Page 31 of Coal (QUEENS WRAITHS MC #2)
THEA
Last night had been magical. When Coal had slipped my cut over my shoulders, the lost and lonely feeling I’d carried around my whole life, even with the love I knew my siblings felt for me, disappeared.
I belonged; finally, I belonged somewhere. I’d found a family that loved me for who I was, adored my daughter, and did what they could to keep me in contact with my sisters and brother.
The day after the party, Coal had given me a phone and a number and told me to have fun. He’d pressed a kiss to my head and said he’d go get Shea from his parents.
I’d looked at the number, not recognising it. Inputting it into the phone, I waited for the call to ring through. As soon as I heard Kara’s voice, I burst into tears.
“Thea,” she whispered. “Coal said you’d call. I’m so happy to hear your voice. Are you okay?”
Laughing, I pulled tissues out of the box and wiped at my face and blew my nose. “Oh, little sister, I’m so happy,” I assured her.
“Good,” she replied. “Tell me about your life.”
I spent the next two hours catching up with my sisters.
In that time, Coal came back with Shea and played with her, keeping her busy.
We talked until we couldn’t talk anymore.
Eventually, we said goodbye. I was both sad and happy after my call.
Sad because I missed my siblings and happy because I’d got to speak to them and know that they were safe.
Resting the phone on the table, I looked towards the lounge where Coal and Shea had now moved onto the sofa.
Coal was lying down on his back with Shea on his chest, watching a cartoon.
Standing, I walked over to them and crawled up from Coal’s feet until I was even with his head, careful not to disturb Shea.
Fitting my body between his and the back of the couch, I pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Thank you,” I told him.
Coal smiled and lifted his mouth for another kiss that I was happy to give him, “You’re welcome, baby. Are they okay?”
“Aye.” I nodded and laid my head down on his chest, resting my hand on Shea’s back. Enjoying the closeness of the man who had done so much to ensure that I’m happy and my baby girl, who has always been the light of my life.