Nina woke early Saturday morning snuggled close against Chibs' embrace. She smiled up at him her eyes heavy with sleep.

She was tempted to wake him, but resisted. She wanted Chibs here in her bed for as long as possible.

Nina knew it was dumb, but she was almost afraid if she woke Chibs he would leave for club business once again.

He had been gone so much lately; she could tell that the strain of keeping the club together was getting to him.

She could see the stress in his eyes. He was so tired all the time, so exhausted that he'd come home and fall right to sleep on the sofa while he was trying to watch movies or cartoons with Sophie.

Chibs would hold the little girl in his arms and the next thing Nina knew he'd be fast asleep snoring with Sophie still in his hold.

Nina could remember how Chibs had told her that he was so overwhelmed; he felt like he wasn't up for the job that had been placed before him with the club. He didn't like being in charge. It was so much responsibility to place on his head; backing up Opie, helping keep the Russian's appeased, keeping the gun shipment flowing, keeping the club together and strong when half the members were locked away in Stockton.

Nina was worried about Chibs. That much pressure couldn't be good for him. She had no idea how to help him though; how to support him in the way she knew she had to.

There was no handbook for being a good old lady after all. She didn't want to disappoint Chibs; to fail him in her support and love.

She wanted to be there for him; to love him the way she should.

Nina was afraid though. She wasn't going to lie about her fear. The things Chibs had told her about the club; about the things he'd done for the sake of the club, they frightened her.

She worried about what sort of life she was entering; what sort of life she was allowing Sophie in to.

Nina trusted that Chibs would do whatever it took to protect Sophie from his world, but really how could he fully protect the child?

He couldn't watch Sophie twenty four seven. And what would happen when the girl started kindergarten in the fall?

Chibs very well couldn't attend school with Sophie and watch over her. What if someone used Sophie to hurt Chibs?

That question haunted Nina. She knew it was a possibility; someone using their child to hurt Chibs and the club. After all what would be a better way to hurt Chibs than by harming his youngest child?

A big part of her sense of self preservation was screaming at her to take Sophie and run far away from Charming and SAMCRO.

Her heart was telling her to stay put though. The love she felt for the man beside her was telling her to trust him fully, to let him take care of Sophie and she.

Nina was so torn; so frightened and confused. She loved Chibs but she didn't love the life that came along with him.

She knew he needed her here with him; he needed her to stand by him. But could she find a way to support her man and keep her daughter safe from the world that came along with him? Was it even possible to combine those worlds peacefully?

She settled closer to him wanting to enjoy the quiet moment and keep these thoughts at bay.

Her stomach was in knots over tonight's birthday dinner at Gemma's house though, mostly over Gemma herself.

Nina wasn't looking forward to possibly facing down Gemma again. She didn't like the woman. There was something about Gemma Teller Morrow that Nina just didn't trust.

She was still so irritated with Gemma for jumping to her own conclusions when it came to her family. This was Nina's family after all, not Gemma's.

Nina knew that she would have to make some things very clear to Gemma tonight. She wasn't going to tolerate the Queen of Samcro dipping her nose where it didn't belong. Chibs was Nina's man and Sophie was their child, Gemma had zero place in those relationships.

She respected that Gemma wanted to look out for Chibs, she just didn't respect how Gemma had gone about things.

Nina was also anxious about the prospect of meeting the rest of Chibs' family at the party tonight. He seemed so fond of them; he spoke about them so often, told her stories laughing about something dumb that someone had done at the garage. He spoke about how worried he was about the guys in Stockton.

It was so clear that he loved his brothers so dearly. They had been his only family in this world for so long now; or at least the closest thing he'd had to family given that his daughter Kerrianne had been kept for him for so long.

She wanted to impress this surrogate family of Chibs'. She wanted to belong to every aspect of Chibs' life.

It made her think of high school, meeting new people wanting their acceptance so badly. Nina had been unpopular in high school, shy, only feeling comfortable in her art classes. She had few friends in high school.

Kids called her fat; pointing out her round hips and slight tummy. She had slouched of course back then which hadn't helped her. She had lacked the confidence to stand up for herself as a teen.

She had kept herself distanced from everyone not wanting to face rejection. To be honest she had found comfort in food; after all food couldn't reject her.

She had gained so much weight then only losing it in her senior year of high school. She'd finally had enough of being called fat by her peers.

Though she wasn't quite considered thin boy most of society now, she had at least gained some confidence. Her body had trimmed out to a nice figure; she now stood with grace and clear confidence. She had learned to speak her mind at last.

Even when she'd grown out of her teenage years though she had still found herself being sort of a loner.

Of course when she'd moved to Miami she'd done better. She had befriended neighbors and even a few women at the Lamaze class she'd taken.

After moving to Charming though she'd found herself all alone again, outside of her family she had no real friends. She wanted to make friends badly, but wasn't sure where to start.

After all would the outside world judge her for Chibs' lifestyle? Would they think she was some dumb tramp with a child out of wedlock and a criminal boyfriend?

She thought back to the way Greg had treated her; like garbage. She hated the idea of anyone doing that to her again; judging her and rejecting her.

Perhaps she could befriend Chibs' family, or at least this Tara woman Chibs wanted her to meet.

She just hoped that Tara was nothing like Gemma. Chibs seemed to speak so highly of this Tara woman; she was a doctor apparently, and according to Chibs smart as hell and Jax's rock through things.

Perhaps this Tara could teach Nina how to support Chibs the way an old lady should.

Chibs fluttered his eyes open as the bedroom door snapped open Sophie entering the room. The girl's eyes grew wide as she spotted her father snuggled against her mom.

She wasted zero time to hop into bed in between her parents and stare down at Chibs. She spoke her voice quick and cheerful as she placed a hand against Chibs' cheek. "Daddy you came back home."

Chibs smiled up at the little girl. Her hair was a wild mess. She was wearing a purple Little Mermaid nightgown and little pink dolphin house-shoes.

She leaned down pressing a sloppy kiss to his cheek. He was unable to resist pulling her down into his arms tickling her for a short moment her little giggles making him chuckle.

He spoke his voice full of emotion as she settled against him resting her head over his chest just like Nina sometimes did at night. "I did my lovely peanut. I promise I'm always goin to come home to ya and yer ma, no matter where I go or how long I'm gone."

Nina smiled at the words and the joy in her daughter's eyes. She prayed that Chibs' promises were true.

Sophie tilted her head to the side pointing at the tattoo over Chibs' chest; Kerrianne. "What's that say?"

Chibs gave her a sleepy smile knowing this was the first time Sophie had really seen these tattoos. He had forgotten to put on a shirt the night before and Sophie was staring down at the ink along his skin her eyes so filled with curiosity.

"That says Kerrianne. You remember how we talked bout Kerrianne righ? She's yer big sister, but she came from a different ma's tummy." Chibs explained his stomach rolling.

Nina and he hadn't really talked with the girl about Fiona and Kerrianne. Of course Sophie knew that he had a daughter named Kerrianne given that he'd told her about the girl the first time they'd met.

He just wasn't sure if Sophie understood that Kerrianne was her half sister.

Sophie nodded her head now staring at the dollar tattoo in the center of his chest. "Uh huh. She lives in Ireland where the castles are with her mommy right?"

"Aye. Her mommy and I...We used to be married, but we decided that we didn't want to be married anymore. She and Kerrianne live in Belfast Ireland and I visit Kerrianne." Chibs explained exchanging a nervous glance with Nina.

How were they going to explain divorce to Sophie? What if Sophie became scared that Chibs would leave Nina and her? After all Chibs knew it was a reasonable fear for the girl to have. In Sophie's mind if Chibs had left his other daughter then what would stop him from leaving her?

Sophie nodded her head. "You got divorced. My Tia got divorced too from her husband Federico cause he stole her silverware...Tia Gabriella and her friend talked about it when she came over to have tea and cookies."

Nina sighed shaking her head not too pleased that her daughter had been exposed to her aunt's habit of badmouthing her ex husbands with her friends while she was supposed to be babysitting Sophie.

Chibs cleared his throat just as annoyed. He kept that irritation from his voice as he spoke. "Silverware aye?"

Sophie nodded her head sitting up and lifting up Chibs arms to look at the rest of his tattoos. Chibs tried not to chuckle at this.

He was stunned as the girl spoke up staring back at the Kerrianne tattoo. "Do you have a drawing of my name?"

He felt his stomach drop has he decoded drawing as being tattoo. Sophie spoke again staring over at her mother. "Mommy has one on her wrist."

"Aye she does...would ya like it I got one too?" Chibs dared to ask almost fearing that the answer would be that yes Sophie would mind it.

He had already asked Nina's permission to get a Sophie tattoo, but he couldn't help but to feel the need to ask Sophie as well.

Sophie gave him a delighted smile nodding her head as she pointed at the inside of his left wrist. "Can you put the drawing here? Like Mommy's drawing?"

"Aye I would really like that." Chibs exclaimed the delight clear in his voice.

He pulled the little girl back against him her head once again resting over his chest her dark eyes closing apparently still sleepy.

Nina settled down beside her daughter her arm wrapping around the child, her hand resting against the center of Chibs' chest.

Chibs placed his hand over Nina's wanting this moment to last forever. He didn't think he could be happier anywhere else at the moment; his youngest daughter and his old lady resting in his arms.

He felt his own eyes drift shut ready to seep into a late morning doze. His eyes opened though as a familiar sound filled the room.

He sighed a heavy grunt escaping his throat as his burner cell began to chime. He reluctantly allowed Nina to pull Sophie off of him as he turned reaching for the phone. "Aye this better be good."

"Hey sweetheart. I just wanted to double check rather or not you're coming to Tara's party tonight? Are you bringing the family?" Gemma asked her tone a bit tense not liking Chibs' tone.

Chibs rolled his eyes cursing himself for not checking his caller id before answering. Gemma didn't take snobby tones from anyone. "Aye they're comin. Nina and I are stoppin and pickin up a gift after breakfast."

"Good. I'll make sure we have some kid friendly food for the little one...Sophie right?"

Chibs nodded his head sighing knowing that Gemma knew Sophie's name. This was just her way of taking control of the situation faking naivety. "Aye."

He hung up the phone turning to face Nina as he placed it back on the bedside table. "Gemma checkin up on if we were goin to the party tonight?"

Nina resisted the urge to roll her eyes at this. Just like Gemma to interrupt a family moment with a cell phone call.

She smiled her mood lightening for a moment as Sophie awoke the action of her mother pulling her away waking her. She spoke catching the mention of a party her eyes wide. "We're going to a party?"

"Aye a friend of mine is havin a birthday and she wants us there." Chibs explained his daughter's smile cheering him up and taking his mind off of just how much Gemma might try to intrude on things tonight.

"Is she a nice friend?" Sophie asked worry clear in her eyes. She had never met her father's friends.

She heard him talk about them with her mother. She knew that they rode motorcycles with him, but that was about all she knew.

"Of course they are sweet love. They're goin to love you and her ma. Ya know why?" Chibs asked trying to soothe his daughter's obvious anxieties.

Sophie shook her head still looking apprehensive over tonight's plans.

Chibs pressed a kiss to her forehead smiling down at her. "Because I love ya and yer ma so much. If I love ya then they will too."

Nina smiled as Chibs got out of bed managing to scoop Sophie up holding her in his embrace. "Come on wee one. Let's start some breakfast yeah?"

Nina remained in bed her stomach rolling and churning.

She repeated Chibs' words in her head; If I love you then they will too.

She prayed that he was right about that.

Nina stood in her bedroom staring into the mirror above the bed as she applied her makeup. She let out a frustrated huff as she smeared her lipstick for what seemed like the millionth time.

She picked up a tissue fixing the mess before tossing it into the waste bin by her bed.

She stared back into the mirror her hands running down the white spaghetti strapped tank top she'd chosen to wear tonight.

Nina had kept the look simple; jeans, a tank top, a simple gray cardigan, and a pair of silver flats.

She felt more anxious than she would like to admit. There wasn't a part of her that was entirely thrilled about having to face Gemma Teller Morrow again tonight, but she was willing to put up with Gemma's shit for Chibs' sake.

Nina knew that this party was a big deal to Chibs. He wanted his brothers to meet Sophie and she.

Nina ran her hands down the tank top again wishing that she had made the time to iron the wrinkles from it. She had just spent so long straightening her curly locks that she hadn't quite gotten to ironing the shirt.

She silently tried to reassure herself that this was all going to be okay.

The party would be fun she told herself. She would have a nice time and meet a few of these men Chibs shared a patch with. Sophie would have fun, she would go crazy on cake. Chibs would be happy to have his two worlds unified, and Gemma would stay her distance.

Nina just wished that she believed all of this.

She turned to face the doorway as Chibs entered the room a soft smile on his face. "Are ya bout ready hen?"

'I guess...I look okay right? I wasn't sure how casual I should dress...I mean Soph is wearing a dress, but that's only because my tia got it for her and she won't take it off. I mean we're washing the thing every night... I just want to look presentable." Nina explained staring down at her wrinkled tank top.

Chibs chuckled pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he spoke up. "Ya look great love. It's just a small family party. Ya don't need to worry bout looking like yer walkin a red carpet."

He ran his fingers through her hair a bit stunned that she'd straightened it with a straightening iron. It was so long though it still held a bit of a curl to it. He couldn't help but to love it though it was such a drastic change from her usual wild curls.

Nina shook her head sighing a bit as Chibs wrapped his arms around her. "I know...I also know that this is a huge deal to you...It's like I'm meeting your parents. I never have done well with meeting the parents."

"Aye me either." Chibs joked chuckling as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

She chuckled shaking her head. "The first time a guy brought me home to meet his folks I accidentally set a cloth napkin on fire."

Chibs burst out laughing dumbfounded by this comment. "Aye how'd ya manage that?"

"There were these candles in the center of the table...I was in high school, the guy was pretty much my first real boyfriend, we were about sixteen. His mom had a nice house where all the rich people live in Charming. His mom had the huge dining room table with this white table cloth and all these candelabras in the center of the table. It was formal dining. It was his dad's birthday I think. Anyway I was trying to unfold this napkin because they had it folded tight, all fancy like you know. The lights were kind of low so I held it up to the candle so I could see and the next thing I know the damn thing is on fire." Nina explained shaking her head at this memory.

It had been the most mortifying moment of her life.

She paused her cheeks flushing at Chibs' fit of laughter. He was laughing so hard he was almost out of breath.

"What happened?" He asked taking a few deep breaths trying hard to calm himself. His stomach hurt from laughter.

"My date Randy he just throws this huge glass of water all over me to put the fire out...his mom tried to be nice about it but I could tell she was pissed. The napkin I burned to a crisp came from like a set of family heirlooms. Needless to say I wasn't totally shocked when Randy cornered me at school the following Monday and gave he the whole it's not you it's me, I think we should see other people spiel." Nina explained shaking her head again at the thought.

Though it had been so embarrassing back then it was sort of funny to think about now.

Chibs pressed another kiss to her lips as he gave her a cheeky grin. "Shite love. Ya make me sound like a saint. The only shite I got in trouble fer back when I was a lad was getting lasses home past their curfew. I never played arsonist."

She smacked his chest playfully as she spoke. "I wasn't being an arsonist on purpose."

He chuckled pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Aye I know lass. Jus don't set any fires tonight and we'll be okay."

Nina shook her head giggling at this comment. "I'll try my best. I might throw a few matches at Gemma if she pisses me off though."

Chibs smirked trying not to chuckle at this comment.

He just hoped that they could avoid any blow ups tonight.

Nina tried to keep a smile on her face as Chibs lead her and Sophie into Gemma's large house. It was fit for a queen which was no real surprise to Nina, after all the Queen of Samcro would have a castle to fit the title.

Chibs held Sophie in his arms the little girl clutching the white and pink stuffed animal bunny he had bought her today when they were out searching for Tara's birthday gift, in her free hand.

Nina had dressed the girl to impress; in a pink dress with a black and white striped bow around the waist, hot pink little mary jane shoes, her favorite earrings and Little Mermaid watch, and a pink flower clip in her curls.

Nina felt her stomach knot up as Chibs nodded to a woman with dark long locks and a clear small pregnant baby bump. He spoke to the two women a small nervous smile on his face. "This is Tara Knowles, love. Jax's old lady. Tara this is Nina and my daughter Sophie."

Tara stared at Chibs and the two new people in his life. It was strange to see him with a little family of his own. He had been alone as long as Tara had known him.

To be honest Tara had been shocked when Chibs had come back from Belfast with the other Sons. She had almost expected him to remain with his family.

She was shocked when she'd found out from Jax that Chibs had a child with Nina, and even more shocked when she'd realized that Chibs and Nina were going to be give it a go.

It was a good look for Chibs though; a family. He looked happy. She studied Nina examining the woman.

Gemma had of course talked both Tara and Lyla's ear off about the bitch Latina who Chibs was so obsessed with. Gemma had said that Nina was an unpleasant tramp who was using Chibs placing a daughter on him who probably wasn't even his.

Tara had been expecting some bitchy woman who would resemble the croweaters, some club groupie who'd done all that she could to land a Son. She had been expecting another Ima.

She was shocked to see that Nina didn't seem to fit that stereotype. She was dressed modestly, her long hair had been straightened carefully, her make up was light. She was a full figured woman. She was quite pretty; a wide friendly smile and dark hazel eyes, so dark that they were almost brown. One could only tell that her eyes had a green tone in certain lights.

Tara could tell that Nina was no Ima.

Tara could tell that the Nina was just as anxious as her. She quickly decided that Gemma was just overreacting as usual.

It was clear that Nina was being truthful; Sophie was clearly Chibs' daughter. The little girl was the perfect mix of her parents. When Sophie gave Tara a nervous little glance she could see that the girl had Chibs' dark eyes and his nose.

Tara spoke giving Nina a soft smile doing her best to make her feel welcome in Gemma's home. "Hey. I'm glad that you decided to come. Chibs has spoken a lot about you and Sophie."

Nina gave her a shy smile her stomach in tight little knots. "Good things I hope."

"Very good" Tara replied chuckling. She could spot the worry in Nina's eyes and she had to feel some sympathy for her. It took a lot of balls to come here after having a run-in with Gemma.

She spoke again looking to Chibs. "Lyla and Gemma are in the kitchen, the guys are all hanging out in the living room, kids are playing out back...just warning you Kozik brought a guest...croweater, not too happy about it..It's Trish, you know how she is."

Chibs sighed annoyed that the nice family night would be tainted by Kozik's dumb decision to bring along one of the club groupies. He didn't blame Tara for being irritated; the last thing a pregnant old lady wanted to put up with was a croweater especially at her birthday party.

Nina leaned close to Chibs' ear as Tara turned her back walking away heading back to the kitchen. "What's a croweater again?"

Chibs sighed his brain aching. He whispered into her ear as well his throat tight. "Club groupie."

Nina frowned thinking back to the leggy blonde she'd spotted hanging on Chibs that day she'd come trying to tell him about her pregnancy.

She pushed the thought from her mind knowing that it was in the past. Chibs was here with her now, they were a family.

Nina felt her stomach turn in on itself; she had a feeling that dealing with these croweaters would be an unavoidable part of life with Chibs.

She sighed wondering if she would have to worry about any of these club groupies trying to go after Chibs.

She closed her eyes for a moment banning the thought. Chibs loved her, she told herself. He would never give in to any club groupies. He wouldn't ruin their family.

Chibs took Nina's hand in his managing to balance Sophie and keep her in his arm with his free hand. He lead Nina into the living room giving his brothers a small nervous smile. "Lads this is Nina and my daughter Sophie."

Nina studied the group doing her best not to be shy. This was Chibs' family she reminded herself. He loved them.

She was still terrified that these men would think of her as the bitch who had kept Chibs' baby from him.

She raised an eyebrow as a blonde Son stepped forward from the small group.

Kozik approached Nina and Sophie his eyes clearly scanning Nina's body. "Crap Chibs you didn't say she was hot."

Chibs rolled his eyes at this not entirely delighted that the blonde Son was clearly admiring Nina's figure. Nina wasn't exactly thrilled either. She gave the man a judgmental look showing that she wasn't too pleased to be stared at like she was a piece of meat and then discussed as though she wasn't even in the room.

"Kozik shut up." Chibs remarked rolling his eyes again. Leave it to Kozik to be inappropriate. The man was pretty much the manwhore of the Sons back in Tacoma and it was clear he was doing his best to own up to that reputation here.

Nina had to smirk as Kozik stepped back looking a little like a puppy who'd just been smacked on the nose with a newspaper.

Opie shook his head stepping forward and taking Nina's hand in his giving it a shake. "I'm Opie. Chibs talks a lot about you and the peanut."

Nina gave him a soft smile amused that Chibs had told the guys their nickname for Sophie. She stared up at Opie a little stunned. He was a tall lumberjack like man. He made Nina think of a gentle giant.

Opie glanced at Sophie the little girl giving her father's brothers a nervous glance before burying her head back against Chibs' neck.

Piney pushed his son out of the way giving Nina an affectionate smile. "You didn't bring any tequila?"

Nina chuckled pleased to see a familiar face outside of Chibs and Sophie. Piney came to the bar more often than not and she had gotten to know him well.

She knew Piney was Opie's father, he had two grandchildren whom he adored, and he was a sweetheart of an old man, though a bit of a drunk.

Most of the time he showed up to the bar late at night and Nina wound up waiting on him. He could drink almost an entire bottle of tequila all by himself.

Usually he just drank and complained, and told her that if he was a younger man he'd probably try to charm her into bed.

"Sorry Piney no tequila on me. It's good to see you." Nina stated allowing the man to give her a hug.

Chibs grinned so pleased by the action. It was good to see despite Kozik's slip of tongue the men in his club were accepting Nina and Sophie.

Nina wanted to hang back with Chibs and Sophie, but had the feeling that Gemma would love knowing that she was avoiding her.

She gave Chibs a nervous smile. "I'll be in the kitchen with the other women I guess."

Nina cleared her throat giving Sophie's back a small rub as she spoke. "Do you want to go with me Soph?"

Sophie frowned tightening her grip on Chibs before muttering against his neck. "No I wanna stay with daddy."

Nina sighed already having the feeling that Sophie would fight tooth and nail to remain in Chibs' arms all night. Nina wasn't shocked Sophie had always been so shy, just like Nina had been as a little girl.

She just prayed that Sophie grew out of her introversion. She didn't want the child to remain locked in shyness the way Nina herself had been as a child.

Chibs rubbed the child's back as he spoke. "It's fine hen. I've got her."

She gave Chibs a quick kiss to the cheek handing him the little pink backpack she had filled with Sophie's coloring books and crayons.

She took a deep breath making her way to the kitchen her heart slamming in her chest.

She examined the kitchen not shocked to see that it was just as extravagant as the rest of the house. Clearly Gemma had expensive taste.

The appliances were all brand new, the counters were an expensive fine granite tile. It was a gorgeous kitchen. It made Nina's little kitchenette back home look pathetic.

Tara thankfully smiled at the sight of Nina. She took a blonde's arm in hers leading her over to the newest old lady within Samcro's inner-fold. "Nina this is Lyla. Lyla is Ope's old lady."

Nina studied the blonde. She was gorgeous; tall, thin, wearing a tiny halter top, wedge shoes, and a pair of flare jeans. Nina felt a bit like an ugly duckling in front of her.

Lyla smiled at Nina knowing what it felt like to be the new girl in samcro. "Hey nice to meet you. Ope says Chibs talks about you all the time."

Nina felt her cheeks flush slightly at this comment. She was shocked to hear that apparently Chibs talked about her to everyone. "Hi nice to meet you."

She felt her stomach fold in on itself as Gemma glanced at the friendly exchange her eyes narrowing not pleased to see that the other old ladies were welcoming Nina with open arms. "You came."

"I did." Nina remarked not missing a beat holding her head up high. She wasn't going to allow Gemma to intimidate her or make her feel unwelcome tonight.

Tara cleared her throat already knowing that Gemma was going to do whatever it took to push Nina away.

Tara felt the need to stop that from happening. It was obvious that Chibs adored Nina and as long as Nina took care of him, Tara had no problem with her. Besides Tara knew more than anyone how much it sucked to be at the receiving end of Gemma's dislike.

"So can I help with anything?" Nina asked turning her eyes away from Gemma's watchful glare.

"I could use some help with this salad." Tara remarked pulling Nina over to the opposite end of the counter from Gemma.

Nina did her best to resist stabbing Gemma with the knife she was using to cut veggies as she stood beside Tara the two women working in a comfortable silence.

She bit the inside of her cheek as the comfortable silence came to an end Gemma speaking. "I'm surprised you came tonight."

"Chibs asked me to. I thought I should meet everyone. He loves the club, I love him." Nina replied focusing on the tomatoes she was dicing.

Gemma raised an eyebrow at the word love.

Tara was quick to speak before Gemma had a chance to piss Nina off. "Sophie's adorable. She's five?"

"Yeah, just turned five last month." Nina explained a small smile on her face as she continued to work, relieved that Tara was stepping in.

Gemma was quick to speak a snide look on her face. "Maybe Chibs will be there for the next birthday."

Nina tightened her grip on the knife she was holding taking a deep breath, she couldn't snap, she was going to try to stay civil for Chibs' sake, for Sophie's sake. Sophie deserved to have a good time tonight. "He will be."

Tara narrowed her eyes at Gemma as she spoke again. "Chibs talks about her all the time...Jax told me that Chis is absolutely in love with Sophie. He's put up the pictures she's drawn all over the inside of his tool box."

Nina smiled genuinely pleased to hear this. She knew that Chibs had been asking for Sophie's drawings, but she'd had no idea what he was doing with them. She had just assumed he was putting him on the fridge in his apartment.

She cleared her throat doing her best not to let Gemma's rude comment discourage her, moving on to chopping cucumbers. "So Chibs says you're a doctor?"

"Yeah a surgeon. I work in the neonatal and prenatal unit. You work at a bar?" Tara asked sending Gemma a warning look.

Tara had promised both Jax and Chibs that she would make Nina feel welcome tonight and she intended on doing just that with our without Gemma's approval.

"Yeah, It's my aunt's bar actually...family business. My aunt's not doing well lately...so I took over." Nina explained deciding to leave out the part about how she'd started out as an artist before Sophie came along.

She had a feeling that Gemma would have something helpful to say about her pregnancy being a hindrance from her art career.

She looked up from her work as a new voice entered the mix "Gemma Kenny Winston fell I need a band-aid. He skinned up his knee."

Nina glanced up at the woman whom this voice belonged to trying hard not to show that the sight of her made her stomach drop.

The woman was wearing a barely there pair of jean shorts, a tiny tank top, and a pair of tall wedge sandals. It was clear that she had breast implants and had bleached her hair to an almost unbelievable shade of platinum blonde.

Nina guessed this was the croweater Kozik had brought along for the night.

The woman looked at Nina giving her a glare obviously not happy to see the woman in the room.

She only turned her eyes from Nina as Gemma spoke nodding her head. "There's a box of band-aids in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom Trish."

Trish sent Nina another look of disapproval before disappearing from the room.

Nina felt her stomach drop at the glare automatically not liking the woman. She sighed knowing that she might have to become accustomed to women who didn't like her.

This was going to be a long night.

Nina stood outside her stomach in knots still. Dinner was due to start at any moment but she'd excused herself for a cigarette break.

She didn't smoke though so in reality it was just a break from Gemma and her snide little remarks.

At least Tara was nice enough. Nina could see why Chibs had wanted her to meet Tara so badly. She could easily see herself becoming friends with the woman.

She could admit it was nice to have some backup in the kitchen especially with Gemma wanting to come at her once again.

Nina watched the Winston kids and Lyla's son Piper play from afar saddened to see that Sophie had chosen to remain inside with her coloring books.

At least she'd let Chibs put her down. It was a small improvement, but still. Nina would much prefer Sophie to play with the other children instead of hiding.

Nina had been the same way when she was a little girl, preferring her sketch pads over playing with other children at recess.

When Nina looked back on her childhood it wasn't happy. In fact her childhood was just lonely. She was the fat girl who had been teased to the point of just giving up on making friends.

She feared that Sophie was bound for the same lonely existence.

Nina turned when she heard the sound of the screen door behind her opening, expecting to see Chibs. She felt her stomach drop when she spotted the second last person she was hoping to see not counting Gemma, the croweater Trish.

Trish sent Nina a small glare before reaching into her bra pulling out a cigarette pack. She opened it pulling one out before lighting it and inhaling.

Trish had been none too pleased to see that Chibs had partnered up, after all she'd had her eye on him for a long while.

She had been with him once a few years back, but he'd kicked her to the side the next day and never looked at her again.

She wanted him though, Trish wanted Chibs Telford bad.

In fact she had only accepted Kozik's invitation to come to tonight's party in hopes of catching Chibs' eyes.

She was so sick of being passed around from guy to guy. She wanted a crow and not just any crow. She wanted Chibs' Telford's crow.

In Trish's opinion a fatass like Nina didn't deserve to be Chibs' old lady.

Trish was determined to get her man.

This Nina girl was in the way though. Her and the brat she'd stuck on Chibs. Trish had heard Gemma talking to Lyla and Tara before Nina had arrived.

Apparently Gemma thought that Nina was shoving the kid Chibs was sure on his, over on to him and there probably hadn't even been a dna test.

Trish was sure that if she got Nina and the kid out of the way then she could scoop Chibs up while he was heartbroken. After all he'd need a shoulder to cry on.

Trish spoke up a smug smile on her face the lie slipping through her lips. "I slept with Chibsy once you know?...I don't see what the big deal is. He wasn't that great in the sack."

Nina stared over at the croweater raising an eyebrow seeing right through Trish's statement. She spoke her voice filled with her own sense of superiority. "He pleases me just fine."

Trish tossed her cigarette down moving forward, the jealousy she felt coming to a head. "Everybody knows you're playing Chibs for a fool. Gemma knows it and she knows everything about everybody around here."

Nina shook her head annoyed, great so Gemma had brought in the club groupie. Just like the queen of samcro, manipulating everyone.

She spoke sarcasm pouring from her lips "You don't know what you're talking about honey trust me."

"I do. I heard Gemma talking there wasn't a dna test. That nappy haired little brat you're shoving on to Chibs isn't his." Trish spat out stepping even closer to Nina.

Nina lost it at this word nappy. Before she knew what she was doing she stepped forward her fist colliding with Trish's nose.

Trish fell back on to the cement patio a crack sounding through out the area as her nose broke. She reached up clutching her nose as the blood started to flow. Trish stared up at Nina a screech escaping her throat. "You bitch."

At the sound of Trish's screech the screen door opened Tara, Gemma, Chibs, Piney, Kozik, and Opie spilling out into the backyard.

Chibs stepped forward making his way over to Nina as he spoke. "What happened?"

"She said something about Sophie...I just lost it...she talked about her hair...called it nappy." Nina admitted ashamed that her temper had gotten the best of her.

She just couldn't take anyone talking about her child. The mother in her had acted.

Tara stepped forward quick to come to Nina's defense. She stared down at Trish who was still clutching her shattered nose. "You need to leave now Trish."

Trish stood up going to Kozik giving her her best pouty look. Kozik shook his head instantly regretting taking Trish with him tonight, out of all the croweaters he could have chosen he'd chosen one who would come at Nina. "I think you should leave Trish."

Gemma stood back watching this exchange a small smile on her face. She hated to admit it but she was impressed. Nina had reacted just the way she had been hoping; just like a true old lady defending her baby.

She spoke narrowing her eyes at the croweater. "I want you gone. Don't come back to the clubhouse our I'll let Nina loose on you again. Trust me sweetheart, she'll rip the silicone right out of those tits."

Nina widened her eyes stunned by Gemma's statement. She had expected Gemma to try to turn this around on her; to try to say that she'd ruined Tara's party.

Trish stared wide eyed from Gemma to Opie as he came beside her taking her arm in his and speaking to Gemma. "I'll make sure she leaves."

Chibs rubbed Nina's back sighing. Things hadn't turned out the way he'd been hoping they would at all.

Nina peeked around him as she spoke. "Sophie didn't hear anythign did she?"

"No hen. She's still inside. She was showing her coloring books to Lyla." Chibs reassured Nina thankful that the girl hadn't heard any of this.

The last thing Nina and he wanted to do was explain why Mommy had hit someone.

He spoke again letting out a soft sigh. "I'm goin to go check on Sophie."

Nina reluctantly allowed Chibs to pull away from her. She closed her eyes guilt flooding her. This was supposed to be a nice night and she had ruined it by snapping and breaking a croweater's nose.

Gemma came up beside her a proud smile on her face. "You did good baby. Just like a real old lady."

Nina opened her eyes staring at Gemma as though she'd lost her mind. "I did what mother's do...I protected my daughter, there's nothing old lady about it."

And with that she walked away from Gemma making her way inside doing her best to avoid anyone's gaze.

She went to the nearest bathroom shutting the door behind her.

She turned on the sink splashing her face with cool water. She sighed staring into the mirror mentally scolding herself for letting Trish get to her.

Was Chibs upset with her Nina wondered. She had ruined the night hadn't she?

Nina took a few deep breaths opening the door shocked to be met face to face with Chibs. She opened her mouth ready to apologize for ruining things, for letting her temper take over.

She didn't have a chance to say a word though as Chibs embraced her pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He spoke his voice filled with shame. "I'm sorry hen."

Nina pulled back staring up at him her eyes filled with confusion. "Why are you apologizing...I'm the one who just broke a woman's nose."

He pressed a kiss to her forehad shaking his head. "Aye ya did, but ya did it because she talked shite about Sophie. If ya hadn't of done it I would have."

HE spoke again his hand rubbing her back as he held her close. "I shoulda warned ya bout Trish...lass aint righ in the head. She just sits and stares at me every time she sees me at the clubhouse...That's why Tara was apologizin...She knows from talkin to Jax that Trish is determined to get a crow...my crow. She probably thought she could start shite with ya and push ya away. Kozik didn't know, he's new here in Charming...he didn't know Trish is nuts."

Nina nodded her head understanding. So that had been Trish's game. Apparently it had nothing to do with Gemma.

She spoke sighing bile rising in her throat. "Did you tell Gemma we haven't had a dna test done on Sophie and you?"

"No love. I told her we had one to shut her up...why?" Chibs asked puzzled as to why she was bringing this up now.

Nina sighed shaking her head. "I'll tell you later."

Chibs frowned wanting to force her to tell him right this second. He held it in though knowing she'd put up with enough tonight.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead giving her a small tight smile. "Come on hen, let's get back out there."

She gave him a soft smile still feeling so guilty. "I'm sorry I spoiled the party."

Chibs shook his head pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Ya didn't. Everyone loves ya. Trust me lass if they hated ya they wouldn't have backed ya up when it came to Trish."

Nina nodded her head a bit stunned at this. He was right.

They liked her. Despite her little blow up Chibs' family liked her.

Chibs pressed a kiss to her hand as they made their way down the hall out into the living room.

Nina smiled pleased to see that Sophie was still coloring with Lyla by her side.

Sophie smiled up at her mother and Nina realized that everything was going to be okay.

This was her family now. Chibs was right.

If I love you then they will too.

Reviews? Constructive Criticism?

If anyone wants to know I picture the plus sized model Ashley Graham as who I based Nina on. Thanks to Sillygabby for pointing Ashley Graham out to me when I was trying to think of a good face claim.