Ch 11

Kerry returned home from work to see Happy asleep on the couch with Kasey next to him on the floor. She quietly put down her bag and tiptoed to the couch. As she got closer Kasey jumped up bumping into Happy's hand causing him to sit up.

"Your home." Kerry said as Happy pulled her into his lap.

"Two days early. I heard from someone that your birthday is tomorrow."

Kerry chuckled.

"Does that someone work at TM?"

"Yea, Gemma wants to have party at the clubhouse on Friday. I think you should call a substitute so we can spend tomorrow together-"

Happy's cell started ringing as Kerry stepped back. Happy stood up and walked into the kitchen. Kerry sat down patting Kasey at Happy returned a minute later.

"Roosevelt trashed the club house. We gotta go, I'll take Kasey for a quick walk while you call the substitute for tomorrow. No matter what I'll be here."

Kerry had to call three names on the list before she got someone who could cover. Lucky she had lesson plans and work left on the table. Kerry and Happy arrived at the clubhouse to see everyone picking up the mess. Lyla was clinging onto Opie and Tara was by Jax's side.

"What the fuck happened?" Happy asked as Clay clenched his fists.

"Jax and Op got into some trouble with the Russians at the reservation and we were stuck here with Roosevelt tearing the place to shreds."

"We're ok, the cartel backed us up." Jax said as everyone returned to cleaning up the mess. Tara glanced around and after digging in her pocket and stopped.

"I have some good news! We're engaged!"

"Serve em up!" Clay said as the group cheered and congratulated the couple.

"Look at this! One wedding already and two engagements." One of the crow eaters said as everyone turned to drinking.

Gemma looked to be enjoying herself but Kerry could tell something was bothering her.

"Are you ok?"

"Yea, just shaken up with Jax and all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yea, enjoy the celebration. How are things birthday girl?"

"Took the day off, I'm sick." Kerry said with a fake cough.

"Good for you. You two enjoy the day and Friday if the clubhouse isn't cleaned up then it's Old Ladies, Sons, and family at our house. Right Clay?" Clay looked between the women and nodded.

"Oh yea, it's your birthday tomorrow-"

"Whose birthday?" Bobby asked as he and Tig joined the conversation.

"Our favorite red head." Gemma said.

"What kind of cake? Chocolate or vanilla?" Bobby said as Tig frowned.

"I didn't get a choice on my birthday." Tig said with a frown.

"I like chocolate."

"I'll bring the cake."

"Thanks, Bobby."

"Of course, we still have to sit down and exchange recipes sometime."

"Schools out in one more week and I'll be around."

"I want to learn to do the Boston accent."

Kerry started to laugh.

"Tig, that's not something that can be taught-"

"Actors can do it."

"Badly." Bobby said sipping his drink.

"Give it a try then, wicked (wickid) pisser (pissah)."

"Wicked pissa."

"This is pathetic. I need more alcohol." Bobby grumbled walking away.

"Tiggy, I think you need something stronger before you continue." Gemma said handing him a bottle.

"Here." Tig said handing Kerry the bottle.

"We're not drinking." Happy said as Tig continued to try the phrase.

"Tig, your getting worse." Happy said nearly an hour later. Tara and Jax had left as had Opie and Lyla.

"Pak the ca." Tig slurred as Kerry shook her head.

"Park (pak) the car (cah)." She said as he paused and shook his head.

"Lesson over." He said beelining to the bar.

"Let's go home." Happy said putting an arm around Kerry.

"Happy Birthday!" Gemma called glancing at her watch.

"Thanks, Gem!" Kerry said as they left the clubhouse.

The next morning Kerry woke up to the smell of coffee and pancakes. She and Happy had spent hours exploring each other's bodies before falling asleep. Kerry glanced at her phone to see it was already 10am. She saw a text from Kathryn and Mary wishing her a happy birthday as well as a message from Dan.

"Really?" She muttered to herself.

Dan had sent her flowers when she was in the hospital and had called her. They had spent nearly 2 hours on the phone, most of the time was spent with him asking for forgiveness since Kerry had been right about Shana who ran off with some guy a few days before their wedding. Kerry hadn't forgiven him even though her head was foggy from the pain medication. She had explained he had a way to go to earn forgiveness and she couldn't have him in her life since he was a cop. Dan had also explained he had left the force after getting shot in the leg during a drug bust and was now bartending. Dan's brother, Kelly, verified the story a week later when Kerry finally got in touch with him. Kelly had declared that Dan had been a total idiot and she was right not to forgive him. Dan had sent a few e-mails to which Kerry had given short quick replies. Kerry wrote back to Mary and Kathryn right away. Happy came into the room dressed in his boxers and a Samcro tee shirt.

"Good morning, birthday girl." He said putting down a tray.

"Thanks, Hap." Kerry said kissing his cheek.

"So as much as I don't want to share you today mom wants us over for an early dinner at like 4-"

"That's great." Kerry said sipping the coffee.

"There are flowers downstairs, I put the cards on the tray."

Kerry scooped up the cards. The first was from her Uncle Mike, the second was from Dan's parents, and the third was from her mother. Kerry's smile faded as she dropped the card. Happy picked it up.

"Happy Birthday Kerry, we love you always Mom and Dad." He read as Kerry let out a sigh.

"I haven't called her back. She sent me an e-mail too." Kerry said digging into the pancakes.

Kerry was too busy eating to see Kasey come into the room. She had something tucked into her collar.

"I wonder what that is?" Happy said trying not to smirk as Kerry reached over. Her eyes widened as she read the first piece of paper.

"We got it? How did-"

"Don't worry about it. The house is ours, you just need to fill out the paperwork."

Kerry grinned at Happy who was also smiling.

"This is really happening." She said softly.

"Yes it is, I knew you had a lot going on with the end of the year so I had someone take care of everything. You still need to sell this one."

"Actually a couple is coming to look at it tomorrow. Can I drop Kasey at TM with you?"

Happy nodded.

"I'm sure the guys will love having her around. Tig and Koz love dogs."

"How did you do this?"

"Don't worry about it. I love you and you wanted this house so I made it happen. Happy Birthday."

Kerry pulled him close for a kiss as Kasey let out a bark. Kerry and Happy spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon in bed. Around 2 they untangled themselves and showered to go to his mother and aunt's house for dinner. When they arrived in Bakersfield dinner was just about ready.

"Happy birthday!" Helen said giving Kerry a hug as did Harriet.

"How is school?"

"Just a few more days. The kids are restless plus grades were due a week ago so it is babysitting. Yesterday we played some trivia games and I'm planing a movie day and Friday will just be games."

"How did they do while you were gone?"

"Most of them were ok. One student was pulled and put in the other class because of his needs but at least his family finally agreed to start to IEP process."

"I just can't believe how parents second guess our motives. We sure as hell aren't doing this to get rich." Harriet said going to check on dinner.

"How are you feeling? You look great."

"I feel great. I got the all clear to resume my half marathon training. It's great to get back to that."

"Happy, are you doing that too?"

"No." He said making a face.

"You should, is it safe for Kerry to be out running by herself?"

Happy looked at his mother and then Kerry who frowned.

"I've only gone for 3 short runs since then. Once I start getting into longer distances I'll move to the track or think of something else."

"What about-"

"Dinner's ready!" Harriet said giving Kerry a wink. Happy helped his mom to the table. Harriet motioned to her ring finger and rolled her eyes as Kerry bit her lip trying not to laugh.

"As I was going to ask how is the wedding plans going?" Helen said as Harriet smirked.

Happy looked at Kerry who shrugged.

"Mom, we said we were looking at a house-"

"But you told me that you already finished that when you called yesterday. I'm not getting any younger and I would like to be there." Helen said.

"Well… isn't this a woman thing-"

"Oh so your going to put it all on Kerry?! The poor girl just had a major surgery not too long ago."

Happy didn't look up but before Helen could continue Kerry jumped in.

"My sister sent me all sorts of magazines. I'm sure Gemma will help and of course now that we have the new house I can focus on the wedding."

Happy gave Kerry a very small smile.

"What about your family?"

"Kathryn will be my maid of honor and I'll be inviting my cousins and my friends family that took me in before I moved. My parents and I just aren't on good terms, my mother tried to reach out but too many hurtful things were said and I know she would try and take things over. My parents are very Catholic and I think our wedding is going to be low key."

"You poor thing." Helen said reaching over and squeezing Kerry's hand. After dinner Harriet brought out a chocolate cake. Helen handed Kerry a box.

"Welcome to the family."

Kerry opened it to see a beautiful silver earrings.

"They were our mother's." Helen said as Kerry smiled.

"Thank you, they are beautiful."

"I never had any children and Helen had Happy. We're glad there is someone in the family who can wear them."

"Maybe at the wedding?" Helen asked as Kerry grinned.

"Of course."

Since the house was in good condition and in a good location the agent told her it would sell without a problem and even had a couple who was looking for a smaller house. They scheduled a tour for Thursday and that day Kerry was going to drop Kasey off at TM so she wasn't at the house.

"Look at her, she's beautiful!" Tig said kneeling down to pat Kasey who sprawled out and rolled on her back.

"Likes Kerry more then me." Happy said as Tig laughed.

"Hap, come on. She's hot. Everyone likes her more." Happy glared at Tig who stood up.

"Can I take her for a walk?"

"Sure, she can hang in my dorm."

"Or with me. I miss having a dog."

Later in the day Kerry came by to pick up Kasey.

"How did it go?" Gemma asked as they watched Kasey running around with Tig.

"Good, they are an older couple who have been living in a big house since they married. Their children are all grown and have families of their own so I'm hoping they make an offer."

"How is everything else?"

"Good, work is busy since it's getting to end of the year craziness."

"I'm glad your back out and about."

"Gem, have you noticed Tara being more distant?"

Gemma nodded.

"Ok, it's not just me then. For awhile we were doing dinner and stuff but that stopped all of a sudden. She checked in on me after the surgery but it was always quick and I hardly see the boys."

"I'm starting to wonder about her myself."

Tig finally let Kerry take Kasey home after she promised to bring her by more often.

Happy explained to Kerry what was going on with the Cartel. Kerry didn't truly understand how bad it could be and Happy was quick to assure her it was most likely short term.