Chapter Four
December 15th, 2012
Christmas looms near, but the festive spirit feels distant. With Aunt Gemma gone, I've shouldered the responsibilities, aided by Sassi and Lila. Change isn't easy, and the absence of our core family members casts a shadow over the season. Today needs to be different; I can't bear this heavy atmosphere.
Sassi and I wait outside Charming High for Bri to emerge, ready for a Christmas shopping spree. I haven't even started, so I need to cover a lot of ground today. Plus, I must pick up essentials for my newly released old man. And, hopefully, find the perfect gift for Brooke, my Secret Santa draw. Ratty mentioned she enjoys drawing, so I'm on the hunt for something fitting.
Speaking of Secret Santa, I prod, " Have you bought anything for Venus yet? "
Sassi practically snarls, " I'm still not convinced you didn't rig that Secret Santa draw. "
Here we go. " Oh, come on, Sass. As if I had any control over that. You need to get over it. Once she takes his crow, it's official. "
" Why the sudden urgency? He's never been serious about anyone before, " she counters.
I shake my head. " You mean he hasn't been serious since your Mom died. "
" Don't go there, " she mutters, her anger flashing in her eyes.
Her denial stings. " I'm the only one who can go there. I lost both my parents, remember? " I remind her sternly. " And as your best friend, it's my job to call you out when you're acting out. If you let your mother's memory dictate Tig's future, you'll lose him. Nobody deserves to be alone. Look at what I went through. I wouldn't wish that loneliness on anyone. "
My words seem to extinguish her fiery demeanor. Bri's arrival interrupts our conversation, firmly relegating it to the background.
An hour later, we roll onto Rodeo Drive, ready to shop until we drop. But first, lunch. Bri's eager to try this new Ramen place, so we indulge in delicious Japanese soup before diving into the shops lining the street. Thank goodness we brought Abel's big wagon; it's filling up fast with our finds.
Eventually, we stumble upon a maternity store, and we let Bri wander off to the teen spot next door. I haven't really worn anything maternity this whole time, to be honest. It's mostly been Juan's old clothes, which I refuse to part with. Even if he doesn't come home and want them, I do.
But now, it feels like it's time for both of us to pick up a few summer dresses and maybe some of those stretchy pants.
" This dress is perfect for Christmas, " Sassi says, holding up a lovely dress with a smile.
" They even have red and green so we can match, " I note, admiring the lace detailing.
" They're cute. And we can safety pin a Son's patch where our bumps will sit, " Sassi suggests. " Do you think Chibs would mind? " she asks, making me laugh.
As if Chibs could ever really be mad at the women of SAMCRO. " Not a club patch. Just a decal like we did for Abel and Thomas' onesies, " I clarify.
" I've been having pregnancy brain pretty bad lately, " Sassi confesses.
I nod. " I had it in the beginning, but I think it has cleared up for the most part. "
After making our purchases, as we leave the store, Bri heads next door for her turn, so we point to Starbucks, and she joins us there.
" We've done a good job here today, " Sassi remarks as we fill up on caffeine. " Is there anywhere else we need to stop before heading back home? "
I nod. " I just want to stop at Stu's. I told Tully I'd teach him to ride, and I want him to have proper boots. "
" Can I get some, Mom? " Bri asks excitedly. " Dad said when he gets back, he'll take me out and start our lessons. "
Sassi laughs. " Sure, sure. We have to make sure your feet are good if you're going to ride for any length of time. Is it really a gift if he's the one buying the boots? "
I chuckle and shake my head. True, he insisted that I buy everyone's gifts with his money. But I'm getting all of his stuff myself. No one should have to buy their own gifts, after all. Besides, I already have his real gift in the garage.
" Nope. I'm paying for the boots, " I clarify. " They're part of his gift that I'm still working on. With this bump getting in the way, I'm going to need one of the guys to help me finish it. "
Weirdly enough, Tully isn't at the house when I arrive. Knowing he can't be far since he doesn't like when I'm out of sight, I stash all my purchases in the bedroom and grab my kutte and the keys to my new BMW. It's not even a Christmas gift. Tully had it picked up for me because "I can't put a car seat on the back of my Harley." His words, not mine.
Heading back out, I slide into the car and make my way over to TM—no, TT. After what Clay did, we all voted to change the name of the shop to Teller-Telford. Chibs is the President now, so it's only fair that his name is up there too. Especially since, if there's any good in the world, we won't be needing a new President for a good long while. Even with everything we've been through, I believe he can turn things around while seated at the head of the reaper table.
Walking into the clubhouse, I'm greeted with Tig's smiling face. " Hello, darlin', how's little Mya? " he asks, his hands immediately going to my bump.
" Good. Pretty active today, actually, " I reply, just as Mya decides to turn over.
Tig's eyes widen, looking at me tenderly. " I can't believe my little girl and you are going to be mothers soon. Fuck, I'm getting old. "
" You've been old, Tiggy. But I know what you mean. I'm just glad we're going through it together. She already has raised Bri into an amazing young woman, so I'm not as scared that I wouldn't be able to do the same. "
When Tig gets called away, I head into the office and spend a few hours going over the day's sales. After that, I head out to the grocery store and pick up a bunch of groceries. I want to cook my old man a nice comfort dinner tonight.
...
Returning home, I turn on the furnace since the temperature has dropped. I put away the groceries and start on dinner. Once everything is going, I set the timers and head upstairs.
Sorting through the shopping bags, I start putting away the toiletries I got for Ronald in the bathroom. I then separate his new clothes from the gifts that need to be wrapped. He's been living in Clay's old clothes for almost two weeks now and needs his own.
It's all because he hasn't wanted to leave my side. We've been getting properly acquainted outside of Stockton. It was weird to wake up next to him the first few days... I'm not used to sleeping next to someone, but waking up randomly to my old man rubbing my bump has been nice.
He's also been very tolerable at the clubhouse while Sassi and I work on one thing or another. We've been reviewing the books for the last few weeks, and everything seems in order. I mean, I trust that Bobby kept the records in perfect organization, but sometimes you never know.
We haven't even been to his house yet since putting things back together at TT. I think he knows I want to stay close for the time being. At some point, I'm going to have Donnie go and get his dogs and bring them here.
" Where have you been all day, Peaches? " I hear from the hallway before Ronald's figure appears in the doorway. " A text saying not to worry doesn't magically make me not worry. "
I reach up and kiss his lips, hoping to dissipate his irritation. " Sorry, babe, but if I woke you up to tell you what I was doing, you'd have fought tooth and nail to come... And that defeats the purpose. "
" Purpose of what? " he asks, looking a bit less pissed off.
Shaking my head, I say, " Christmas shopping, remember? I couldn't do that with you there, so I took Sassi and Bri. I also got you everything you need, " I add, pointing to the clothes lying all over the bed. " New underwear, sweats, jeans, t-shirts... All in shades of dark blue, black, and grey. Whatever doesn't fit can be exchanged. "
" You went to all this trouble for me? " he asks, confused. " It isn't even Christmas yet. "
This guy, I swear. " I got you more than clothes, Ronald. These are just the things you need. You've been locked away for fifteen years; anyone would know that your wardrobe needed an upgrade. "
Taking my shoulders, he pulls me into a heated kiss.
" What was that for? " I ask when he pulls away.
He shrugs. " For agreeing to be my old lady. I don't think I've ever had someone look out for me like this. But I didn't even think to get anything for you. "
" We look out for each other, " I tell him before reaching up and kissing him again. " Besides, this season is about giving. And even so, you being here with me, free, is the best gift I can think of."Lust fills his eyes as he says, " I can think of another gift I could give you right now, Peaches. "
My hand finds his already hardening dick, and his entire body stiffens. " You trying to start something? We've been taking it slow, but you've been locked away for so long... When was the last time you've touched prime pussy? "
" Fuck, Peaches, " he groans. " Way too long. I just haven't wanted to hurt you or the baby. "
Stepping back, I reach back and unzip my sundress. The straps fall off my shoulders before I let the dress fall to the floor. I'm a bit self-conscious because my body has changed with the baby growing, but the look of pure lust Ronald gives me boosts it tenfold.
" Look at you, " he growls sexily.
Going into one of his bags, he takes out a pure black handkerchief. " Do you trust me, Peaches? "
" Yes, " I tell him as my interest peaks.
Nodding, he says, " go and kneel at the foot of the bed. Gently, we don't want you to hurt, baby girl. "
I do as he says, and he then fastens a blindfold over my eyes before tying my wrists together with the handkerchief. Once my wrists are bound in place, I feel his breath hit my face once more. " Still trust me? "
" Yes, " I whisper breathlessly.
" Do you want me to continue? "
I nod vigorously.
" You wet? "
Damn, his questions! " Yes, please. "
" I'm not so sure... " He teases as his fingers slide my panties to the side. " Maybe I should check. " He growls before sliding his thick middle finger into my tight heat.
" Ahh, " I moan at the sudden burst of pleasure. " Fuck, Ronald. "
Slapping my thigh, he says, " hush, " before removing his finger. " Damn, look at all that nectar. What has it been, almost six months? I hear pregnant women's hormones shoot through the roof. Just how tightly wound up are you, Peaches? "
" Enough that if you don't stop teasing I'm going to die, " I whimper erotically.
" Aww, baby, I wouldn't want that, " he says before sliding my underwear all the way off and spreading my legs wide. " Fuck, look at this little pink pearl. I think I want to taste it first. "
" Oh, shit! Ronald! " I damn near jump off the bed when his tongue hits my clit firmly.
" Damn, baby hold still for Ronnie, " he tells me before going back to lapping away at every inch of my slit. " Tastes so fucking good. Mmm. "
When his tongue reaches my hole, I damn near faint at the sensation of being tongue-fucked. He wiggles it around in a rhythm that has me screaming and creaming in seconds. My toes curl, and I bite my lips hard, knowing if I don't, the entire neighborhood will hear as my body spasms out of control. Slapping my thigh again, he pulls out and laps up every drop of cum he just forced out of me.
" Yes, indeed. Very pent-up, " he comments hotly.
I shake my head and beg, " untie me. I want to touch you. "
" If I do that, it will be over before it starts, Peaches. I want to explode inside, not out. "
Rubbing his flat palm over my bump, he helps me onto my side and lays behind me. " I've been reading up... Positions that are safe for the baby and all, " he growls out as his arm loops through one of my knees, dragging it up a bit so he can firmly position himself over every inch of me.
" How thoughtful, " I joke ruefully.
He chuckles, pissing me off a bit. " Aww, is Peaches mad that she can't see or touch? "
" Fuck off, Ronald, " I growl.
" That's mean... I was just going to cut you loose, but now I think I'll keep you just like this. Since you want to be so rude to Ronnie. "
The audacity! " How the hell are you so teasing after not getting pussy in fifteen years? "
" Control, baby, " he taunts. " Now... I want you to say please. "
I really don't want to, but he's driving me insane. " Please. "
" This is going to be a quick one, babe, " he groans regretfully. " Don't you worry though, I'm going to have you in this bed for as long as we don't need food. "
What is all of this talking? " Ronald? "
" Yes, Peaches? "
" Shut up and fuck me. "
...
After our romp, Ronald draws us a hot bath. He gets in first and then helps me settle down into his body and the hot water. It feels heavenly.
" Thank you for being here when I got home. And for making me feel younger than I have in years. "
" You're as much mine as I am yours. Which is why I got you a bunch of stuff you need while we were out today. I even got you shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in different scents, " I tell him while pointing to the products I already put in the caddy hanging from the shower head.
" Speaking of scents, I smell cinnamon. "
" Oh, that... I'm baking you something special. " Thank God for the self-turning-off oven or everything would have been burnt to a crisp by now. All I have to do is set the time for the burners and oven and don't have to worry about burning the place down.
Tully
" Baking? You're baking for me, Peaches? "
She smiles widely, taking my breath away for a moment. " Peach cobbler. "
" Peaches from my Peaches? " I ask before kissing the side of her head.
She nods adorably.
We get out of the shower, and I take my sweet time drying every inch of my Peaches' body. She does the same for me, and I have to fight my instincts to start round two right here and now. We get dressed and head back downstairs and into the kitchen. " The cobbler is for dessert. "
" What's for dinner? " He asks, sounding famished.
" One night I started asking Leland about some of the things you like... " I say, giving him a mischievous smile.
I lift the lid off one of the pots in delight. " Ooh, Peaches. Chicken-fried pork chops with mashed potatoes, gravy, and fresh green beans. "
" And I got your favorite beer, " she says while going through the icebox and taking a beer out.
She hooks the cap on the bottle opener that's magnetized to the fridge, and the crisp sound of the beer opening gives me chills. Holding it out, I take it from her and take a long drink. Damn, that's good.
" You trying to get proposed to on the first night, Peaches? " I ask seriously. " I love a woman who knows how to cook and keeps me boozed. "
Chuckling, she rolls her eyes. " That's every man, Ronald. I also have something else for you out back. "
More? Seeing my confusion, she smiles sweetly before taking my hand and leading me out of the sliding glass door. We head out back, and she leads me over to a sectioned area of the porch. " Look. " She tells me before nodding her head to the right.
Glancing over the railing, I spot a pitch-black German Shepherd pup taking a nap.
Reaching down, I pick the puppy up, noticing that it's a boy. " A pup, Peaches? "
" I know he doesn't replace Crusher... " She starts, her voice trailing off. " I just thought he'd be a good welcome home. "
My heart swells with affection. " Baby... Just the fact that you thought of me at all is the best welcome home. "
" What are you going to name him? " She asks, her smile lighting up her face.
Looking back at the pup, I don't need any time to think. " Christ. "
" So Anti, Christ, and Lucifer? " She asks with a playful tone.
Before I could respond, her burner starts to ring, interrupting the moment.
She answers begrudgingly. " Yeah? What's up, Sass? Fuck, okay, " Peaches says, clearly shaken by whatever news she just got.
When she hangs up, she begins pacing back and forth. " Son of a bitch! "
" What is it, Peaches? " I ask, feeling a sense of apprehension.
Giving me a cryptic look, she says, " We gotta head to the clubhouse. Some bullshit just landed on our doorstep, and I gotta sus it out now. "