Dishes are passed around, and we all dig in.
I look around the table, seeing my brothers and their families, and realize everyone who’s important to me is right here, laughing and enjoying a meal together. Catching Heather’s eyes, I lace my fingers with hers and bring her hand up, kissing the back of it.
She looks happy and leans toward me and gives me a quick kiss.
“Ooo, Cody kissed a girl,” one of the little boys teases.
Billy looks beyond me to find who said it.
“I knew that had to be Green’s firstborn. Finn has definitely got his father’s personality.”
Green chuckles. “Well, I redeemed myself with my second born. Mia is my angel.”
“Because she takes after her mother,” Red Dog teases, and everyone laughs.
After breakfast, I play tag with the older kids and end up giving Green’s daughter a ride on my shoulders.
In the afternoon, with word that the bikers are still in their motel room, I get ready to take Heather to Lucky’s to start her shift, while Tucker stays with the kids at the clubhouse. My mom has taken to him as if he were her own, and it’s sweet to watch her with him.
When she turns her eyes to me, I know she’s thinking about when I’ll give her grandchildren, and maybe she’s thinking Tucker might become one if things with Heather and I stay on track.
That’s my plan, so I give her a hug and whisper in her ear. “He’s a good kid, isn’t he, Ma?”
“He is. Reminds me of when you were this age. All full of energy. He’s been having the time of his life with the other kids. I have a feeling he hasn’t had a lot of time playing with other kids.”
“I think you’re right. I’m gonna take Heather to work. She’s changing in Dad’s room.
“Okay, honey. Tell her not to worry about Tucker. He’s fine, and I won’t let him out of my sight.”
“Thank you. Really. I appreciate it.”
She kisses my cheek. “Be careful. I’m still your mother, and I still get to worry.”
Heather returns, and I take her hand, walking her out to my bike. We ride across town, and I drop her at the door.
“You good?” I ask.
“Yes. Where are you going?”
“Gonna swing by and check on Gypsy Soul, TJ’s ol’ lady’s tattoo shop. I told him I’d meet him there. Text me on your break.”
“All right. Be careful.” She gives me a peck, then trots inside.
I make sure she’s okay, then pull out.
Everything is good at Gypsy Soul, Gigi’s staff having things well in hand. They’ve been warned to watch out for any Death Heads, but with the tags on their bikes and them under our surveillance, TJ and I aren’t worried. If they head this way, TJ told me he plans to call and tell them to close the shop and lock up.
That night when I return at the end of Heather’s shift, I walk up to the apartment with her. She leans against me.
“I’m exhausted.”
I kiss the top of her head. “I’m sorry. Hopefully, we can wrap this up soon. Did you see anything?”
“No, but I think they’re being vigilant around me. It could take forever for me to catch them doing anything.”
“Have you felt out the crew? What do you think of the other waitresses?”
“They all seem nice. Some are more friendly than others.”
