He nods before walking away.
The funny thing is, Maggie was right there the whole time. He could have at least said hello to her, but he didn’t.
Maggie runs by to go into the bathroom as Gabriel sits on the swing next to me, smirking. “Told you he was a douche.”
Rolling my eyes, I pretend I don’t still love his jealous streak because I absolutely shouldn’t. We’re learning to co-parent. That’s all. I’m not supposed to want to rip his clothes off when he’s just here to get to know his daughter.
“Does he always treat you like that?”he asks.
I half laugh, staring down at my bare feet. “No. He’s just pissed you’re here.”
“You don’t deserve to be treated like that.” He stares at me until I meet his gaze. “I know it’s not my place, but he can’t talk to you like that.”
I shrug. “It’s okay. He’ll probably feel bad about it later. He’s not normally that much of an ass.”
He sighs, looking away for a moment before chuckling. “He doesn’t really seem like your type.”
“What do you mean?” I grin.
He runs his tongue over his bottom lip before saying, “It looks like he takes longer to get ready than you do.”
I burst out laughing and cover my mouth with my hand. “He does.”
“Jesus, I’d almost feel bad kicking his ass. That suit probably costs more than everything in my closet combined.”
I throw my head back. “Oh, it definitely does.”
Ifinally told Maggie. I was nervous for some reason. I was afraid she’d feel differently if she knew he was her dad, or she’d wonder why he wasn’t around before.
None of which happened.
She was thrilled.
She asked if that meant she was supposed to call him Dad instead of Casey. I told her she could call them whatever she preferred and that they would both be okay with what she wanted. She seemed to think about it but has still been calling him Gabie. I don’t think he cares at all, though. He seems happy to have her calling him anything.
This time when Casey flaked, it didn’t seem to bother her as much. Don’t get me wrong, she was bummed, but not quiteasbummed. I hate it for both of them because they were so close, but I can’t force Casey to be the man I believed he was, or the man Maggie deserves. I just pray Gabriel doesn’t let her down, too. I don’t want her to grow up believing men will always disappoint her, like I did.
41
GABE
OCTOBER PRESENT DAY
Nik and Shane are getting married. That’s a sentence I never thought I’d be saying. It took Shane and I some time, but eventually we worked out our shit. I’m not saying there aren’t still times I resent him for the years I lost, but I’m learning to let it go.
Ash was worried about letting Maggie come to Ravens Ridge for the wedding. For good reason, but I was dumbfounded when she asked my opinion on it. For the first time, I was a part of the decision.
When she was here before, I was naïve to think I could protect her from everything all by myself. That’s not how this works. But I’m no longer blinded to what can happen. There will always be issues with other clubs, but luckily things have been fairly quiet lately. With that being said, we’ll have club members keeping an eye on things from the parking lot. Even if someone decides to start shit while she’s here, Maggie will be out of here before they get anywhere near the place. I’m not taking any chances with her. It’s all mapped out already, and the wedding’s not for a few weeks.
I also put extra guys in place for tonight because Ash’llbe at the clubhouse for their bachelor/bachelorette party. Maybe I’m paranoid, but after our fight at the gas station, everyone knows our business.
I’m outside smoking with JT when Nik’s car pulls into the lot. The moon shines high above, reflecting off the black paint. Music and chatter erupt from inside when Theo slips out to join our party.
“Fuck, man. How many people did they invite? It’s already packed.”
Ash steps out of the car, dragging all the air from my lungs. I swear I have no idea how my legs manage to stay under me because she’s never looked better. Her pale legs look a mile long in that short black dress that hugs every curve. The strappy black heels she’s wearing click against the concrete as she practically glides across the parking lot. But the thing that catches me completely off guard is her hair. It’s fucking straight. For the record, I’m a huge fan of the big curls, even more so now that I have a daughter with them. But straight, she has an edge that might actually do me in tonight.
JT takes notice too. He might as well be standing there with his damn mouth open.“Holy shit!”
