Page 77

Remy

The gentle hum of our SUV is a welcome change from the incessant beeping of hospital monitors. I lean my head against the cool glass of the passenger window, watching the familiar streets of New Orleans blur by. The air conditioning chills my skin, a stark contrast to the humid heat that slaps against my face every time we stop at a light.

“Mama, you doing okay?” Beaux’s pipes up from the backseat, laced with concern that no eight-year-old should have to carry.

“I’m fine, baby. Just tired,” I force a smile, hoping it reaches my eyes. The concern in his bright blue gaze makes my heart ache.

“When we get home, can we have a movie night?” Birdie chimes in, her blonde curls bouncing as she practically vibrates with excitement. “Please, please, please?”

Rex chuckles, his deep laugh rumbling through the car. “Easy there, princess. Let’s get Rem settled first, alright?”

I catch his eye, warmth spreading through my chest at the tenderness in his expression. It still amazes me sometimes how this hulking man, with hands that could crush skulls, can be so gentle with our little family.

As we turn onto our street, my eyes widen at the sight before us. The normally quiet road is lined with a parade of chrome and steel. Harleys gleam in the late afternoon sun, their polished surfaces reflecting the warm glow of the fading day. Interspersed between the bikes are cars of all makes and models, some I recognize, others I don’t.

“Rex, what’s going on?”

He doesn’t answer immediately, but I catch the ghost of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. The silence stretches between us, punctuated only by Birdie’s excited gasps and Beaux’s whispered ‘whoa’ from the backseat.

As we pull into our driveway, I notice familiar faces milling about our front yard. Members of the Voodoo City Queens, my girls, are chatting with some of the Zulu Kings. The sight of the two clubs mingling peacefully still takes some getting used to, even after all we’ve been through.

My mama stands on the porch, her face lit up with a smile that could outshine the sun.

“Rex,” I repeat, turning to face him as he kills the engine. “Seriously...what’s all this?”

Rex’s warm hand envelops mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin. “Welcome home party,” he says simply, his dark eyes holding mine. “You’ve been through hell, Rem. We all have. Figured it was time for something good.”

My throat tightens with emotion. I want to protest, to say I’m too tired, that it’s too much. But the love in Rex’s gaze silences me.

“Mama!” Birdie squeals from the backseat, already fumbling with her seatbelt. “Can we go see everyone? Please?”

“Yeah, Mom,” Beaux chimes in, his earlier concern replaced by excitement. “Looks like the whole club’s here!”

“Alright, alright. Let’s do this.”

Rex is at my door in an instant, helping me out of the car with a gentleness that belies his imposing frame. As soon as my feet hit the driveway, we’re surrounded. My girls from the Voodoo City Queens engulf me in a group hug.

“Easy now, ladies,” Rex warns. “Let’s not smother her. She’s still on strict orders to rest.”

The group parts, and I find myself face to face with my mama. Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears as she pulls me into a fierce hug.

“Oh, baby girl,” she smiles. “We’ve been so worried.”

I melt into her embrace, inhaling the familiar scent of her perfume mixed with the spices from her cooking. “I’m okay, Mama.”

She pulls back, holding me at arm’s length. “Hmm,” she hums, not entirely convinced. “Well, you will be. I’ve made enough food to feed an army, and you’re going to eat every bite. Rex’s got everything set up for you inside, and I’ll be here every day to help with the kids.”

As I’m about to respond to Mama, a familiar voice cuts through the noise. “Rex Reed! What in the world are you thinking, keeping that poor girl standing out here like a display mannequin? Get her inside this instant!”

I can’t help but chuckle as Miss Blanche’s graying head pops out of the front door, her eyes narrowing at Rex with the kind of authority that makes even the toughest bikers straighten up.

“Yes, ma’am,” Rex responds. His large hand settles on the small of my back, gently guiding me towards the house. “Come on, Rem. Let’s get you settled.”

Rex helps me up the porch steps, his touch gentle but firm. The familiar creak of our front door is a welcome sound, and as we step inside, the coolness of our air-conditioned home washes over me like a balm.

But it’s not the comfort of home that makes me stop dead in my tracks. There, lounging on our weathered leather couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table is a sight I never expected to see. My step-brother, Voodoo, or Bobo, as I’ve called him since we were kids, grins at me with a familiar cocky smile.

“Well, well, well,” he drawls, standing up with an exaggerated stretch. “If it ain’t the prodigal sister, finally gracing us with her presence.”

For a moment, I’m frozen, overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotions. I cross the room in three quick strides and throw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest.

The familiar scent of motor oil and leather envelops me, stirring up memories of late-night rides and shared secrets. Bobo’s arms wrap around me, strong and secure, and I feel the rumble of his chuckle against my cheek.

“Easy there, Rem. I hear you’re supposed to be taking it resting.”

I pull back, blinking away the tears that are forming in my eyes. “What are you doing here?” I manage to ask.

Bobo’s grin widens, “I was hungry, and I heard Ameline was making one hell of a feast.”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep within me. It feels good like something long-dormant finally waking up. “Of course you’re here for the food,” I tease, punching his arm lightly. “Some things never change.”

Before Bobo can retort, Miss Blanche’s voice cuts through the air again, sharp as a whip. “Rex Reed! I swear on all that’s holy, if you don’t get that girl sitting down right this instant, I’ll tan your hide myself!”

Rex appears at my side, his massive frame somehow managing to look sheepish. “Yes, ma’am,” he calls over his shoulder, then turns to me with a mix of amusement and concern in his dark eyes. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you comfortable before Miss Blanche decides to make good on her threat.”

He guides me to our oversized recliner, the one we picked out together when we first moved in. It’s seen better days, with a few mysterious stains courtesy of the kids and a small tear in the arm that we keep meaning to fix. But as I sink into its worn leather embrace, it feels like coming home in a way the hospital never could.

Rex fusses over me, adjusting pillows and making sure I’m not straining anything. His hands, calloused and strong from years of working on bikes, are impossibly gentle as they brush my hair back from my face. “You good?” he asks.

“I’m good,” I assure him, reaching up to squeeze his hand. “Really, Rex. You can stop hovering.”

He gives me a look that says he doesn’t quite believe me, but he nods anyway. “Alright. I’m gonna grab you some food. Don’t move.”

As Rex heads towards the kitchen, Bobo plops down on the arm of the recliner, his mass causing it to creak ominously. “So, little sister,” he says, “when were you going to tell me about the issues you’ve been having with your pregnancy?”

“After the birth?”

“I see that fucking stubborn streak of yours hasn’t lessened with age.”

“Language!” Mama yells from inside the kitchen.

“I swear, Ameline has to be part bat. She hears everything. But seriously, you’re good, right?”

I sigh, leaning back into the recliner. “I’m...managing,” I admit, my hand instinctively moving to rest on my swollen belly. “It’s been a rough ride, but the doctors say we’re out of the danger zone now. I have to stay on bed rest for the next four weeks and maybe until the end of my pregnancy.”

Bobo’s eyes soften, and he reaches out to squeeze my shoulder. “You should’ve called me, Rem. I would’ve been here in a heartbeat.”

“I know,” I say, feeling a pang of guilt. “You have a family of your own now and your own club that needs you.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re my family.”

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I know, Bobo. I’m sorry. I just...I’m not used to leaning on people, you know?”

Bobo snorts, a familiar sound that takes me back to our teenage years. “Yeah, I know. You’ve always been stubborn as a mule. But listen, Rem, you’ve got a whole army of people here ready to help. Let us, okay?”

Before I can respond, Rex returns with a steaming bowl of gumbo. The rich aroma makes my mouth water instantly. “Here you go, sweetheart,” he says, carefully handing me the bowl. “Eat up. Doctor’s orders.”

I take a spoonful, closing my eyes as the flavors explode on my tongue. It tastes like home, like comfort, like all the things I’ve been missing these past few weeks. “Mama outdid herself this time.”

“She’s been cooking non-stop since we got the call that you were coming home,” Rex says, perching on the arm of the chair opposite Bobo. “I think she’s channeling all her anxiety into food.”

As if summoned by our conversation, Mama appears in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “How is it, baby?” she asks, her eyes searching my face.

“It’s perfect, Mama,” I assure her, taking another big spoonful. “Just what I needed.”

As I savor another spoonful of Mama’s gumbo, the front door bursts open, and a whirlwind of energy enters in the form of Birdie and Beaux.

Birdie’s blonde curls are wild, sticking out in all directions, while Beaux’s dark hair is plastered to his forehead with sweat. They’re talking over each other, their words tumbling out in a jumbled mess of “Mama, guess what?” and “You won’t believe what we saw!”

Rex steps in, his large hands gently corralling our energetic duo. “Alright, alright, let’s give Mama some space,” he says. “Why don’t you two go show Uncle Bobo that new video game you’ve been talking about?”

Bobo’s eyes light up at the suggestion. “Oh yeah? You rugrats got something new to show me?” he asks, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Birdie squeals with delight, grabbing Voodoo’s hand and tugging him towards the stairs. “Come on, Uncle Bobo! It’s so cool, you’re gonna love it!”

Beaux follows close behind, already launching into an explanation of the game’s mechanics. I lean back in the recliner, taking in the scene around me. I watch Rex and Mama in the kitchen doorway, their heads bent close as they talk in hushed tones. The sound of laughter drifts down from upstairs, where Birdie, Beaux, and my brother are engrossed in their video game. Outside, the rumble of motorcycle engines mingles with the chatter of voices and the clinking of bottles. The Voodoo City Queens and the Zulu Kings, once bitter rivals, are now united in their concern for me and my unborn child. It’s a peace I never thought I’d see, let alone be the cause of.

My hand rests on my swollen belly, feeling the gentle movements of life growing inside me. It’s a miracle, really, after everything we’ve been through.

Bobo’s voice suddenly booms down the stairs, jolting me from my reverie. “Hey, Remy! Got a question for you. You naming his kid after me too because I have some ideas.”

I can’t help but chuckle, shaking my head. Leave it to Bobo to bring up something like that. Before I can respond, Rex’s grumbles from the kitchen.

“Fuck no!” he says firmly, but I can hear the hint of amusement in his tone.

Mama smacks Rex on the arm at his swearing.

I can’t help but smile at the familiar banter. The warmth of family and friends surrounds me, a stark contrast to the cold fear that’s been my constant companion lately.

“For your information, Bobo,” I call up the stairs, “we haven’t decided on a name yet.”

Bobo’s laughter echoes down the stairs. “Well, just remember, ‘Bobo Junior’ has a nice ring to it!”

Rex makes his way back to me, perching on the arm of the recliner. His large hand covers mine where it rests on my belly. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asks.

I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth and strength of his presence. “Better,” I admit. “It’s good to be home.”

“You know, we don’t have to do all this today. If you’re tired, I can send everyone home. A little alone time with my beautiful fiancée sounds pretty fucking good right now.”

I look up at Rex, a mischievous glint in my eye. “Alone time?” I tease, patting my swollen belly. “I think that’s what got us into this mess in the first place.”

Rex’s deep chuckle rumbles through his chest, and I feel it vibrate against my shoulder. His large hand splays protectively over my belly, warm and comforting.

“Besides,” I continue, “with three kids, I think we can kiss ‘alone time’ goodbye for the next eighteen years or so. Maybe we’ll get a moment to ourselves when they all head off to college.”

As if on cue, a crash echoes from upstairs, followed by Birdie’s high-pitched giggle and Beaux’s exasperated, “Aw, man!” Bobo’s voice rises above the commotion, a mixture of amusement and mock sternness as he referees whatever chaos has erupted in the kids’ room. “Hey, stop throwing turtle shells at me, Uncle Bobo! That’s not fair.”

I can’t help but laugh “You hear that?” I say to Rex, gesturing towards the ceiling. “That’s what we have to look forward to, times three.”

Rex grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says, squeezing my hand.

I take a deep breath, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest. “Speaking of which,” I start, “I think it’s a good thing we’re having a girl this time around.”

Rex’s eyebrows shoot up, surprise written all over his face. “A girl? How do you know that?”

I can’t help but smirk, enjoying the rare moment of catching my usually unflappable fiancé off guard. “Woman’s intuition,” I tease, then add more seriously, “Plus, the ultrasound tech might have let it slip at the hospital. I was waiting for the right moment to tell you.”

Rex’s expression softens, a mix of joy and wonder crossing his features. “A little girl,” he mutters. “Another princess to spoil rotten.”

I chuckle, leaning into his touch. “Yeah, and thank goodness for that. I don’t think the world could survive if it were another boy.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, darlin’,” Rex declares. “If she’s anything like you, we’ll be just fine.”

I laugh, playfully swatting at Rex’s arm. “Very funny. You better be ready to chase after her because I have a feeling she’s going to be a handful.”

Rex leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I can handle it. After all, I’ve been chasing after you for years.”