Recap from Chapter 73:
"Happy?" Jax asked Tara, kissing her cheek and resting his hand at her hip.
"You know that I am. You?" she responded.
"I couldn't be happier," said Jax.
"You know, I don't think that's true," said Opie.
"What do you mean, bro?" said a concerned Jax. "I'm so over the moon right now."
Opie sniffed. "I don't know man, it must be the hunger talking. It's almost 1 p.m. and I haven't eaten all day."
"No worries," said Chuck, heading to the kitchen. "Nitta and I have that under control."
Chuck walked into the kitchen where Nitta was removing two large roasting pans of Italian sweet and hot sausages, and two large baking pans of mixed vegetables. There was a delicious looking Mediterranean green salad, crusty Italian bread, several flavored dipping oils, red and white wines.
Tara walked the short distance into the kitchen.
"Everything looks so good," she said. "Thanks, Nitta. You too, Chuck."
She then walked to Nonos. "I hope that you will join us for lunch."
Tara recounted the menu options. Nonos asked for a little salad, some bread, Italian dipping oil and a serving of veggies. He also asked for a small glass of red wine.
"I must watch my girlish figure," Nonos said, with a smile. Tara smiled at him in return.
Before returning to the kitchen to make Nonos' plate, she asked that his seated guests serve themselves, requesting the same of Nonos' security. Both security respectfully declined to eat while other members of Nonos' party joined the others in the kitchen area.
She next served Reverend Smith, who invited her to Sunday service, expressing interest in having the boys' attend also. There was a 9:30 a.m. Sunday school, and Reverend Smith said he would be glad to add Abel's and Thomas's name to the van pickup list.
Once Reverend Smith had his plate, Jax insisted that Tara sit. He prepared her plate and placed it in front of her at the kitchen island.
"I can't eat all of this, Jax," Tara complained.
"I know," Jax replied. "We'll share."
Jax winked, produced an extra set of cutlery and sat next to her. Zeus and Opal were eating over by Nonos. Donna and Opie, and Jason and Mya were over by the bassinets, engaging Nero. Lawrence and Mark had wrangled Charice and they were noshing with the Reverend. People were laughing and chatting, basking in the warmth and love present in the room and beyond. The Charming MC crew was eating and drinking, and were chatting with Zeus, Opal, and Nonos, telling stories about JT and asking Zeus about the Phalanx. The other Charming meeting attendees had signed off, except for Roger and Harry who were on with Nonos and the MCs.
Just then, a certain song came on Jax's contemporary country channel. He not only perked up the moment he heard it, as if that were even possible, and he went on a mad dash to get to the remote to turn up the sound.
"Don't wake the babies' Jackson!" Tara admonished.
Jax ignored her, of course, turned up the sound anyway and started his karaoke routine, complete with performance choreography and holding an imaginary microphone, their guests watching the show. Jax began to sing, accompanying the artist in his song.
Done
The first time I saw you, done
Like the first dance was through, I was done
That one kiss, I knew
There was nothing I wouldn't do
Just to give you
That house on a hill with a four-plank around it
Every last breath 'til the last star is counted
Just say the word girl, paint me, you're perfect
I won't quit 'til the good Lord says my work is done
Like a faded out song on the radio, done
Like the cowboy gets the girl when the credits roll
I'll give you a lifetime of days in the sun
Whatever you need and you want
I won't stop 'til it's done
Jax danced his way over to Tara. She swatted at him with her napkin then covered her eyes with her eyes while sporting the biggest grin ever. He grabbed her hand and kissed it lovingly then dropped to one knee while still singing into his imaginary mic.
Done
All the hell I was raising, done
All the careless heartbreaking, done
For the chance that you're takin'
I spend my nights praying
And all my days chasing
That house on a hill with a four-plank around it
Every last breath 'til the last star is counted
Just say the word girl, paint me, you're perfect
I won't quit 'til the good Lord says my work is done
Jax pulled her from her chair and began to dance with her, first embracing her tightly, then spinning her out, pulling her back and dipping her low. He continued to sing.
You know I won't stop 'til it's done
You need a man you can lean on, done
You need some faith you can hang your dreams on
Check 'em off one by one
In that house on a hill with a four-plank around it
Every last breath 'til the last star is counted
Just say the word girl, paint me, you're perfect
I won't quit 'til the good Lord says my work is done
Like a faded out song on the radio, done
Like the cowboy gets the girl when the credits roll
I'll give you a lifetime of days in the sun
Whatever you need and you want
I won't stop 'til it's done
Baby, I won't stop 'til it's done
Oh, you know I ain't done
First time I saw you, done
Jax and Tara's house guests gave them golf claps and well-dones. Jax, ever the ham, released Tara, and bowed deeply from the waist. When he straightened, he raised Tara's hand, pointed at her, smiled and nodded. Then the clapping began anew.
"You're crazy, Teller," she said, a little breathless from the dancing and her nearness to the love of her life.
"That's Knowles-Teller! And yeah, I am," he replied. "About you." He kissed the back of her hand again, delivered her back to her seat, then turned down the volume.
Opie chose that moment to tap on his glass with a spoon.
"OK, everyone. We have a little bit more business to conduct then you good people can get on with your day. I want to thank all of you for taking time out to come and celebrate the Knowles-Teller family, its new additions and Jax and Tara, two people who are near and dear to our hearts. (applause) Please continue eating while we move on."
Donna handed Tara a tablet, but only Nero, the MCs, Roger and Harry joined them this time. Opie opened the closet and pulled out a large box with a reaper sticker and a black bow and two smaller tall boxes similarly marked.
Chibs began to speak.
"These are from us, Jacky. You changed our lives for the better and saved SamCro. We know you want to leave the MC and had planned to retire by the end of the year. Since the MC businesses are set to go, and July will be a big month for us with grand openings, and such, if you want to, we voted to allow you to leave at the end of July, with tats. We'd let you go sooner, Jackie, but we still need you for a little bit longer. We hate to lose you, your vision and leadership, but we know that is what is best for you and your family. SAMCRO is about God, family, and community, now, thanks to you and the lass.
"Once you're formally retired, you will have to give up your kutte. We are giving it to Piney to keep in the SAMCRO archives. So you will need something else to wear."
Opie put the big box in Jax's lap. Jax opened the lid and unfolded several sheets of black tissue paper revealing a heavy, sleeveless black leather vest. He removed it from the box and held it up, seeing that the exquisite leather was deeply embossed with all the official SAMCRO markings – the reaper, the top rocker – everything. The front was embossed with SAMCRO markings as well except for the two gold patches on the upper right hand side. The top patch said "President, Emeritus" and the bottom said, "Founder, CMC". Jax looked at Alvarez then TO.
"We wanted to recognize you, too, for all the good you did for all of us," said Alvarez.
"Hear, hear," said TO.
Jax, now teary eyed, slowly stood up and handed the vest to Tara. She stood and looked into Jax's eyes for a long moment, giving him a warm and loving smile. She then held the vest up for him and he put it on. He kissed her, rested his forehead against hers, placed his hands at her hips and whispered "I love you". When they broke apart, Tara backed away and Jax held his arms outstretched and slowly turned around in a circle, tears freely falling now. Opie grabbed him into a bear hug.
"We love you, brother."
"Guys – I don't know what to say."
"No words are necessary, Prez. Just wear the vest with honor and pride. You'll be Prez for life, now. You earned it," said Opie.
He then produced the two tall boxes. Jax opened one. It was a new helmet. On the right was written the initials "JNT + TGK". On the other side were the initials of all four of their children. Opie gave the remaining box to Tara. It was also a helmet that said "Doc" in stylized lettering on the front, and the same initials on the sides. She and Jax hugged again and the room cheered.
Donna then handed Jax a small box. He opened it to find a deluxe Swiss army knife, made by the original Swiss army knife company, Victorinox. Then she gave him another box that contained a matching watch from the same company.
"You can't run around with a K-Bar anymore – you'll get arrested, but maybe you might want to carry this instead. It's completely legal in all 50 states."
"True," said Roger.
"Well you could move to Vancouver and carry a hand axe," said Zeus. At that Opal elbowed him in the ribs.
"Thanks, Don. I always wanted a Swiss army knife." Jax started fiddling with all the utility gadgets on it.
Then Opie gave him another box, a long one. It was heavy and Jax shook it, hearing something sliding back and forth. He opened it and found a double strand custom made brand new 24 inch biker wallet chain.
"Just like mine," Opie said, "only two of the kind on the planet."
"Thanks, man," said Jax. He hooked the chain up to his jeans and modelled for everyone.
"I want one," said Zeus.
"Play your cards right and I'll make it happen for you," said Opie with a wink.
Zeus laughed.
"Well," said Jax. "Here I am, all dressed up and nowhere to go!"
"So let's go downstairs and see how all this looks in the daylight," suggested Opie.
Mya picked up two tablets and most of the group trooped downstairs. Nonos and his crew, Charice and Nitta opted to remain upstairs in case the babies awakened. Opie and Zeus pulled on jackets, everyone else decided to tough it out. But they handed Tara a red wool ruana from the closet and she wrapped herself in it and proceeded to walk out with Jax.
Everyone reached downstairs and headed toward the glass front doors of the building. Jax was in front of the procession with Opie and Tara. He then turned to Tara.
"Stay inside the doors, babe. I don't want you getting sick," he said.
"OK," said Tara, "but you'll need this before you go out."
Tara gave him a heavy key fob with a ram emblazoned on its cover. The little group grew silent, its members smiling at the scene that was playing out before them.
"What's this?" Jax asked.
"Just go outside and press this button." She pointed to a button on the fob.
He looked at Tara again but did as he was told, hearing the beep of a car door lock being opened. He pressed again and walked toward the sound. One more time and he spotted it. A brand new fully loaded Blue Streak colored Dodge Ram 1500, with running board, chrome trim, rims, oversized cab and a truck bed cover. Jax opened the door and that new car smell assailed him.
"Ahhh," he said, taking a hearty whiff of that fragrance that was unlike any other.
He climbed inside, noting the black leather interior, oversized computer display, seating for six and sunroof. He located the button and turned the radio, already tuned to his favorite radio station. "Livin'", by Dirks Bentley, was playing and Jax cranked up the volume. The sound was rich, the bass bumping. By this time, Zeus and Opie had the door open at the other side of the beautiful vehicle and were conducting an investigation of their own, joined by several of the group that had ventured outside with them. Donna was next to them, with a tablet, so that the west coast contingent could see the goings on. Tara was still standing at the first set of inside doors, watching everything.
"Wow, this is hot man," said Zeus. "Opal needs to hook me up with one of these!"
Then Jax jumped out of the truck. He was so excited he left the door open as he rushed to Tara. Opening the doors, he snatched her outside of the building into his arms, hugged her and gave her a big kiss. He lifted her from the ground and spun her around and she squealed in glee.
"You shouldn't have baby, but I love it. I love it! Thank you so much," he said mustering all the gratitude he could not only for the gift of the truck, but also for the gift of the woman who gave him the truck.
"Well I figured you might want to ride around sometimes in something that doesn't have 4 car seats. Plus, we will need the capacity to haul in food for the family," she teased.
He hugged Tara again and looked over to see Opie and Zeus closing and locking his truck. But instead of joining Tara and him at the entrance to the building, they walked around to the side. Both men waved their arms, beckoning for Jax to join them. He put his arm around Tara and the two of them began walking, followed by the others.
"Are you warm enough?" he asked. "Do I need to get you inside?"
"I'm fine," she said, leaning into him.
Jax saw the sight even before he reached Opie and Zeus. Right out next the building was his own beloved DYNA Superglide Sport. He looked at Tara and she gave him the sweetest smile. He kissed her cheek and slowly walked over and touched his bike, lovingly, running his hands over the drag bars, the seat, the reaper on the gas tank, checking the engine. His group of friends had gathered around as well, some who had seen Jax and his bike in all their glory, others who had heard stories.
Opie handed Jax some keys.
"Had this shipped here and it arrived this week. It's been checked out at the cycle shop and is cleared for the road. Donna has a printout on what you need to do to get it registered here. We rented and insured a storage space for you for 3 months not 5 minutes from here. You can walk there if you want to – that way, you don't have to park your bike here all the time. Oh yes, and JT's Knucklehead is already stored in there. It's been checked out and given a clean bill of health, too. Here's a picture of it in its new place."
He handed Jax the photo, with the address of the storage location and the cycle shop on the back.
Jax's eyes filled with tears anew. He glanced and Tara, rushed over and gave her another kiss, then gave Donna a hug and a peck before dashing over to Opie.
"I love you, man. I don't know how to thank you for this," he said, straddling the machine that had been an extension of his body for almost 10 years and entwined with his identity. Jax grabbed the grips and tried to suppress the grin that he could feel spreading across his face.
Reverend Smith approached Jax.
"Beautiful machine Jackson. 2002 Dyna Sport?"
"2003," Jax responded.
The Reverend walked around the bike. "Hmmm, drag fairing, custom T-Bars, V-twin 4 stroke?" he asked.
"Yes," said Jax, clearly impressed. He knitted his brows.
"You ride, Reverend?"
"Every chance I get, son. I belong to a couple of clubs. One is called The Unbroken Road. It's a group of Christian Harley riders. We typically ride the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. You're welcome to join us as my guest. I'll email you the website so you can have a look. It has the riding dates as well as our charity runs listed. The other is a veterans' club. Of course, you and I can ride together anytime our schedules permit."
"That'd be great. And I'll look for that club info, Reverend," Jax said, fishing into his wallet to give the Reverend his business card.
"Well listen, Jackson, I'm going to get going. Thank you for inviting me today. Let me know if you and Tara decide to be married here. Will I see you at church on Sunday?"
"Absolutely," said Jax.
"And the rest of the family?"
"I'll talk to Tara."
"Can't ask for more. See you on Sunday, son, and congratulations."
As Reverend Smith went to his car, Jax heard the unmistakable roar of a Harley coming from the back of the parking lot. So busy looking at his Dyna and chatting with the Reverend, he hadn't noticed that Zeus and Opie had slipped away. Opie zipped around the corner on a Harley Softtail Low Rider and stopped near Jax. Then Jax heard the roar of a second Harley. Zeus rode up on a Fatboy, coming to an abrupt halt behind Opie.
"What?" said Opie. "You didn't think you were going to take your first ride alone did you?"
Tara walked over to Jax, as he struck that sexy lazy pose on his Harley that never ceased to cause her heart to flutter. He circled her waist with his arms, looked deeply into her eyes, then kissed her. He rested his forehead against hers, then smoothed her hair.
"I want my first ride to be with you," he whispered. "But I know that it's too soon for you to have 1000 pounds of hot metal vibrating between your legs yet. No need for you to say it, baby." Jax grinned and thrusted his hips forward in an unspoken communique, making Tara blush. He kissed her again, more deeply this time, then she stepped back onto the curb as Jax cranked up the engine.
This scene was repeated by Opal and Zeus and Opie and Donna. Then the three women stood together on the sidewalk, arms around each other, looking on in pride as their men put on their helmets and revved the powerful engines.
"Sweetie, we have got to get you one of those," said Mark to Lawrence, looking at the hotness before him.
"Don't even think about it," said Mya to Jason as he looked on in envy.
"You two ready?" Jax asked, over the roaring engines.
"After you, Prez," said Opie.
"Lead on, brother," said Zeus.
"Let's ride!" called out Jax, and the three men, related by the spirit, rode off into the streets of Fayetteville.
This is a good day, thought Jax to himself. A very, very good day…no more sadness, only happiness, no more pain, only pleasure, no more lies, only truths.
He couldn't know what tomorrow might bring, and he didn't care to know. For now, he was content to feel his skin warmed by the sun and the wind blowing cool on his face. For now, he was content to know that he had the deep love and affection of a good woman to keep him strong, and the high regard of friends and family to keep him on a righteous path. Yes, this was a very, very good day….
A/N: Well my friends, this is the end for Lies and Truths! I have enjoyed writing this tale and I hope you enjoyed reading it. Here is the citation for the song, 'Done', by Chris Janson. Don't you love it?
Songwriters: Jamie Allen Paulin / Mitchell Edward Oglesby / Matthew Ryan Roy / Chris P. Janson
Done lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc, BMG Rights Management
Thank you all for the encouragement, the reviews, and the PMs. You will never know how much each has meant to me. Feel free to keep in touch! May you enjoy a safe, happy, and wondrous New Year!
SOA Forever!