They had made it back to Charming relatively on schedule, making it in just shy of 10 hours. Only having to make a few stops for fuel and Happy forcing Lexi to eat. Luckily her pregnancy bladder hadn't kicked in yet so that saved them time. Sensing how tense she was the closer they got to their destination, Happy knew they needed to talk before getting to the clubhouse and they wouldn't have any chance at alone time. Coming to a stop by the 'Welcome to Charming' sign, Happy killed the engine and helped her off his bike.

"Why are we stopping?" she asked wrapping her arms around herself and shivering despite the 80 degree weather.

"Wanna talk," he replied grabbing her hand and pulling her into his arms. Looking down at her, he couldn't help but pull her in for what would probably be his last kiss for a few days. What was meant to be a simple kiss, quickly intensified as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself even closer. Lifting her by her waist, she wrapped her legs around his body clinging to him like her life depended on it. Leaning back against his bike, he started working his way down her neck softly kissing to her sweet spot.

"Happppp," she whined. "Don't start something you can't finish." Grinding her center on his growing bulge, she knew they needed the distraction. Well she did.

"Don't act like you don't always finish multiple times," he mumbled into her neck, pulling back he raised an eyebrow at her as she giggled. Unwrapping her legs and setting her back down on the ground he kissed her forehead as she pouted. "Rearrange your face. No way I'm fucking you on the side of the road like a sweet butt anyways. You're better than that shit and you know it. Still need to know where your head's at."

"I'll be fine, I'm just not happy about the situation. I don't want to hide our relationship or pregnancy, any of it. I want to be able to not sneak around but at the same time I'm terrified of the outcome when dad finds out. I've seen how ruthless he can be. I don't want you or our child on the other end of that. Ma won't even care about us once she finds out about the baby. Though I suspect she will try using it as an excuse for needing to become your Old Lady and further linked forever into the club."

"We don't have to hide it if you're that nervous. I'll go to Clay as soon as we get to TM and take repercussions if there are any. Don't worry about me. You should already know nothing is going to harm you or this child."

"It's not just the repercussions that make me worry Hap. I don't want them in our business. It's our life to live, not for SAMCRO to dictate. As soon as the relationship comes out, you know they will be all over us. How long? Why didn't you get anyone's blessing? Did you give me your crow? Are you just using me for sex? Why did no one know? Shit Hap, what if they find out Kozik has known since May? I hadn't even thought of that one." She was panicking again. She couldn't help it. For months, since they found out about the baby to be exact, these questions were constantly running through her head. Yes she knew announcing their relationship would cause some grief, but nothing compared to now also announcing a baby in the mix as well.

She knew he would do anything he could to make sure their little family was taken care of. He always did. He'd been pulling extra runs just to gather up as much cash as possible to get a bigger place and stashing some away to make sure he didn't have to leave as often once the baby came. To Lexi's surprise, he had even started building the nursery. Making sure their little one had nothing but the best, top of the line gear. But as fiercely as he protected and cared for them, she wanted him safe too. Lexi had grown up in the life. She knew the protocols, but that didn't stop the worry. Having feelings for her made him vulnerable. Clay wouldn't allow his club killer any distraction. Blood or not, club always comes first.

"Lex, we're fine. We're adults. These are our decisions. When we get to TM we will access the situation and make a game plan. For right now, we will keep distance until I can take you home."

"Okay," she reluctantly agreed. It was never that simple with her family or the club. But if he was so sure they could do this, she would let him try and make a valid effort herself. Hearing the rumble of bikes in the distance, she knew they couldn't get caught in each other's arms. "Let's get to TM before I change my mind again."

Climbing on his bike, they made it back on the road in time for Jax and Tig to come around a corner and join them on the outskirts of town. With a quick nod to each other, Jax took the front of the formation with Tig in the rear. Not as ready as she thought, Lexi tightened her grip on Happy's abdomen, snuggled her face into his back taking a deep breath. Using his scent as her strength, she prepared for the worst as they pulled into the lot at TM.

Gemma stood in the doorway of the clubhouse giving out orders as she heard the rumble of the bikes. Watching the gate open, she knew her baby was finally home and safe. She didn't doubt the killer's ability to get her daughter back, but it didn't change the matter that she wasn't under full club protection. Walking towards the guys as they backed their bikes into the lineup she noticed the hesitation in her daughter's features. She knew things were tense when Lexi left for Seattle but you'd think after almost a year, she would have had time to relax and be happier to be home.

"You're not getting the hoodie back," Lexi whispered as she climbed off the back of Happy's bike.

"I'd expect no less," Happy quietly replied with a light chuckle. Climbing off his bike he was greeted by his brothers as he watched the queen of bikers walk across the lot towards them. Here we go, he thought to himself.

"Lex, baby girl, oh I'm so glad you're finally home." Gemma gushed as she pulled her daughter into a hug. Lexi pulled back quickly before her mother could notice her growing stomach through the layers of clothes. Looking to Happy, Gemma asked, "How was the ride?"

"Fine," Happy and Lexi both answered all too quickly.

"Ma, let her breathe, they just had a 10 hour ride." Jax scolded his mother coming around to wrap his arm around his sister's shoulders and grabbing her bag from Happy. "Come on princess, you can bunk with me."

"Ohh goodie," Lexi replied sarcastically with an eye roll.

"Better than having her chew your ass for avoiding home for almost a year, " he said nodding his head back at Gemma who watched them suspiciously.

"Hey, it was safer to stay gone. Y'all always have too much drama going on. Speaking of, why the lockdown Jax? Why am I being drug home from Seattle?"

"Just shit with the Mayans. They've been networking up there for the h trade. Some shit's about to go down so we didn't want to risk anything and brought you home. Look who's finally home," He announced, addressing the full clubhouse. She was quickly greeted by the Sons, getting kisses to the head and tight hugs from her psuedo uncles. Not seeing her father in the main room, she peaked her head into the open door of the chapel.

"Hi daddy," she said in a low voice. Clay slowly looked up from the Redwood at his daughter. She'd changed in the time he hadn't seen her. Though her hair was braided, he could tell it was longer and she now had it dyed a deep red with hints of black instead of it's natural blonde. She had bags under her eyes he was sure had been caused by exhaustion. He could see it all over her face. Seeing her hiding under a giant hoodie, he was sure she was hiding more. He'd soon make a point to figure out what.

"Princess," he said standing and opening his arms to hug her. She was reluctant, but hugged him anyway. Holding her close, he felt her hesitation in hugging him. "I've missed you! I'm glad you're finally home." Hearing those words she finally relaxed into the hug, forgetting the anger that could follow if the secret came out. "You look exausted. Must have been a long ride."

"Yeah, something like that," she replied with a small chuckle as he walked them out of chapel. Coming back into the main room, she instantly made eye contact with Happy who was sitting at the bar with a beer in his hand. He gave her a questioning look seeing the closeness between her and Clay. Lexi subtly shook her head. Mentally crossing her fingers hoping her father hadn't caught it.

"I'd like everyone's attention," Clay announced loudly, addressing the room. "You're all here because you mean something to the club. You're family and we protect family." With the last sentence he looked down at his daughter and gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "Over the next few days, we have a few things happening that could threaten your safety. Because of this, we want you safe within the compound. No one leaves without a patch and permission. Any comfort concerns need taken up with Gemma. She will gladly make sure your accomodations are at highest standard. Men, church in 10." Releasing his hold on Lexi's shoulder and a quick kiss to her head, he whispered in her ear "Go find your mother."

Walking towards the end of the bar where her mother stood, Lexi couldn't help but let her eyes quickly wander towards Happy. He was talking quietly with Tig. Getting caught up, she mentally noted. Reaching her mother, she was pulled into another hug from the woman.

"Oh baby, I'm so glad you're home. You've been so missed."

"I've missed the family too, Ma. So where ya want me?" She asked her mother knowingly needing a distraction.

"I've got dinner about taken care of, wanted to make sure the guys ate before going out. Ya hungry?"

"Not really," hearing Happy clear his throat behind her, she knew he had heard her answer without even looking at him. She quickly added, "but I'll eat. I've missed your cooking." She was hoping buttering Gemma up may soften the blow when the secret came out.

"You were on the road for awhile, you go take a quick shower while the guys are in church and I'll get ya a plate ready for when you're done." Kissing her head she gently guided her daughter towards the hall with the dorms. Seeing Happy retreat down the same hall, Lexi quickened her pace hoping to catch him before he made it to his dorm. Rounding the corner she was quickly pulled into a room, hand covering her mouth to stop the scream about to be released.