Violet sits up, placing her hand on Declan’s chest. “Baby, calm down. I’m fine. I promise. Mili checked me out yesterday and offered me some pills to help things along.” He still looks confused. Violet calls to Carter. “Carter, sweetie. Bring me Declan’s gift from me, would you please?”
“Here you go, Mama.” Carter hands her the box and stands close to his mother as they wait for Declan to open his gift.
“I don’t want to open my fucking gifts, Dove. I want to know what the hell is going on!” Declan demands, shaking the box in his hand.
“Baby, please. Just open it. I promise to explain once you do,” Violet pleads.
With a disgruntled grunt, Declan complies, and rips open the wrapping paper and then the box lid is dropped onto the floor. Declan rummages through the tissue paper until he reaches something else. Dragging a shirt out of the box, he holds it up facing himself. He’s quiet for a moment, but we can all tell that whatever he’s looking at has him choked up.
“You’re sure?” he asks quietly. Violet nods. Her eyes are glassy, but she’s smiling. Declan drops the shirt in the box, tosses both to the floor and then lifts his woman onto his lap, kissing her hard. The room fills with catcalls and whistles. When they finally come up for air, Carter is standing in front of them holding the shirt up and shouts, “We're having a baby!” The entire clubhouse fills with shouts of congratulations and squeals of joy.
The brothers take turns slapping Dec on the back in support. The women all hug Violet, laughing and teasing about how it’s about time he figured it out.
Linzie sits on my lap, her arms around my shoulders. She smiles up at me and says, “You knew, didn’t you?” I nod.
“I had my suspicions but didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Violet’s always wanted more kids, and Dec, well, he loves Carter, but he’s always hoped to have a kid of his own someday. It’s the perfect gift for them both.”
“There’s more,” Violet says sheepishly, tugging on the bottom of her shirt. Declan pulls her into him, cupping her face in his hands.
“More what? Is everything okay, Dove? You look scared,” he asks Violet.
She looks to Mili, who nudges her to speak. “I don’t know how to tell you this.”
“Just say it, Dove. Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.” Declan encourages.
Violet breathes. “We’re going to have twins.”
Declan looks like he’s ready to pass the fuck out. The room goes up in cheers once more, and Carter tackles his mama and Declan in a hug.
“Are you sure?” Declan asks Mili, looking paler and paler by the minute.
“Yes, Dec. The doctor confirmed it when I went in for my first visit.”
“Oh, fuck.” Declan grunts, pulling Violet into his chest for a hug. Carter is still clinging to both of them.
“Can I help name them?” Carter asks excitedly.
“Yes, of course, but I’m only a few months along, sweetheart. We have plenty of time to figure out their names.”
“All right!” Hawk calls out to the room. “Let’s get this show on the road! Declan, Vi, congratulations. Now, who wants their present next?”
“What the fuck are you wearing, Hawk?” Ghost asks, laughing.
It’s Sadie who answers for him. “He lost a bet, so he’s going to be Santa’s helper and pass out all the gifts in his sparkly new elf costume.”
“You know better than to make a bet with your woman, Hawk,” Cash teases. “Sadie can outsmart you every fucking time.”
“I must agree with your friend, Hawk. Sadie has proven to be wiser and more competent in several situations. Matteo was very impressed by her skills,” Vincenzo says, goading him. Hawk losthis shit when he found out Matteo and Sadie partnered together and went undercover as a couple to help take down Cusenza.
“Fuck you, old man,” Hawk snipes.
“Hmm, Gabriel, again I must ask about the level of disrespect your men show me. You should really teach them what it means to fuck with the kingpin.” Vincenzo’s words are directed at me, but his glare is fixed on Hawk.
“Stop it, Vincenzo.” Mili chides. “It’s Christmas, and there are children present. You men can have your pissing contest elsewhere later.”
“Careful, Gattina,” Vincenzo admonishes. “I may not be able to do anything to Hawk for his disrespect, but you aren’t under the protection of the Kings. Your ass is directly under my supervision.” He raises a taunting brow. Mili audibly gasps.
“Well, hot damn.” Andi gasps, placing her hand against her chest. “Rich, hot, and domineering. Where do I get one like that?” she asks Linzie.
