“Thank you.” My face flushes as he gives me a look I can’t quite decipher. Though all the little innocent touches he has been giving me all day have been driving me crazy, if this man doesn’t put his hands and mouth on me soon I might just combust.
We walk hand in hand as Joker holds open the door for us before we walk in. I can see a bike parked at the back, and I have a feeling Joker has gotten his wish, and by the big smile on his face, he knows exactly who's here. We walk in, and the smell has my mouth watering. My eyes adjust to the light, and I can see Hawk sitting in a back booth watching Avianna as she moves around the diner. He turns his head as the bell chimes, seeing us standing there as Bailey waves and runs over to him.
I look over at Joker to see him with a big smile on his face. “Happy now?”
He’s rubbing his hands together with glee. Men, I tell ya. “Immensely, now let's go meet the girl that has Hawk tied up in knots. Oh, and I got a text from Blade while we were shopping. He droppedoff the paperwork at home. We just have to sign the documents, and Bailey is ours.”
My throat clogs with emotion, knowing no one can take her from us now. Joker pulls me to his side and kisses the top of my head. “Thank you.” My voice breaks, and I’m really trying not to cry in the middle of the diner right now.
“For what angel?”
“For being you. For making sure Bailey stays with us. Just for everything.” Joker truly is the best, and I’m one lucky person having him in my life. I know I fought him at first, but I was just so scared of getting hurt, and now I know all those feelings were for nothing. I'm right where I’m meant to be.
Joker gets a tender look on his face. “No need to thank me, angel. We are both in this together. We will raise Bailey as our own and give her the life that she deserves. Then, when you're ready, we will have another baby. When I said I want it all with you, I mean it. You're it for me, Madison.”
A tear I can’t hold back slowly slides down my face, and Joker catches it with his finger. “Joker.” I whisper out, not knowing what to say.
“I know, angel. Come on, let's get you guys fed.” We walk over hand in hand to Hawk’s booth. We can hear an excited Bailey telling him all that she got today at the mall.
“And Madison and Joker are sending me to the private school. I can't wait to make friends.” She's bouncing around in her seat, making us laugh.
“That’s great Bailey I’m sure you will make lots of friends. And if anyone is mean to you, you just come tell Uncle Hawk and I will take care of them.”
Bailey lets out a giggle. “That’s what Joker said as well.” Good Lord, these men! I have a feeling Bailey is going to have all these badass bikers wrapped around her finger.
Hawk looks over at us and nods his head. I look at Joker from the corner of my eye to see a massive smile on his face. “Fancy seeing you here, brother.”
I roll my eyes and take a seat across from Hawk and Bailey and hand a menu over to her. Hawk just gives him a blank look. I notice Bailey waving at someone, smiling big, and we turn our heads to see Avianna coming to the table, waving back.
“How do you know Avianna, Bailey?” I ask curiously.
She turns her head to look at us. “Avianna caught me looking in the dumpster one day for food and brought me inside and gave me a meal. She’s my friend.”
Jesus, my heart hurts hearing that, and Joker isn’t faring much better as his knuckles are turning white trying to control himself. Just before Avianna reaches the table, Bailey jumps out of her seat and wraps her arms around Avianna, hugging her.
Bailey drags her the rest of the way, making her laugh. I can see why Hawk is so infatuated with her. One she’s absolutely beautiful and small, but has an aura about her. I’ve come in here a few times, and she’s always been so sweet.
“Avianna, you have to meet my new family: Madison, Joker. Oh, and Uncle Hawk. They even took me shopping today and told me I can stay with them forever isn’t that great.” She’s jumping around smiling big, but the moment she said family, it took everything in me not to bawl in the middle of the diner. I can see Joker choked up as well.
Avianna smiles down at Bailey and wraps her arms around her. “Oh, that’s amazing, Bailey. I'm so happy for you.” She looks at Jokerand smiles, but when her eyes meet Hawk’s, she blushes and turns her head quickly, looking at me. “Hi Madison.”
I give her a knowing smile. “Hi, Avianna. How’s it going?”
“It’s going okay. Are you guys ready to order?” We place our orders, and she walks away headed into the kitchen, and an idea pops into my head.
“Hey Joker, can you let me out? I want to ask Avianna something.” He gets up, and I walk to the counter where Avianna is filling drink orders. She turns around and smiles, seeing me standing there. “Hey, I wanted to invite you to the next girls' night in a few weeks. We get together a few times a month- nothing too crazy, but I want you to come. It will be fun, what do you say?” I know she’s lonely and doesn't have any family or friends around here, and I really like her, and I can tell she will fit in with everyone. She reminds me a lot of Scarlett.
A few seconds later, she gives me a smile and nods her head. “I would love that, thank you, Madison.” I can tell she’s trying to hold back her emotions right now.
“Perfect. Let me see your phone, and I will put my number in it, and I will text you in a few days to set something up.” She hands her phone over, and I put my number along with all the girls' as well because she will eventually be getting them anyway. I sneak Hawk’s number in as well. I sent a text to myself so I can have her number as well and hand her phone back.
Before I walk back to the table, she places her hand on my arm. “Madison, what you are doing for Bailey is amazing, and I know she’s in good hands now and will have a loving, happy home to grow up in. Some people never get that option, but I’m glad she has you guys now.” She has a sad smile on her face as she walks into the kitchen to grab the food. I have a feeling Avianna’s upbringing is closer to what Bailey's was.
I walk to the table, and Joker gets up and lets me in. “Is everything okay?” Joker asks ever the protector.
“Oh yeah, everything's perfectly fine. I just invited Avianna to the next girls’ day. I like her, and I know she will fit in well with the other girls. Besides, I have a feeling she hasn’t had much good in her life.” I look at Hawk to see him watching her move around the diner.
After a few moments, he turns his head to me. “Thank you.”
