He looks out the windows ahead of us, then scans the area slowly.
“Who? From the Iron Runners?”
I nod. It’s not a complete lie. That guy could have been with them. Or not with them, since Grizz mentioned something about them splitting up. I don’t know, and I can’t think clearly. But he did threaten me. He said the baby isn’t mine. Which means he knows something. But if I mention this to Grizz, he will lose his mind. So I just have to keep it to myself. It was probably all in my head anyway—just me overreacting.
Tommy doesn’t move more than six inches from me, even as he pays and puts the bags of groceries into the cart. When we make it outside, he puts his arm around me and we quickly walk to the car. He gets me and Dorothea into the car before putting the groceries in the trunk. The ride home is a blur.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Grizz
We decide to have Thanksgiving at our house, just the five of us, the day before. The club always does big events at the clubhouse for holidays, so tomorrow, we will be there. Just like we were for Halloween, and just like we will be for Christmas. Though, this year, we’re having Christmas Eve there too—which is new. Coyote and Shark are working hard at building more traditions and strengthening relationships. It won’t happen overnight, but I think it’ll help in the long run.
But Tommy and Kelsey convinced me to do something here too, wanting to start our own tradition as well. I’m not sure it’ll stick, since we will get an official vote on whether or not Tommy will be our newest prospect this Saturday, but I guess we will see. And him joining the club doesn’t mean we have to stop doing stuff at home.
Family and food… who can say no to that? Especially Thanksgiving. I’ll eat that food every damn day without complaining.
Kelsey has been feeling better and she insisted on cooking everything today. We all offered to help, but she only took Anastacia up on the offer. So Tommy and I are sitting on the couch, watching football with beers, while Dorothea is in her bouncer, happily cooing away.
A loud laugh comes from the kitchen, and I can’t help but smile.
“They’re getting along well,” Tommy says. “Especially the last couple of weeks.”
“It’s great.”
“Yeah, it really is. Kels didn’t have many friends back home, which made moving easier, but she did have some friends. It’s nice that her and Anastacia get along.”
I take a swig of my beer, before saying, “You think she’s okay with the baby?”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “She loves the baby.”
“And how about you?”
Nodding absently, he says, “Sometimes it makes me sad, but I’m happy for you and Anastacia. I appreciate that you let us into your life, Grizz. Maybe we weren’t meant to be parents, but aunt and uncle is a good second.”
I have to take a breath to shove away the emotion. It breaks my heart that he’sforcedto feel that way.
“You’re my brother, Tommy. Of course I’ll let you into my life. I trust you with everything. And you two are going to be the best aunt and uncle ever.”
His gaze goes to the baby, a soft smile appearing on his face. “She’s never going to be able to date.”
I bark out a laugh, startling her.
“Shit.” I slap my hand over my mouth, then laugh quietly.
“Between us and the club?” Tommy adds, laughing again.
“You know the girls will fight us tooth and nail on that one. Though, she’s not the only one we have to worry about.”
“What does that mean?”
“Shark’s having a kid too. His girl’s pregnant.”
“No shit?” He huffs a laugh, finishing his beer and getting to his feet. “They know it’s a girl?”
“Nah, I don’t think so, but regardless…”
“Fuck yeah,” he says. “No matter what, we have everyone’s backs.”
