“It’s nice to meet you both,” I say as Tristan and Zach give them each a nod of recognition but nothing more.
“You’re the one who called us to tell us what was going on,” Mrs.Jones states as she releases her daughter and steps closer to me.“Thank you for taking such great care of our daughter.I’m glad she wasn’t alone in the hospital after being kidnapped.Would you like to stay for dinner so we can thank you properly?”
“Mom, Tucker will be staying with me.We’re together now.He knows everything,” Keaton says and it doesn’t take long for her parents to understand her words as they both smile at me.
I finally take Bridger from Zach and head for the bassinet in the living room as Tristan and Zach leave us alone in Keaton’s house.Mr.and Mrs.Jones fuss over Keaton, bringing her in the living room and getting her set up on the couch.Mrs.Jones covers her daughter with a light blanket while Mr.Jones brings in a large bottle of water, crackers, and some other snacks.
“You just stay right in here and try to get some rest, Sweetheart.Let your dad and I make you guys dinner,” her mom says as I get Bridger laid down in the bassinet and cover him with a blanket.
“Why don’t you guys hang out here with your daughter and I’ll prepare dinner for us all?”I ask everyone as they look at me with surprise.“I can cook really well and I don’t mind.I know Keaton has a grill out back and I can use that for part of dinner.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?I don’t have a problem cooking for us all,” Mrs.Jones asks me as she looks between Keaton and me.
“I’m positive.You haven’t seen your daughter in a long time.Relax and I’ll take care of dinner,” I assure them, making my way in the kitchen with the empty bottles from Bridger’s diaper bag.
***
I’ve been cooking fora while now and everything is finally ready for dinner.I made ribs, potatoes sliced and seasoned before being cooked on the grill, finished the macaroni salad Mrs.Jones was preparing, and grilled asparagus.Mr.Jones came out when I was grilling our food and we had a good talk.He asked me a lot of questions about myself and I answered every single one honestly.I’m surprised he didn’t ask more about the club, but I’m sure he knows we’ve all taken turns with security work when his daughter has been on tour.The last thing he tells me before we carry all the food inside is to be patient with Keaton and don’t let her hide away when things overwhelm her.He also informs me that I’m important to her since she told me the truth about Ruby and it’s a first for her.
We all sit down for dinner together and Bridger joins us at the table since he woke up.Mrs.Jones feeds him baby food in his high chair, allowing Keaton to eat while her food is still hot.I’ve talked to her several times and she’s too busy taking care of Bridger to worry about finishing her meal or taking care of herself.I’m glad I’m not the only one willing to step up and ensure she puts herself first every now and then.
“So, Tucker, you’re a member of the Knight’s Rebellion MC?”Mrs.Jones asks me as we enjoy our food.
“Yes, ma’am.I’ve been a member since I was eighteen years old.I’m currently the Sergeant at Arms.I also manage the strip club we own,” I say and wonder what she’ll think of that piece of information.
“I see.You also work in security?”she asks, not mentioning the strip club part again.
“I do.We have a security firm through the club one of my brother’s run.I was on your daughter’s security detail at the festival she played before everythin’ happened.We don’t often get called in by Jagger but since it was so close to here, Sabotage asked for us to be included.He’s the main contact of Jagger,” I answer her as Keaton offers me a small smile and takes my hand in hers as she continues to eat.
“You sound like you stay busy,” Mrs.Jones comments as she feeds Bridger more food.
“I love to stay busy.I grew up on a farm and there was always somethin’ to do.It beats sittin’ around doin’ nothin’,” I state as Mrs.Jones nods in agreement.
“How are you going to handle Keaton going on tour when Jagger gets another one lined up for her?”Mr.Jones questions me as I squeeze Keaton’s hand and set my fork down on the table next to my plate.
“That’s easy.I’ll do everythin’ I can to help her prepare and head out.My President has a wife and kids of his own.I’m sure Wren won’t have any problem helpin’ me take care of Bridger while Keaton’s on tour.We can head out to certain dates dependin’ on where the tour is.When I can’t be with her, we have phones.The two of us can call and FaceTime.Tour won’t last forever and for the duration, I’ll stay here with Bridger so it’s one less thing Keaton has to worry about or focus on,” I answer Keaton’s dad as he smiles at my response and Mrs.Jones finally loses the tension in her shoulders.
“You’ve found a good man, Sweetheart,” Mrs.Jones finally says, giving me her approval as we continue eating our dinner.
As soon as we’re done eating, everyone thanks me for a good meal.I cleared the table and put away all the leftovers.After rinsing the dishes off, I loaded the dishwasher and started it before joining Keaton and her parents in the living room.We talked, laughed, and I was told stories about Keaton growing up.Her mom even threatened to send me videos of her childhood to which Keaton’s face turned a bright shade of red and she vehemently vetoed that idea.Mrs.Jones gave Bridger his bath before putting him to bed while I helped Keaton wash up with a quick sponge bath before changing her into a pair of her pajamas.
“Sweetheart, Bridger is out and in his crib.You get some rest and we’ll check on you tomorrow.If any of you need anything, don’t hesitate to call and we’ll get it taken care of,” Mrs.Jones says when she re-enters the living room and leans down to give her daughter a kiss on the top of her head very carefully.
“Thank you, Mom.Dad, make sure she rests once you get home.You know she’ll stay up all night washin’ the clothes from your suitcases if you don’t watch her,” Keaton says as her mom glares at her and her dad starts to laugh in response.
“I’ll make sure she goes to bed.In fact, I’ll leave our suitcases in the car until tomorrow so she doesn’t have a choice but to go to bed,” Mr.Jones responds as he gives his daughter a hug and they leave.I follow behind them and lock the door before rejoining Keaton in the living room.
“Are you ready for bed?”I ask her, taking a seat near her feet and pulling them in my lap.
“No.I’d like to watch a movie if you want to,” she responds and I nod my head.“I’m kind of hungry.Is there any ice cream?”
“Let me take a look.I know Tristan and Zach bought a ton of groceries this mornin’ while you were waitin’ to get released from the hospital.The club paid for them because they didn’t want us to have to stop anywhere else before coming here,” I inform her as I carefully move her feet and head for the kitchen.
“Why would they do that?I don’t belong to the club,” she questions me as I listen to her grab the remote from the table while pulling open the freezer.
“They know you’re mine and I was gonna be here for you no matter what.It was their way of helpin’ us out so I can focus on Bridger and you.You heard the nurse when she was goin’ over your paperwork.You’re to rest for the next few weeks and take care of yourself.I’ll worry about Bridger.Sleep will be your best friend.Tristan also picked up your prescriptions from the pharmacy.Before bed we’ll have to change your bandages and apply more ointment to the wounds on your wrists,” I remind her as she pouts in response.
“That hurts,” she states as I pull out two different containers of ice cream.
