Carrie felt the bed shift next to her, causing her to groan. Knowing it was too early in the morning to be up.
"You gotta wake up to get ready or we're going to be late," she heard Jax say, through her sleep clouded haze.
Carrie only groaned in response before her eyes snapped open. Finally registering, exactly why they were up this early. Looking at the clock and seeing that it was six-thirty, had her groaning once more which caused Jax to chuckle.
"I know babe but it's a small price to pay that will be worth it in the end," Jax stated, as he stretched. "I'm going to go pick up what I need while you get yourself and your stuff ready."
Carrie nodded as she sat up, yawning and stretching, before throwing the bed covers off her as Jax checked on Abel on his way out of her room. The morning air made her miss the warmth of her bed as she fixed the covers, but the thought of what was to come in a couple of hours made her stomach fill with butterflies.
Before she remembered that the rest of the day was unknown. There was no way of knowing what would happen regarding the club or Jax, but she wasn't going to let that ruin her day. Carrie knew what they were doing was crazy but yet it felt so right.
Carrie quickly picked out an off shoulder white with small pink floral print maxi dress. Laying it out on the bed before grabbing a pair of black ankle strap flats. Before quickly checking on Abel to make sure he was still sleeping. Before going into the bathroom leaving the door ajar so she could hear him in case he woke up. Carrie threw her hair up in a bun, making quick work of washing yesterday's grime off her.
Shutting the water off, she quickly dried herself before putting on a strapless bra and a pair of underwear. Before plugging in her curling wand so it could warm up while she brushed her hair and teeth before moving into the room to get dressed. She had just finished strapping on her flats, when she heard her apartment door opening.
"Hey, did you get everything?" Carrie questioned as she watched Jax from her bedroom doorway.
"Yeah," he answered holding up the manila envelope. "Do you have everything?"
Carrie nodded before pointing towards the manila envelope on the coffee table next to Abel's car seat.
"So we're all set," Jax stated. "Is Abel still sleeping?"
"Yea, but he should be up soon," Carrie answered, moving back into the room before going into the bathroom. "I just have to finish getting ready but it shouldn't take too long," she explained as Jax walked into her bedroom.
Carrie began to do her make up, keeping it simple with just some mascara, eyeliner and some lip balm. Before she began to work on her hair. Pinning her bangs back before starting to curl it.
Turning to look into the room as Jax picked up Abel out of the pack'n'play when he started to fuss. Carrie continued to curl her hair, watching Jax interact with Abel as he changed and fed him. Softly smiling at the scene not quite believing that this was really going to be her family now.
They both walked into the clubhouse noticing that the everyone was slowly arriving or making their way into the main room.
"I'm going to go leave his car seat in the room," Jax informed her as she noticed Gemma bustling around setting the food up.
"Okay. I'm going to help Gemma," Carrie stated.
Carrie sighed as Jax made his way down towards the dorms before she nervously made her way towards Gemma. "What can I do to help?"
"Set the cups, plates, napkins along with the knives and forks on that table," Gemma said pointing to the long table set up near the bar.
Nodding Carrie got to work setting the table, before helping Gemma set some of the food trays on it as well.
Jax carried Abel into the main room, catching her eye as he gave her a smile. Before he looked towards where his brothers were.
"Alright listen up," she heard him call out. "I have something I want to share you with you all."
Carrie shakily set the last tray down before going to her purse. Before walking towards Jax, who had motioned for Gemma to sit down before handing Abel to her. Which Carrie thought was smart of him. At least that would give them a couple of extra minutes to come up with a way to save themselves from Gemma.
Gemma furrowed her brow, looking between Carrie and Jax. "What's going on?"
"Me and Carrie made a morning trip to Stockton this morning," Jax stated looking at Carrie before nodding towards Gemma. Carrie handed the paper to Gemma, as Jax threw his arm around her shoulder pulling her into his side.
Gemma looked down at the paper, before looking incredulously at her son. "You didn't Jackson."
Clay palmed his hands on his hips. "He didn't what?"
"Carrie and I tied the knot this morning."
The room was quiet as they processed what he had said before cheers broke out. Causing Carrie to sigh in relief before they were swept up in congratulatory hugs. Putting Carrie somewhat at ease.
Opie hugged her, giving her a squeeze. "You do know the old man is going to shit a brick when he finds out right?"
"Yeah well he can lecture me if I survive Gemma first," Carrie said looking at Gemma who looked between her and Jax with a serious expression.
Opie gave her a wink. "She'll come around."
"I can't believe you didn't tell me, you sneaky little bitch," Donna said laughing.
"Hey, she didn't even tell me and I'm her brother."
"But I'm her best friend. She's supposed to tell me these things first," Donna argued.
"In that case, Jax didn't tell me shit either," Opie said turning towards the blonde.
Jax shot Opie an apologetic look. "Sorry bro, but it was literally last minute."
"I'm so happy for you man," Clay stated hugging Jax.
"Thank you," Jax answered.
Clay moved towards Carrie giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Welcome to the family sweetheart. Don't worry about Gem," he said. "She'll come around soon enough once the shock wears off."
Carrie nodded as Jax kissed her head. Hoping that Gemma would come around soon enough, but in the meantime she was going to enjoy the company of her husband, which made her softly smile at the thought, and her family.
"What's got you smiling?" Jax questioned as they sat down to eat.
"The fact that you're stuck with me now Mr. Teller."
"It can't be that bad Mrs. Teller," he said putting emphasis on her new name.
She smiled and laughed before he kissed her. Both of them smiling whenever they caught the other staring.
"I didn't see that coming," Bobby said as he stood next to Gemma, who was watching the newlyweds.
"I did," Gemma sighed. "I just hoped he would let me give him an actual wedding."
"The important thing is that he seems happy and she's a good girl," Bobby pointed out.
"Yeah," Gemma begrudgingly agreed.
"So maybe it's time to give them a break and congratulate them," Bobby suggested.
Gemma nodded before Bobby kissed her cheek causing her to softly smile.
"Hey," Opie called out, gaining everyone's attention. "Donna's got something she wants to say."
Causing Jax to stand up as Carrie turned in her seat.
"We're having another baby," Donna announced
Causing the Club to cheer as they poured shots and handed out beers.
Before the club huddled around them to toast.
"To Opie and Donna," Clay said raising his beer.
"To Opie and Donna," they repeated raising their own drinks.
"Also to Jax and Carrie," Gemma said.
"To Jax and Carrie," they repeated clinking drinks.
As Carried mouthed a thank you, receiving a nod and small smile from Gemma.
Her brother deserved some happiness in his life. They all did. It would just take some time for them all to achieve it. Especially with the fact that Gemma still technically running and hiding from the police and the looming reality of the club having to do some time in jail.
"You might want to change this little guy," Opie said, breaking her out of her thoughts, as he walked towards her.
"One or two?" Carrie questioned.
Instead of answering, Opie held Abel with his front facing him, causing her to smell the answer. Which caused her to lean back as she reached for him before grabbing his diaper bag.
"You made a real stinky mess huh buddy," Carrie stated, causing Abel to look up at her before he broke out in his baby laughter.
Which caused her and Opie to laugh.
Unser looked at Gemma as she closed the passenger door. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to turn myself in."
Unser shook his head. "What are you talking about?"
"Drive," Gemma loudly said instead of answering him.
Unser looked at her before driving off the lot.
"I need to post a chaperone or can you ladies chat civilly?" Unser looked between the two while holding Gemma's cell open.
"We'll be fine," Stahl answered looking at Gemma as she pulled the cell door so it closed.
"Good luck," Unser informed Stahl before walking away leaving them alone.
"What's that?" Gemma questioned as she saw the blue folder Stahl was holding out to her.
"It's my written statement exonerating you from the murder of Edmund Hayes," Stahl explained after Gemma grabbed the folder. "And Polly's death has been ruled as self-defense. So you're clear of both homicides."
Gemma didn't answer as she read the statement which prompted Stahl to continue talking. "Of course that still leaves the fleeing custody charge but with your recent medical flare up I got it down to house arrest. You'll have to wear an ankle bracelet for six months and if you behave well, you'll have it off in three."
"I'll deny all of it." Gemma handed the statement back to Stahl through the cell bars.
"You would sacrifice your life in prison just to undermine my case?"
"I found the folder," Gemma got up from the cell bed and stepped closer. "I saw what Jax has given you. You are going to get him killed, if not by his own club then by the IRA."
"You kill the deal or I tell the U.S Attorney it's all bullshit." Gemma said giving Stahl an ultimatum.
"Well, unfortunately, my testimony has already been documented. So, even if you wanted to take the fall," Stahl shrugged. "It's too late. Looks like you're going to have to trust me."
Gemma shook her head as Stahl began to walk away, "You actually think that's possible don't you?" she questioned causing Stahl to turn around.
"You are a naïve bitch," Gemma stated when Stahl didn't answer. "These deals. These relationships. They can never work."
"And why is that?"
"Because they're based on lies," Gemma answered. "You're lying to your bosses. Jax is lying to his club. You're both lying to each other. There's no trust, something will go wrong. Somebody will get hurt.I promise you, it will end badly."
Neither said anything after that. Gemma sat on the bed with her back against the wall and looked at the ground. While Stahl stared at Gemma for a couple of seconds longer before she turned around and walked away.
"You're late," Jax stated before turning around and walking away knowing Stahl would follow.
"Just came from your mother," Stahl informed him. "She's in a cell at Charming PD. She tried to turn herself in and shit on our deal."
"God dammit," Jax said through clenched teeth shaking his head before looking at Stahl.
"It doesn't matter," Stahl stated. "She's been cleared of all the murder charges."
"How?"
"Well, Tyler confessed before she died," Stahl answered. "Told me everything Gemma said in her statement was true."
Jax was confused for a couple of seconds before everything clicked into place."Good thing your bosses don't know about our little deal. I think killing one of your own would be a bad career move."
Stahl shook her head. "I didn't kill her. Mexican bikers did."
Neither one said anything for a couple of moments as they stared each other down.
"Your mother seems to believe that you and I shouldn't trust each other. She know something I don't?"
"She thinks you're going to get me killed. Are you?" Jax questioned as they stood face to face.
"You boys are running out of time. Bail hearing is set for tomorrow morning," Stahl answered changing the subject instead of answering his question.
"Clay's sitting down with Otto right now," Jax retorted. "Hook him up with Lenny 'the pimp' and we'll get some info."
"Meeting has been arranged," Stahl answered.
Jax nodded. "Good."
"Now you owe me something."
Jax didn't answer instead he reached into the waist band of his jeans which prompted Stahl to reach underneath her suit jacket. Until he showed her the folded folder which caused her to relax, somewhat, and snatch the folder away from her.
He pointed out the IRA members he had seen before looking up at her. "I never saw any of the others. Put it in the document along with my statement about Jimmy and I'll sign off on all of it."
"Good." Stahl nodded. "Keep me posted on Jimmy O."
"Absolutely," Jax sarcastically said.
"I hate to say this, but with the track record the club has at getting hurt, you guys are going to need Tara," Carrie stated as she sat on the front step of the Winston home.
Jax sighed, "I know but with everything that happened. Are you going to be okay with that?"
"I would feel better if there was an actual doctor that you could rely on if someone gets hurt. There's only so much Chibs can do," Carrie explained switching the prepaid to her left ear. "I don't know what you and the club are planning on doing about Jimmy, but I don't want anyone of you to get hurt. So as much as it goes against my better judgement. I'm suggesting you call Tara and have her there if someone gets hurt."
"I understand babe, but I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. Shit I know that I don't have the best track record with being faithful but when it comes to my family I'm in one hundred percent."
"I get it Jax. The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to understand it," Carrie explained. "I'm not saying that it was right. But I can see why you did it.
"It still doesn't excuse it and I'm sorry. But from now on I'll be proving that you made the right choice."
"That's all I'm asking for Jax. Don't make me regret it."
"I won't. I love you Lyn."
"Tell Lenny's lawyer it's true," Opie informed Lowen as he walked towards Jax who had just pulled into the T-M lot.
"You do know I charge hourly right," Lowen called at his retreating back.
"Just send it," Opie answered back without looking at her.
"Jax can I show you something?" Chucky said as he stood in front of him. "It's real important. You really ought to know about it."
"Not now bro." Jax side stepped him.
"Did you hear from Lenny?" Jax questioned as he walked besides Opie.
"Yeah. Putlova wants two million for Jimmy," Opie answered.
"Hey, I need a minute," Carrie said grabbing Jax's elbow as Opie passed by them on his way back to the clubhouse and Chucky made his way towards the T-M office.
"Aren't you supposed to be with Donna?" Jax retorted.
"I got a call from your mother shortly after we hung up," Carrie answered. "So I decided to stop by because your mother's in jail."
"I know, I heard," Jax stated.
"The homicide charges were dropped and she doesn't want Clay to know," Carrie informed him. "She's apparently terrified. I thought you said no one knew about the deal besides you and Stahl?"
Jax shook his head. "I had to tell my mom when she had to relay the statement. But so far she's been trying to fight it."
"Jax look," Chucky called out as he dropped a box in between them before lifting the lid.
Carrie and Jax both looked down and she felt her jaw drop at the contents of it. Before looking at Jax whose expression of disbelief mirrored her own.
Jax took the lid from Chucky before bending down to cover and lift the box up.
"Look don't worry about it. Just focus on what you're spending the day with Donna. I'll see you back here later." Jax quickly kissed her, before turning to follow Chucky into the clubhouse.
"What's this?" Clay looked up at Jax, who followed by Chucky, walked into the Chapel carrying the box.
"Tell them," Jax stated dropping the box on the table.
"After Tara got kidnapped, I tried to tell you guys about this," Chucky began explaining. "When I was running the counterfeit operation for Lin. I was supposed to throw away all the misprints and dirty runs but I didn't."
"He's got three boxes full," Jax chimed in opening the lid and taking out its contents. "He's got fifties, twenties and hundreds. Over five mil in currency."
Excitement had taken over the Chapel as the printed bill sheets were passed around the table.
As they finally settled down Bobby started to examine the currency.
"Got Eddie to loan us his print cutter," Juice informed them as he walked back into the room.
"Every single one of these bills is irregular." Bobby stated. "Any scrutiny, the Russians are going to know."
Clay sighed. "Maybe we need to create some sort of distraction."
"Putlova's too smart. I don't see how this is going down without it being bloody," Bobby retorted.
Clay looked around the room. "Well then, we better bring everybody. Just in case it does."
"If we could front the stacks with real cash, we could buy us enough time to get Jimmy out of there," Jax suggested.
"I got forty in my wallet," Clay joked.
Jax smirked. "I think I can get the money."
"Putlova wants two million for Jimmy," Jax informed Stahl as he stopped in front of her desk.
"Jesus Christ," she muttered.
"We got our hands on some counterfeit money, but I need to pad it out with real bills," Jax stated. "It's the only way to buy us enough time to get Jimmy out."
"Where did you get the counterfeit cash?"
Jax shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I need money."
"I still have access to the 250k we used for Tara's ransom," Stahl informed him as she made her way around her desk.
Jax nodded. "That'll do."
"What happens when the club asks how you got it?"
"I'll say it was here in evidence and I got Unser to sign it out," Jax shrugged.
"We're going to be there at the exchange."
Jax quickly shot her idea down. "If the Russians see you there, they'll kill Jimmy and if my club sees you there, they'll know someone ratted."
"It's the only way you get the cash."
"I'll give you the location," Jax said giving in. ""But you have to hang a couple of miles back."
"Fine."
Jax walked back into the club house and saw them placing the counterfeit cash in two duffel bags along with guns in the third bag.
"We ready?" Clay questioned as he set his kutte on the pool table.
"Yeah two mil, more or less," Bobby answered.
Tig started to list the guns they had prepared, as Chibs handed him and Clay a bulletproof vest.
"Snug 'em up tight boys," Chibs stated. "You're going to need them."
"You sure we can't spare one of the prospects?" Jax looked at Clay as he pulled on his vest.
"We don't know what Putlova's going to show up with," Clay answered. "We need bodies. At least until we make the exchange."
"Yeah. Okay."
"Hey. Tara's here," Happy called out.
"Alright," Jax said looking around as they started picking up the duffels.
They all made their way out of the clubhouse and towards their bikes, except for Jax who walked towards where Tara and Opie were standing in front of the hood of her car.
"Okay I got it," Tara softly said before they both turned around.
"She's all set," Opie stated before walking away.
Even though their relationship hadn't ended on the best terms and he was married, again. There was always going to be a spot in his heart where he cared for Tara. No matter how many times she seemed to hurt him. He just couldn't find it in him to not care at least not when he she was helping them out and risking as much as they were in this case.
"You sure about this?"
"I'm the only one who can do it," Tara pointed out shrugging. "Admit it you need me."
"Yeah, we do," Jax agreed knowing they were going to need a doctor handy in case things went south and got bloody.
"I need you to wear this." Jax handed her the bulletproof vest and helped her put it on. Just as Unser pulled onto the lot and Clay handed Jax another vest.
"You guys heading out?" Unser looked at Clay stopped in front of him.
"What gave it away?" Clay sarcastically questioned.
"Lowen is down at the station finishing up Gemma's release," Unser informed him, not bothering to give into Clay's sarcasm. "She should be home soon."
Jax moved away as Tara got in her car and drove out of the lot and towards the rest of the club.
"You guys set?" Jax questioned once they were all loosely huddled around each other.
"Make no mistakes." Piney gruffly ordered to which they all agreed.
"Jackie," Chibs called out before stepping forward to hug him.
Which prompted Opie to step up and hug him as well. They both stepped back and Jax turned towards Piney, his father in law, cautiously knowing he was in his right to berate him for marrying Carrie without asking him for his permission or without fair warning. But all he got was knowing small smile which soon turned into a smirk before they hugged.
"You take care of yourself boy," Piney stated looking at him. "You're family needs you whole."
Jax nodded before turning to the prospects. "When you get the text you let us know," Jax informed Filthy Phil as he reached into his kutte pulling out two envelopes. "Then deliver these two letters."
"I know," Phil nodded. "We'll handle it."
"Where the hell is he?" Stahl angrily questioned as she walked up to him.
"Warm and cozy," Jax answered knowing she was pissed she didn't get Jimmy earlier.
"What the hell are you pulling huh?"
"Just keeping us both honest." Jax calmly stated. "You get Jimmy and my statement, when my club gets cleared of hard time."
"This is my recommendation that the federal automatic weapons charges be reduced from fifteen to three years," Stahl explained holding up a blue folder. "Parole in fourteen months if you all behave. All it needs is my signature."
Jax skimmed through the writing on the papers before looking up at her as she started talking again.
"And for that, you give me this," Stahl informed switching the folders. "Your statement of cooperation. You share your full knowledge of the gun running operation and any illegal operations perpetrated by the Irish and Jimmy O'Phelan. All it needs is your signature."
"I sign this," Jax looked up from the written statement. "What's to stop you from getting the IRA and letting us rot for fifteen years?"
"What's to stop you from giving this to your lawyer and killing Jimmy?" Stahl retorted holding out the written deal.
"Now, you just lied to me. So it's your turn for a show of good faith," she informed him.
He flipped over to the page where a red post it was showing where he had to sign, as Stahl held out a pen all while smiling like she had just won the lotto.
"I'm officially a rat," Jax stated looking at her after signing his name. "Your turn."
Stahl turned to the page before closing the folder. "Where's Jimmy?"
"Don't do this," Jax pleaded looking disbelievingly at her.
"Nothing changes," She shook her head. "I just need to see him to make sure he's alive and then I'll sign. There is no play here."
"Follow me."
Carrie followed after Gemma and Clay as they walked over to where Jax had parked his bike in his spot.
"We okay?" Clay questioned as they took in the site of the feds walking towards them.
"I don't know," Jax answered pulling his gloves off.
"Oh shit," Gemma muttered as Stahl walked up to them and uttered good afternoon.
"Where's Jimmy O?" Stahl questioned stopping in front of them. "Okay look, I can have a dozen agents here in twenty minutes and they'll shred this white trash shit hole apart."
Clay looked over his shoulder to Tig and Juice. "Get him."
Carrie watched as they got Jimmy out of Tara's cutlass, but she became too busy looking at the look on Stahl's face to pay attention to what was said. She was getting a bad feeling about what was about to happen next.
"How'd you know he was here?" Clay questioned as he looked beside him at Stahl.
Stahl turned around and looked at Jax, before smiling smugly, as she held a blue folder towards Clay. "Cause your VP made a deal."
Carrie felt as if someone had poured ice water on her, as the blood drained from her face and her heart started racing.
"You fucking bitch!" Jax yelled out, quickly moving towards Stahl. Only to be held back by two feds.
Clay turned to look at Jax. "What is she talking about?"
Tig looked at Jax in disbelief as the feds let him go. "You made a deal for Jimmy? What?"
"You ratted," Bobby angrily pushed Jax. While the rest of the club looked at the scene unfold waiting for an explanation. Some in anger and others in disbelief.
Even though Carrie had known about the deal. It still didn't make it any easier to know that Stahl had just betrayed Jax. Revealing him as a rat in front of the club.
"I did it for the club," Jax quietly said.
"You ratted," Bobby continued to push and yell at Jax.
"I had no choice!" Jax yelled back. "Look at everything we'll be facing!"
Clay angrily pointed at him. "You mean all this time we've been tracking Jimmy and you knew you were going to hand him over to this ATF bitch."
"He blew five of our men up," Juice angrily chimed in.
"Including Chibs's nephew," Happy added in.
"I know I'm sorry," Jax looked around at the club.
If it wouldn't have been for Donna wrapping her arm around her. Carrie was sure her legs would have given out. As the realization of Jax's actions and the consequences became clearer.
"It wasn't his fault," Gemma hurriedly said as she tried to break through but was held back by Bobby. "She made him do it. He really wasn't a rat Clay."
"You're a dead man. You hear me!" Clay called out as feds started to swarm in. "Dead!"
Carrie couldn't do anything as the club was led away and as Jax talked to Stahl. She was frozen to her spot and seemed to have lost her ability to speak. All she could do was watch as Jax was being led away before turning to Stahl and seeing the smug look on her face as she signed the deal Jax had made before handing it over to Lowen.
"You're a real bitch," Carrie croaked out as she shrugged Donna off.
Stahl turned to look at her. "I'm sorry?"
"How could you do that him," Carrie angrily stated. "He's a dead man walking and you're not even sorry about the consequences of the decisions you just made."
"You mean like he didn't care he was going to leave a kid fatherless and a widow behind if the club found out," Stahl retorted.
"You're a heartless bitch," Carrie angrily said before swinging her right arm back and hitting Stahl across the face. "I hope you burn in Hell."
Stahl rubbed her hand down the side where Carrie had hit her and waved off a fed as he grabbed a hold of her.
"She's just hormonal it's fine," Stahl casually told him.
"But you might want to say goodbye to that husband of yours because the next time you see him. He's going to be in a casket being lowered into the ground," Stahl whispered into her ear before stepping back triumphantly.
Carrie glared at her before pushing past Stahl and making her way towards where they were leading Jax.
"Give them a moment," Stahl called as Carrie stopped besides Jax. "It'll be the last time they see each other anyways."
Carrie flipped Stahl the middle finger and only became angrier when she smiled back at her.
"You said they wouldn't find out." Carrie blurted out pushing him.
Jax didn't answer her, instead he pulled towards him and kissed her with everything he had and even though she was hurt and pissed. She kissed him back knowing it was the last time she would get to do this.
"I love you. You stupid, selfish idiot," Carrie softly said before hugging him not wanting to let go.
"I love you too Lyn," Jax softly responded into her ear. "Take care of our boys and be strong."
Carrie felt her vision get blurry with tears, but she blinked them back in order to take in the details of Jax. Trying to commit them to memory so she wouldn't forget him.
The farther they led Jax away from her, the faster her resolve started to fade. The tears she was trying to hold back were coming forth and starting to spill down her cheeks. Not wanting to see anymore, she turned around and made her way towards the office to get her stuff. Only to be stopped by Gemma who hugged her, before they both started lean on each other for support. One crying for the son she was about to lose, while the other cried for a husband who was going to be taken away from her.
The borrowed school bus Piney was driving was eerily quiet. Everyone was caught up in their own thoughts. But the four of them had one goal and one thought in common and that was that they needed to carry on and accomplish what they were about to do.
Some more than others, Piney thought as he glanced in the mirror at Opie and Chibs.
"Seriously?" Stahl disbelieving questioned as Unser lit up a blunt.
"I'm at stage three cancer sweetheart," Unser answered. "I ain't got that many perks left."
Taking a hit, he held it out to her, but she waved him off. "No thanks."
"You should really have some," Unser suggested, just as a school bus pulled up to where they were parked.
"You gotta be shitting me," Stahl said turning to look at Unser only to see him pointing his gun at her as the bus doors opened.
"What the hell is going on here?" she questioned holding her hands out as Opie walked towards her pointing his weapon at her and disarming her.
She watched as Chibs pulled Jimmy out of the car and leaned him against the bus.
"Take care of our girls Filip," Jimmy stated before Chibs pulled out two knives.
Giving Jimmy the same facial injuries he had suffered before stabbing him with both knives.
Opie led her into the driver's seat before taking the back seat. Causing Stahl to begin crying and pleading with him to not do it. Which Opie had begun to consider, before remembering that it was because of her that Donna had almost died.
"Please Opie," Stahl pleaded in between sobs. "Don't do this. You had mercy before. Please."
Opie hesitated before softly responding, "Now I don't."
Causing Stahl to cry and gasp for air.
"This is what she felt," He stated before shooting her in the head.
"Come on lets go," Kozik said hitting the car to get him to move. "Is that the deal?"
"Yeah," Opie answered ripping it in half.
Jax heard honking and looked up as Tig started to laugh. Which caused Happy to start laughing and Clay to smile before he too started to laugh. All the while Jax couldn't be more relieved that it was done. He just hoped his mother and wife understood why they hadn't told them the plan.
"What's this?" Carrie said looking at the envelope Phil had handed her.
"I don't know," he answered before leaving her alone in the living room.
Carrie looked at his retreating back, before looking at the envelope in her hand. She slowly made her way towards the couch. Quietly, she opened the letter and immediately recognized Jax's writing which caused her to swallow the new tears back. Before finally being able to read the words on the page.
Lyn,
If you're reading this that means that Jimmy and Stahl are both dead and the club is going to be doing less time. I hope you understand that I couldn't tell you everything because I didn't want you to be an accessory. Now before you start getting angry at me, this was voted on way before we worked things out and got married. My mom had no clue either and neither did anyone else outside of the Chapel.
Like I said before, we didn't want anyone being an accessory to this and I hope you understand that. I'm sorry for not telling you and I know you're going to be angry. But I hope that the relief of it all being planned overcomes any anger you may feel.
I know this isn't going to be easy but I hope you stay strong and don't give up on us. At least not without giving me a chance to fight and prove that this is worth it. I understand that there's only so much you can take with me being locked up. I know I can't ask you to give up living your life just because I'm not there. So if there ever comes a time that you feel as though you can't deal with this lifestyle anymore. Just let me know and I'll let you go if that's what you truly want.
But know that you'll always have me to count and rely on because no matter which way this marriage goes. I want you to know that I do love and care for you. I'm just sorry that this marriage isn't exactly how you might have imagined as a little girl. I may not be the prince or knight you imagined either, but my feelings are real and not some fantasy.
I want you to know that I entrusted Lowen to draw up the necessary documents for you to legally become Abel's guardian especially now that I'm away. I know you're going to make the decisions that are best for him and that you only have his best interests at heart.
You are his mother now.
Remember to stay strong for both Abel and lil bit. They're going to need you to be strong for them. All I ask from you, is to remind them how much I love them even if I'm not there. As well as remembering that I love you as well and I won't abandon you or them like my father did with me and my mom.
I know that the closer it gets to your due date, the more you're going my absence is going to hit. Especially once Abel starts walking and talking. I know those are milestones that I'm going to be missing out on. But at least Abel and lil bit will you have you there with them. I know you'll look out and love them both enough for the two of us.
Don't let this time away, fill you with doubt. I chose you and I will always continue to choose you. I'm in this and I will prove to you that you made the right decision in marrying me.
Look after yourself and our kids.
I love you Lyn.
Jax
He had been right Carrie felt relieved that he was going to be fine, but she also felt angry at him. The rational part of herself understood why he did what he did. But the emotional part just wanted to stay angry at him for not informing her.
However, besides the turmoil of emotions running through her. The ones that stood out more prominently were relief and happiness that her husband was going to be okay. Looking down at her belly the relief ran through her. Know that neither of the kids would grow up without knowing their father.
Carrie sighed looking at the letter again. She knew that she had rushed into this with Jax. Especially when he had hurt her and hadn't proven that he deserved this other chance. But she knew that she would have regretted her decision if today hadn't been planned.
If the club had actually believed Jax to be a rat, then she would have regretted not taking the chance and marrying him. Even if it had ended so quickly.
Now, all she had to do was wait. Wait for him to come home and wait for him to fulfill the promises he had made.
This life wasn't always easy but she had her family to help her along the way. Now she'd prove that she could handle it because now she had a whole other battle to get through.
So we have come to the end of Life Ain't Always Easy.
But don't worry this isn't the end for Carrie and Jax.
The sequel Love Ain't Always Easy will be up soon. So keep an eye out for that, if you're following you will be notified when it goes up.
With that said I hope you liked the ending.
Thank you all so much for the reads and comments. As well as for adding this story to your lists and for the follows. It is greatly appreciated.
I hope you will all stick around to read the next journey in Jax/Carrie's story.