Page 8 of Sam (Crow MC 2nd Generation #2)

ALLY

Phew, I got the job, and now I wasn’t sure how to feel.

Excited. Nervous. Sick to my stomach at the thought of having to drive myself every day to the next village.

I felt all of those things, but most of all, I felt proud.

Proud that I’d taken this step. Now all that was left was to let my dad know.

I had a plan on how to break the news to my dad.

I’d shooed my aunts and mum out of the kitchen.

We all still ate together every evening.

Tonight, I was cooking Dad’s favourite meal of roast lamb, roast potatoes with all the trimmings, as well as a trifle for pudding. I figured I’d tell him after pudding.

“Going all out, huh? You must have got the job,” Jeanie remarks as she walks into the kitchen. I say walk , but it’s more like bounce . She’s always been that way, with more energy than all of us combined.

“Hey, little sister,” I greet her and rest my head on her shoulder for a minute when she wraps her arm around me. “What are you doing here?”

“A little birdie told me you got a job and that you may need some moral support tonight.” Jeanie smirks at me, then laughs when I slap at her hand as she reaches to scoop a finger of cream from the trifle.

“Stop it,” I scold, “or at least wash your hands first.”

“Fine,” she huffs playfully, rolling her eyes at me, but does as I ask, then comes back and leans against the cupboards and watches as I carefully grate chocolate over the top.

“Looks delicious, sissy. What can I do to help?”

“Nothing,” I reply as I cover the trifle and put it in the fridge. “It’s all done.” Turning back to my sister, I wrap my arms around her. I’d missed her with her back at university, even if she was only an hour away. “Thanks for coming. Miss you when you’re away.”

Jeanie tightens her arms around me. “Miss you too. I hated you decided to go so far away. I’m glad you’re home, even though I hate how you got here.

I’m also proud of your courage to get back out there after what happened.

Although you’re scared, you’re the strongest person I know besides Mum.

And considering who we’re surrounded with, that’s a compliment.

You can do this. Dad, once he’s over his panic, will understand.

He only wants what’s best for you but,” Jeanie pushes me away from her a little so that she can look at me, “you have to remember he held you while you died and then had to let you go while the paramedics worked on bringing you back. He heard you screaming and saw you covered in blood; it’s going to haunt him.

And he feels guilty that he didn’t get there sooner. Go easy on him, okay?”

Tears prick my eyes as I reply, “I know all that.” It’s why I’m cooking his favourite meal and telling him while surrounded by family.

“He’ll be okay when he realises where I’m working. Honestly, this will be good for us. I think.” Biting my lip uncertainly, I continue, “I hope.”

“It will,” Jeanie assures me, hugging me one last time before letting me go as the family begins to filter into the kitchen. It’s the usual chaos, and I love it. The teasing, the laughter, the little touches of affection as my family find their seats with my Granda at the head of the table.

He looks up and winks at me. I go over and wrap my arms around him. “Smells good in here, cailín deas ,” he tells me before kissing my temple. “Proud of you.”

Squeezing him, I’m sad at how frail he’s got over the years, but as he likes to tell us, he’s not dead yet. “Thank you,” I say, helping him into his seat. “Let me get the food on the table.”

Dad walks towards us, and I get another hug and kiss before I grab Jeanie to help me get everything on the table. An hour later, the roast is decimated, and the pudding is gone. I’d forgotten how much boys eat.

“Let me get the coffee,” Aunt Maya says, standing up with a wink at me.

Clearing my throat, I announce, “I have some news.”

Everyone’s attention turns towards me. My gaze flits to Mum, who gives me a nod and a smile of encouragement. Turning towards the man sitting next to her because I know it’s him I’ll have to convince. “I’ve got a job.”

You could hear a pin drop. Even my brothers are quiet, and they’re never quiet. Dad keeps his eyes on mine, his gaze steady when he asks, “Where?”

“I’ll be working for Sam and Abby Crow as their Office Manager,” I tell him. He closes his eyes, and I can see the struggle on his face. But my dad isn’t an unreasonable man. He’s just overprotective and hates for his family to be hurt.

Opening them, he looks at me and nods, “Okay,” he says grimly. “That’s okay. We can do this. I’ll get a new security system set up there, and you’ll drive one of our vehicles with a tracker and you’ll wear yours.”

“I’ll do all that,” I assure him. Leaning over the table, I squeeze his hand. “It will be okay, Dad. I’ll check in as often as you want until we’re both comfortable. I’m not disappearing anywhere. You know I’ll be as safe with the Crows as I would be with you all.”

Dad takes a deep breath and wipes a hand over his face. Relaxing back in his chair, he nods. “You’re right. If you had to get a job anywhere, I’m glad it’s there. I know that I’ve held on too tight since that night, and I’ll do better.”

“Hey,” I tap Dad’s hand until he looks at me, “you haven’t.

I’ve needed it, and honestly, I’m just as scared as you of this new step.

You’re my dad, and you love me; I get it.

But I need to start living again, and you, Mum, and the boys need your lives back.

We’ll do this together, like we always do. As a family.”

“Jesus,” Dad looks up, blinking. “Love you, mo dhuine beag , I’ll never forget that night, and you’re right, we’ll do this as a family. I’m guessing this is why I got my favourite meal, and your sister graced her old dad with her presence.”

Jeanie laughs and throws her rolled-up serviette at Dad. “Why else.” She blows him a kiss.

I’d got my dad’s blessing, and I hoped that Abby and Sam didn’t mind that Dad would upgrade their security whether or not they wanted it.