Once she’s through the door, I close it behind her and sit in one of the chairs in front of Coal’s desk. Closing my eyes, I take a minute to breathe, knowing my brother will let me have it. When I’m feeling calmer and more centred, I open them and look straight into his concerned gaze.
“I’m okay,” I assure him before he can ask. “Just needed a minute. The common room isloud, and it’s been a busy morning. I wanted to ask you something.”
“You said,” Coal nods. “I have a feeling I know what it is, but ask anyway.”
“I’m going to ask Nora to be my Old Lady, and I want you to put it to the brothers for a vote. I know it’s quick, but she’s my one.”
“I’m not going to tell you it’s too quick, Nickel, not when I met and married Thea in four hours. If this is what you want, I’ll be happy to put it to a vote in Church this afternoon. She’ll make a welcome addition to the other Old Ladies. As long as she’s good to you, I have no problems. From the way she stood between us last night, I’d say she more than cares for you. I’m happy for you, brother.”
“Thank you, Coal.” I stand. “I hope the other brothers feel the same way.”
“Oh, I have no doubt the vote will go through.” Coal chuckles. “She sealed the deal when shestood up for you against me. We Tins seem to have a type.”
“Yeah, we do,” I agree. “Strong, kick-ass, not afraid of anything, family-oriented women are our kryptonite, it seems. See you in a bit, brother.”
Opening his door, I leave to meet Bee.
We spend the next few hours reviewing all the accounts and speaking with Beau about taking over. We’re deep in the accounts when our phones beep with a message from Opal that lunch is ready and to come and eat.
It’s been a morning, and I can’t wait for Church to be over so I can spend some time on my sled with my woman wrapped around me.
***
Church is nearing the end, and Coal still hasn’t asked for a vote on Nora. I’m beginning to getantsy, shifting restlessly in my chair. Maybe he isn’t going to do it today.
Nora squeezes my thigh, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Okay,” Coal says, going through the list in front of him. “It’s a yes to the gym and the boxing ring. Bee, I’m going to leave that with you, Copper, and Nickel. The Roadhouse is doing good, and now that the weather is warming up, it will get busier. Blue, how are the new managers working out?”
“They’re okay, Pres. I’ll keep an eye on them, but so far, so good.”
“Excellent. It’s good you’re no longer tied there. Brass, Iron, what about the paintball? When are you thinking of re-opening?”
“Easter school holidays,” Brass responds. “We’ll go over and do maintenance next week. Opal and Jeanie are working on the social media side, but we figured it would be good toopen during the holidays when the weather will be better.”
“Sounds good. I know from Mom that the cidery is doing fine. Any problems I need to know about, Tinman?”
Tinman shakes his head. “None, Pres.”
“Good, that’s the end of the business side, unless there’s anything else?” Coal looks around the table. When everyone shakes their heads, he continues. “Okay, then, an update on building the nursery. Bee has organised for the company to break ground next week, and they’ve said it will be completed in six weeks. She’s also ordered all the building supplies we need for the wet room to coincide with deliveries for the nursery to avoid scrutiny. We’ll get started on that as soon as the supplies arrive. Sterling is still working with Ramzi on finding Miles Burres, so nothing new to report there. I’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything. That’s all from me. The nextpart of the meeting is brothers only. Can the Old Ladies give us the room, please?”
Nora squeezes my leg once more, then stands and leaves with the other Old Ladies. Thea is the last one out, closing the door behind her.
Coal turns to the table and nods at me. “Your question, Nickel.”
Taking a deep breath, I nervously wipe my hands on my jeans. “I’d like a vote on me making Nora my Old Lady.”
“Aye.”
Tinman is the first to vote. I nod my thanks to him.
“Do we need to vote? You Tins seem to have found women perfect for the club,” Cross states.
He barely finishes speaking before Coalsshakes his head.
“We vote, same as always. It’s in our bylaws and needs to be noted down. Nickel will give Nora the rules if the Old Ladies haven’t already.”
“Okay,” Cross agrees. “It’s an aye from me.”
