The paramedics have the asshole in the ambulance. He’s still unconscious, but they have him handcuffed, and one of the officers is going to ride with them to the hospital. Fucker is lucky I didn’t have my keys out. I would’ve been able to use my bear spray on him. I see Logan is one of the medics, and he comes over to check me out. He takes a look at me and starts cleaning my face. “I know you’re going to fight me about goin’ in to get checked out, so why don’t ya tell me what hurts and I can at least be okay with you refusin’ to go to the hospital.”
I assess my body. Other than feeling a little sore and having a sore cheek, nothing really feels out of place. I’m just about to tell Logan this when I hear tires squeal and an engine cut out. Looking over in the direction of the noise, I see Jason running this way. He doesn’t slow down till he’s right in front of me.Before I can say anything, I’m engulfed in his arms. “Fuck baby. I—” I interrupt Jason because I know his mind was going a million different places with worry. “I’m fine. I really am. I’m not even going to the hospital.”
He pulls me back and looks me over. When he sees my cheek, his expression darkens. He speaks to Jeremy or whichever officer might be listening without taking his eyes off me. “That fucker better be long gone because if he’s in my vicinity, I’m not going to be able to hold back on the bastard.” Jeremy and Wyatt walk over as the chief answers Jason. “He’s in the ambulance that’s heading out right now. He’s cuffed and will be charged as soon as he regains consciousness.”
Jason asks with almost surprise in his voice. “Did you knock him out?” Who does he think I am? “No, I’m not Mike Tyson. That guy over there pulled the asshole off me and knocked him out. I heard him yelling at him. He pulled him off me, tossed him like a rag doll, and knocked him out.”
Jason
I look over to where Romona was pointing and am shocked to see Ray standing next to Jeremy. “Ray? You saved Romona? You knocked the bastard out?” He looks the most sober I’ve seen him outside of the booking cell. He looks at me like I just said the stupidest thing ever. “I may be drunk more hours than notand dabble in…other things, but I would never let a woman be assaulted.” Romona, who’s still in my arms, speaks up before I can. “Well, I am certainly thankful. I would love to thank you. Do you need a place to stay or a hot meal?” By the look on Ray’s face, I can tell Romona has won him over just like she does everyone.
“Darlin’, I’m right where I belong. The walls of a building are too restrictive for a free spirit like myself. When it gets too cold, I head over to the church on Twentieth that lets me stay on occasion. But I wouldn’t turn down some food.” He gives her a smile that, in all my years dealing with him, I’ve never seen. She gives him a grin and a nod. “Just tell me where to find you in an hour or so, and I’ll bring you a hot meal. In fact, I think you’ve earned a few meals from me.” I have a feeling my woman is going to be cooking meals for Ray from now on. Once she pulls you into her tribe, you’re there for life. She’s pretty fucking amazing.
After about twenty more minutes of the deputies taking statements from Ray, Romona, and Spruce, we’re free to go. Mick and Micah showed up a few minutes ago, and Mick is going to drive Romona’s SUV back to the house. I get Romona into my truck, and once I’m in, I reach over and take her hand. “I love you, baby. I don’t love getting calls about you being hurt. My heart isn’t ready to lose you.” Romona squeezes my hand. “I have no intention of going anywhere. You and I both know this was a freak occurrence and that area is usually as safe as can be.You’re stuck with me for the long haul.” I lift her hand up and give it a kiss as I drive us home. I hope we do have many years ahead of us.
As soon as we pull into our driveway, I see that Jackson and Anna are waiting on the porch for us. I’m not surprised since Wyatt was there after everything went down. I have learned that Anna is even more of a spitfire than I remembered her being in high school. She’s very protective of Romona, and I can’t find it in me to be upset about it. She’s been there for all of her ups and downs and was right next to me in getting Romona up and healthy after her heart attack.
I park, get out, and get a chin lift in greeting from Jackson as I walk around and open the door for Romona. As I help her out, I feel her sigh and mumble something about Anna going off half-cocked. These two bicker like sisters but are the first to defend each other and be there to care for one another.
I follow Romona toward the front porch. Anna’s standing on the porch with her arms crossed. “You just had to try and be a ninja this close to Christmas. Woman, we’ve got baking and a shit ton of wrapping to do. We don’t have time for you to be knocked out and hospitalized.” I don’t even have to look at Romona to know she rolled her eyes at Anna. “Do you see me in the hospital? No, and I wasn’t knocked out. Logan checked me out and agreed I was fine. I’m not even sore.” Anna looks her over, and I watch as she focuses on her cheek, which is still red and starting tobruise. As the two women squabble back and forth, we all head into the house. I look over at Jackson. “Want a beer? I have a feeling these two will be at it a while.” Jackson nods. “You aren’t wrong. I’ve learned a few things over the many years with my woman, and one of them is to never interrupt the two of them when they’re like this. It’s best to just sit back and let them talk things out. Pretty soon we’ll have dinner, and they’ll be calm again. If we wade into it, we’ll both somehow end up sleeping on the couch, and I’m too fucking old to sleep comfortably on ours.” Truer words have rarely been spoken.
CHAPTER FIVE
December 21st
Romona
Today’s the annual party, and I’ve been up since four, going through everything I need to do this morning. I managed to stay in bed till around five, but then I couldn’t stand it anymore and got up to start the day. I wish I could be one of those people who can lie in bed for a while and just read or relax. Since Jason moved in, I’ve been better about it, but a woman can only change so much.
I pour my second cup of coffee, add a little cream, and take the mug with me over to my favorite chair, where I sit in front of the wood stove. I have central heat, but on cold days like this, I enjoy the warmth of the wood stove more than anything.
Sipping my coffee, I look over at our Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments over the decades from our kids and Jason’s grandkids. To the untrained eye, my tree looks like an unorganized mess, but to me, it’s an expression of love and the memories of Christmases past. This is my granddaughter’s firstChristmas, but it brings me back to memories of Mick’s first Christmas.
Mitch and I had only been married a couple of years and were still trying to get ourselves settled as parents and adults. Mick was the fourth baby boy in the club, and that December was the first Yuletide party the club held. We were all so young, but we were determined to make memories for our kids that most of us never had. If my tree is any evidence, I think we were mostly successful. Mitch and I weren’t perfect. We had our challenges, but we raised Mick right, and he’s a good man, husband, and father.
Come to think of it, I think my wish that first year was to give him a childhood full of memorable Christmases. I’m forever thankful that wish came true.
From what I know and the evidence on the tree, I think Jason and Lani gave their kids a similarly memorable childhood. I know Jason doesn’t regret his marriage, and I don’t regret mine to Mick. I think the two of us were meant to be our first relationship and our last—but that doesn’t lessen what we had with our spouses. Like Linnea says, love isn’t divided. It’s expanded.
I hear a rustling behind me before a hand comes down on my shoulder, and I feel a kiss to the top of my head. “Mornin’, baby. You’re up early. Couldn’t sleep?” I shake my head. “I can’t shut off my mind of all the things I need to remember for today.It’s one of my favorite days of the year, and with having more little ones around now, I know it’s going to be memorable.” Jason kisses my temple and heads toward the kitchen, coffee most certainly calling his name. “It’s gonna be a memorable day, even if you happen to forget something. You and the other women have busted your asses to make this a great party. The guys decorated the trees at the clubhouse, and they actually look pretty good. Fuck, if nothing else, you and I can have a memorable night since I get to bring home the Santa costume.” He’s gonna be the sexiest Santa my two eyes have ever seen, and I’m here for it. I turn and watch him take a sip of coffee. “All I want for Christmas is you, Santa Baby.” Christmas is the time of the year when a high level of cheesiness is perfectly acceptable. You know it’s true.
Jason
I just brought in the last load of food that Romona and everyone else made for today. The kitchen of the clubhouse is fuller than I’ve ever seen it. Leif, Micah, and Luke are stocking the bar with beer and more non-alcoholic drinks than I can count. Anna’s daughter, Hanna, is supervising Mary and Christy as they make eggnog from scratch. The whole place is abuzz with activity.
Pres comes out from his office, his little girl, who is almost a toddler, in his arms. He looks at me and gives me a chin lift anda grin that tells me I’m probably not gonna like what he says. “Time for you to go get changed. Santa needs to be dressed and ready to greet all the kids who should be here shortly. If you go get changed and head to my office, Romona, Anna, or Ma will be in to help you with the whole beard and wig thing.” These youngins are having way too much fun with this Santa thing.
I won’t admit this to anyone, but I’m actually kind of looking forward to it. I love kids, and I sure hope Zaria is fooled by the costume so I can hear what her real Christmas wish is. We all know that as kids, we only ever told Santa what our biggest wish was. Probably why I never got the Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle that I had asked for multiple years.
I quickly change into the red suit, put my boots back on, and walk over to Pres’s office. I open the door, and both Romona and Linnea are inside waiting for me. Romona looks great in her holiday sweater, leggings, and boots. “Baby, you look amazing. I—” I’m interrupted by Linnea. “You two do not have enough time for what that sentence would lead to. I’m not tryin’ to cockblock you, but we’ve got a bunch of people set to show up here in a few minutes, and the kids would not understand a half-dressed Santa.” She holds up the beard in one hand and the wig in another. Romona gives her a glare, but looks back at me and holds up a couple of pillows. “You’re more fit than the kids who know what Santa looks like will expect, so we gotta stuff thatsuit. I don’t care what Linnea here says, we will be revisiting you in this tonight when we get home.” And there’s my Christmas wish coming true.
I think I become a human rag doll as both Romona and Linnea descend on me and start stuffing the suit, attaching the white beard, and putting on the wig. I know better than to say anything, so I just stand in one place and let them do their thing. See? A man can get some smarts and wisdom with age. Linnea is finishing adjusting the wig on me when she looks at me and asks, “I know your brother is stopping by today at some point. Do you think he’s gonna be able to not hurt Millie’s feelings again?” Fuck me and my brother’s fucking mouth. I shrug and answer Linnea with the only answer I’ve got when it comes to Jeremy. “My brother and his lack of filter when it comes to women is…well, we all know he’s got shit taste in women and he’s an idiot when it comes to your better gender. But he did feel bad after Rob pointed out what he’d done, so I think he’s been more careful around her since. Plus, Rob and I both threatened him, so there’s that.” My answer must satisfy Linnea, as she gives me a nod and finishes what she’s doing.
Romona finishes buttoning the suit and pats my chest, leaning in for a quick kiss.
When she breaks the kiss and leans back, she gives me one of her beautiful smiles. “I’m gonna make it a goal of mine to catch you under the mistletoe as often as I can, Mr. Stone.” I lean in andgive her another kiss. “I love it when you’re so goal-oriented. I’m all for this one, love.”
A single clap of hands interrupts us. Linnea walks to the door. “It’s Santa time for the kids. Kissin’ Santa can’t come out for a few hours, you two! Let’s get going.” Romona gives Linnea a glare and gives me one more peck on the cheek for spite. “You go do the Santa thing for a bit. Once you’re released, come find me and I’ll reward you for all your hard work.” Romona turns and walks out of the room. Fuck me, I’m a lucky son of a bitch.
