Charming, CA - 1984

Gracie

I take the officers hand as he guides me out of the police cruiser and we're standing in a busy automotive repair shops parking lot. Several motorcycles are aligned near the main building and loud greasy men are moving all around us laughing and cussing. I watch silently as a tall, muscular man with dark hair and a mustache walks confidently out of the office area towards us - keeping his eyes on the policeman when he stands before us with his hands on his hips.

"Can I help you, officer?" His voice is deep, vibrating in my chest as I tilt my head to look up at him in wonder. Most of the men my mom entertains are scrawny and quiet and this man is anything but. He looks like a giant before us.

"You Clay Morrow?"

"Yes sir." He finally looks down at me and smiles before returning his attention to the officer. Clay's eyes are bright blue and oddly familiar.

"Do you know a Kathleen Reed-Morrow?"

Clay looks down at me again and nods. "Kitty. My ex-wife… we've been divorced about… five years now. I haven't seen her since it was finalized. Bitch threw a brick into the windshield of my '76 Nova in the court house parking lot."

I look down at my hands; picking at my fingernails as nervousness fills my chest. After they sent my mom away they told me they were taking me to my dad, a man I've never met. What if he doesn't want me? What happens to me then?

"Ms. Reed was arrested this morning in Carson County Nevada. Drug related charges. She's made some dangerous friends the past several years Mr. Morrow and we thought it best if your daughter comes to stay with you."

Clay looks back to the officer quickly. "My… daughter?"

"You were listed on her birth certificate and besides Kathleen, her only living relative." The officer seems to give him a moment to process this information before continuing. "There are… foster care options available if you would rather go that route, Mr. Morrow. I'll just need to verify your identity and get some signature's."

"Foster… what? This is my kid?"

"Yes, sir. This is Gracie."

Clay is looking at me with wide confused eyes now; turning back to the office and then towards the workers who have all stopped to stare at us now. He motions for one of them then looks at me again.

"No kid of mine is going to be in some damn foster care! Why the fuck didn't Kitty tell me I had a kid?!" I flinch at Clay's raised voice and then he reaches for me; ushering me to his side. "Bobby - go find Gemma." Clay turns to the officer - standing protectively in front of me now. "No foster care."

"Very good, Mr. Morrow. I just need a few signature's from you then and I'll be on my way. I have the paperwork with me in the car."

I glance up as a pretty lady comes to stand beside me quickly; looking between me and Clay then to the officer. Clay meets her gaze - quietly assuring her that he has things under control and then she kneels down to my level and gives me a comforting smile.

"Hi baby. I'm Gemma. Do you want some candy? I've got a whole jar of jelly beans in the office. I don't let any of these nasty boy's touch them." A giggle escapes me as I nod and she takes my hand; glancing back to Clay with wide eyes as she ushers me across the parking lot and into the small office.

"What's your name baby?"

"Gracie."

"That's a very pretty name. What's your mommy's name?" I hesitate for a moment; studying the nice lady with dark poofy hair and red lipstick. Mom always told me if someone asks about her to keep quiet but she's gone now so I decide to trust Gemma.

"Kitty. She went to jail today."

Gemma sits back in her chair studying me and I'm embarrassed for what she must see. It's hard to brush through the knots in my hair and my fingernails are dirty. I try to hide them under the oversized coat the officer gave me from the police stations lost and found section.

"Don't you worry about any of that now, baby. That big guy out there talking to the officer is your daddy and he's not going to let anything happen to you."

I meet Gemma's eyes and finally smile, feeling relief wash over me as she gives me a handful of jelly beans.

X

Opie

"What the hell am I going to do with a little girl, Gemma?"

Clay's voice booms through the bar as Jax mom closes the door to the meeting room and I glance up to the girl she sat down beside us.

This is Clay's daughter Gracie. Be nice to her! She had said that to Jax.

Gracie is sitting quietly with her head down; looking at the brown and green crayons before her that Gemma had grabbed quickly before following Clay into the other room. Jax is sitting on top of the bar pushing a toy car over the ridges in the thick wood, ignoring both of us.

"Here." I say quietly; shoving a few more crayons in the girls direction as she takes the pink one and begins scribbling on the back of the envelope Gemma gave her. "T-thanks."

"I'm Opie. What's your name?"

When she lifts her head I nearly drop my car; staring into bright blue eyes that look a lot like Clay's. "Gracie." She answers softly as I introduce Jax who continues pushing his matchbox past mine - avoiding a massive wreck.

"Is… Clay… your dad too?" She asks Jax as he sits up quickly and narrows his eyes. "No! My dad's in Ireland doing important motorcycle shit."

I watch Gracie nod and let her eyes fall quickly, embarrassed. "Don't be an asshole, Jax." I mutter and look towards Gracie again. She's staring down at her fingers, picking nervously at her nails. "Don't worry about him. Gemma whooped his ass earlier for cussing. She says he's feral and they had to keep him caged until he was three years old."

Gracie laughs as Jax slides down the bar further away from us but I catch his sly grin.

"Is Clay your dad?" She whispers to me - looking to the closed meeting door quickly. "No. My dad's Piney." I say and point to the large man at the end of the bar who's suppose to be watching us. Gracie looks to dad just as he leans back in his chair; finishing his beer and nearly falling backward causing more soft giggles to fill the room. "He's funny." She assures and meets my eyes again.

I smile; offering her another handful of colorful crayons. "Thanks, Opie." I nod - searching her eyes before turning my attention back to the race I'm currently losing with Jax.

X

Opie

I open my eyes slowly; glancing around the small dark room as my eyes fall to a sleeping Gracie beside me in the bed. She's on her stomach - soft lips parted as she breathes evenly - the sheets barely covering her bare ass. Fuck, she's beautiful. I run my fingers down her spine causing her to stir slightly and a smile to form on her face.

"You're so beautiful, baby.." I whisper as she opens one blue eye and laughs. "You're beautiful." Assuring me as she nuzzles into the pillow and lets her hair fall over her face.

We've been in our house for two months now - a quaint little one story place within walking distance of Piney's. I can touch every wall in the kitchen if I stand in the middle and the shower spray barley hits me in the chest but it's affordable and I can fuck Gracie over every square inch without having to listen to Piney complain about the noise or worry about the last place Tig took a crow.

I shake the thought and place my lips on Gracie's shoulder; kissing her soft skin as she stirs again and a quiet sigh escapes her. "Why are you so against sleep?"

"I can't sleep with you lying here looking so beautiful."

She laughs and turns her face to me - watching carefully as I lay back on the bed and meet her eyes. "I love you." I say and Gracie reaches out to touch my cheek; running her fingers along my jaw before pushing herself up on her arms quickly. "I've got to pee!" She announces and leaps from the bed. "Like now."

It's my turn to laugh as I turn on my back - staring up at the ceiling while listening to her shuffle around in the bathroom. The past two months having her with me have been amazing. Everything I thought my life would be one day. The club's good, her shop should be open by the end of the month and we've finally started planning things out for our wedding. Life is good.

"Ope."

"Hmm."

Silence follows after the toilet flushes and then Gracie is standing beside me holding a pregnancy test in her shaking hands. She hands it to me as I sit up in the bed and find two identical blue lines on the device - looking up at her quickly. Happy tears pool in her eyes as she nods before I even have to ask.

"Holy shit." I'm going to be a dad. I place the pregnancy test on the bed side table and pull Gracie into my arms; burying my face in the bend of her neck as I wrap myself around her tightly. "You're pregnant with my baby."

Gracie pulls away from me just enough to look into my eyes; her lashes wet with tears and her smile contagious. "God baby, I love you so much." I whisper between us - kissing her quickly as she slides her hand into the back of my hair and pulls me closer; brushing her tongue against mine as a groan escapes me. I let my mouth fall from hers and kiss her jaw, moving down so my lips graze her neck as I lay back on the bed and bring her down with me. "I love you Opie…" She whispers against my ear, straddling my hips as my breath catches in my throat and she sinks down on my aching dick. "Fuck, Gracie…" I groan - clutching her hips in my hands as she begins to move; pushing herself up so she's riding me easily and my hands move over her body to her perfect breast. "Oh god…Ope..."

Her head falls back as I thrust into her; placing my hands on her stomach as thoughts of our baby suddenly flood my brain. Shit, what if I'm hurting him. I sit up on the bed slowly - managing to stay inside of her as I hold Gracie against my chest. "Go slow." I order as she wraps her legs around me and begins grinding her hips into mine; our foreheads touching, her lips parted and breath shallow as I feel her body begin to tighten around me.

"Opie…." She cries, clinging to me as her release vibrates through her body causing her to sink into my arms. "I love you…" She groans as I lay her back on the bed, thrusting into her slowly as her fingers tangle into my hair. "I want to marry you." I whisper, feeling her tighten around me again as she holds my gaze and nods her head.

"Today." I grunt, closing my eyes as my own release washes over me quickly causing my arms to nearly give out. I manage to not crush her, climbing to her side before collapsing into the mattress with a groan. Gracie turns to me; closing the space between us as I wrap an arm around her and kiss her lips quickly.

"Okay…" She assures with a grin; brushing my hair from my face before kissing me again. "Really?" I mutter against her lips. I think Bobby maybe ordained, or maybe it's Happy. "Gemma will kill me. She's got table decorations coming and we're supposed to go dress shopping this weekend."

"Mmm." I mutter, unable to hide my disappointment. I open my eyes - meeting her pretty blue gaze. "We could go to the court house. She'll think we're just getting the paper work for the license." A sly grin spreads across my face as I lean into her kiss - sliding my hand into her hair. An hour later we're standing in front of the magistrate vowing our lives to each other and I swear I don't think my heart can hold anymore love for this woman.

X

Gracie

"That's the one, baby." I smooth the silky fabric over my stomach and smile up at Gemma who's standing with me in the boutique looking every bit the proud mother. She places her hands on my shoulders - smiling brightly as tears rim my lashes for the millionth time today.

"I'm pregnant." The words fly from my mouth without thinking - not that it's a secret but she's the only person who knows besides Opie and Jax…. and Tara. Maybe Tig's because he's always lurking somewhere in the bar. Oh, and Piney who's already bought three outfits; all for boys. Gemma's eye's go wide and then she hugs me, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "Oh, baby. That's wonderful news. You're going to be an amazing mother."

"Only because of you." I assure her; wiping the tears that streak my face now. "Oh, honey. I love you." Gemma assures and I tell her I love her too. "Opie and I went to the court house and got married last Tuesday." All of my secrets are flying out of my mouth today but Gemma just smiles. "I know. Unser saw you waiting in the lobby. You know he can't keep anything from me."

I laugh; still crying as Gemma hands me a tissue from her purse. "I'm so happy for you, baby. You and Opie? I didn't know love like that existed." I wrap my arms around Gemma again as a sob escapes me and she runs her hands over my back. "Do you still want to have the wedding?"

"Yes! We just went to the court house for us. I found out I was pregnant that morning and.. it just felt right. We still want to celebrate with everyone and I want dad to walk me down the aisle…"

Gemma smiles and nods. "He'll love that baby."

"I think we'll have to move the date up though so I can still fit in this dress. My hips are getting out of hand."

"That means it's a boy." Gemma assures me with a wink as the boutique owner comes back into the room to see what we think of this dress. "I think this is the one." I tell her, placing my hand on my stomach as Gemma puts her arm around me.

X

Two weekends later I'm standing beside Clay in a small closed off area of a church watching nervously as Jax and Tara walk down the aisle towards Opie. My husband looks so handsome standing tall with his hands clasped in front of him - hair pulled back from his face and deep blue eyes shiny with tears.

"You look beautiful, kid." Clay mutters at my side, offering me his arm as the music slowly melts away into the wedding march and I take a deep breath. We move to the door and then I place one foot in front of the other as we make my our way to Opie whose smile causes me to nearly break out into a run. Clay laughs quietly beside me; keeping me by his side just a little longer. "I love you, dad. I guess I never l really thanked you for taking me in that day."

When we stop at the front of the church Clay turns to me; his serious gaze searching mine. "You never have to thank me, kid. I love you." He kisses my cheek and then we turn to Opie as the preacher asks who is giving me away.

"I am… and her mother, Gemma." Clay says confidently as we find Gemma on the front pew sitting beside Unser. She smiles at me with tears in her eyes mouthing I love you as Clay places my hand in Opie's.

X

Opie

A swell of emotions catch in my throat as Gracie stands before me looking like the girl I've dreamed of every day for as long as I can remember. Her dress is long and silky; clinging to her curves and she looks so damn beautiful I feel tears stinging my eyes. When Clay places her hand in mine it feels like home.

"Hi." She whispers as the music quiets down around us. "Hi." I say back softly; my face hurting from smiling so much and I glance over to Jax as I quickly wipe away a tear that threatens to fall. My best friend - my brother - is grinning at me as he stands proud by my side and then the preacher begins to speak.

"We are gathered here today to bless the union of Harry Winston and Grace Morrow." One of the guys whistles from the back of the church causing a muffled laugh through the room. The preacher clears his throat. "Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other and trust in that love. It is a symbol of your devotion and honor to one another and as you unite yourselves today before God I ask you to remember this love in times of struggle. Honor this love fiercely in times of happiness and never take it for granted."

Gracie wipes at the tears spilling down her cheeks quickly as she smiles; whispering I love you between us as the preacher calls for the rings. Jax eyes go wide and then he laughs, handing over the simple gold bands. Tig, because it can only be Tig, whistles again - cat calling Jax as Gemma turns in her seat and glares at the bikers in the back row.

We recite a few things, none I'll ever remember and then when the preacher instructs me to I kiss Gracie until my lungs burn for air and when she pulls away I kiss her again causing the church to erupt in applause and cheers.

X

Gracie

All of the best days of my life have been shared with Opie. My sixth birthday - the first one I ever had with streamers and cupcakes, spending junior prom on the roof of Teller-Morrow where he kissed me for the first time, laughing with him in a prison visitation room while we reminisced on our life together. Becoming his wife.

"He really is a good Elvis." I whisper against Opie's chest as he tightens his hold around my back and we sway slowly to Bobby's crooning cover of Can't Help Falling In Love. The Clubhouse is decorated with tiny tea light candles and Gemma's prized jeweled centerpieces on each table. A three tier cake half eaten by the bar and my friends and family surrounding me. This day can't be anymore perfect… if only Tig would stop asking me about throwing my bouquet to the "next lucky lady". I think he's hoping I'll throw it out the window so none of his conquest accidentally catch it. I lift my head as Opie's deep voice vibrates his chest and he's singing the words to the song quietly above me.

He smiles when I catch him and leans down to kiss me deeply. "I love you." I whisper once he pulls away and then Tig appears in my peripheral vision and a quiet groan escapes me.

"Gracie? I don't mean to keep bothering you it's just… when you throw the bouquet you'll uh, throw wide right? I'll try to keep Trina… and Josie and… uh, CiCi near the front."

I rest my head on Opie's chest again and smile, nodding slightly. "I promise. It won't get to them."

"Thanks, Gracie. Ope. Congratulations again, brother."

Just as Bobby finishes up his sweet Elvis rendition Opie motions for Jax and when he's beside us I ask him to gather up the single women so I can throw this damn bundle of flowers and get Tig to leave me alone. He grins and nods, disappearing through the bar.

X

"All the single ladies!" Bobby announces in a sing song voice as I stand near the bar in front of several eager… in Tig's case - very eager ladies. I find him in the crowd chewing on his lip nervously. "You too Tara Knowles! Any unwed ladies out here gather around for your shot at becoming one of Samcro's members old lady! Trina! CiCi! You girls in the back - better luck catching it back there. This girls got an arm like a cannon."

"Like her dad!" Clay says loudly causing everyone to laugh.

I feel Opie's hands on my hips as he leans forward and kisses my exposed shoulder. "Throw wide, baby." His words send a shiver over me then I'm smiling at Tara who's been pushed towards the front of the crowd as everyone beings to cheer. I turn my back to the excited ladies and smile at Opie and Jax,hoisting the beautiful bouquet of lily's over my head. Just as I'm about to toss the lilies I turn around and hand the bouquet to one of my oldest and dearest friends who looks at me with wide confused eyes. A silent gasp falls over the bar and then Tig's yells "thank fuck" from somewhere near the exit.

"Gracie…?" Tara whispers just as Opie pulls me to the side and Jax steps in front of Tara going down to one knee before her and taking her shaking hand in his. "Tara, I love you. I've had this ring for a long… fucking time… but today feels right. You feel right, baby. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife?"

I sink back into Opie's embrace as Tara nods and lets Jax place the diamond on her hand - hugging him tightly as we all clap and cheer.

X

Opie already carried me across the threshold of our house the Tuesday after returning from the court house so I didn't feel too awfully bad for nearly falling asleep in his arms tonight as he makes the easy walk from our driveway to the small living room.

"I'm sorry baby." I whisper sleepily as he carries me to our bed, sinking to the mattress with me still in his embrace. "You're growing our son. It's fine." He assures as I laugh and kick off my shoes, groaning from the relief and my swelling ankles. I watch idly as Opie lays me on the bed and moves down a few inches to take one of my feet in his strong hands. The sounds that leave my lips are better than the ones I make during sex and his grin widens.

"Why does all of Samcro think they only make boys? Clay obviously made a girl. Tig has two daughters."

"They're not as manly as the rest of us." Opie assures with a laugh hitting the perfect spot on the middle of my foot as my head falls back to the pillow. "What makes you think this is a boy?" I ask softly, resting my hands on my flat stomach. Opie stops massaging my foot and looks at me seriously. "Because I dream about him."

A flood of emotion fills my chest at the thought as tears instantly well up in the corners of my eyes.

"Aw, Ope."

He grins and looks away sheepishly. "He's going to be beautiful… like you. Bright blue eyes and blond hair. Smart… also like you… but tall like me and tough as shit… like you." We both laugh as he grabs my other foot and begins kneading his fingers into the aching ligaments.

"How did I get so lucky to be yours, Opie?" I ask him as my eyes close and his wonderful fingers move up to my ankle; rubbing it gently. "You could have had any porn star in Cara Cara." I add quickly, opening one eye to see his grin. "You're the only girl I ever wanted, baby." He mutters; voice deep as I feel the weight of the day sink into me. We sit in blissful silence as I replay this perfect day in my mind and when I fall asleep I dream of a little blue eyed boy.

X