[Author's Note: Hi! This is my second SOA fanfiction. The first one isn't anywhere near finished and I will still be updating that as well but, this one was rattling around in my head. I have too many stories up there. Anyway, all of SOA, including but not limited to Jax Teller, Samcro, Charming, and more...well, those ALL belong to the amazing Kurt Sutter who we all have to thank for these characters. However, the two original characters (well, three technically) belong to me as does the eventual romance to come. It's all Kurt's stuff, I'm just playing with it. Please let me know what you think! Happy reading!]

Welcome to Charming

—Violet Henry—

I pulled my sunglasses over my eyes as I leaned against the driver-side door of my ten-year-old SUV. I hadn't expected to be waiting thirty minutes for the realtor to grace me with his presence so he might deliver the keys and Bill of Sale to the large retail space I'd be purchasing. Sight unseen and paying in cash…well, in a cashier's check. I sighed. Paying in cash was the only way I'd managed to make it as far as I had….and Charming, California is where I ended up. Well, where we ended up.

"Mommy?"

"What, Baby?" I asked and turned to look at my four-year-old daughter, placing my arms up on the door where the window had been rolled down. She looked at me with bored, green eyes from her car seat. She was the spitting image of me, thankfully. There was little to nothing in her appearance that reminded me of the piece of shit who sired her…but I'd have adored her even if there were. Without him, there would be no her and luckily, there had been no need of him in the end after all.

"What are we doing?"

"We are waiting for someone."

"Why?"

"Well, do you see that building?" I pointed to the building she could see through the window opposite her.

"Yeah."

"We are going to buy it. Mommy is going to turn it into a bookstore and it has an upstairs where you and I are going to live."

"Why are we outside?"

"We are waiting for a man to meet us so we can go inside. We haven't bought it yet, baby."

"Oh," she said and went back to paying attention to the toy in her hand. I smiled at her even though she couldn't see it. My sweet little Avery Grace had such an inquisitive mind. I hope she never lost it. Of course, she could be such a spitfire like her Momma and I hoped she learned to tame that when she was older. Not that I had been able to do such a thing.

The sound of a car on an otherwise quiet street alerted me we were no longer alone. A luxury sedan pulled close to the front of my SUV, facing the wrong side of the road, until our vehicles were almost touching nose to nose. Seconds later, a man in a suit jumped from the driver's seat and rushed toward me.

"Miss Henry? Violet Henry?"

"That's me," I said, squinting when the sun hit my eyes as I stood upright. He sighed with visible relief.

"I'm Jason Roberts. We spoke on the phone. I'm so sorry I'm late. I was unavoidably detained."

"That's quite all right, Mister Roberts."

"Well, shall I show you the property?"

"Of course. Let me grab my daughter and we will follow you." He waited patiently while I unbuckled Avery's booster seat and helped her out of the car. We followed him to the building, her hand in mine, after I locked my car. He stopped at a half glass, half wood door with cracked and peeling green paint, the remnants of the last retail place still on the glass in sticky block letter residue. Large, plate glass windows were on either side of the door. He took a set of keys from his pocket and after jiggling the lock for a moment, turned the key and the door swung open. A wave of dust hit my in the face at the same time Avery started coughing.

"It's stinky, Momma," she said with a hand over her nose.

"Yeah, it does smell a bit musty, huh?"

"It's been empty for around five years," Jason said and walked further into the room. "The downstairs is a sizable space for any sort of retail but, I think it's especially perfect for a bookstore."

I looked around the massive room and I could see the idea I had for the bookstore perfectly. "It's just like the pictures. It is perfect."

"There is a restroom around the corner there and, if you'll follow me…" He trailed off as he lead us to the stairs. They creaked and groaned as we made our way to a landing where we were met with a heavy-duty, solid wood door. With the same ring of keys, he unlocked the door and we followed him inside. "This is the residence. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and as you can see, a spacious living room."

He wasn't kidding. The living room was large and open to the kitchen and dining room. Overall, it was perfect. I could picture Avery and myself having breakfast at a table by the kitchen window and it was that image alone that sold me on the space. We walked into each of the rooms; a bathroom between two identical rooms on one side of the hallway and the large master bedroom with en suite bathroom on the other side. The master bedroom overlooked the front of the building and it was then I noticed an ice cream shop across the street. As I was turning away from the window, a sound like thunder caught my attention again. Several Harley-Davidson motorcycles roared along the street, making a stop at the ice cream shop. I heard Jason groan as he stepped up to the window but, I didn't pay him any attention. I watched, riveted as each of the men on the bikes dismounted them and walked inside. One especially caught my eye and he was the last one to get off his bike. His hair was blond but, that's not what caught my attention. It was the way he carried himself. He walked as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and he was trying so hard to be strong for everyone else.

"I forgot about them," Jason muttered. Avery was running around in the other room, singing to herself. I turned to look at my Realtor.

"Who?"

"The motorcycle club, Sons of Anarchy, run this town. Or they at least think they do. They used to have their headquarters set up at the old automotive shop but, it was blown up by some rivals. Now they're set up above the ice cream shop. Come on, I have a list in my car."

"A list? A list of what?"

"Other retail properties."

"Are they in the same price range as this one?"

"Well, not exactly. The next lowest is maybe double the price as this one."

"This is the one I want, Mister Roberts."

"Really? You want to live across the street from a biker gang with your small daughter? No offense but, you shouldn't let a dollar amount cloud your judgment."

I bit my lip, trying to reign in my anger, as I gave him a glare. "Offense taken, Mister Roberts. Do you have children?"

"No. Not yet. My wife and I are trying but haven't had much luck so far."

"It may have escaped your knowledge somehow but, part of taking care of children is being able to provide financially for them."

"Well, of course!"

"Is it safe to assume that this place is so cheap because of the bikers across the street?"

"I think that's a safe bet, Miss Henry."

"Look, this is the place I can afford and it's what I want. The club across the street is a calculated risk but, one I am willing to take. When it comes to my daughter, I'll kindly advise you to mind your own business. And if you don't want to sell this property to me, I'll happily take my business and your commission elsewhere."

"You're sure this is the place you want?"

"Yes. I wanted it when I saw the pictures online. I'm not worried about a motorcycle club that's run from an ice cream shop."

"Fair enough. I'll run down to my car and get the paperwork and then meet you downstairs."

Thirty minutes later, I'd handed him a cashier's check for the full cost of the building and he handed me the keys. Avery and I walked him out and even as I felt his judgment as he drove away, it didn't dull my excitement. Movement across the street caught my attention and I saw a couple walk from the ice cream shop. They got in a two-door car and drove away. I took note that all the bikes from earlier were still parked outside the building. A few seconds later, an older woman wearing biker boots and a leather jacket, the epitome of 'biker bitch', stepped out and walked to her Cadillac Escalade. She drove away like the hounds of hell were chasing her. I smiled down at my daughter who was looking up at me. She mimicked my smile.

"What do you think, Avey? Should we go get some ice cream to celebrate our new home?"

"Yeah!" She jumped up and down at the idea of ice cream. I lead her to the ice cream shop, teaching her the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street and always holding the hand of an adult, and we walked inside after I checked the hours of operation. I didn't want to walk in if they were closed. A bell dinged above the door and the sight that met me was unexpected. There was a young girl behind the counter, one of the biker's was sitting nearby, looking at her like he was completely mesmerized by her. A couple of tables housed some other bikers; one had a large gut and shoulder-length curly hair, one had dark curly hair and crazy-bright blue eyes, one had scars on both of his cheeks, one was bald and covered in tattoos…and the last one, the blond one I noticed earlier, was sitting at a table separate from the others but not far, a small boy sat next to him and a baby sat in a high chair. The children obviously belonged to him. They all stared at Avery and me as the door shut behind us. To say I was suddenly self-conscious would be an understatement. Avery turned and buried her face in my right leg, unaccustomed to being around so many strangers at one time. I was the first to break the silence.

"I'm so sorry. We don't meant to bother you. Are you open to the public?"

"Of course, Doll," the one with the intense blue eyes said.

"Come on in," the young girl said. "We have plenty of ice cream."

"Great, thank you," I said and tried to take a step but, Avery was clinging too tightly to my leg. "Aves, come on, Babe. If you want ice cream, you have to let go."

Slowly, she released me and turned around, looking at the room through her hair. I grabbed her hand and pulled her gently along. I felt eyes on me, more intent than the others, and I looked up to see the blond guy staring at me. He smiled when he saw I noticed and I couldn't stop myself from smiling back. I also noticed the little boy looking up at me so I smiled wider and waved at him. He smiled and blushed, burying his face in his father's side. I chuckled and turned to face the menu.

—Jackson Teller—

If anyone had told me six months ago I would see a woman who made my heart sputter in a way I'd never experienced before, I would call them a liar and probably smacked them around just for fucking with me. Especially after Tara. Yet, sitting at that table with my boys while they enjoyed some ice cream after my mother dropped them off, it happened. She walked in, her long, black hair spilling down to the middle of her back with a little girl clinging to her leg and my heart skipped, then raced. She was self-conscious as we stared at her, all taking notice of her great beauty, and I was even more mesmerized by the sound of her voice. She felt my stare and when her bright, green eyes met mine, I felt my world spin on its axis. As ridiculous as it may sound…

She smiled wider and waved at Abel who shyly his his face. Laughing quietly, I rubbed his back. I noticed her little girl staring at me, eyes he same shade of green as her mother's. I winked and waved at her, smiling wider when she smiled at me and shyly waved back. The woman looked down at her, a gentle smile on her face as she watched the little girl interact with me. They took a few minutes to order ice cream and sat at the booth next to mine, the woman facing me. We ended up making eye-contact and it lingered for longer than I expected. Her face turned red and she smiled, but she didn't turn away. I cleared my throat.

"I haven't seen you around here. Are you new to Charming?"

"Dang, it really is a small town," she said with a laugh. "Yes, we arrived about a week ago."

"What brings you through?" Tig asked.

"There is a building across the street that I just bought."

"You bought it?" I asked.

"I did. I saw pictures of it online and thought it was the perfect place for a bookstore. I did some research and discovered Charming didn't have one."

"So," Chibs said, "like a Barnes and Noble or something?"

"Well, not exactly. More independent than chain. I want to do something to keep the small-town feel that so many people I've talked to love about Charming."

"You'd be one of the first new-comers who actually don't want everything to expand and grow," I said, taking a bite of my ice cream. I watched her do the same.

"Oh no! I love the feel of Charming. It definitely suits the name. It's why I picked an older building." Bobby cleared his throat before he addressed her.

"You'll have to excuse us, Darlin'. Most of us have forgotten our manners as soon as we learned to ride. What's your name?" She her face flushed a bright red and laughed as she readjusted herself in her seat so her back was against the wall and she could speak to all of us.

"Oh! My goodness, it seems I've forgotten my manners as well. I'm Violet and this is my daughter, Avery."

"Well," Bobby continued to speak, "Violet, it's nice to meet you and your lovely daughter. I'm Bobby. This is Tig, Chibs, Happy and the pretty blond one over there is our fearless leader."

"I'm Jax," I said. "And the little one here is Thomas and this little man is Abel."

"It's nice to meet all of you." The little girl turned in her seat to look at me and Abel. She smiled, her face covered in melted ice cream, and I couldn't help but smile back at her.

"I'm Avey!" Her voice was shy but excited, like she was happy to be meeting new friends.

"Hello Avey. I'm Jax. It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too."

"Abel, can you say hi?"

"Hi." My son's voice was shy and still heavy with sadness but, I saw a spark in his eyes and I hoped that the club life wouldn't scare off his new friend.

"Hi," she said shyly in return.

"Avery, honey, you're ice cream is melting. You can talk to Abel when you're finished, okay?"

"Okay, Momma," she said and turned around.

"She's a sweetheart," Chibs said. I couldn't help but agree. Violet laughed.

"Thank you. She's definitely never met a stranger, which terrifies her mother sometimes but, she gets it honestly. I don't usually meet strangers either."

"You have a bit of an accent, Doll," Tig said. "Where are you from?"

"Originally, I'm from Texas. I've been all over but, deep down, Texas will always be home."

"What brings you to California?"

"Oh," she said and while she still smiled, her eyes became haunted. "Restlessness, mostly. Sometimes the temptation to start over can't be overcome until you've given in to the wanderlust."

"Well, have you settled anywhere yet?"

"Not yet. We're staying at the Charming Lodge for now. The building has it's own housing unit so, hopefully we will be moving in soon and then I'll get started on the bookstore."

"If you need any help, with anything, let us know," I said and all the guys nodded.

"Yeah," Chibs said. "We'd be happy to help you out."

"Oh, I couldn't impose-"

"It's not an imposition, Violet," I said. "It would be an honor. A way of saying 'welcome to Charming' and a way of extending a friendship." The smile she gave me was radiant and my heart sputtered again.

"Thank you, Jax, guys. I'm sure I will take you up on your offer."

"As long as our old man won't mind?" The words fell out of my mouth before I could stop them but, I didn't regret them. She hadn't mentioned a husband but I wanted to know who I would have to fight to get closer to this beautiful creature. Her smile fell and her eyes widened for a moment, the only show of emotion before her face arranged itself into frozen indifference. I knew the answer and the reason for her haunted look were definitely connected.

"Ah, well, there is no old man. It's just Avery and me, stumbling our way through this world together."

"Well, we are glad you have somehow managed to stumble your way into Charming. I think a bookstore is just what the town needs," Bobby said.

We spent the next half hour getting to know our new neighbor. It was an awesome thing to see Abel, my stoic and heartbroken son, come out of his shell a little bit when Violet's friendly daughter came over and sat next to him. It struck me how much my life affected him and how much he needed people live little Avery who were seemingly unaffected by disappointment. At least, from what I could tell in the forty-five minutes they were in the ice cream shop. Before they left, we exchanged numbers and the prospect of a play date for the kids in the future lifted both my own and Abel's spirits for the rest of the afternoon. It had been a long time since either of us had smiled and had something to look forward to.