"Not yet," Grace says. "You're the first person we've told."
Jolene looks touched. "Really?"
"Really. We wanted you to know first."
"When are you telling him?"
I look at Grace. "Tonight, maybe. Rip the bandaid off."
"He's going to be thrilled," Jolene says, sitting back down. "A grandfather. He'll love that."
There's something wistful in her voice when she says it.
Like she's imagining Phantom's reaction.
Like she wishes she could be there to see it.
But she doesn't push. Doesn't ask to come along. She’s respecting the boundaries she's set for herself.
Which is progress, if you ask me.
After lunch, Jolene stays for coffee and we talk about baby things.
Names we like. Whether we'll find out the gender. How Grace is feeling beyond the morning sickness.
"My mom had terrible morning sickness with me," Jolene says. "But it passed around twelve weeks. Hopefully yours will too."
"God, I hope so," Grace mutters.
Eventually, Jolene glances at her watch. "I should get going. Have some errands to run and things to get done back at my place."
She hugs us both goodbye, promises to check in soon, and drives off in her own car.
Not Phantom's truck. Not asking for a ride from a brother.
Her own car. Her own life.
Honestly, I'm proud of her.
"She's really doing it," Grace says, watching her mom's car disappear down the driveway. "Building her own life."
"She is. Thanks to you."
"I just gave her a push. She did the rest."
I pull Grace close, my hand settling on her still-flat stomach. "You ready to tell your dad tonight?"
"Yeah. Let's get it over with."
The clubhouse is busy when we arrive that evening.
Brothers working on bikes, shooting the shit, the normal rhythm of club life. I've been back as Enforcer for two months now, and it feels like I never left.
Except better. Because now I have Grace. Officially. Completely.
"Shadow!" Rogue calls from across the lot. "Need you to look at something when you get a chance."
"Later," I call back. "Need to talk to Prez first."
