“Don’t thank us. It was all him,” Bronze said and pointed to Batta.
Batta shrugged. “While they were discussing the best way to get her in the truck, I just picked her up and put her in the seat. Did the same thing when we got here.”
Mom smiled broadly. “He sure did.”
“Mom,” I groaned.
“What? You can’t tell me that man’s size isn’t impressive,” she retorted.
Batta rocked back on his heels and stuck his thumbs through his belt loops. “It definitely is,” he said and it was obvious he was referring to the size of something else.
“Knock it off, boys; it’s Christmas,” Leigh ordered. “And it’s time to eat.”
“Jenna!” Riley squealed and ran toward a little girl standing behind Batta. “Mommy! Mommy! It’s Jenna!”
“Riley!” the little girl yelled with just as much enthusiasm.
“Mommy, can we go play?”
“Maybe after we eat,” I said hesitantly. We’d been to the clubhouse a few times before, but I wasn’t sure if it was okay to let my kids run freely through the place. For one thing, I didn’t want them walking in on anything I wasn’t planning on explaining to them until they were much older.
Kellan leaned in close, “They can play anywhere in here and be fine.”
“Yes,” I said with more confidence. “As long as you stay in this room and it’s okay with Jenna’s parents,” I said with a smile.
“It’s fine,” Batta said and ruffled her hair.
“Oh, I didn’t realize she was yours.”
“She’s not. She’s Kennedy’s niece. Actually, they live right down the street from you,” Batta told me.
“Now that you mention it, I think Riley told me that one time. I know she’s been wanting to play with her outside of school, but I didn’t realize she was Kennedy’s niece. We’ll definitely have to plan something after the holidays.”
“I’m sure Jenna would love that.”
37
Savior
Iwas finally able to drive just in time for New Year’s Eve, and I had a big surprise planned for Avery. We’d been through a lot in the few months we’d been together, but we’d never been on a date. That was about to change.
It took some careful planning to keep from spoiling the surprise, but I managed to find babysitters for the kids, make arrangements for the evening, and even bought a new truck without Avery knowing. The only thing I hadn’t figured out was how to get her dressed and ready without telling her why. Thankfully, Claire took care of that for me.
Avery came downstairs in a pair of ripped jeans and a fitted black Blackwings MC T-shirt one of the Old Ladies had given her for Christmas. Her long, auburn hair perfectly framed her delicate face, and her green eyes held a sparkle I’d never seen before. When she looked at me and smiled, she took my breath away.
“I’m almost ready to go,” she said and shoved a few things into her purse. “We shouldn’t be too late,” she told her parents.
“It’s okay, honey,” Claire said. “Enjoy your evening. You deserve it.”
After giving everyone hugs and kisses, she walked outside expecting to see one of our various chauffeurs waiting patiently in the driveway. “Whose truck is that?”
“Mine,” I said. “I bought it yesterday after the doctor gave me the okay to increase my activity, including driving.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wanted to surprise you,” I said and opened the door for her. Once we were both inside, I held up a blindfold. “I have another surprise.”
“We’re not going to the clubhouse?” she asked and eyed the blindfold curiously.
