Vex exchanged a look with the other men. He, Scythe, and Razor followed Wraith’s example and finished the last of the liquid.
“We need more tea!” Angel announced and shifted to get off Vex’s lap.
“No more tea, Baby girl. Let’s get some real food in you. What does everyone want for dinner?” Vex looked at each of the Little girls.
“Burgers,” Caroline announced and glanced around the circle.
“Can we have tots?” Honey asked.
“How about some healthy additions?” Razor suggested.
“And pickles!” Winnie requested. “They’re green!”
“I’ll grab those and some veggies,” Razor said.
“With ranch?” Honey asked.
“You bet,” her Daddy said.
“It sounds like we have a cookout planned for dinner. I’ll start the grill,” Vex announced. “I have some frozen burgers. Does anyone have buns?”
Everyone scattered. When they returned bringing contributions to the cookout, the hats had disappeared, and each Little girl returned with their Daddy and a freshly washed face. The women made chains of clover flowers as their Daddies bustled around getting food ready. Standing at the grill, Vex enjoyed watching Angel with the other Littles. She meshed perfectly with the group.
“Patches! Stop eating my flowers,” Honey complained and tried to shoo the chicken from the pile she’d picked to weave into her bracelet.
“That’s Fluff. She never listens,” Winnie told her. She picked up a flower and rolled the stem between her fingers to catch the hen’s attention. When the fluffy bird headed her way, Winnie tossed the blossom to the side. “Have at it! She’ll be happy there.”
“Are they your chickens?” Angel asked. She’d never been that close to live poultry before. “Are you going to eat her?”
“Good heavens, no! They’re technically Scythe’s. He grew up on a farm that was sold several years ago. He brought Fluff and Patches with him to remind him of home. We couldn’t eat them!” Winnie’s voice dropped in volume significantly on one particular word as she checked to see if the chickens were listening.
“Sorry,” Angel said quickly.
“You didn’t know,” Winnie reassured her without a trace of discontent.
“Burgers are done. Anyone hungry?” Vex called.
“Starving!” Caroline answered, and the others echoed her response.
“In that case, come get a plate and your Daddy’s help, and I’ll toss down some blankets so we can have a picnic,” Vex declared. “Better get a burger. The vultures will appear quickly.”
Angel checked the sky trying to spot the predators. All she could see were fluffy clouds. “Where are they?”
Almost as if they’d planned the timing perfectly, Street and Toxin turned the corner to reach the backyard. Vex swept a hand out to indicate the two bikers. “Told you.” He lowered his voice and stage-whispered to Angel. “Vultures.” To his delight, her giggles filled the air, making everyone smile.
“Hey. We could leave, but I brought more burgers,” Toxin said, holding out a sleeve of frozen patties.
“All are welcome, brother. Toss those on the grill as we get the ladies fed,” Vex said with a smile as the women raced to grab a plate.
In a few minutes, the backyard bustled with conversation and laughter. Vex looked around at the gathering and shook his head slightly. He would never have guessed he’d end up here.
“Daddy? Are you sad?” Angel asked.
“Sad is the farthest emotion from how I feel. I am blessed with an incredible Little girl and the best family.”
“The Devil Daddies are like a family, aren’t they?” she asked, crawling into his lap to wrap her arms around his neck.
Vex kissed her lightly before answering, “That’s exactly what we are. Sometimes dysfunctional but always committed to each other.” He gestured around the group. “I think everyone who’s not on duty is here tonight.”
