“I wish Saul were here to see it; he probably would have hated the idea of us being together to start with, but I’ve just got this incredible sense that everything's gonna be okay now.” I know it’s been a tough road to get here, but I’m positive about the future.
“Of course, it’s gonna be okay.” Lettie hugs me. “And Saul would have wanted you to be happy, even if it is with his super hot best friend.” She winks before starting to clear up Rory's toys from the floor. “I was thinking about visiting your parents next weekend, so they can spend some time with Rory. Would you fancy making the trip with me?” she offers, turning the warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach into cold hard dread.
“I should probably stay close to home; my due date’s creeping up, and I’d rather not travel.” I smile, hoping we can move on from the subject.
“I get it, those last couple of weeks are killers. You're apprehensive, and uncomfortable, and you doubt every twinge and ache you get. I don’t miss those days, but it’s all worth it,” she assures me.
“That’s what I’m hoping.” I look down at my stomach and smile fondly. I have to admit, I think I might miss being pregnant.
“So, you think your mom and dad will visit here when the baby comes?” she continues, making herself comfortable on the couch while I place Vike's dinner on the table.
“I doubt it.” I shrug my shoulders, trying not to look sad about it. Having them here would only be awkward.
“Alicia, that's crazy, they’re great with Rory, and they’re gonna be awesome with your little one, too.”
“Kathy doens’t like to travel.” Vike steps back into the room just in time to save me from having to make up an excuse of my own. “This looks awesome, babe, thanks.” He kisses me before he takes a seat at the table and starts to eat.
“Since I’m staying, I might as well make the most of it. You want a beer?” Lettie checks, heading to the fridge to get one for herself.
“Nah, I’m off the beers until the baby comes; can’t be having my girl drive herself to the hospital, can we?” He drags his leg out from under the table and taps his knee for me to sit down.
“You want me to sit there?” I check, looking around at all the other free seats in the room.
“Well, I don’t want you sittin’ no place else.” He laughs at me, and when I do as I’m told, he wraps one arm around my waist and eats his dinner one-handed.
“You two are adorable.” Lettie watches us with a dreamy look on her face.
“I appreciate that, Let, butadorableain’t good for my street cred.” Vike grins at her before twisting his head to kiss me, and I notice the tears in Lettie’s eyes when we both pull away.
“You okay?” I check, feeling guilty for displaying too much affection in front of her. I know she’s still heartbroken from losing my brother.
“I’m fine, these are happy tears. Seeing you together reminds me of those short but sweet moments Saul and I got to spend together. I just wish we could have had more of them.” She dries her eyes and smiles bravely. “Never doubt that Saul would be against this. He loved you guys more than anything.”
“That means a lot, Lets.” Vike nods at her gratefully, his eyes welling up a little too.
“I’m sorry to ruin the moment, but I really have to pee.” I laugh as I get up from Vike’s lap and start waddling my way toward the bathroom.
“I don’t miss that part, either,” Lettie calls after me, laughing.
“You think Lettie will ever find anyone else?” I whisper, when me and Vike are alone and getting into bed.
“I hope she does, she deserves some happiness.” Vike kicks off his boots and starts stripping down to his boxers.
“You think maybe she might like anyone at the club?” It’s selfish of me but I hate to think of her moving away from us now. Getting to see Rory every day has helped me get through. I can't imagine how I’d have dealt with my grief without them both being here.
“Well, she'd better be quick; we’re flying off the shelves like hot cakes.” He kisses my neck as he gets into bed and snuggles up against me. “I think I could just about handle her getting with anyone other than Sinner,” I admit.
“Well, that leaves Saint out too, you don’t get one without the other,” he reminds me.
“Do you think Saint’s ever tried being in a relationship?” I ask. I’ve always felt sorry for the guy, he’s a good person, and it must be so hard for him to deal with having a split personality.
“I don’t think so, it’d be too complicated. Saint would never trust Sinner near a girl he likes; even if he wanted to commit, he couldn’t.”
“I can’t imagine how it must feel to know you have to spend the rest of your life alone.” I shake my head.
“He doesn’t, he’s got us. That's what the club’s all about; we’re a family, and yeah, Saint may never have the opportunity to get what we have, but he’s got people who care about him.”
“And what about Sinner, what has he got?” I ask, wondering if maybe Sinner is misunderstood.
