeing him actually be a dad for the first time…it was gorgeous.
Kerrianne pulled away. Chibs immediately grabbed a few tissues from a Kleenex box on the end table and wiped her cheeks. She smiled and took one to blow her nose before thanking him.
"Well, this is a surprise," he said, cutting his eyes at me.
I just smiled. Kerrianne sniffed and looked down.
"I know. I should've called. I was just in a hurry to get out of there," she said.
Chibs frowned.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? Are ya in trouble?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"No, no. Ma would kill me if she knew I was here, though. She thinks I'm in Australia. It was the only excuse I could use to leave. She can't know," she replied.
Chibs smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear.
"How old are ya now? 20?" he asked.
Kerrianne wiped her nose.
"21," she replied.
Chibs' smile widened.
"Then she can't do shit," he replied.
Kerrianne tried not to laugh.
"Aye, but I was supposed to be in her wedding this weekend. She's gettin' remarried," she replied.
I looked from Kerrianne to Chibs for his reaction. He remained calm, not a hint of sadness or bitterness in his eyes.
"Same guy?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Yeah. He's been good to her. Not much for talkin', but he's decent," she replied.
Chibs nodded.
"I just couldn't…couldn't stand there and watch it. I needed to talk ya," she continued.
He tilted his head to the side and took her hands.
"We haven't done enough talkin'," he said quietly.
Kerrianne's eyes were locked on his fingers, her focus on the wedding band on his ring finger. He sighed.
"I meant to let ya know, baby. I just…there was a lot of shit goin' on here," he explained.
She looked up and met his eyes.
"It's not your fault," she replied quietly, "Ya can blame Ma."
His eyes narrowed in concern.
"That's part of why I came here. This will be against her wishes, but you deserve to know," she continued.
Chibs was worried.
"Know what, love?"
Kerrianne took a deep breath before replying.
"She lied to ya," she said so softly, I almost didn't hear.
Chibs looked between her and me, confused.
"She told me what she told ya after the divorce—about Jimmy. She thought now that things had settled, I should know. She told me that she told you that she cheated on you, and that I was Jimmy's biological daughter."
Chibs nodded.
"R-right," he said, unsure of how to respond, "She told ya?"
Kerrianne nodded.
"She told me that it was all a lie to keep ya away," she said.
Chibs and I were horrified.
"Why the hell would she want to keep me away? I'm already on the other side of the bloody planet!"
Kerrianne looked down.
"She didn't want ya findin' out the truth about why Jimmy kicked ya out," she replied, "Cut you."
Chibs let out a shallow breath.
"What did he want?" he asked, as if he knew something had been suspicious this whole time.
"Ma," she replied, "He wanted Ma. She said that after I was born, he couldn't stand it. I'm sure he unleashed more hell on her than she admitted, but she…she, did tell me one thing that she didn't want ya knowin'."
Chibs cupped her cheek.
"He raped her," she whispered.
The room went dead, only the sound of Harley's snores cutting the silence. Chibs' eyes were the size of saucers.
"Jimmy would have killed ya if she had told ya, so to protect ya, she kept quiet," she explained.
Chibs looked away, jaw set, eyes full of disgust and hatred. I could not believe it either.
"That's why I had to come here," Kerrianne said, her voice stronger, "Ya deserved to know the truth."
Chibs' anger melted and he smiled.
"Thank you, baby."
She smiled and clutched his hands tightly.
"I should be the one thanking you," she said.
He tilted his head to the side.
"Why's that, love?" he asked.
She let out a shaky breath.
"Because you have always been so kind to me. I couldn't watch Ma walk down the aisle with Ryan. I can't imagine anyone replacin' ya. After we you and the club came to Belfast, and we got to know each other again…I felt safe."
I could not see Chibs' eyes, but mine were threatening to spill.
"And you will always be safe with me, baby. Hell, if I could have stayed and spoiled ya rotten, I would have," he said, chuckling.
Kerrianne smiled at that.
"I really didn't think, with the exclusion of Paddy, that men could be as good as you," she said shyly.
Chibs' expression was thoughtful, though a little concerned.
"Why's that? I know O'Phelan dare not even spit at ya. Fiona would have cut his tongue out," he said.
Kerrianne kept her eyes down and grew silent. Chibs began to become alarmed.
"Kerrianne?" he asked.
I watched her start to tremble.
"Did—Kerrianne, did hurt you? Tell me," he said strictly.
Kerrianne looked up at him, eyes full of tears. Chibs scooted closer to her and cupped her jaw.
"What did that bastard do to ya, love? Did he touch you?" he asked, quietly.
Kerrianne's face was one of deep pain. I felt my anger bubble. I barely knew the girl, but no woman deserved to be abused, and I feared her former step-father had committed said sin. I wanted to beat the shit out of someone for her.
"Please, don't tell Ma. Only Trini knows," she whispered.
He stroked her cheek, lowering himself in a desperate effort to keep eye contact.
"I swear to God, not a soul. Do…do ya want Callie knowin'?" he asked.
Kerrianne nodded. She seemed to trust me.
"What happened?" Chibs asked softly.
Kerrianne met his eyes.
"I was only about 11 when I realized the things Jimmy was sayin' to me were foul and perverted," she began.
I let out a shallow breath. Chibs gritted his teeth and looked away from her, eyes slightly watery.
"He said stuff all the time, but about a year before you guys came for Jackson's boy, he started being rough. Trying to…get me to do things for him. Awful things. Either I managed to get away or Ma came in just in time."
She paused and swallowed visibly, keeping her eyes down. She wrung her hands and let out a soft whimper.
"Just months before you came back, he finally got to me," she said quietly.
Chibs could only stare, fear written on his face. I closed my eyes, praying she wasn't about to say what I thought she was going to say.
"I only ever told Trini. Nothing came of it in the end," she raised her eyes, fat tears spilling down her cheeks, "He raped me."
Chibs quickly scooped Kerrianne up as she bawled into his shoulder. Chibs looked up at me as I stared at her in shock.
"Goddammit," he mouthed, then raised his voice, "If I could end that bastard again, I would."
Kerrianne cried hard into his shirt. He held her tightly and rocked her. Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I had to look away.
"Why didn't ya tell me, sweetheart?" he asked.
Kerrianne whimpered.
"I couldn't. At the time, I just couldn't," she said through tears.
Chibs sighed and kissed the side of her head, tears sliding down his cheeks.
"Listen to me, baby," he said, voice choked, "He will never come back. I took care of him."
Kerrianne raised her head and wiped her cheeks.
"I know," she said, "But there are nights where I have these nightmares…"
Chibs bit his bottom lip.
"And all I can think is that I need my Da," she whispered.
He pulled her back to his chest.
"I'm always here for ya. I don't give a shit if I'm in the middle of a shootout. I'd drop everythin' for ya. Ya understand me?"
She nodded. He pulled back and cupped her cheeks.
"You are always safe with me. If ya ever need a home, or help, or anythin', please tell me," he continued.
She nodded. I wiped my cheeks with the sleeve of Chibs' hoodie.
"Ya got me, and ya got Callie. Hell, anyone in the club will help ya, and if they refuse, there will be hell to pay. Ya hear me?" he asked.
She nodded again, words failing her. He cupped her cheeks.
"You will always have a family, and you will always have me. I promise ya that," he said.
That caused the waterworks to start again.
"I love ya, Da," she said.
He kissed her cheek and hugged her.
"I love ya, too, a leanbh," he replied.
She kissed his cheek and hugged him for a long time. I had to leave the room to compose myself and wipe my nose. I half wished Jimmy O'Phelan would rise from the dead so I could beat the dog shit out of him. That sweet girl had been through hell, and feeling like she had to lie to her mother just so she could be somewhere she felt safe was crazy to me. I hoped O'Phelan was enjoying his special place in hell.
When I returned, Kerrianne was leaving down the hall to use the restroom. Chibs wiped his eyes and stared off into space.
"Ya know that bastard was tellin' me perverted shit a few months before we left?" he said quietly, "Disgustin' comments about my Kerrianne?"
I crossed my arms over my chest.
"I shoulda slit his goddamn throat then," he whispered bitterly.
I sighed and went to sit beside him.
"He's long gone. You have her and the truth. That's all that matters," I reassured him.
He smiled at that.
"I'll never forgive Fiona for lyin' to me, but I'm glad Kerrianne told me," he said.
I smiled and hugged his arm.
"I knew her little scheme was bullshit as soon as I saw Kerrianne. She looks just like you. There's no way she could belong to anyone else," I said.
Chibs smiled at that.
"Aye," he agreed.
"But, you think it may be a good idea to get a DNA test?" I asked.
He sat in thought for a moment.
"What's it gonna say that I don't already know?" he asked.
I smiled and took his hand. Suddenly, a realization hit me in the face.
"Holy shit!" I said, voice deadpan.
Chibs watched me worriedly.
"What's wrong, lovely?" he asked.
I stared at him in shock.
"I have a step-daughter," I said.
Chibs burst out laughing.
"Aye, ya do," he said.
I smiled, though I had no idea how to even digest all of this. Chibs ruffled my hair and kissed my temple.
When Kerrianne returned, Chibs stood from the couch.
"Ya okay, love?" he asked.
"Yeah," she replied, "Um, I should probably get back to the motel. Trini's waitin'."
Chibs and I looked up at her in surprise.
"What?" Chibs asked.
"You don't want to stay?" I asked.
Kerrianne looked down nervously.
"I was only plannin' on comin' by. I know how busy ya guys are. Trinity and I were goin' to vacation around California for a few weeks," she said quietly.
"Nonsense!" Chibs said stubbornly.
Oh, he was putting his foot down on this. He put his hands on his hips and looked down at me.
"What do ya say about havin' the girls crash here for a few days?" he asked me.
I shrugged.
"Absolutely," I replied, "Much more comfortable than a hotel bed. Not to mention safer."
Kerrianne nodded in agreement.
"And an abundance of cold pizza," Chibs said teasingly.
Kerrianne laughed. I stood and shook my head.
"We have an oven, and if all else fails, we can nuke it," I said.
Kerrianne smiled.
"Ya sure ya want us to stay?" she asked shyly.
Chibs smiled lovingly.
"Yes, baby. You're always welcome here," he said softly.
In the few hours I had been around Kerrianne, I had never seen her smile wider.
"Okay," she gave in, "But only a few days."
Chibs smiled.
"Whatever ya wanna do," he said.
She nodded, satisfied. Chibs looked down at me and grinned, cutting his eyes at Kerrianne.
"Can ya keep a secret for me?" he asked.
She nodded. Chibs looked back down at me, then held out his hand for me to take. I took his hand and stood. He slid his arm around my waist.
"Here in a few months, you'll have two little sisters," he said.
Kerrianne's face slowly dropped and she looked to me.
"You're pregnant?" she asked.
I smiled and nodded, unzipping Chibs' hoodie to reveal the half-basketball under my shirt.
"Wow! I didn't even notice," she said, then jumped, "Did I hear 'two?'"
Chibs chuckled and nodded.
"Wow," Kerrianne whispered, "Congratulations."
I smiled and thanked her. Chibs tapped my arm and held out his hands.
"Keys? I'll go warm up the car. We'll fetch Trinity and gorge ourselves on pizza. Pick up some more on the way back," he said.
I fished the keys to the Challenger out of my pocket and handed them to him. He thanked me and headed out to the carport, Harley on his heels. I looked back to Kerrianne and put a hand on her back as we began to walk.
"You okay?" I asked.
She smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, it's just relievin'. I've been wanting to tell him that for years, but I never could. Not even in our letters," she said.
I smiled and lightly rubbed her back.
"Ya must be takin' pretty good care of him," she went on, "He looks good."
I nodded.
"He's been working on changing some bad habits. Eased up on the drinking and smoking. Careful not to eat anything that will trigger his acid reflux," I replied.
She smiled and nodded.
"Last time I saw him, he really looked terrible. Smoking heavy. Drinkin'. Looked like he hadn't showered, and he might have not. The whole club looked rough. But he looked unhealthy. Overweight. Tired. Scared. Now his weight's down. Looks happy."
I smiled.
"I try to keep him whole. Not easy, as hyper as he is," he said.
Kerrianne arched her eyebrow in a way very much like her father did.
"Him? Hyper?" she asked in disbelief.
I smiled.
"You haven't been around him much, have you?" I asked.
She laughed and shook her head. I smiled and led her out to the car to pick up Trinity.
When we returned home with the girls, a second, fresher pizza in hand, we warmed up the rest of the food and had dinner. Trinity, Jax's half-sister, was very friendly, though had a little bit of an attitude that Chibs said was a Teller thing. Jax acted the same way.
After dinner, the girls passed out in the living room, camping out there until we could prepare a better sleeping situation. Chibs and I were getting ready to go to bed, our long day finally at an end. Chibs was putting his cell phone on its charger when I entered the bedroom.
"Check the girls?" he asked.
"Yeah. They're out cold. Cuddling with Harley," I replied, taking my shoes to their spot under the chair by the dresser.
Chibs smiled and set his phone down on the nightstand. I grabbed a pair of socks from my underwear drawer and turned to walk to the bed when I felt something weird rumble in my stomach. I stopped dead and gasped. Chibs looked up at me worriedly.
"Callie?" he asked.
I felt movement, and my hand flew to my stomach.
"Callie! What's wrong?" he asked, marching around the bed.
Beneath my hand, I felt something move.
"Holy shit! Filip, come here!" I said excitedly.
He nearly cleared the bed.
"What's wrong, love?"
I grabbed one of his hands and pressed it to my stomach. Another flutter happened, and I looked up at him to see his eyes widened.
"Was that a kick?" he asked.
I shrugged.
"It was something! I don't know!" I said, too excited to think straight.
"Is this the first time you've felt them?" he asked.
I smiled and nodded. He smiled lovingly and stroked my stomach.
"Little angels," he said softly.
I smiled up at him. He took my hand and led me to bed, where we turned the lights off, and I curled up on my side against him, trying to feel the twins kick again. Unfortunately, they had settled down again. Chibs kissed my stomach, then kissed me.
"Been a long day, boss," I said.
He smiled.
"Aye, but it's been good," he agreed.
I nodded and laid my head on his shoulder.
"Ya know, I was talkin' to Jodie," he said, "And I have somethin' I wanna run by ya."
I put my hand on his chest and yawned.
"What's that?" I asked tiredly.
He was quiet for a moment.
"I thought it would be…I don't know. What do ya think about me deliverin' the twins?" he asked.
I looked up at him in surprise, sleep running back into its hole.
"You want to deliver the girls?" I asked.
He smiled shyly.
"Jodie said she noticed how much I knew and everythin'. Said unassisted birth isn't out of the question. I know ya said ya felt more comfortable with me, but if it scares ya, we don't have to. Jodie would still be here. Just not in the same room."
I stared off across the room in thought. I liked the idea of a home birth, but when I imagined it being just Chibs and I, I fell in love with the idea. Chibs was the only person on the planet I trusted to pull stitches through my skin or reset a bone. He had studied his ass off almost since day one, and I trusted him more than anyone. Although I had full faith in Jodie and her assistant that would be helping on the day of, I loved the idea of Chibs coaching me and catching the twins as they entered the world. I guess I liked the idea of the "circle of life" type thing. We started this together without any help, so we should complete it together.
"I like that idea," I said softly.
He looked down at me.
"Really?" he asked.
I smiled up at him and nodded.
"Would it be something you'd want to do?" he asked.
"Yeah. I think it'd be a good experience for us," I replied.
Or the worst idea we've ever had, but I had faith in him.
"You'll be doin' most of the work, anyway," he said teasingly.
He kissed my forehead and I laughed.
We fell into silence for a little while. Chibs shifted and cupped my stomach.
"Have ya thought of names for these little ones yet?" he asked.
I turned my head to look at him.
"I did have one in mind," I replied.
He smiled.
"Yeah, me too," he replied, "What's yours?"
I grinned.
"You first, mister," I said playfully.
He smiled and his eyes fell back on my stomach.
"I was thinkin' Finley. It's somethin' I've been thinkin' of for a while. Unisex name. It has roots in Scotland and Ireland, but it means fair. Fair warrior, according to a baby website I was on," he replied.
I nodded.
"Finley. I like it it," I said.
He smiled.
"What about you, love?" he asked.
I felt my cheeks burn.
"We can decide on something else if you don't like it," I said, beating around the bush.
"Just tell me!" he laughed, "I won't laugh. Swear to God."
I bit my lip.
"Saoirse," I replied.
Chibs' eyes widened.
"After my mother?" he asked.
I nodded.
"If you disagree with it, we can forget it—"
"No, I think it's perfect," he replied before I could take it back.
I looked up at him, perking up. He took my hands.
"Saoirse and Finley," he said.
I smiled at that.
"Saoirse and Finley Telford," I repeated.
Chibs smiled and kissed me gently.
"Yup. Perfect," he said tiredly.