Hello all, surgery went great and recovery is going well. I should be back on my normal posting schedule now.

Chapter 36

"Good morning love" Chibs called out as Ellie came into the bathroom where he stood in front of the mirror shaving. She set his cup of tea down and took a seat on the bathroom counter facing him.

"Thank ya Ellie."

"What are you up to today?"

"The usual, how are ya feeling this morning?"

"Good, haven't puked for two days so I'm setting a record. Chibs?" she asked, looking around the cramped bathroom.

"Yes love?" he replied, wiping the excess shaving cream from his face.

"We're going to need a bigger house."

He ran his hand over her still-flat abdomen."Baby's not coming for a while"

"I know but I want to be settled before I get too big to do anything."

"Then we'll get a bigger house."

"That's it, that's all your input?"

"Love I don't care much where I sleep as long as you're there too" he smiled, leaning in for a kiss.

"You're a sweet talker Mr. Telford" she grinned, kissing him back. "I'm going to call the real estate agent" she said, hopping off the counter.

"What do you think Chibs?" Ellie asked as they walked through yet another empty house. In the past two weeks, Chibs had seen more houses than he could count so that they were beginning to blur together. They were on the eighth one today and his patience was wearing thin with his hormonal old lady who was standing in front of him in the kitchen of a two story home. With every home there was something she'd find wrong with it and he knew the home right now would be the same.

"It's fine love."

"That's what you said about the last one. They can't all be fine. This is serious Chibs, this where our children are going to grow up, where we raise our family."

"It's big."

"It is and there's stairs but the schools are good around here. And it's a foreclosure so it's way undervalued."

"Ellie, Katherine's not even out of diapers yet."

"I know but she's going to go to school someday, this is important for her future. A good school could mean the difference of her going to Harvard or dropping out of high school." Ignoring his frustrated look, she turned away from him. "I'm worried about the stairs here though, what do you think?"

"Jesus Christ Ellie, make a fucking decision! All the houses are good, ya can't keep finding fault in every one of them. Ya wanted ta move I told ya to go ahead but I can't keep doing this shite with ya." He instantly regretted his outburst when she turned around with tears in her eyes. Sighing, he prepared himself for another crying fit and ran his hand down his tired face. He had been working on little to no sleep, waking up with her in the morning when she was throwing up, club business and holding her when she cried at night about whatever injustice in the world she had seen on TV that day.

"You don't have to be a bastard about it" she sniffled, wiping at the tears. "I just want it to be perfect, I want to give my kids a good life. I just want to be a good mom."

"Oh Ellie, you're are a fantastic Mom, and love it's never going to be perfect. I'm sorry I'm a bastard. Don't cry love, I didn't mean ta make ya cry." He pulled her in his arms hoping to ward off a full mental break down. "If ya like the house love then well get it if ya don't then we'll look at a hundred more till you're happy."

"I'm sorry Chibs, I hate this, and I hate feeling like this. I'm like a fountain!"

"It's alright love it's only temporary. Now do ya like this house or are we on to see another one?"

"I like it, at least today I do."

"Then we should get while ya still do then yeah?"

"Yeah, let's go though because I might change my mind in another minute."

Ellie walked into the clubhouse but the smile on her face faded when she saw the destruction inside. Scanning the room in confusion, she looked for Chibs. "What happened?" she asked as he approached.

"Fucking new sheriff throwing his weight around, the bastard."

"Jesus he's not fucking around is he?"

"No, he's not but it'll pass he just has to show how big his dick is. What brings you here love?"

"I heard about the house, it's ours Chibs! We get the keys next week."

"That's fantastic love." Pulling her in for a kiss he whispered in her ear "I can't wait ta fuck ya in every room."

She looked up at him, laughing as she heard Tara shout the news about the engagement from across the room. "Well I guess our news about the house isn't as big now!" Chibs said leaving her side to congratulate the happy Tara and Jax.

"Jesus Christ Ellie get off the fucking ladder!" Chibs exclaimed, walking into their new house that was currently being painted before they moved in. He had been gone with the rest of the men on a run and had come there to find her up on a ladder painting the ceiling.

"I told her not to get up there" Tara said from the spot where she sat playing with the kids trying to keep Katherine, Abel and Thomas away from the wet paint.

"Hey you're supposed to be in my side" Ellie said, putting the brush down and taking Chibs' hand as he helped her down. Looking her over as her feet touch the ground, she saw his frown and gave him a playful swat. "Chibs I'm pregnant not breakable."

"Where's the prospect? He's supposed to be helping ya."

"Oh she chewed his ass out about an hour ago. I think he's out back licking his wounds" Tara laughed, looking at Ellie.

"He was doing it wrong! Left streaks all over the place."

"Sit" Chibs commanded.

"How the hell am I going to get anything done if you won't let me?" Ellie grumbled, taking a seat on the floor and placing Katherine in her lap.

"I didn't say ya couldn't do anything. I said no ladders and no heavy lifting."

"Chibs you do realize that's what's involved in moving?" she called out after him as he went to the back door calling for the prospect.

"Hey asshole, she's not to be on a ladder, so get your ass up there and don't fucking leave streaks or it'll be me chewing your ass out. And she's a lot nicer than me."

"Yes sir" Phil said slowly, climbing up the ladder as Ellie and Tara looked on.

"I'm sorry Phil, you're not an idiot and you don't have the face that only a mother could love" Ellie apologized, regretting her earlier words. It was bad enough this man got shit from all the other guys, he shouldn't get it from her too.

"It's alright Ma'am. I'll do it right this time." When he was finished and climbed off the ladder, Ellie could still see the brush strokes he had left but didn't have the heart to tell him when he looked at her proudly asking sheepishly "It's good right?"

"It's perfect, thank you."

After he had left she laughed as Chibs climbed up the same ladder, paintbrush in hand. "Why'd ya tell him it was perfect, looks like shite."

"Because he was just trying to help, he's a nice guy sweet actually. Why do you guys call him filthy Phil."

"Cause he's a downright filthy bastard, don't let the boyish charm fool ya love."

"I think in the future he should be stuck with heavy lifting, he can't paint worth shit. And you're not that much better, you're dripping."

"Aye then I'll stay up here till it's perfect. Anymore demands love?"

"Love me forever."

"Aye, that I can do."

It took Ellie the next four months of painting and Chibs moving furniture around to get the house the exact way she wanted it. The two story home had wall to wall dark walnut floors and she had kept the furniture in blacks and grays - Chibs' preference. The only thing girly about the house was baby Katherine's room which was painted in purple and pinks with a beautiful mural Ellie had spent weeks painting of a park along one wall, with bunnies Katherine's favorite animal. She refused to let go of the stuffed rabbit that Chibs had brought back from a run when she was still an infant. The other spare bedroom was left blank but was stocked with baby stuff still in boxes. Chibs waiting closer to the arrival of the baby to tackle the task of putting it together while Ellie was waiting for the baby to reveal itself before she painted and decorated. When they had gone for her last appointment, the baby had been turned and refused to show it's gender. By the time, they were really settled in Ellie's pregnant belly had popped at five months.

"Stop fussing with her mother, she's perfect." Chibs commented looking over at Ellie from the kitchen table as Ellie sat in the floor of the living room with Katherine between her legs and she smoothed the girl's curls again against the little one year olds protests.

Ellie stood, picking up Katherine and setting her on her feet as the child grabbed for her hand to help lead her to where Chibs sat with a cup of tea in hand. "I want her to still look perfect when everyone gets here" she said, looking at Katherine and smiling when she gave Chibs a toothless grin. Letting go of Ellie's hand she reached her little hands up for her father to pick her up.

Chibs immediately set his tea down to pick up his girl "Look how pretty ya are little love" he said, smiling down at Katherine's blue skirt with white polka dots on it with a matching white top and red belt with red patent leather shoes. As she settled against him, Katherine reached her hands up and touched the scruff of his goatee, laughing when Chibs nuzzled her neck.

"Do you think we need more balloons?" Ellie asked, looking around the house that was now decorated for Katherine's 1st birthday party.

"Love if we have anymore balloons in here, the house is going to float away."

"I guess I went a little overboard huh? But she's only going to be one once."

When there was a knock at the door, Chibs stood and Katherine back over to Ellie. Leaning in and kissing her on the cheek, he said "It's perfect Ellie love, going to be a great day." Gemma and Clay were first to arrive with a huge package for Katherine wrapped in pink. "Give me that sweet girl" Gemma commanded as she took Kathrine from Ellie.

"She loves her grandma Gemma" Ellie commented, looking at Katherine who was all smiles for the older woman.

"And I told you to stop with that grandma shit" Gemma said, giving her an eyebrow raise. "How's the other little one you got cooking? We ever going to find out what you're having before it comes out?"

"I hope so. I go back to the doctor next week."

"Daddy hoping for a boy this time?"

"He says he doesn't care."

"And you?"

"I don't know, haven't given it much thought. That little one keeps me too busy to think, she's almost walking and then I'm going to be in big trouble."

"Well let's hope for a boy, I'll get him a future member of Samcro onesie" Gemma commented, taking Katherine outside where Clay was with Chibs.

"Here Cherry" Happy said, walking through the house and pausing in the kitchen and tossing a plastic bag to Ellie.

"What's this?"

Looking at her like she was a moron, Happy growl "a gift for the fuckin kid, it's a birthday party right?"

Opening the bag, Ellie smiled at the small stuffed teddy bear that was enclosed. "Thank you Happy, that was really sweet of you."

"You gonna fuckin cry about it?"

"No" she said, shaking her head. "It was really nice of you to get her something."

"Whatever" was his only response as he left the house and went into the garden.

"What's that?" Tara asked, coming inside and looking at the small stuffed teddy bear in Ellie's hand.

"A birthday gift from Happy. I never know what to expect from him, one minute he's an asshole then he's nice and then he's back to being an asshole."

"I think that's just him. Chibs just put the food on the grill, you have everything you need in here?"

"Yeah, just waiting on Tig with the cake."

"I can't believe you tasked him with picking up the cake."

"I know what the hell was I thinking?" she scoffed at her stupidity to leave picking up the cake to Tig. "You don't think he's taking his bike do you? I mean he knows to take the van or something and not strap it to his bike right?"

"I honestly don't know.

"Tara when you were pregnant with Thomas - before you found out it was a boy, were you worried whether or not it would be a boy or a girl?"

"Not really. I was so occupied with Abel, and Jax being away, I didn't give it much thought. Why, what's going on?" she asked, sensing the concern in her friend's voice.

"Just something Gemma said, she said she was hoping I had a boy, she'd get him a future member of Samcro onesie. Tara what if it is boy? I don't want him to be in Samcro. I know things are calm right now but it's like it's just the calm before the storm. I don't want my baby to have to have this life, end up in jail or killed. Do you worry about that with Abel and Thomas?"

"Every day."

"So you don't want them to patch Samcro?"

"I think Gemma's the only woman who ever wanted her sons to be Sons. JT didn't even want this for Jax and his Thomas."

"How do you know that?"

"Some old writing he did that Jax showed me."

"What does Jax want for his boys?"

Tara looked around, making sure no one was in earshot of their conversation before continuing. "This conversation doesn't leave me and you. Gemma doesn't know, Jax doesn't want this life for our boys or even for himself anymore. Once Clay steps down, he's out, our family is out."

Shocked by Tara's confession, Ellie asked "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's a decision we just made. I think seeing his boys after he got out changed his perspective, he doesn't want to miss anything else in our lives. He doesn't want the president patch anymore, we are going to leave Charming as soon as Clay gives the gavel up."

"Jesus, Gemma's going throw a fit."

"She doesn't have a choice. It's what's going to happen. Jax made a deal with Clay that if he backed this cartel bullshit then Clay would keep Gemma in line when we leave. I have a job offer on the table from Oregon." When she saw the tears in Ellie's eyes, she apologised. "I'm sorry Ellie I didn't want to tell you like this. I was going to wait until after you had the baby not put any more stress on you right now."

"No it's fine, I just...what am I going to do without you?"

Tara put her arm around her. "It's not like I'm leaving tomorrow. Listen, if you're worried about the future of your family, talk to Chibs, tell him what you want. And in the end you have to do what you think is best for your family, no matter what. And no matter where I am, I'm here for you."

Ellie was still going over her conversation with Tara when Tig made his way into the house 20 minutes later. She grabbed the cake box from him, inspecting it for damage while asking "What the hell took you so long?" Sighing in relief when she opened the box and found the cake perfect.

"Sorry doll, got caught up."

"Just glad you finally made it, I was worried. The guys are all out back. Thanks Tig."

"Don't thank me yet."

"Why? What did you do?" she asked, turning around and seeing the apologetic smirk on his face.

"You're probably going to need a new baker in the future, don't think she'll be taking any Samcro business in the future."

"Dammit Tig, I searched all over for her, she's the best. What did you do to her? Please tell me she's still breathing."

"She's still breathing, very happy right now but she's gonna be pissed when I don't call. Had to tell her some shit to get in her pants, you know, sweet talk her."

"For once you couldn't just keep it in your pants?"

"Not my fucking fault you chose such a hot ass baker! Next time go with someone old and unattractive."

"I don't think that would matter with you."

"Hmmm, you're probably right."

"Everything okay baby?" Gemma asked, coming inside to help Ellie clean up after most of the guests had left and Katherine was sleeping soundly on the couch cuddled up in a blanket with the teddy bear from Happy clutched in her little hand. In the end, after all the toys she had received, it had been the small bear that had won her heart and now the little girl refused to let it go.

"Yeah."

"Saw you and Tara talking and looked like you were upset."

"Oh just stupid pregnancy hormones" she said, trying to remain nonchalant.

"You sure?"

"Yeah of course."

That night lying in bed with Chibs she lay on her side with him behind her with his hand over their unborn baby, she said "Party was nice."

"Aye, turned out perfect love. I think our little girl is more spoiled than ever. Nothing like a bunch of guys catering to the whims of a one year old."

Ellie smiled, knowing that at any moment any one of the members would drop what they were doing for her daughter's delight. But her mind had gone back to what it'd be like if their new addition to the family was a little boy and what the expectations would be for him in future.

"Chibs?"

"Yes love" There was a sleepiness to his voice but he was staying awake to enjoy the quiet moment with her. However, he braced himself for what was to come from her mouth next. He knew something had been bothering her and knew he was about to find out.

"I'm worried about this baby."

"And why is that love?"

"I'm worried about the future if it's a boy. Chibs I don't want our children to be involved with the club except for being family. I don't want to see any of them in a kutte."

"That's what's been troubling ya then? That if it's a boy, he'll be a member of Samcro?"

"Yeah" she sighed as she maneuvered herself to look at him.

"And what has ya thinking about this?"

Not wanting to betray Tara's confidence she said "Nothing, just thinking."

"And what's Katherine going ta be, a painter like you?"

"I don't know, if she has the talent and wants to be."

"But ya don't care if she is?"

"No, I want her to be what she wants."

"Aye, then it'll be the same with this one boy or girl."

"You don't want a son to follow in your footsteps?"

"No lass I want a child that is happy in what they do. Does that make your heart a little lighter love?" Seeing her nod at him, he smiled. "Good then let's go ta sleep my sweet girl, we'll worry in 18 years about what he or she's going to do with their life, yeah?" He gave her a kiss before she rolled back with a contented sigh and closed her eyes.

Clay looked at Chibs again as his phone started to ring for the third time since they had arrived to the meeting with the Mayans regarding the missing coke. Chibs pulled his phone out, hit the ignore button and placed it back in his pocket, trying to focus on the meeting that he was part of and not on Ellie since it had been her name that flashed across the screen. When it rang again two minutes later it was Jax that had finally looked to him. "Chibs go answer that damn thing."

"Sorry, old lady's knocked up" Clay said, apologizing for the interruption.

Chibs nodded. Leaving the warehouse, he went outside and picked up before the call went to voice mail.

"Ellie what is it?"

"I'm at our doctors appointment wondering where you are?"

"Shite Ellie, I'm sorry I forgot, something's come up I'm not going ta make it.

"So you're not coming?"

"I'm sorry love, I'll..."

"You'll make it up to me."

"Aye, I mean it Ellie I will."

"I know" she said, hanging up the phone and turning to the doctor apologetically. "He can't make it, we can start now." As she lay back on the exam table she thought "and so it begins again". She'd had Chibs for only a few months to herself until the club had called him back.

He was more often than not getting home late after she had gone to bed and was out again at first light. She could feel the tension coming, knowing it was the cartel business. When he had first told her about the deal, she had been angry. Even though his vote had been no, it didn't matter since the outcome would be the same. She had worked with cartels previously and she knew the death they left in their wake. There was no moral code, no honor - only money and greed.

The start of the cartel business would pull him away again and this would be one of many appointments she would do alone. The end of the deal would be bloody and the Sons would not come out unscathed. She only hoped that when it was all said and done, her family would be whole with Chibs alive and not locked away in jail. Trying to put her foreboding thoughts out of her head, she picked up Katherine from Neeta's after her appointment and headed to the Clubhouse knowing she had a better chance of finding him there than at home.

She found all the men sitting around the bar of the clubhouse brooding about something, liquor in hand. With Katherine on her hip, she approached Chibs.

"What happened?"

"Nothing love" he said, not wanting to tell her the blood had begun to flow. "How are you, how's our little one?" he asked because he wanted to talk of more pleasant things than the betrayal and death of Miles that afternoon.

Her free hand roamed over the son she now knew she was carrying. "I'm good, and he's perfect."

The slip of the word 'he' didn't register at first with him but when he looked at her smiling at him, the glass he held to his lips went crashing back down to the bar. "Oh my sweet good girl, a boy?"

"Yes" she nodded back at him, her mood lifting as he shouted to the group.

"Another round boys, my girl is giving me a son!"

There were shouts of congratulations and slaps on the backs and hugs for Ellie. Chibs grabbed Katherine in his arms, holding the little girl to him and kissing her cheeks. "Little love ya have the best mother in the world" he said. Then dropping to his knees, he whispered to her belly "my little boy, ya be good ta your mother while you're in there."

Getting back up he passed Katherine off to Tig, stating "Watch my girl. I'm going ta go fuck her mother." Earning a laugh from the group of men, Chibs grabbed Ellie's hand in his and lead her to his dorm room. Pulling her into his arms he whispered sweet words to her, his hands roaming down the back of her white sun dress.

Giggling as he nuzzled her neck with the scruff of his facial hair, she said "You know you could've been more nonchalant as to why we came in here."

"I want ta celebrate with ya. Can't control myself when it comes ta ya lass."

"I think celebrating is what got us this baby in the first place."

"Then we must have done it proper."

Turning her around, his hands slipped her underwear off from under her dress, cupping her as his fingers ran through her wet folds. "Jesus Ellie I haven't even done anything yet and you're ready for me."

Gasping at his touch, she said "I can't help it with you, just the sound of your voice does me in." Reaching behind her, she made quick work of his belt as he shimmied out of his pants and pushed them forward so Ellie could brace her hands against the wall as he entered her.

"Good girl" Chubs breathed out against her neck.

"Oh Jesus Chibs" Ellie moaned at the feel of him inside her.

"Is that good love is this what ya want?" he gasped, teasing her with his movements.

"Yes, oh yes. Please."

"No need ta beg Ellie love. I'll give ya whatever ya want."

"Just you. I only want you."

Thank you all for taking the time to read review and follow it means so much to me that you guys are enjoying this story so far. Happy Halloween!