Epilogue
Even though I was expecting it hearing the judge sentencing Jax to jail time ripped right into the middle of my heart. He didn't even get a chance to kiss me goodbye, or say a single word before he was being led out of the room by a couple of guards. Apparently his 'flight risk' was deemed too high for him to be able to begin his sentence at a later date.
The prosecuting attorney had argued with his access to funds of the level we had and his ability to leave the state without being noticed it was too high a risk for him to be allowed to leave for any length of time, despite Patrick arguing about Jax's responsibilities of his son, his wife, three businesses and a second child on the way Jax's sentence was due to start within 24 hours after all the paperwork had been done and the transfer to Stockton Memorial had been confirmed.
Leaning back against the chair the heavy weight of Clay's hand lands on one shoulder "It's okay pumpkin. We're still here." Blinking against the tears in my eyes I nod, the entire of SAMCRO, old ladies included, had shown up to support us for Jax's sentencing.
I stifle the sob that attempts to erupt from my chest "I know you are Uncle Clay but I've got to go through all of this alone. His birthday, my birthday, Christmas, Abel's first birthday, pregnancy, shopping for baby stuff. He may miss the labour, birth, bringing our child home."
Gemma comes around the bench from one side while Donna arrives from the other side, both of them sitting down beside me and grabbing my hands.
Donna snorts "If you think you're going through any of this alone you've got another thing coming. Fuck I'll give in and have you, Abel and the mutt move into my brand new house to give you help if you need it."
Gemma smiles at her and nods, running her free hand over my hair "Baby there's no way you're going through any of this alone. Jax wouldn't let it happen."
Opie snorts and leans over the bench, his head resting on my shoulder so he can look into my eyes at a very short distance "You know how Jax vanished yesterday and you threw a fit?" I nod and Opie smiles "You wanna know where he went?" I nod again and he chuckles "He made me go shopping with him for some camcorder thing so I can record every memorable moment."
Happy laughs loudly as we all get to our feet, his arm coming around my shoulders, Donna stepping backwards to allow him to walk beside me and whisper in my ear "And I promise I won't let anyone film anything that's not PG rated."
I lean into Happy's side, taking comfort from the hard plains of his body and the smell of leather and gunpowder that oozes through all the Sons pores.
Stepping out into the sunshine outside the courthouse I sigh and step down towards Jax's truck and start a mental countdown of how long the 6 months he's been given is.
Juice, his arm finally free of the sling he'd been forced into for weeks whispers quietly behind me "181 days."
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