“Twitch, can you take the fried rice that’s beside me?”
“Yep,” Twitch answers.
“This is a test run... I hope everyone likes it and that it’s good enough,” Ava says, then nibbles on her bottom lip.
My eyes tear up. “Of course they will. You’ll never grasp how much they will appreciate it. To have a people be there for them means the world.”
She tilts her head back and blinks furiously, then she scans the room, looking at all of us. “I know exactly what that feels like.”
I look around at everyone, at the women and men who have been by our sides and offered their assistance and support. “I know too,” I answer.
“So what are we doing again?” Avyanna asks, though her eyes are still locked onto the mac and cheese.
“It’s a surprise,” I blurt out, not wanting to give anything away. She doesn’t know. Hell, Mom and Dad and Kane don’t know. We have been good at keeping this secret from them. Avyanna heard us talking about cooking food for a surprise occasion, so she wanted to help.
“Are the guys finished and ready for everyone to see? Knox, can you call them to check?”
He shoots me a smile, and it lessens the nervousness. “They will be fine. Now, are we ready to go?”
“Yes,” I answer, dying to see what the place looks like finished.
We pile into the vans and truck.
Fifteen minutes later, I pull up to a redbrick hall that the Crown family owned but gave to us because we needed a place. The van’s side door slides across, and I’m out first, with a large bowl of salad in hand.
“It’s perfect.” I rush forward, goose bumps traveling across my skin. The front lawn is a lush green, with a cream-colored paved path to the entrance door. On the side is a blanket covering what I know to be a large plaque that says “Misty’s Safe Haven.”
After we buried Misty, I was determined to ensure that her death wasn’t in vain. I wanted to help others who are going through traumatic experiences. With the help of family and friends, I created a charity called Misty’s Safe Haven.
The charity will also have a hotline women and children can call if they feel they are in danger. The Harts and the MC have offered to assist by removing the victims from the situation and bringing them to the charity, which will provide free meals, shelter, and other necessities.
After my mom, dad, and Kane see it, I plan to contact local professionals like counselors and lawyers who can help victims get back on their feet. I’ve managed a shelter before, so I can use my skills and assist with getting the victims jobs and accommodation.
Ava has been cooking up ridiculous amounts of food, ensuring she masters every dish before the shelter opens. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the MC.
Viper greets me at the door. He gives me one of his easy smiles. He reaches out and grasps the salad. “I’ll take that. Come check it out. Turned out better than I imagined.”
I want to... so bad. “No, I want it to be a surprise with Mom, Dad, and Kane.”
“How long till they get here?”
“Shouldn’t be long.”
Seeing the smiles and excitement radiating from the men truly touches my soul and warms my heart. Allowing them to help, to be a part of something that’s important and special, has brought out how amazing this group really is. I helped with the layout of the shelter and ordered what we needed, but they have spent late nights renovating, painting, and putting furniture and beds together.
“Can I tell you one thing?” He’s bursting at the seams like a little child at Christmas.
I chuckle at his excitement. “Okay, what?”
“We’ve put together a playground for the kids,” he blurts out. “Demon has outdone himself. The kids are going to love it.” He hurries off.
I step outside and wait on the front lawn for everyone to walk inside. I hear gasps and squeals. I shuffle from one foot to the other, holding myself back from going inside.
I squint as a familiar car turns up the street. I dash to the door. “Everyone, they are here! Quick, quick!” I yell.
I hear footsteps as I hurry back to the grass. The car pulls up to the curb in front of me and I nervously wait until they get out.
David knows about it, so I’ve had him distracting them this morning. He gives me a knowing smile. Mom, Dad, and Kane step out of the car looking confused. Avyanna darts out to Kane.
