Hello Everyone.

My apologies. So I sort of wrote myself into a corner, and couldn't figure out how to get out. That and the new job, and I have been busy. But here is my attempt to get on tract to finish this, and then move on to the other ideas I have for this group of characters and this story line.

I hope you enjoy, and comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Chapter 34

Quinn pulled into Jack's parking lot and swung around to the back to park. He knew of places they could go that were closer to Dani's house, but he figured a 20-minute ride to Jack's would probably do Happy good. He knew he would be pissed Donut was here. But Quinn knew even more that Donut could guide Happy better than he could, after all, Donut had helped him.

When all three of them had parked, each got of his bike and removed his helmet. As they stepped in front of the bikes to head inside, Happy greeted Donut with the obligatory brotherly hug, but when he pulled back, he gave him a hard, dark look.

"Don't try that Killer look crap on me Hap. Not here to bust your balls. Just here to help," Donut said as he slapped Happy on the back, and guided him into the back of Jacks, following Quinn who had not said a word and just headed inside.

Quinn went to the bar and returned with 3 bottles of beer. He motioned over to a small table in the corner. When they all got to the table Quinn set the beer down and took a seat, motioning for the others to do the same.

Quinn took a long pull from the bottle, hoping Donut would start talking. But when neither Happy nor Donut spoke up, Quinn decided to get the ball rolling. "Called Donut this morning when I left Dani's. I figured you might need to hear someone else's perspective other than Kate's and mine."

Quinn looked at Happy, who just continued to stare at the two of them. Quinn looked over at Donut, nodding for him to give it a shot. Donut looked at Happy. Never having been one to mince words, Donut took a long sip of his beer and then said, "This why you got piss drunk in Tacoma in June, backhanded that whore, and then I had to put you to bed?"

Quinn tried to hide his shock at Donut's revelation. Most charters kept him informed when something like that happened with one of his nomads, but then he thought about it. Hap was SAMTAC before he was a nomad. Happy for his part, hung his head a little, breaking his glare, and just nodded.

"Should have guessed it was a girl. When you were SAMTAC I could have read that on you." Donut said. Happy chuckled at that comment. Donut was right. He had been one of the few to be able to read through Happy's stoic looks back in his SAMTAC days.

"I have been pretty messed up this last year about how I felt about her," Happy acknowledged.

"Pretty messed up? Is that how you are describing it?" Donut chuckled. "Well, how are you now?" Donut said as he leaned back in his chair.

"I know I love her and have told her so. But everything else? Every time we attempt to venture into talking about our future, we end up arguing, and then end up apologizing. But we are no closer to knowing what's next." Happy said with a sigh.

Motioning over at Quinn, Donut started talking, "Numb nuts over here tell you how many times he and Katherine basically broke up as they tried to figure it out?" Happy's head jerked up, looking shocked as he stared at Quinn. "Yeah that's right. He went all caveman on her. First, he tried to avoid her, then he tried to sequester her. Finally, he had to talk with her, like she was an equal."

Happy looked back and forth between Donut and Quinn. Happy could tell by the look on Quinn's face that Donut was pretty much telling the truth. "And what did you talk with her about?" Happy asked.

"I told her what I was afraid of if she stayed with me. And I told her what I was afraid of if she left me." Quinn said frankly.

"So Hap, tell me about her," Donut asked.

"She's a college professor. Former Air Force. She's smart, sassy, respectful, teasing, strong, independent." Happy paused, smiling as he thought about Dani.

"Submissive?" Donut half asked, half stated. Happy looked over at him, a bit shocked. "He tell you that?" Happy asked, pointing at Quinn.

"Nah, just a guess. Rachel was. That's why I asked." Donut said.

"Really?" Happy said surprised at the revelation.

"Jesus Hap, is Dani really the first woman you have spent serious time with?" Donut asked.

"Yeah. She is." Happy said flatly.

"No wonder," Donut stated. "We're lucky you didn't transfer to Boston when she told you she loved you." Quinn roared at Donut's comment. Happy just looked at them. A look of how did they know?

"Wait, Wait. You did think about transferring, didn't you?" Quinn asked. Hap nodded. "Where?" Quinn asked.

"Chicago. But I couldn't be that far from Ma." Happy stated. Quinn and Donut roared.

"So, what was the first lesson you learned?" Donut asked.

"Can't run from my feelings," Happy said.

"Good," Donut said as he looked at Quinn. "There's hope for him."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dani and Katherine settled into the couch, each with a cup of coffee. Katherine could tell Dani was happy to meet her, but was also apprehensive about the situation she had unexpectedly found herself in. Katherine knew it was up to her to put Dani at ease.

Smiling at her Katherine started off the conversation, "You are just like Happy and Quinn described you. I can see why Happy was so attracted to you from the very beginning," Katherine said.

Dani blushed a little, "Thank you. I am not exactly looking my best these past few days."

"Quinn told me. How are you feeling? You can't ever say those 2 are not caring, but they are sometimes a little lacking on the subtleties of recovery. Do you need anything?"

"No, I am good. Thank you. The more I get up and around, the better I feel. Doctor said I just need some time to let the bruises and road rash heal up. Quinn says you are a nurse?"

"I am. Surgical. But I have done my fair share of convalescing of Quinn over the years," Katherine replied.

"Golden Light around you?" Dani said smiling over the edge of her cup of coffee.

Katherine laughed. "You heard Happy's rendition I see." She said.

"Actually, I heard Quinn's, and then I heard Happy's commentary." Dani said chuckling.

"Heard you read my husband the riot act when he brought Happy here bleeding last February," Katherine said.

Dani gave her a serious look. "I wouldn't put it that way. But I wasn't going to let him just drop him off and leave me with no idea what I was getting into."

"You know sometimes they don't tell us for our own good, don't you?" Katherine stated.

"I do. But no information makes us, or at least me defenseless and unprepared. And that is something I will never be again if I can help it." Dani stated. It was not snarky, she simply stated as a matter of fact.

"Good. That's a good way to be. Now you just have to find that balance with Hap so he can start to understand what to tell you." Katherine said with a smile.

"Does Quinn tell you everything?" Dani asked.

"Pretty much. But he is President of the Nomads. It can be a pretty lonely position sometimes. I am not only his wife, but his confidant, and probably the person he trusts the most. The big thing you have to decide, is how much do you want to know?" Katherine said flatly.

"I have a choice?" Dani asked somewhat shocked.

"Yes. You do. You can demand full disclosure; you can stay in the dark. You can trust him to tell you what you need to know. Its up to you AND to him." Katherine stated. "But if you ask for full disclosure, that comes with immense responsibility, for you. You are a smart girl, you know what they do. What Happy does." Katherine said, driving home without directly saying the Sons were criminals.

"I don't know details, but yes, I am very aware of what his role is in the club, and what he is capable of." Dani replied.

"Then if you want full disclosure, you have to be willing to be his ride or die. Telling you will be like telling a member of the club. He has to know he can count on you to keep the club's business to yourself." Katherine stated.

They sat there for a minute, as what Katherine had said sank in. Finally she continued, "He's afraid you know." Dani looked at Katherine.

"I know, but I don't really understand why. I know what he tells me, but its like, its like there is more, like there is something he is keeping from me." Dani replied.

Katherine nodded. She knew she was about to venture into some dark club secrets. But Dani deserved to know, and she was not sure Happy would tell her, or that he even knew it himself these were the reasons. "What has he told you are the reasons he is afraid?" Katherine asked.

"Well, he said he wasn't sure he was good enough, that he wasn't worthy of love. But I think we have gotten past that." Dani stated.

"Yeah, he gave me that BS line too. I smacked him around good for that." Katherine quipped with a smile. "What else?"

"He mentioned how women have gotten hurt, even killed because of their association with the club," Dani said.

"Mentioned, but not elaborated?" Katherine asked.

"No. Is there something more to this I should know?" Dani asked.

Katherine took a deep breath, and then looked a Dani. "This would fall into what would be full disclosure, so if you can't handle this, tell me now."

"Katherine, I worked at the Pentagon, I know how to keep a secret. Now tell me." Dani said.

"Over the 20 years I have been with Quinn, 2 old ladies have died in what was determined to be retaliation against the club. Several have been threatened, and one," Katherine paused. "And one was raped. Gang Raped."

"That's what Hap is afraid of," Dani stated. It wasn't a question; she was definite in her statement.

Katherine nodded. "But probably not for why you think. Hell he doesn't probably realize why it scares him so much."

"Why do you think he is so afraid of that?" Dani asked.

"You were the intuitive one and figured it out, why do YOU think he is so afraid?" Katherine asked.

"He thinks that if something happens to me I will blame him for it, and will leave him," Dani said. "But that is just the surface part I think."

"Go on," Katherine urged.

"He's possessive. He may not realize it, but subconsciously dh doesn't think he could be with me after someone else has had what is his. He wouldn't want to be that way, but he is not sure he could get over that, especially when it was because of him it happened." Dani said. "He is afraid he would blame me for getting hurt."

Katherine just nodded.

"Does Quinn no about this?" Dani asked?

"Hell no. I am pretty sure HE has the same fear. This is high level Old Lady top secret shit. If the old ladies laid this shit on our men they would be a mess when they went out there." Katherine stated.

"Then why are you telling me?" Dani asked.

"Because if you and Happy are going to work, you are going to have to figure out how to alleviate that fear without acknowledging it." Katherine said. She just sat and watched, as Dani thought.

After several moments of silence, Dani looked at Katherine, "Do you know where they are?" Dani asked.

"No, but I have a good idea. Why?" Katherine asked.

"I am going to go change, I need to go see him," Dani said as she got off the couch and headed upstairs.

"Dani wait," Katherine yelled. "I am sure they don't want us leaving, especially unescorted. Let me call them, have them come back here."

"Ok, fine, but give them a call, this is important." Dani said as she headed upstairs to change.

XXXXXXXX

Quinn was walking back to the table with 3 beers as Donut was continuing to tell Happy about Michelle, Donut's first wife, or more to the point about how it had ended.

"See, that is my fear, just like you assumed, that someone will kill her because of me," Happy stated.

"Look Happy, someone didn't kill Michelle, she died. My problem was that I didn't know how to go forward without her, so I was looking for someone to blame. Turns out it was just life."

"And what about Rachel? You were a god damn mess after that. Took off, walked away, went off alone." Happy stated.

"No, that's not what he did," Quinn jumped in and stated. "He did, what any man who loves his wife does. While she was here, he gave her EVERYTHING he had. And when she was gone then he took time to process his loss. And he wasn't alone, EVER."

Quinn leaned back and just waited for Happy to process. "You?" Happy questioned.

"Most of the time. If not me, then Nuts, or Prego were with him. We didn't crowd him, let him process it. Listened when he needed us to."

"Hap look," Donut started, "Taking a lady doesn't mean you trade the club in, it means you are enhancing your life. One isn't more important than the other, they both are important. One takes care of the other." Donut said

"But Dani isn't going to be with a charter and have all that support," Happy challenged.

"No, but doesn't mean we aren't there for her, and you if you need us. You really want to tell me Katherine, or hell even Gemma and Tara aren't dropping everything if its needed?" Quinn stated.

"You realize, your fear isn't for her, it for you," Donut stated. Happy stared at him incredulously. "You are afraid of what YOU will be like if something happens to her."

"Women love. Women like Rachel, and Dani, and Katherine love with their whole being. The problem is, if they are gone, WE are the ones left with the hole in us. And THAT, is more terrifying than anything you can imagine in that sadistic brain of yours." Quinn stated.

Happy sat there a while, and then he shook his head. "Jesus I am a fucking wuss," Happy stated.

Quinn and Donut chuckled. Donut patted him on the shoulder so he would look up. "No, you are just a man who now has a woman he loves. Welcome to the club."

About that time, Quinn's phone rang in his pocket. Pulling it out he flipped it open when he saw it was Katherine, "Something wrong?" he asked? He was surprised she was calling this soon after they had left. His statement caught Donut and Happy's attention.

"No, nothing is wrong. But Dani says she needs to talk to Happy, now. Says it important and wants you all to come back." Katherine said.

"Jesus girl what did you tell her?" Quinn asked.

"Nothing earth shattering that I know of. But she had this light bulb moment and wanted to come to him. I told her that wasn't a good idea and she then told me to get him home." Katherine said.

"Ok got it. We are on our way." Quinn flipped the phone shut and looked at the two men. "Dani wants to see you, says its super important. Something Katherine said triggered something and she wants to talk to you right now." Quinn stated.

"What the.." Happy started but Donut stopped him.

"Don't spin out, it very well could be something VERY GOOD." Donut stated.

Happy nodded and the three of them headed out the door to their bikes.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Happy pulled into the garage and the other 2 parked in the driveway. The three of them entered the house through the garage and as they walked into the kitchen, they saw Katherine standing at the big island drinking a cup of coffee. Happy looked around, but he didn't see Dani anywhere. He toed off his boots and hung his jacket and kutte over the dining room chair.

"Where is she?" he asked Katherine.

"She is in her office. She came down about 10 minutes ago and went in there. She told me to have you join her when you got here." Katherine stated.

"How is she?" Happy asked.

"Hap, I just met her. But I would say she was strong, almost confident. Whatever she has to tell you she thinks its important." Katherine stated.

"Thanks," Happy said and he made his way over to the closed office doors. He knocked softly and when she invited him in, he opened the door and closed it behind him.

Dani was sitting on the couch in the room. He noticed immediately the figurine he had observed on the shelf was now on the table in front of her, and Dani was sitting there smiling at him. She patted the seat next to her and Happy walked over and sat next to her.

"Everything ok? Was kind of worried when you wanted to see me right away." Happy stated honestly. Dani smiled and leaned over kissing him softly.

"I realized as I was talking to Katherine, that we have done the dodge and weave perhaps a wee bit too much. And maybe we need to talk about some very personal things. It might make it easier for both of us to understand the other regarding, you know, relationships." Dani said.

Happy chuckled. "I think they must have planned shit. You know, divide and conquer." Happy pointed at the door, indicating the people in the other room. Dani nodded. "So, what was so important?"

"Can I ask you something?" Dani stated.

"Of course," Hap replied.

"Why haven't you ever asked me about kids? I mean, you know I was married. I laid that out the night I suggested we be casual. But you have never once asked about him, or kids, or why I don't have any?" Dani said.

"Wasn't my business, at least not when we were casual, and then, I don't know. I I I guess I didn't want to upset you if it was a touchy subject. But, why haven't you ever asked me about kids?" He responded.

"I never asked, because I didn't ever want to think I was taking time from you that you should be spending with your kids." Dani said flatly. "Its petty, and selfish, but that is why."

"Well, I don't have any kids, that I know of. And no exes. Hell, I don't even have an ex girlfriend other than a couple from high school." Happy chuckled at that last thought. "But obviously, there is something I need to know about you. So what is it you think I need to know."

"Well, first I want you to know that the ex is an ex because, well because he was a dick. In theory we looked great on paper, but somebody forgot to tell him that when you get married you stop having a side piece." Dani said

"He cheated on you?" Happy inquired.

"Pretty much from the day we said I do. We were both in the Air Force, constantly traveling for work. It was easy for him. And truth, I think I got married because it was expected." Dani said

"Well, he was a dick for not realizing what he had." Happy said as he tucked her hair behind her ear. "Well that explains the kids. I totally see why you didn't have kids with him."

"We did. Or well, we were going to." Dani said softly. Happy looked at her. Her hands were in her lap fidgeting and he simply reached down and took them in his.

"Tell me," he said softly.

"Have you ever wondered why I have never objected to the fact you have never used a condom after our first discussion about being clean?" Dani asked.

"I just assumed you were on the pill or something. I guess I never really thought about it. You are so prepared about everything else I never worried." Happy said honestly.

"And you have never asked about the couple of scars, on my side and stomach." Dani stated.

"Figured they were from what happened to you on 9/11. You changed the subject so abruptly that night you told me about it, so I just haven't brought it up again. Wait, did you have more than a collapsed lung?" Happy asked.

Dani nodded. "I was pregnant. I didn't know it. I suffered trauma to my entire midsection, and my broken ribs had punctured my lung. They had to do a hysterectomy to save my life. I woke up to find out I had not only lost the baby I didn't know about, but I was never going to have a baby."

"What did your husband have to say?" Happy asked.

"He was very supportive, but we were already in a pretty bad spot. This probably just was the final nail, although we stayed together another 2 years." Dani said.

"So what is it with that thing?" Happy asked, pointing at the figurine of the woman holding her hand down like to hold a child's hand, but nothing there.

"A friend of mine gave that to me. Reminds me I can hold my hand out to any child, even if they are not mine." Dani said.

"That why you do the volunteer work?" Happy asked.

"Pretty much. It's a great way for me to be involved with children." Dani said.

"Do you want kids?" Happy inquired.

"Not anymore. It took me a long time to reconcile my situation. But now, I know that I am not less than just because I can't have a child." Dani said as she looked at Happy.

Happy sat there, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand. He was silent for a while but then he looked into her eyes. He cupped her cheek. "I am glad you told me, but why was it so important I know this right now?" Happy asked.

Dani turned on the couch so she was looking at him. "Now that you know that, do you think any less of me?" She asked.

"Fuck no." Happy stated emphatically. "Wasn't your fault. And it doesn't make you any less of a woman to me."

Dani smiled. She moved to sit in his lap. "That's why it was so important. I need you to see that no matter what…." Dani trailed off, waiting for, hoping for Happy to catch on.

"That nothing changes how I see you and how I feel about you," Happy finally said, finishing her thought. Dani nodded.

Happy breathed slowly as he closed his eyes and held her tight against his chest. He knew, it was his turn, he needed to confess, to reveal his worst parts. He needed to know if she would pull away from him.

"You know, I am not a very nice man," Happy said softly. Dani lifted her head and looked at him. "What I do, for the club. It can be… brutal." Happy stated.

Dani nodded. She moved her hands, and slowly traced the tattoo on his neck, 'I live, I die, I kill for my family.'

"I know what an enforcer does. But that doesn't make you a bad man." Dani said softly.

"It does if I enjoy it." Happy said. He paused for a moment, waiting. Then he continued. "And I do."

"Do you ever look for a reason to…." Dani trailed off, not sure how to ask if he looked for reasons to hurt anyone.

"No. I have taken the occasional prospect to the ring, just to let off some steam, but other than that, I have never done what I do to anyone who didn't deserve it. That wasn't a threat to the club, or to someone close to us."

Dani sat and thought a bit. "Have you ever, you know, come to me right after you have.."Dani asked softly.

"No, but I have called you. Remember that night, when I all but ordered you to go lay in bed and make yourself cum as I listened?" Happy asked. Dani nodded. "Yeah, I hadn't even cleaned up after at that point. I. I. I needed to hear you need me. Want that sensual part of me. Do you remember what you said to me?" Dani shook her head, and Happy continued. "You said, 'Daddy please let me feel your touch, Daddy please touch me so I can cum,'. I didn't realize it back then, but it had almost instantly relaxed me." Happy paused and just looked at her as his thumb caressed her cheek. "I didn't realize it then, but you remind me all the time that I am more than just THAT man."

"I see, I have always seen so much more than your outside persona," Dani said softly. "And I need all of you. The Enforcer, the Dominant, the tender man, and everything in between." Dani said softly.

Happy slipped his hands on both sides of her head and pulled her to him for a soft, sensual kiss. When he finally broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers. "So what does this mean for us?" He asked softly.

"It means, ride or die," she replied softly. Happy smiled at her as he caressed her cheek.

"And regarding the club?" Happy asked.

"Ride, or die," Dani repeated again. "I will never ask you to patch, but I need you to know, I AM home," Dani said softly.

Happy nodded. "And I need you to know, being mine doesn't mean you are the clubs. If the club wants or needs something from you, they ask me." Happy said.

Dani nodded, but then spoke softly. "Agreed, with a couple exceptions. If Quinn, Loco, or Katherine ask, I am going to help them." Dani said.

"Better add Donut to that list," Happy stated softly. When Dani gave him the confused look, "He's standing in your kitchen, Tacoma. Quinn called him in." Dani just nodded.

"We can figure out duties, expectations out. But I don't expect you to become a normal club old lady," Happy stated.

"Good, because I am not planning to move, at least not till you aren't nomad." Dani stated.

Happy chuckled, and then pulled her to him for another kiss. His hand slid down her body to her left nipple, covered by a tshirt and bra. Happy moved his hand on down till he was at the hem of her shirt and then pushed up under it, pushing the bra out of the way and slowly pinching her nipple.

Dani moaned. As Happy got more aggressive, Dani finally pulled back from the kiss. "Hap, we can't. They are in the next room." Hap for his part kept his grip tight on the back of her neck, and the nipple, making it hard for her to pull away.

"Do I look like I give 2 shits about them?" Happy asked. Twisting her nipple more. When Dani moaned more, Happy shifted, laying her down on the couch, hovering over her.

He moved his hand and pushed it down her pants, finding her slit soaking wet. "Hap, stop, they will hear us," Dani whispered, and then she moaned when he pushed his fingers in her.

"You are the one who said ride or die." Happy goaded her as he hovered over her. He leaned up, unbuckling his jeans with one hand as he continued to use his fingers on her. When he had freed his hard cock, he pretty much ripped down her yoga pants far enough to give him access for his cock. "Well, I want to ride." He growled in her ear as he pushed deep inside her.