“What is all of this?”
“This is Kelly and Sloane. Before them, we would have had some grilled meats and beer, but since they came on board, things have changed,” he tells me.
“Whose kids are those? The guys I’ve met don’t seem like family men. Well, maybe Gunner, but I know they don’t have kids,” I tell him.
“None of the brothers have kids. These are family friends. Neighbors. We aren’t all about the club all the time. We like to help the community too. These are people who support us.”
I smile to myself. I had read about their charitable contributions. After a hurricane a couple of years ago, they drove down to Panama City and helped rebuild for months. They donated supplies and such to displaced families.
“I like that. Emily is going to have a blast.”
He hums. “What about Tanner?”
“I don’t know. I want to say he will too, but he isn’t the joyful kid he once was. I don’t know what to do about it, though. Not when I know why.”
He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Don’t stress about it today. I did want to ask if he could help me after school. He wants to learn how to fix cars. I will keep him safe.”
I think it over. I like that he is going to Mac, that he is starting to warm up to a male figure in his life.
“I don’t mind. I know you won’t let anything happen to him.”
Before he can say anything back, Kelly and Sloane come up behind us.
“No way, Mac. She is ours today. You can have her later. Come on, Jane. We want to fill you in on all the juicy gossip,” Kelly says.
“Gossip? Kelly, you hate gossip.” Sloane huffs.
I glance back, giving Mac a small smile. He returns it before heading toward the grill.
“I do hate gossip, but I want to hear all about you and Mac. Boy has it bad for you,” Kelly tells me, handing me a cola.
“Thank you,” I tell her. “Mac and I are friends. I’ll be honest. I’m not sure I’m ready for anything more. How can I be?”
“Oh, honey, when Smoke showed up, he claimed me within minutes of meeting me. I didn’t think I could fall for him so fast, but love has its own timeline. Don’t let what you think you should do or feel stop you from feeling what you actually feel. Did that make sense? That sounded a little confusing,” she mutters.
“You are always confusing,” Sloane jokes. “Kidding. She’s right, though.”
“How can I trust my feelings, though? I once fell in love with a man who hurt me. Like bad,” I tell them.
They both frown. “You can’t blame yourself for being fooled by a man who knew how to charm you. I’m guessing you were young too.” When I nod, she continues. “We all see what we want to see when we are young. Your eyes will be open now. Besides, Mac isn’t whatever you left. He is a good man.”
“I thought my husband was too. What if Mac ends up like him?” I ask, voicing my real fear.
“Then Smoke will put a bullet in his head,” Kelly says without hesitation.
I choke. “Excuse me?”
“These men don’t allow men to hurt women or children. So not only would Smoke kill him, but Gunner would be there to clean up the mess. All the brothers live by this code. So trust me when I say Mac will not harm any of you,” Sloane adds.
I sigh. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t need to make any decisions now. Take your time and get to know him. If it happens, then it happens. If not, it doesn’t matter. You are family either way. The club is sworn to protect you. Nothing will change that,” Kelly says.
“Besides, you are in our little group now too, so added protection.” Sloane winks at me.
I laugh, letting some of the weight lift off me.
“Thank you for inviting me,” I tell them.
