Fee looked up at us, her eyes large behind her glasses, but when faced with a determined Cece, there was nothing any of us could do about it. Fiona placed the bag on the coffee table and gently pulled out the tissue-wrapped item.
Pulling the paper away from the item, a surprised look washed over Fiona’s face. Concerned, I headed over to where she was seated to get a look at the gift. It was a colorful picture frame made from a local artist that Ma favored.
Inside was a candid picture of Fiona and me making eyes at each other, while Mom, Dad, and Charlie laughed around us. Match was in the back of the shot, and Bull’s large form could just be made out from the corner. Inscribed on the top of the frame was the wordFamily.
“Welcome to the family, my darlin’ girl. We’re so happy you’re here,” Mom said with tears in her eyes. After a short pause, while she studied the gift in her hand, Fiona gently placed the picture on the table before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around Ma.
“Thank you, Cece. For everything. I’m so grateful to have all of you in my life.” Fee’s voice was thick with emotions.
“Enough of this mushy junk. C’mere, lady. I got you a present too,” Guard stated in his no-nonsense way. Fiona snorted at the comment. Getting up from the couch, she walked over to where Guard was waving a smaller gift bag in front of her.
“You really didn’t need to get me anything,” Fee insisted, even as she took the bag from him.
“Nonsense. Now, open it so we can get to dinner. It smells so good in here, I’m gonna start chewing on the furniture if you don’t feed me soon.” Fiona rolled her eyes good-naturedly as she pulled out a small wooden box. Opening it up, it held a swiss army knife attached to a keychain. Engraved on the knife, it readProperty of the Reaper’s Guard. The keychain was silver and had our club logo etched into it.
“Now, before you get all weepy on me, I’ve got the second half of your present,” he said quickly before he shoved a plain paper bag into her hand, causing Fiona to look confused. She reached inside and pulled out a mini bottle of pepper spray, which wassmall enough it could fit on the keychain. With a watery laugh, she pulled Guard into a hug.
“It’s perfect,” she said softly, and I couldn’t help the feeling of warmth that ran through me as I watched everyone together.
“Okay, this is super cute and all, but I’m seriously hungry. Can we eat now, please?” Charlie said from the doorway, a large glass of wine already in hand.
“C’mon, grab a seat. Dad and I will bring the food out.”
“No! We’ll all help. Right, guys?” Charlie ordered everyone, overly cheerful in her command.
“Uh, sure, whatever you want,” I said, looking at my sister, confused, but knowing she had something planned.
Charlie held the door open to the kitchen so Fee and I could walk in with my parents behind us. On the counter top was a shiny silver espresso machine with a big red bow on it. Fee gave a small gasp, and I couldn’t help the whistle that came out of my mouth.
“It’s a Breville espresso machine. Top of the line, best of the best, the sales guy assured me,” Charlie boasted excitedly.
“It’s from the three of us. An official gift for the two of you, so you always start the day off right together,” Mom added.
After that, we were all ready to eat, and soon, the table was covered with divine-smelling food from end to end. The meal passed quickly, conversation was easy and happy. Bellies full, talks turned to the annual Halloween party coming up.
“Oh, Reaper and Seph have been throwing this party every year. They go all out. It’s not the usual scene for an MC club, but it was important to Seph. At first, Reaper was mostly indulging her, but he’s gotten really into it over the years, and loves it now. So do most of the Brothers. The entire clubhouse gets decorated, and there are themed food and drinks. There’s a costume contest, and the competition’s gotten pretty serious over the years.”
“Fee, you and Bash should do a couples costume. It would be so cute!” Charlie gushed, and I shot her a look. She knew I wasn’t a fan of costumes. I attended the party every year and had managed to get away with little to no costume so far.
“Chuckie…” I started, only to have her interrupt me.
“I have so many ideas! You could be Fred and Daphne! Raggedy Anne and Andy! Oh! Or Jack and Rose fromTitanic!” Charlie rushed out.
“Charlie goes all out every year. She’s the reigning queen of the costume contest,” Ma explained.
“What are you going as?” Fee asked Charlie.
“Nope. It’s a secret. No one gets to know until I show up. Now, back to you guys. I have a great idea, if you both trust me.” I looked from Fee to Charlie, my brow furrowing. I wasn’t sure where it was going or what part I wanted to have in it. I definitely did not trust her.
“That sounds ominous,” Fiona finally said, and I nodded in agreement.
“Let me pick your costumes. I’ll make sure Bash only has to dress up minimally and that Fiona will look fucking fantastic. You’ve seen what I can do with costumes. Trust me, Bash, you’re gonna wanna let me help,” Charlie said. Right as I was about to argue, images of Fiona in different costumes flitted through my brain. I looked to see Fee staring at me, and shrugged.
“Whatever you wanna do, darlin’. Charlie is right, though. I’m not a huge fan of full costume, but content to participate if it makes you happy.” Fiona’s eyes got soft, and she reached over to grab my hand. I lifted hers up and kissed it.
“Gross. So is that a yes?” Charlie asked eagerly. I rolled my eyes.
“It’s a yes as long as all my private parts are covered and you pick something that’s comfortable for Bash. Bunny ears or abowtie. One item he can take off once he’s over it,” Fiona replied. Charlie squinted at her.
