"Are you sure?"

I could not see Chibs' eyes for his shades, but his gaze did not move from the girls, Trinity kneeling in front of a tombstone that had been placed in the dirt just shy from a year ago. Kerrianne stood above her, comforting her friend.
Chibs exhaled deeply.

"Aye," he replied gruffly.

He leaned back in his seat and reached for my hand, wrapping his fingers around mine. I took his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. I watched from the passenger side window as Trinity placed a bundle of flowers in front of her brother's grave. Kerrianne held Trinity's shoulder as she began to sob. Chibs looked away. He had not been to the cemetery since the funeral, and even now, he could not look at the words he had requested to be on his departed brother's tombstone. It made me think of the cemetery Z was buried in. The engravings were branded on my brain. Some times it was too hard to dwell upon such memories. The sealed forever, and made you remember your own mortality. Chibs had his ways of honoring Jax Teller. He had already said his goodbye when the rose was placed on the casket.

"Didn't think it'd be this hard. Bein' back here and all," Chibs said, breaking the silence.

I looked from the girls to my Old Man. I smiled sympathetically.

"It's always hard, baby," I said softly.

To this day, I had never seen my parents' graves. When I left SoCal, I knew that looking at my parents' final resting place would seal the deal, and for some reason, I wanted that extra push to end it all. After a twist of fate brought me to the family I was destined to be with, the word "orphan" never resonated with me. I had always had a family. I understood that now. I've lost some, gained more. Chibs knew this, too, but dealing with ghosts was never easy.

"Guessin' it was my fault she was never informed," he said bitterly, "Her only blood relatives here are Abel and little Thomas. I just never thought to call."

I squeezed his hand.

"That wasn't your fault," I said.

But my words went ignored.

"Maybe if I had pulled my bloody head outta my ass and called more often, Kerrianne wouldn't have felt too scared to talk to me," he growled.

"Filip, stop it. You're forgetting you had no control over that. She's here now. I mean, shit! Besides Trinity, we're all that kid has to talk to. She doesn't hold it against you."

He sighed heavily as he watched the girls.

"That shite ain't gonna with the twins, love. I promise ya," he said firmly.

I smiled at him. I didn't doubt he would keep that promise.

"I know, baby," I said softly, trying to soothe his bubbling anger at himself.

I laid my head on his shoulder. He relaxed with a sharp exhale and kissed the top of my head. Kerrianne and Trinity said their goodbyes to Jax and began to walk back up the hill, Trinity's arm tight around Kerrianne. I frowned. I knew for a fact that Chibs would never let another thing happen to his daughter, and I would most likely take a bat to the next person who even looked at her wrong, but Álvarez's words were still nagging at me. Would I be taking a bat to some stupid little boy with evil intentions, or my own step-daughter?

With the day's events, I had barely had a chance to sit, much less get in a nap. I was feeling it when I stepped out on the back porch after dinner. My eyes were burning, my feet were barking, and the hammock one of the guys had given to us for Christmas was calling my name. So, while Chibs was doing the dishes and the girls were settling down in the living room, I braved the cold night air with a thick, faux-mink throw and the laptop. I messed around on various websites, but my mind was on the Irish, and that ever-nagging worry about what proposed a current threat to my Old Man and my club. If there was anything looming in the shadows, their timing was impeccable.
The back door slid open and Chibs stepped out, Harley following to do his business. I looked over the laptop screen to see him shut the door.

"Hey, darlin'," he said softly.

I smiled.

"Hey."

He walked around the hammock and gently sat on it, careful not to tip it. I closed the laptop as I slid into his back. He took the device, setting it on the patio table, then leaned over me and smirked.

"What are ya doin' out here in the cold, ya crazy woman?" he asked playfully.

I laughed as he took my hands and kissed me.

"You wanna join me?" I asked.

He smiled and nodded. I scooted over and instructed him to lay the opposite way.

"What in the world for?" he asked, voice skipping an octave.

I grinned and stuck a sock clad foot in his face. He rolled his eyes and took my foot.

"You promised," I reminded him as I covered his legs with the blanket.

He smirked and tickled the arch of my foot.

"Aye," he said.

I yelped and tried to pull my foot away, but he just gripped it tightly and laughed.

"Filip, stop! You're going to tip us."

He laughed and pressed his thumbs into the arch. I relaxed again.

"Better?" he asked.

I closed my eyes and nodded. With the relief, comfortable blanket, and his warmth, I could have fallen asleep.

"Hey, Filip?" I asked tiredly.

"Hmm?" he hummed.

I opened my eyes.

"How did business work between the IRA and SAMCRO back in the day?" I asked.

His thumbs moved up my foot.

"Well," he began, "Clay had a pipeline established with the IRA to get guns and sell 'em in California. That was our main business aside from porn. Clay had a relationship with Galen O' Shay, one of the Kings. He's the prick that blew up my fuckin' bike."

I nodded.

"O' Phelan wasn't a King?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"No, love. He ran the streets. In charge of recruitment. Dirty work, ya know?"

I nodded.

"Clay was also friends with a man named Michael McKeavey. He was in good with the First 9 back in the day. In charge of the overseas shipments. He was killed, and then Cameron Hayes took over as our contact. Of course, this is the same dumb bastard that kidnapped Abel and started that bloody whirlwind of shite. Ran straight to Mo and we all ended up in that hellhole, Belfast."

I tilted my head to the side.

"Who's Mo?" I asked.

"Maureen Ashby, his cousin," he replied, then pointed to the house, "Trinity's mother."

I swallowed thickly. So, Trinity was tied to the IRA, too.

"Oh," was all I could think to say.

"Then Galen took the reigns, and ya know the rest of that story. Connor was his right hand man until he fucked up sellin' guns without permission. Caused his ex-communication. Jackie boy finally sold Álvarez our business, and they get the guns from Conn."

I nodded.

"And SAMBEL provides the guns?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Aye. They ship the guns to Connor," he replied.

I nodded.

"So," I sat up, causing the twins to squirm in surprise.

I rubbed my stomach as I adjusted myself and took my foot back.

"Easy, you little munchkins," I said softly.

Chibs smiled warmly and reached up to rub my stomach, feeling his little ones flutter around.

"There's definitely something amiss here," I continued, "The IRA inspects their shipments, right?"

Chibs nodded, slightly distracted as he rubbed his thumb against the side of my stomach.

"And SAMBEL checks, too, right?" I asked.

His tired eyes met mine.

"Absolutely. No, they check everythin' that comes through their doors. If somethin' was wrong, they would have caught it," he replied.

I nodded.

"And Connor obviously checks again. So, that means either A, SAMBEL did not do a proper inspection, B, they sabotaged it, or C, it was sabotaged in transit," I concluded.

"But tha' doesn't make any sense. The IRA doesn't know about their deal, and SAMBEL have no reason to ruin a shipment."

"Then it must have happened in transit. Maybe they knew they're Mayan guns and someone wants to undermine a shipment. Maybe they have an enemy," I proposed.

Chibs snorted.

"Or they're aware of Conn's business and they're tryin' to expose him to the IRA. Could be an IRA spy," he said.

I nodded. Suddenly, a thought ran through my mind and my heart skipped a beat. What if it was a spy for the IRA, and what if that spy did not know about SAMBEL's deal with Connor and the Mayans? What if they still though SAMCRO was running the show?
Inside, Kerrianne and Trinity burst out laughing at whatever show they were watching, and my mouth went dry.

"Unless I see that somethin' isn't right, I'm not gettin' in to it, love. That's the last thing we need right now," he said firmly.

I nodded in agreement. I did not want any shit to be stirred up either, but we had to remember that just because we were outside of club business for the time being, we could not let our guards down.
I looked down and took Chibs' hands. He gently held mine as I absently stared, rubbing the backs of them.

"Marcus told me something earlier—something that kind of concerned me," I said.

Chibs tilted his head to the side and arched an eyebrow. I bit my lip.

"Something that might upset you," I finished.

He narrowed his eyes, and I felt my throat close. I knew I could be open with him, but there were always subjects I knew not to ever bring up. Jax, the IRA, every situation that created a new scar, and Kerrianne. It always made me nervous to bring her up, and therefore, a lot of questions were never asked.

"What is it?" he asked.

"He has every right to be suspicious, and it may be paranoia, but Filip, that man is an expert stoic. When I see worry in his eyes, I know there's something to be worried about. He made a really good point, anyway," I explained, keeping my eyes cast down at our hands.

I hoped I would not regret bringing this up.

"He noticed the girls while I wrapping his foot and you went to wash up," I began, "Asked me where she was from and what she was doing down here. Just told him the basics."

Chibs slowly nodded.

"I think it worried him a little. With this rotten shipment and her sudden arrival, her being tied to the IRA worried him. I think it's just a coincidence. I mean, I'm sure it is, but he's suspicious."

"What? He think she's here to cause a shitstorm?" Chibs asked.

I shrugged.

"He does have a point, though," I said meekly.

At this point, I would not have blamed him if he broke my neck. I expected him to be pissed.
His eyes widened and he let out a humorless laugh.

"Jesus Christ, Callie girl! Ya believe him?" he asked.

"Well, what the hell am I supposed to think?" I hissed, trying to keep the volume down and not draw the girls' ears to us, "I barely know her. What if?"

Chibs closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Lovely, I can assure ya those girls aren't here because of the IRA. Those two have been through it. I can't imagine what kind of horror they've seen."

I nodded. I was sure he was right.

Chibs sat up and cupped my cheek, meeting my eyes.

"Álvarez has good intentions. It'd worry me too if I was him," he said.

I smiled. Chibs tightened his grip around my hands and rested his forehead against mine.

"Maybe we need to pack up and take the girls somewhere for a day or so. Decompress," he suggested.

I shrugged.

"The cabin?" I asked.

He grunted.

"Nah. Cabin's only fun when we're alone. Besides, I don't wanna keep them cooped up. I was thinkin' somewhere more…Californian."

I lifted my head and raised an accusing eyebrow.

"You mean my ever-rugged, cloudy weather loving Scotsman wants to acclimate now?" I asked teasingly.

Chibs rolled his eyes.

"I know of a beach we could take a day-trip to. Thought the girls would like it. It's still too cool to swim, but there's cliffs to explore and shite like that," he said, then tucked my hair behind my ears, "And I think my sweet girl could use a change of scenery."

I smiled and reached up to hold his wrists.

"What do ya say?" he asked.

I let out a short exhale. He was right. Being unable to do much except loaf was grinding on me. And I think we needed the distraction.

"I say I'm glad you picked February to go, because you will never see my pregnant ass in a bikini," I popped off.

Chibs burst out laughing and pulled me into a hug. I sighed and perched my chin on his shoulder. He stretched his legs out and slid down, pulling me against his front. I pulled the covers up and laid beside him, eyelids growing heavy. Chibs rested his palm on the side of my stomach, trying to feel the twins.

"Nothin'?" he asked, "Really, girls?"

I chuckled.

"They finally pooped themselves out," I said sleepily.

Chibs laughed and reached up to stroke my cheek.

"Looks like someone else is pretty worn out. We better go in and get some rest. If we wanna go to the beach, we need to hit the road early."

I nodded, not bothering to open my eyes. I was too comfortable.

"And I still owe ya that back rub," he reminded me.

I opened my eyes at that and smiled up at him. He watched me curiously, eyes tired and bloodshot from straining to piece together parts of Álvarez's foot. I cupped his cheek and touched his forehead to mine. An idea slipped into my mind that I knew we could not execute while the girls were visiting, but being close like this mixed with my raging hormones sparked desire.

"We could do something else," I said.

His eyebrow arched, intrigue piqued.

"Oh?"

I smirked and pressed my lips to his, not having to try to spark fire.

"Oooh," he said.

I giggled. He deepened the kiss and pushed himself up to loom over me.

"We're gonna get caught, love," he warned me.

I pulled him back to me, crashing my lips to his and causing him to laugh. However, he was right. Not a minute later, the sliding door opened, and we quickly parted like two teenagers with something to hide. Behind us, Kerrianne stood timidly in the doorway.

"Hey, I didn't mean to interrupt anythin'," she said shyly.

"You're fine," I said.

"What is it, baby?" Chibs asked, his loving tone turning me to goo.

Kerrianne nervously looked over her shoulder.

"Trini and I were gonna go to bed. If ya want, we can get the bedding out," she suggested.

For the time being, the empty nursery was once again a guest room, and Chibs had brought in a mattress for the girls to sleep on. Much more comfortable than the recliner and couch.

"If you give me a sec, I'll go get them," I said.

Chibs' foot was down in a blink.

"No, I'll get 'em. Ya can't reach and ya don't need to be gettin' up on the stool and losin' your balance. Kerrianne, sweetheart, I'll get 'em. You two can get ready. We're gettin' up early in the mornin'."

"'Kay, Da," she replied, then returned inside.

Chibs smiled and looked back down at me. I didn't realize that I was staring until he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"What?" he asked.

I smiled and shook my head.

"Nothing," I replied quietly.

Chibs smiled and softly kissed me.

"Ya wanna finish what we started?" he asked, smile turning to a cheeky grin.

I laughed and stroked his cheeks.

"Why don't you go get the girls taken care of? I'll get the dog settled and then we can finish in the bedroom."

Chibs nodded.

"Sounds like a plan, love."

I smiled. He took my hands and helped me out of the hammock. I went inside with the laptop, setting it on the kitchen table as I walked out to the hall. Kerrianne and Trinity had cleaned up after themselves, shut the TV off, and I could hear them down the hall in the bathroom. I turned the corner to see Harley leave the nursery. I stopped to pet him and listened as Trinity spoke to Kerrianne, her voice muffled. When I walked by the bathroom, Trinity was spitting toothpaste into the sink and Kerrianne was leaning against the door jamb, laughing at whatever her friend had said. She looked up at me as I passed.

"Night, girls," I said.

Trinity quickly wiped her mouth clean.

"Goodnight," they replied in unison.
I smiled and slipped into the bedroom to change. When I came back out, I found Trinity in the nursery, sitting on the mattress and zipping up a bag. I continued down the hall to check on Harley before I heard Kerrianne's soft murmuring from the kitchen. Quietly, I padded down the hall and peered around a corner to see Chibs and Kerrianne facing each other at the far side of the kitchen. I had missed what they were talking about, but I could guess by the smile on Chibs' face. Then, the two embraced, Kerrianne burying her face in his shoulder, and Chibs cradling the back of her head and ruffling her black curls. Kerrianne's voice was muffled in his shoulder, but I could hear Chibs.

"Love ya, too, baby," he replied, eyes closed.

I smiled and retreated to the bedroom.

The next morning was cool, but calm. The girls gossiped, and Chibs griped. I couldn't help but shake my head and laugh. The girls were not used to such excitement, and Chibs was not used to so much activity before the sun rose. Not this kind of activity, anyway. He griped about not being about to get into the bathroom. Pitched a fit when he couldn't find his cell phone, and another when he couldn't find the car keys. I packed our things, double-checked to make sure we had everything, and sat calmly on the couch with Harley and watched the drama unfold. Before we left for Scotland last year, Chibs and I had been at each other's throats trying to get everything ready so we could get to the airport on time. Travel fried my nerves. However, this time was different. I was calm and collected, and thoroughly amused. Chibs was trying his damnedest to make sure everything was perfect. This was his first real road trip with his daughter. He was frustrated, fighting against a severe lack of caffeine, nicotine withdrawal, and his overprotective instincts.

"Hey, Callie?" Kerrianne asked as she popped into the living room.

I stood from the couch.

"Yeah?" I asked, stepping over to her.

"You need us to grab anythin' else?" she asked.

I smiled and shook my head.

"No. You and Trinity can go ahead and get in the car," I said.

Kerrianne smiled and nodded. Down the hall, Chibs cursed and shouted for me. Kerrianne gave me a worried look.

"Is he often like this?" she whispered.

I smiled reassuringly and shook my head.

"Nah. He's just not a morning person. He'll chill out," I replied.

Kerrianne nodded.

"Where is that fuckin' hoodie?" Chibs snapped, his boots stomping through the hall and shaking the entire house.

I sighed and shook my head.

"Looks like I may have to straighten him out," I said.

Kerrianne smiled. I put a hand on her back.

"Load up," I said.

Kerrianne nodded and I followed her out of the room, splitting ways in the hallway. I found Chibs in the utility room, tearing the place apart. I leaned against the door frame and rested a hand on my stomach.

"What are you in here throwing a fit about?" I asked.

Chibs was leaned over a hamper, flying through the contents like a madman.

"I can't find my damn hoodie. That new one ya got me for Christmas," he replied.

I sighed and walked up to him, stilling furious arms and forcing him to face me.

"Filip, would you calm down?" I snapped.

He ceased his fit and finally, for what was probably the first time since he woke up this morning, exhaled.

"I packed everything last night. Your hoodie is in the car, along with a change of clothes, towels, first aid, and your KD's are hanging from the visor," I said.

He sighed and looked down, cheeks tinging pink from shame. I smiled and cupped his cheeks.

"It's just a day trip," I reminded him.

"I know," he said gruffly.

"These girls aren't going to care if it's freezing down there. They just want to explore, and I bet Kerrianne doesn't give a shit about any of it. She just wants to spend time with you. We could be stuck in a traffic jam in pouring rain, and I'm sure she'd be just as happy."

His smile was brief.

"I just don't wanna fuck this up," he admitted quietly.

I stroked his cheeks, then reached up and pecked his lips.

"It'll be fine. And after this trip, I'm sure you'll be a lot calmer when we decide to take these two on vacation," I said, patting the top of my stomach.

Chibs smiled at that. I took his hand and squeezed it.

"Let's go, sweet boy."

Chibs gave in, and I led him out to the car.

The beach was a secluded little spot against a cliff somewhere near San Fransisco. I had fallen asleep during the trip here, and had no idea where we were. It didn't matter, though. It was cloudy, windy, and barren. Despite it being free of visitors, there was an open concession shack and a few picnic tables. Chibs bought the girls lunch before they took off to the cliffs. Chibs decided to stay with me, but his worries were with them. My mind was far from the girls, and on an ice cream sandwich that had been calling my name since it popped out on the menu.

"I bet it's slick up there," Chibs said worried, eyes locked on the girls.

We could hear them giggling and having a blast as they climbed the cliff. Chibs and I were walking the shoreline, watching the waves and losing hope that our hair would remain decent in the wind. I through my hair in a ponytail and forgot all about it. Chibs kept sniffing his out of his eyes.

"Well, if one of them cracks their head open, you know how to stitch them back up," I said.

Chibs glared at me. I smiled meekly over the chocolate and vanilla mess. He cracked a smile.

"Ya weren't kiddin' about cravin' that thing, were ya?" he asked playfully.

I laughed and attempted to wipe the sticky mess from my face.

"I could go for another," I said.

Chibs laughed and lightly tugged my air, pulling me to a stop. I looked up at him curiously. He smirked, then his lips crashed into mine in an attempt to "help" get the chocolate cookie and ice cream off of my mouth. I squealed and lightly shoved him away.

"Nah, wait. Ya still got some more!" he whined.

I laughed and held him away from me.

"You are such a shit!" I exclaimed.

He laughed and, like an ass, stuck a finger in my ice cream sandwich and licked the ice cream from his finger. I scoffed and swatted his shoulder, causing him to duck away, laughing.

"Get your own!" I shouted.

I finished off the last of the sandwich before he could steal anymore.

"Asshole," I said around a cheek-full of melting sugary mess.

He grinned and approached me, taking my wrapper and tossing it in a trash barrel. Up on the cliffs, I heard one of the girls burst out laughing. Chibs and I looked up to see them walk along the top. Kerrianne raised her arms in the air and let out a victorious call. Chibs and I laughed. He put his arm around my waist.

"I think this might be the most fun they've had in a long time," he said.

I smiled up at him.

"I wouldn't mind keeping them every summer or something. Maybe when the twins are a year or so old," I suggested.

Chibs smiled, staring up at the girls thoughtfully.

"Aye," he agreed.

I watched as the girls sat together on the cliff's edge and pointed out to the lighthouse, Kerrianne pulling out her cell phone to take a picture. I felt my heart sink, remembering how much of a mess she was when she arrived, and how ecstatic she was to be reunited with her dad. She was a good kid, despite everything she had been through. Much like Chibs, nastiness had not changed her attitude on people. However, I was certain that she fully accepted me. It was a sudden change for a kid, even at 21. Her father, who had just been reunited with her, and was starting to bond with her, secretly marries one of his club members and is now having twins with her. It would be hard for anyone to digest, and so easy to reject.

"Can't tell if she likes me or not, though," I said distantly.

Of course, she had every right to hate me, if she wanted. I was not going to force her to change her mind.
Chibs raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"'Course she does!" he replied.

I let out a shallow breath.

"Hey," he said softly, grabbing my attention.

I met his eyes. He gave me a small smile.

"She does," he repeated, then his smile broadened, "Besides, ya shoulda heard her talkin' about her little sisters."

I felt my eyes widen.

"While ya were takin' a nap, they were all she talked about," he elaborated.

I smiled at that, comforted. She was not one to judge, that's for sure.

Chibs gave me a small squeeze and turned us around.

"Come on, love," he said.

I took his arm.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

He smiled crookedly.

"Gettin' my own damn ice cream sandwich!" he sassed.

I burst out laughing and fell in step beside him. The wind picked up. The waves crashed into each other. It was a horrible day to be at the beach, but I didn't want it to end.