Chapter Three
Thanksgiving 1992
" I see you, Jaycee Lenora. " Uncle John's voice booms.
Giggling I push the curtain open and jump out. " Boo! "
" Ah! You got me darlin'. " He says comically before looping my arm with his. " Come on, Aunt Gemma says it's time for turkey. "
Feeling my stomach growl I exclaim, " yay! I love turkey. "
" So does your mom. It's her favorite on the holidays. That's why we have it for Christmas too. " He says smiling.
When we get back into the dining room Mom and Aunt Gemma smile at us. " Jaycee, go wash up for dinner, baby. "
" Okay, Mom don't start without me! " I tell them while on my way to the kitchen.
...
" Let's go around and say what we're all thankful for. "
" I'm thankful to have my husband back from Ireland. " Aunt Gemma says while lacing fingers with Uncle John.
He brings her hand up and kisses it a few times. " I'm thankful to be back home with my family. "
" I'm thankful that my old man will be home soon. " Mom says while lifting her glass.
" I'm also thankful we didn't have a whole full crowd to feed this year. " Aunt Gemma adds as we all start piling our plates with the delicious food.
Excitedly I say, " I'm thankful for turkey ".
" Me too. " Jax says from next to me.
...
After stuffing myself with turkey, mashed potatoes, macaroni, and cheese, and stuffing me and Jax sit down and watch Super Mario World on TV. He promised that later me, him, and Opie could play Nintendo. It's really fun and I can't wait.
" Jaycee come here. " I hear my Mom call from the kitchen.
Running the whole way I have to take a few deep breaths. She smiles and holds out the landline. " Daddy's on the phone. "
Taking from her excitedly I speak into the receiver. " Daddy? "
Hey darlin' Happy Turkey Day.
" You too, Daddy. " I say wishing he were here with us. " Are you having turkey today, too? "
I sure am, don't you worry. How's school going?
" It's good! Report cards are going out soon and I think I'm going to get all E's. " ( exceeds grade level standard ) I tell him knowing that he wants me to do well.
That's because you're a smart cookie. Just like your Mama. Anything else exciting going on over there?
" Me and Jax caught a gecko and I named him Barry Manilow. " I say knowing he doesn't like creepy crawlers. " He lives in a fish tank and eats bugs. "
You couldn't get a dog or something?
" Nope, " I say popping the P. " I like Barry. "
There are three minutes left. Ding!
Jaycee, give the phone back to your Mama. I'll talk to you next time.
" Okay Daddy, I love you. " I tell him like always.
I love you too, darlin'.
Thanksgiving 2014
TM
Jaycee
Another Turkey Day is here. Every member of SAMCRO is in attendance at the clubhouse with their families/significant others. This is our first holiday since Tara, Bobby, Gemma, and Jax... The feeling of loss has spread across the compound in a thick layer. This time last year Jax, Abel, and I were stealing freshly made peanut butter cookies that Bobby had just taken out of the oven.
He always made all of the desserts when the holidays came around. Lucky for us he had his recipes written down exactly. So Sassi, Bri, Lila, Piper, Ellie, and I have been baking up a storm. It has been really good bonding for everyone. If these are the women and future women of SAMCRO and we need to stick together.
Ellie, Piper, and Bri are the next generation of female legacies. Not all from the First Nine... But all carry the legacy of a war none of them deserved to witness. Right along with Abel, Thomas, Kenny, and Lucious. All have made it through to the other side relatively unscathed. If you take out the fact that four had their fathers taken from them at least.
That's a whole other different club. One that no one should ever have to be in.
" When's dinner? " Tig asks from the doorway.
Smiling I say, " not long now. We're just waiting for the mac and cheese to brown on top. "
Venus enters the kitchen and my mood instantly lifts. " Well look at you! "
" I know! " I exclaim while embracing her. " It's like I swallowed a softball. "
Her hands go right to my bump. " The little one is getting big and strong. So tell me all about this Klansman. "
" He isn't a Klansman, V. " I giggle out. " He just... Got caught up with prison politics. But he'll be home in a few weeks and apparently, he has wracked up enough points to retire from the life. He knew it was coming and decided he wanted an old lady to come home to and got that and an old man at the same damn time. "
Nodding she says, " how did he take the news of the little one? Angry I'd expect. Most men want to knead their own dough. "
" Actually he's pretty excited. " I say shrugging. " True that he would have wanted it to be his baby but shit happens. He and Juan are already arguing over who gets to father the next one. The three of us have the rest of our lives to bicker about it. "
She takes a look around and lowers her voice. " For what it's worth around here, I'm happy that you're getting the life you deserve. "
" Me too. I'm happy for you and Tig, I mean. " I say sincerely. " I never would have imagined someone would ever be able to tie him down. I'm glad it's you. "
Trust, it could have been any of the whores that litter this place. And that would have been bad for business.
" I wish everyone shared that sentiment. " She says forlornly with an eye roll.
Yeah, Venus hasn't been well received by Sassi. " Give her some time she's pregnant and hormonal. Sassi reacted the same way when he told her about Colleen. And he wasn't even in love with her. She was just pregnant with Fawn. It's well known that her mother, Megan was the love of his life. "
" So you don't think it's because I'm... " She starts but I shake my head.
It's absurd when we all know how Tig is. " No. Sassi ran a brothel for years. There is no room for that kind of thing in that line of work. "
" But it's different because he's her dad. " She tries to reason.
" And she wants him to be happy. " I say slowly so she understands. " After Dawn... He has been doing his best to be there for her in the ways he never was when we were growing up. Once she sees that you're not out to pull him away just when she has his attention, the glacier will melt. "
Fingers crossed.
" Don't go filling her head with nonsense. " Sassi interrupts letting us know she was eavesdropping and completely popping my bubble. " We are not about to be wearing matching outfits and braiding each other's hair any time soon. "
Venus' eyes widen before she struts out clearly upset.
" No one said you had to. " I snap at my oldest friend while pulling both trays of mac and cheese out of the oven. " But the least you can do is tone down your inner bitch so you don't ruin your Dad's relationship. You know better than to fuck with an old lady. "
Sassi snaps right back at me. " My Dad is still reeling from the sight of Dawn burning to death. He doesn't need any complications in his life right now. Plus she doesn't even have a crow. "
" Yet, Sassi. Venus doesn't have a crow yet. " I differentiate since she clearly doesn't understand how serious Tig is about Venus. " Happy has been working on the design for a couple of months now. If he didn't tell you that, it's his fault. I just wanted to remind you that as a full member, I have to protect her from you just as I'd have to protect you from her. Old ladies are the backbone of this club... I know it hasn't seemed like it lately, but let's try to remember that. "
" Fine. " She grits out before stomping out as well.
I don't like being this way with Sassi, but she's being unreasonable. Venus has done nothing but help SAMCRO and is sweet as pie. She needs to chill and let shit be. No one treated her this way before she took Happy's crow. As a matter of fact, everyone was ecstatic that they both found love with each other. The beauty and the beast.
Hearing a commotion I know it means that Nero and Wendy are finally here with the kids. Turning the oven off I head out to greet them.
" Jay! " Wendy calls when she sees me.
She looks really good. Like hasn't been doing any kind of drugs good. " Wen! "
We embrace tightly as Nero helps Lucious to a seat. It's then I hear, " Jayce! ", as I feel a small body wrap itself around the both of us.
" Hey, cousin! " I say as we pull apart so I can scoop him up and pepper kisses all over his face. " I missed you so much. "
He holds onto me for dear life. " I missed you too. Tommy said his first word. "
" He did?! What did he say? " I ask not believing how much older he has gotten.
" Abel. " Wendy tells me with a proud smile.
Now that's just heartwarming.
" Aww he said your name? Good job big brother. " I say while looking for Jax's youngest. " Where is Tommy? "
She nods her head. " Look. "
Oh my goodness. Happy has Thomas on his hip while walking around the club looking just like his name. I have to admit... In his old age, he really has come around to kids. Bri was definitely a trial on his end. I remember when Abel was born and he was barely able to hold him without freaking out. Now they're expanding their family and I'm really happy for them. If I could just get her to warm up to Venus we'll be alright.
" You're just in time. Dinner is ready. " I tell her.
...
Once we're all seated at the three long tables the guys pushed together, I look around at the family I love. We have gone through hell and back to get here but I have hope of rebuilding everything for the better. For my daughter and the rest of the new generation.
" Before we eat, let's go around and say what we're all thankful for. " I say wanting to keep this tradition alive.
" I'm thankful that I have a family to celebrate with this year. " Brooke speaks up first while entwining her fingers with Ratty's.
He smiles at her. " I'm thankful my old lady finally took my crow. "
Tig raises his glass. " I'm thankful that my baby girls are back in Charming where they belong. I'm also thankful that this club is welcoming two new hellions. And it goes without saying that I'm the luckiest son of a bitch for having this beauty at my side. "
" I'm thankful for you too, Alexander. "
" Well, I'm thankful that we're in this together... " I say to Sassi hoping she isn't still mad at me for earlier. " And that my old man will be home soon. "
" Aww, Peaches, that warms an old man's heart. "
Every neck at the table snaps in the direction of the voice.
" Ronald. " I gasp before I get up from my chair and walk up to him hesitantly.
Theo, Donny, and Georgie are all behind him looking every bit the professionals they are in front of their boss. " What's happening right now? "
" Early release- overcrowding. " He explains with a small unassuming smile. " I'm home, Peaches. "
Placing one hand flat on his chest I almost jump away as if zapped. He's really here in front of me right now. With that knowledge, I jump into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. Baby bump in the way and all. His hands steady me underneath my thighs as I pepper his face with kisses.
" You're really here. " I finally get out.
He laughs a bit. " I am... As much as I love having you wrapped around me, we're being rude. "
" Oh! " I exclaim before letting him set me back down. " Come on I want you to meet everyone. "
Taking his hand I lead him over to my apprehensive family. Chibs, Tig, and Happy all look ready to pounce at a moment's notice. I give them all a scowl that says, " DO NOT FUCK WITH THE PREGNANT LADY ".
" This is Ratboy and Brooke, " I begin introducing him to everyone at the table from left to right. " Next to them is Nero and his son Lucious. Then we have Tig and Venus. Across from them, we have Wendy, Abel, and Thomas. Jax's ex-wife and his beautiful sons. Then we have Lila and her daughter Piper. You already talked to Happy on the phone, the woman next to him is his old lady and my oldest friend, Sassi, and their daughter Bri. Last but not least at the head of the table we have, Chibs, our club president. Everyone, this is Ronald Tully. My old man. "
We're met with an awkward silence that I wish I had been able to prepare him for. I don't sense any discomfort from him at all. He takes his glasses off and smiles.
" It's nice to finally meet Jaycee's family. I've heard so much about all of you. " He speaks clearly and confidently.
Clearing his throat, Chibs gets up from the table and looks Ronald directly in the eyes. " A word? "
Grabbing onto his arm he pushes it away gently while giving me an, "it's okay ", look. I turn to Chibs and send him a warning glare but let them head into the Chapel without argument.
Tully
Following the Scotsman into a large room I note the large wooden table complete with a huge Grim Reaper carved into the center.
" First things first, Filip Telford. " He says while holding his hand out for me to shake.
I give him a once over and formally introduce myself. " Ron Tully. "
" Sit. " He says while taking the head seat. " We've all heard so much about ye... Mostly from our Jaycee. "
I want to rip his head off at " our Jaycee " but remind myself that she's mine and he's trying to rattle my cage. This is definitely the one that broke her heart. The one that Pecan says was prepared to leave his wife for OUR old lady. He must be an important enough member if Jax left the president's patch to him.
" I'd love to hear what my sweet Peaches has had to say. " I drawl out.
Ooh, he didn't like that one bit. " I'm sure ye do. We have all the time in the world to talk about that since ye went and made her yer old lady. "
" Jealous? " I rib to get under his skin.
The older Scotsman bristles at my bluntness.
" Fuck her over and I'll kill ye. Hurt that baby and I'll kill ye. Bring that rat piece of shite around here and I'll kill ye both, understand? " He bites out bitterly.
I can feel my face slip into a sick and twisted grin. " Oh, I understand, baby. Is that all? I've been in for fifteen and out for two hours. I'd like to get back out to MY old lady. "
" No, there are a few more things. " He spits out. " In order for her to be considered yours, she needs to have some kind of marking. A tattoo... Most of the women get their men's crows but since yer not a brother... Ye two will have to come up with something. Her other brothers may have something to say to ye, but that's it for now. "
Chuckling I ask, " and if I decide I want her to claim me and have her crow "?
" Highly unprecedented but with the way things are moving, not surprising. Talk to Happy. He does all the club ink. " He says almost as if he may just come around. " Come on, Jaycee will have me balls if I keep ye any longer. "
We head back out to hear the women talking about baby names. It's crazy to think that in just a few months our little girl will be here. I think our name for her is perfect.
" We have a name picked out already. " Peaches tells the blonde, Wendy I believe? " Mya. Mya Rosalee Tully Ortiz. " She says before looking over at me. " Hey, I made you a plate come sit with me. "
Getting up, she waves at the chair she's sitting in. I note the looks the patches give each other when Ortiz is mentioned in the kid's last name but say nothing. Taking the seat, she sits in my lap and I begin rubbing her bump possessively. Juan is a rat, I can live with that fact. He's bettering himself, and that's all he can do at this point. Our girl won't be carrying around her father's resentment with this club. I won't allow it.
" That's beautiful. " The one called Venus replies. " Rosalee is breathtaking for a middle name. "
Peaches grabs the plate she made me and begins feeding me spoonfuls of mac and cheese. I take every bite and damn near moan as it melts on my tongue.
" That name has been on your list since we were little girls just dreaming about being mothers. " The Happy motherfucker's old lady says.
She nods before giving me a forkful of turkey. I can get used to this kind of service not gonna lie. " You still naming baby Lowman the names on your list? "
" Felix Xander Jury Lowman if it's a boy and Nikoma Kaydee Megan Lowman if it's a girl. " Sassi? says as the Happy one smiles. Or at least what I can assume is a smile.
" Felix Xander is a badass biker name. " The crazy-looking one named Tig says proudly.
Happy nods proudly. " Felix is my old man's name. We find out the gender in a few weeks. "
" Then we can start planning the baby shower for both of you. " Wendy interjects. " I never got to have one so I can't wait. "
" It's not too late to find a man and build onto the little family you have. " Peaches interjects.
Wendy chuckles and shakes her head. " Two boys are enough for me to handle. "
" Does this mean you're planning on coming around often? " Peaches asks Wendy sounding hopeful. " I'd love to see my babies on more than just the holidays. "
The skinnier blonde pipes up. " Yeah, we all miss Thomas and Abel. "
The older blonde looks ganged up on and I can't help but chuckle.
" We've been discussing it. " Nero, the older Latino man tells. " Once we're sure Charming is in a better place we'll open it back up. "
...
Two hours and two pieces of pumpkin pie later, I'm good and pooped. There's no way we're making it to Encino tonight. Im fine with it as long as I get to have the woman that has been cuddled into my side all night into a bed. Damn, she doesn't know just what she's doing to me. I just want to find an empty room and have her all to myself for a while.
" Feeling ready to go? " She whispers in my ear.
I nod loving how she knows. " I'm definitely feeling the chemicals from the turkey kick in. "
" I'm just going to load the dishwasher and make sure everything else is soaking. " She says while getting up. " Then we can head to my place for the night. "
The one they call Sassi kisses the Happy motherfucker and gets up and follows her into the kitchen.
" I hope you know that if you hurt her, she has an army behind her ready to pull you limb from limb. " He growls like an animal. " We take care of ours around here. "
Pursing my lips I nod. " I take care of mine too. Jaycee and that baby are my family now. "
" Good. " He nods back. " Because she and my old lady go all the way back to childhood. Meaning that they're a package deal and stick with each other. Our kids will be growing up together if it kills them. I won't have her around someone who isn't like-minded. "
I shrug not giving a fuck about any of that but noting that his eyes keep flashing to my ink. " I told her I'd give her the whole shebang including a white pickett fence if that's what she wants. "
" And if she wants a life where your past isn't fucking with her future? " He spits out as I expected.
Can't say I wasn't warned that the others would have words for me. " The Scot said you're the resident tattoo artist... I got a few ideas. "
" Come see me in a few days. " He says after a few different emotions flash through the killer's eyes.
Yes, I know who the Tacoma Killer is.
The girls choose this moment to make their way back from the kitchen. " We'll be back here finishing things up in the morning but I'm ready to go get some sleep. "
" Let's get going then, Peaches. " I tell her before getting up. " Thanks for the hospitality. "
Happy nods as he wraps his arm around his old lady. " Take care of our sister and that hospitality will always be extended. "
" Goodnight. " Peaches tells them as she hugs them both. " See you in the morning. "
Author's Note: So... Tully's out and ready to take Jaycee's crow! How do you feel about that? Also, for the record, I know that in the show Piper is a boy. I gender-swapped him out. No disrespect, but we didn't get much of him in the first place.