Page 12

Aria

If it weren’t for work, Rex and I’d never be separated. I’m at his place or him at mine every night. Things couldn’t be going any better, and I’m feeling secure in our relationship. We’ve had all the talks that couples have about each other’s childhoods, parents, upbringing, school shenanigans, and dreams about the future. What’s amazing is how close our future goals align with each other.

After work today, Rex is going to be tied up on club business, so Lisa’s coming over to help me finish up my revenge plan on Axel. I can barely contain my excitement and have been texting often with Craig. It’s going to take place at the clubhouse on Sunday before Church. Lisa’s promised to ride there early with me to set things up. My only concern is that there will be small children around, and I have to figure out how to do this without them seeing. It’s going to be epic if I can just iron out that little detail.

I arrive home and quickly clean up and change clothes. I set out some snacks and get wine chilling then answer the door when Lisa arrives. When she walks past me, my mouth drops open when Lucy and Candy follow her in.

“Uh, hi, everyone. I thought we were going to work on my project?” I ask Lisa while giving her big eyes.

“We are. I thought they might have some ideas on the little snag you have, and they won’t tell anyone. I promise. They won’t ruin the surprise,” Lisa states confidently.

“I once threw a dart at a large picture of Axel with a penis drawn on his forehead. I’m no angel,” Lucy says with an impish grin.

“I’m the keeper of secrets for big and small. I’m here because my curiosity is killing me,” Candy admits with a wide smile.

Realizing nobody will spill the beans, I grin. They break into the wine and snacks while I outline how I’m getting even with Axel. When both Lucy and Candy’s mouths drop open and their eyes widen, I know my plan is good. I don’t even bat an eye at the picture that falls off my wall as Lucy walks past. I’ve been “Lucied” before and have come to expect it.

We finish up, and the ladies are just leaving when Rex appears. Luckily, everything was stashed away before he strolled through the door. The women each greet Rex, then laugh and walk out the door. Rex looks at me in confusion, but I just smile.

“What was that about?” he asks.

“Hanging out with my girls,” I answer.

I can’t stop myself from grinning at him, though, when I remember the look on Lucy’s face when she finally figured out what she was looking at earlier. I’ve never seen Candy laugh so hard, either. It was priceless.

“Are you up to no good?” he questions. “Wait. Don’t answer that. What I don’t know can’t hurt me. What smells so good?”

“I have a beef roast in the oven. You hungry?”

“Yeah, that sounds great.”

I set the food out with plates and silverware. We’re filling our plates when my phone alerts me that someone is approaching my door. After the bullshit Dale caused, I use every feature Rex built into my new system. Glancing at my phone, I freeze. Rex goes still, seeing my reaction.

“Eat! Shovel it in! Drew’s here!” I whisper-shout to Rex.

“I can smell it, Aria. You might as well open the door,” my brother hollers from outside.

“Fuck me,” Rex mutters, but he quickly shoves a forkful into his mouth, chewing while looking over his shoulder.

“We need to have him tested again. This shit’s not normal,” I mumble around the mouthful of food I have.

“I’m calling Mom as we speak,” Drew shouts, and I look toward the window to find him peeking inside, hands cupped to reduce the glare.

“You’re a tattletale!” I shout back before walking to the window, holding my plate up so he can see what he’s missing.

I raise a forkful of tender beef, dripping in a luscious gravy, and place it in my mouth. With exaggerated movements, I chew, closing my eyes in bliss, swallow, then lick my lips. Opening my eyes, I’m positive I see a little drop of drool slip off his chin, headed for the ground.

“Oh shit. He looks so sad, Aria,” Rex says in a mournful voice. “Look at his little face.”

“Snap out of it! He’s not a homeless puppy,” I state, but I’m starting to feel guilt slide through my stomach.

When my phone rings and I see my mom’s name, I know I’m doomed.

“Hey, Mom. What’s up?” I ask in a bright tone.

“Aria! You should be ashamed of yourself,” Mom says in her best disappointed-in-me voice.

I feel my shoulders droop and know I’ve lost.

“Fine, Mom. I’ll let him in, and he can eat my beautiful roast. I’ll order take-out for me and Rex,” I say in a defeated tone.

Rex immediately jumps up and heads for the front door. Letting my brother in, Drew rushes to the table and bounces a little in joy. I give Rex an eye roll, but he just shrugs and points to my brother.

“He’s happy again,” Rex says in defense.

“Let who in?” Mom asks. “Is your brother there?”

“Well, yeah, he is. Isn’t that why you called me? Why else should I be ashamed of myself?” I question, thoroughly confused now.

“No, I didn’t know he was there, but it’s nice of you to feed him. I knew I raised you right. But back to why I called—you told Vex that I think he’s hot? Really?” Mom nearly screeches.

There goes the whole “I knew I raised you right” statement. That escalated quickly.

Rubbing an eyebrow with a finger, I cringe.

“Accidentally, Mom. He overheard a private conversation. You should call him and chew him out for eavesdropping! It’s impolite, you know.”

“I’ll let you go so you can spend time with your brother, but this isn’t over. I’ll see you on Sunday, I guess. Give Drew a kiss from me,” Mom says before disconnecting.

“You didn’t call Mom, did you?” I ask in disgust.

“Mom has beautiful timing, though, don’t you think?” Drew says as he devours what’s left of the roast.

“Did you leave any for me?”

“Thought you were done. You set your plate down,” Drew answers in his reasonable voice.

“Where is it?” I ask suspiciously.

“No sense in wasting food. I finished it for you. You’re welcome. Did you make dessert?” Drew asks with an innocent look.

Glancing at Rex, I see his plate is wiped clean.

“No dessert. You just missed Lucy. Goodbye,” I say in a snarky tone.

“Kind of rude, Aria. I stopped by to check on you and see if you’re doing okay with all that happened, and you’re nearly shoving me out the door. No worries, I’ll leave. Love you,” Drew says as he starts for the door.

“Drew. I’m sorry. I’m doing good, really, and I love you too,” I state in a soft voice, regret for being rude to him pinging in my stomach.

“I know, but I really do have to go. Les went grocery shopping today, and you know he always buys those big bags of M&Ms. Bye! See ya, Rex,” Drew says before he hustles out the door.

“Why do I feel like that roast was just an appetizer for him?” I mutter before starting to clean up the dishes.

“I’ll order us dinner. Chicken parm?”

I nod but caution Rex to wait until we know my brother is far from my neighborhood.

It’s Sunday, and I’ve already explained to Rex that Lisa and I have to be at the clubhouse early. He shakes his head but grins at me.

“Is this going to get my ass beat?” he asks.

“It shouldn’t. It’s me doing it, not you.”

“As long as you’re enjoying this prank, I’m fine with getting in the ring if needed,” he murmurs before pulling me in for a kiss.

Lisa arrives, and we get into my car, framed pictures already packed carefully in the back, and we drive to the clubhouse. Walking in, it seems odd to be here when it’s so quiet.

“Kind of spooky without the usual noise,” Lisa says, mimicking my exact thoughts.

“Are you sure we won’t get into trouble if we enter the room they use for Church? It seems almost sacrilegious. Like our normalness will taint the room or something,” I ask, nervous now that we’re here.

“What’cha doing?” says a voice, and Lisa and I both scream a little and whirl, looking for the person.

Seeing none, I look at Lisa in confusion.

“That gave me chills,” she says in a quiet voice.

“Let’s just get it done and get out of here until other people arrive. We can go hang out at one of their homes,” I suggest.

We cross the room but get interrupted before we reach our destination.

“God will be angry.”

Whirling again, I search the room but find no one. Looking at Lisa, I can tell she’s close to leaving me here alone.

“Who’s here?” I ask.

No answer.

“Is this place haunted?” Lisa whispers, and a laugh echoes around the room.

“I’m going into that room, and you can’t stop me,” I say in what I’m hoping is a confident, unafraid voice.

I nearly come out of my skin when a glass falls from behind the bar and shatters on the floor.

“Lucy must be here if shit’s breaking for no reason,” Lisa says.

“That wasn’t her voice,” I respond.

“Peek-a-boo.”

I jerk my head toward the direction I think the voice came from, but again, nothing.

“Craig? Is that you?” I ask, and as the last word leaves my mouth, the kitchen door swings open, and Craig walks through it.

“It was you!” I shout, pointing at him.

“What was me?” he asks innocently and a little confused.

“That’s been talking to us,” I answer, but it comes out more like a question.

“Just got here. You’re hearing voices?” he asks.

Lisa and I both nod, and he starts laughing. When he finally stops, he starts walking around the room, looking toward the ceiling and the exposed pipes and beams.

“There’s your ghost,” Craig says while pointing.

Moving to his side, I look up and spot Mac. He gives me a wing-wave, and I breathe in relief that our ghost is just a naughty bird. Mac leaves his perch and lands on the table next to us.

“That was mean, Mac,” I state.

“It was,” he concurs, then lets out a belly laugh.

“How did you knock the glass off the shelf if you were up there, though?” Lisa asks while pointing first to the shelf then to where Mac had been perched.

Mac laughs again before answering like he’s talking to a small child.

“Mac can fly.”

This makes Craig laugh and makes me feel like an idiot.

“Good skill to have, I guess,” Lisa mumbles.

“You ending the game with Axel today?” Craig asks.

I nod, then explain that we’re nervous to enter the room for Church and that I don’t want Rex to get into trouble for me going in there.

Craig nods in understanding, then says, “Hang on. I have a solution for that.”

We wait with Mac while Craig walks away. When he returns, he’s pulling a grumpy, obviously still half-asleep Reeves behind him.

“Tell him what you need. He can enter that room without getting anyone into trouble,” Craig suggests.

I briefly explain what we’re up to and smile when Reeves perks up in interest.

“Let me see what you need hanged,” he states, and I open one of the bags Lisa and I are carrying and pull out a frame.

“What the fuck is that about?” Reeves breathes out before bending over and laughing uncontrollably.

When he can stand upright again, he points a finger at my face and says, “Remind me to never piss you off, and remember, I’m the one who helped you out and withstood whatever comes my way with honor.”

“I’ll remember,” I say solemnly while raising my right hand.

“Make me a cup of coffee, and I’ll get these hung. Be right back,” Reeves says before taking the bags from us and heading into Church.

“Good call, having them put in there. No little eyes to see that messed up stuff,” Craig says with a grin, then fist-bumps me. “See you guys in a couple of hours.”

Craig leaves with Mac on his shoulder, and I make my way to the bar. Looking around, I find everything needed and start a pot of coffee brewing. Once done, I pour three cups and take a seat next to Lisa. When Reeves reappears, he’s grinning like a lunatic.

“I’m not going to ask how you got your hands on those, but I can’t wait to see Axel’s face when we go to Church today. If you have to admit it was me who helped, go ahead. Axel’s overdue to deliver that baby by a day now, so I’m sure I can beat his ass by the time he gets off maternity leave,” Reeves advises.

“Paternity leave,” Lisa corrects.

“Not when it’s Axel we’re discussing,” Reeves shoots back. “I’m going to take a quick shower because no way am I missing this. Thanks for the coffee.”

Lisa and I enjoy the coffee until Ava and Trudy appear and then we volunteer to help in the kitchen. Working side by side, Lisa laughs out loud every once in a while, drawing the curiosity of both of the other ladies. Finally, Trudy decides she wants in on whatever’s going on.

“Tell me why you two are here so early today and how bad is it going to zing Axel? I know it’s him because it’s always him.”

I tell them the basics and enjoy the shock that crosses their faces before both dissolve into laughter. Holding my phone up where they can see the pictures Craig sent me, both glance, then avert their eyes quickly, screaming no more.

“Oh my God! Only Axel! It’s always that guy,” Trudy says while using a paper towel to dab at her eyes. “Poor Bailey. That woman is a saint. We should rename her Saint Bailey.”

“That’s what I’m calling her from now on,” Ava vows before laughing again.

Reeves strolls into the kitchen, goes to the freezer, and fills a tub with ice. When he makes eye contact with me, he starts laughing and does it all the way back out the door. Others start showing up, and things get busier.

Tessie and Bella come in and get to work, assisting in whatever ways they can. Turning to Tessie, I do what Rex advised me to do.

“Tessie?” I say, and when she looks at me, I ask my favor. “I drove Rex’s car for several days while you were repairing mine. By the way, you did an amazing job on it! Can’t even tell it was spray painted, and I really appreciate your efforts. But I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor.”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“I want something more like Rex’s car, but I know next to nothing about cars. Would you go with me to look at some? Help me pick out something cool like his but still safe and reliable? Rex said you and Trigger have the most knowledge about cars, and I’d really appreciate the help. We could go to dinner afterwards if you’d like.”

Tessie’s whole face lights up, and even Bella beams a huge smile in my direction.

“I would love to do that. Thank you for thinking of me,” Tessie says. “And dinner after sounds awesome!”

I smile gratefully at her, and we decide we’ll do it sometime this week. Rex walks in at that moment, and before he makes it to me, Tessie wraps her arms around his waist and hugs the hell out of him. I grin as Rex returns the hug, picking Tessie up off the ground for a few seconds. Her whispered thank you to him melted my heart before she pulled away and returned to filling trays. When his confused expression meets mine, I give my head a small shake, and he takes the hint and doesn’t question Tessie.

Stopping beside me, he gives me a quick kiss, then points to the bowl I’m filling.

“I’ll start carrying dishes out if you’re ready with it,” he says, and I nod.

Lisa hands him the one she was working on, and I watch as he leaves the kitchen, arms full.

“You got a good one,” Tammy says with a nod toward the door Rex just walked through.

“Yeah, I scored,” I return with a grin.

Everyone gathers into small groups and enjoys the meal and camaraderie. Kids are playing with the pets while the adults are sipping post-meal coffee and chatting. Rex keeps looking at me with a question in his eyes, and I just smile. Finally, taking pity on his curiosity, I tell him it’ll happen later.

Axel walks past, stops, and backs up a few steps to smirk at me. Little Alex is on his hip, arms around her daddy’s neck, smiling in a way that announces what a beauty she’ll be when she’s older.

“What?” I ask, returning his smirk.

“Still not afraid. Even of those pointy elbows of yours,” Axel states, then walks off with his daughter.

I laugh, as does Lisa, who’s sitting with us. Finally, Gunner announces it’s time for Church. I sit up straight as Rex gives me a kiss, then follows the guys into Church. The door shuts, but immediately there are shouts of “what the fuck?” and “who’s dick is that?”

Then the laughter starts, and it’s loud. Everyone sitting in the main room turns to face the door where the sound is coming from, curious. Lisa and I fist-bump as I catch Craig’s eye. He grins huge and then slowly, deliberately winks at me. I return it, and I’m sure a lifelong friendship has been forged.

“What’s going on in there?” Lottie asks when the laughter doesn’t stop.

“What the fuck?” is shouted so loud it echoes through the whole clubhouse.

I start laughing when I recognize it as Axel’s voice. When the door opens just a sliver, and Gunner pops his head out, eyes searching, I freeze. When his eyes meet mine, I realized I shouldn’t have worried. He starts laughing so hard I’m positive the door is the only thing holding him up.

My only regret is that I didn’t get to see Axel’s face when he found the pictures framed and decorating the walls of his club’s Church. When Lola and Lottie pull chairs up close, I know it’s time to let the others in on the game. Keeping my voice low so the kids don’t hear, I explain about the pictures.

“Bailey got a text, laughed hysterically at it, then set the phone down to help little Alex with something. Curious as he always is, Craig picked up the phone and pulled up the text. He found numerous pictures sent to Bailey of Axel’s dick.”

Lola snorted, but Lottie said, “So they were sexting, and he sent her dick pics. Not that unusual.”

“No, but you know Axel doesn’t do anything halfway. Apparently, he’s taking this being a responsible person now that he’s a dad thing very seriously and has removed his dick piercings. He didn’t want Bailey to get bored of just a normal cock, so he started decorating it and sending her the pics. Craig, of course, downloaded them and sold them to me to use to get back at Axel for the fat comment,” I explain as both of their eyes widen more and more as I talk.

“I had them blown up, framed, and hung in the Church room for the guys to laugh at. I couldn’t put them out here because of the kids, but here’s my phone if you want a glimpse of what the guys are laughing about,” I say, and my phone is snatched so fast out of my hand by Lottie that I double-check to be sure she didn’t remove my fingers.

“Oh my. Ohhhh my! Fourth of July! How patriotic our little Axel is,” Lottie muses.

“After seeing that, I don’t think you can call him little anymore,” Lola says, then starts laughing hard.

“He looks good in Halloween colors,” Lottie continues as she flips through the pictures.

“Did he cover each holiday?” Lars questions while trying to keep a straight face.

“Yep, he certainly did, and some of them twice,” Lottie states.

“Let me see,” Terry, Lars’ caretaker, says as he snatches my phone from Lottie.

Holding it out of her reach, his eyebrows hit his hairline before he looks down at me and says, “Meeeeeoooooooowwww! I’ll pay you good money for copies of these!”

“Oh, I love the New Year pose! Sparkler in Miss Liberty’s hand, his personal flag pole straight and thick, flag flying high behind him. Dayum! Oh, wait! I just found Valentine’s Day, and I have to say my new favorite candy is whatever that delicious piece of chocolate is nestled between—” Terry describes before Ava cuts him off.

“Little ears, Terry!”

Terry frowns at Ava and then looks around the room. Rolling his eyes, he hands me my phone but then gives me a gesture indicating I should call him before walking away.

“Aunt Bailey? Did you pee your pants?” a little girl’s voice asks, and every head looks toward Bailey.

Bailey is struggling to stand up off the couch, so I rush over and help her up. Looking down, she grimaces. I notice her skirt is wet, and a puddle is forming at her feet.

“Water broke. Let’s get you to Axel’s room and changed into dry clothes for your ride to the hospital,” Trudy says calmly.

“What’s that mean?” one of Ava’s twins asks, but I have no idea which one.

“Means we’re about to get another member,” Craig answers, then guides all the little people to one corner, out of the way.

Ava’s two big-ass dogs follow the kids and then lay down in front of them as if forming a barrier between the kids and anything that might happen.

“I’ll go get you another outfit and your hospital bag,” Bella offers before racing out the door.

“Oh my God, Bailey! Did my pranking Axel cause this?” I ask, in shock and not thinking clearly.

“No, his sperm did,” she answers with a small laugh before bending over and panting through a contraction. When she stands back up again, she pats my hand and grins. “I love your prank. He needs to be humbled occasionally. Glad I have help with that now.”

Trudy and Taja step forward and guide Bailey to Axel’s room. Looking at Ava, I ask, “Should we alert Axel?”

“Not yet. Let’s give her a chance to change before his craziness takes over. Settle in because we’re positive he’s going to put on a good show,” she answers with a wide smile.

Once Bailey is in dry clothes, Trudy guides her back to the couch but settles her on the other end. Tessie, crouched down, is sponging up the fluid off the floor. Standing, she leans in and gives Bailey a sweet kiss on the cheek and wishes her luck for an easy delivery.

“How close are the contractions, Bailey?” Taja asks.

“About ten minutes apart still, so we have some time. No rush,” Bailey says with a serene smile. “Did you know that Chubs delivered Alex?”

Shocked, I look at my mom and see the same look on her face. Les looks at me and then Bailey.

“No, I don’t think any of us knew that.”

“I went into labor here at the clubhouse, and Alex wasn’t waiting to make her appearance. Gunner freaked out and started running around like a lunatic, but Chubs calmly delivered our little angel with no problem. He was awesome,” Bailey says with a soft smile aimed at her daughter.

“Everyone ready? I’ll go knock on the door and let him know,” Ava asks as she walks toward the door.

As soon as Ava’s done speaking to whoever opened the door, she jumps back, and Axel comes careening out the door. He rushes toward Bailey at breakneck speed but slides to a stop and sits carefully next to her, placing his hand on her belly, speaking quietly to her.

The other men file out of the room, most looking at me and then laughing again, and I just grin back. Rex pulls a chair next to mine and drops down into it. Pulling my face toward him, he kisses me. Pulling back, I smile when I see the laughter in his eyes.

“You didn’t tell me that’s what you were up to? Good God, woman, I would have helped!” he informs me with a wide smile.

“I didn’t want him to take it out on you,” I murmur.

“We’re going to the hospital to bring our new angel into the world,” Axel shouts with a smile so big it’s got to be painful.

Bella hands him the bag she retrieved when he stands, and then he carefully helps Bailey up. Holding onto his arm, they make their way across the room and toward the door.

“We’ll see you soon, little bug. Pops and Grandma Trudy are going to bring you to the hospital to meet your baby brother or sister,” Axel says before bending deep and dropping a kiss on his daughter’s head.

Little Alex waves happily, then turns and runs straight to Petey. He picks her up, whirling her through the air before hugging her tight.

“Well, shit. Look at that, folks. Axel’s water broke too,” Pooh says, then points at Axel’s jean-clad ass which has a huge wet spot in the center from the couch.

The room bursts out in laughter, but Axel simply looks over his shoulder and makes a kissy face at Pooh. Catching my eye, his smile disappears.

“I expected an elbow or two thrown with purpose. Instead, all you accomplished was to make every one of the members jealous of my beautiful… well, you know. I have no shame in my game, Aria. After seeing all that’s me, you have to settle for a plain one. That’s gonna hurt! Ha! Joke’s on you!” Axel says, and I can hear him laughing all the way down the sidewalk.

Looking toward Rex, he instantly holds his hands up.

“I’m not buying tinsel to make my junk look like a Christmas tree. No way. Get used to undecorated, my lovely Aria,” Rex states emphatically.

“What just happened?” Ava asks. “Axel was calm! He didn’t lose his shit like we all thought he would!”

“I’m going to be so rich!” Craig shouts while doing a funky little happy dance.

“You bet against everyone? You thought he’d be calm?” Ava asks.

“Damn straight I did! Not going to make money betting with everyone else! I ran a book on this, and waaalllaaaaa! I just made some serious bank! Start pulling out those wallets, people. If not paid today, the interest rate is huge,” Craig says with an evil snicker.

I laugh at Craig’s antics, but I laugh harder when Rex pulls out his wallet in resignation.

“Well, I’m not paying you a cent yet. Axel might lose it during the delivery. You haven’t won yet, Craig,” Trigger states, and several nod in agreement.

“Okay, that’s fair. Interest starts after the baby is born. But, in the meantime, does anyone know where Gunner is? Because if he’s gathering random items again, I just made a small fortune off a few of you right now,” Craig asks.

I look around and don’t see Gunner anywhere. I watch everyone else do the same, and only Craig is grinning widely. Just then, Gunner comes skidding into the room, wildly looking around. In his hands are several grease rags, an empty saucepan, a set of tongs, a charging cable, and a winter jacket.

“Knew I could count on you, Gunner. Pay up, bitches,” Craig gloats and starts making his rounds of disgruntled people, with Ava handing out the biggest payoff. She shoots a disgusted look at Gunner, and he stares back, probably wondering what he’s done wrong this time.

We all pitch in, get the food put away, and the room straightened before leaving for the hospital.

Once there, our large group is directed to the correct waiting room. A nurse comes out and gives a quick update, saying things are going quickly and well, and we settle in for the wait. I’m sitting on a short couch beside my mother while Rex stands next to me, back against the wall.

Cash steps into the middle of the room, Livi at his side beaming, and says he has an announcement. Everyone settles down instantly, even the kids.

“Livi and I didn’t want a big deal made over us, so we went to city hall this week and got married. We also applied for her to adopt Liam since she’s been his mom all along. Wanted it to be official, though.”

The room stays silent for a few beats. Then everyone starts cheering. Hugs and handshakes are handed out to both of them. A dirty look from a nurse at the desk because of the noise we’re making quiets us immediately but doesn’t stop the celebration of their announcement.

“I can’t believe you did that and survived the Aunts’ wrath,” Pippa says with a leery look sent toward the Aunts.

“Neither of us are that brave, Pips. The Aunts were our witnesses, along with James, Lars, and Terry. We just wanted to get married and didn’t want a big deal over it. Just something small and private. I hope we didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings,” Livi explains in a soft voice.

“Not at all. Just really happy for you both,” Petey says.

“Did James dress the part of your maid of honor?” Terry asks, and everyone laughs.

“He didn’t, but he’s very proud to have been her maid of honor. Jackass,” James returns.

“Excuse me. The Taylor family has a new member. The father will be out shortly to announce it. Mom and baby are doing great, though,” a nurse says from the doorway.

Before she can leave, Craig asks the question we all want to know.

“Can you tell me how the father is doing? He’s like a big brother to me, and I’ve been worried about him. He can get a little excitable sometimes.”

Craig asked this question with the sweetest, most endearing look on his face that I almost fell for it just like the nurse does.

“Oh, my. Mr. Taylor is really something else,” the nurse gushes.

Everyone literally leans a little closer to hear every single thing Axel did that probably got him and Bailey banned for life.

“He was the most amazing coach ever! All the staff that were present said they wished all fathers acted like him during the birthing process. Calm, knowledgeable, supportive, helpful. He was a delight! He could give classes on how to be a father in the delivery room. As you can probably imagine, a lot of fathers lose it and become a lot for us to manage. They get in the way or forget it’s their wife who’s going through labor and not them. Not Mr. Taylor. Bailey is so lucky to have that kind of support,” the nurse explains with a soft smile aimed at Craig.

When the nurse leaves, Craig turns to the room and swipes one palm over the other like he’s flicking dollar bills in the air. People start reaching for their wallets again. I’m okay with paying him my fifty bucks. The kid’s just on a whole other level than we are.

Craig is sitting on the floor in a corner with Luke, counting his money, when Axel walks into the waiting room.

“It’s a girl! Yes!” he shouts, fist-pumping the air. “Bailey did awesome! She’s tired and resting now, but our little angel is perfect! Miniature version of Alex! Her name is Charlie. Short for Charlene.”

Congratulations and hugs are handed out, and Axel grins through all of it. Stooping down, he lifts Alex above his head and says, “You have a baby sister! Want to come see her and Mommy?”

Alex screams, “Yes!” in her little girl’s voice, and everyone laughs.

“Bailey asked for you to come too,” Axel says to Lucy as he settles Alex on his hip.

Lucy rushes to his side, and he wraps a beefy arm around her shoulders.

“Pops, you’re up next. Another granddaughter for me to fight Trudy over. Can’t wait!” Axel says with a grin before leading Lucy down the hall.

We wait patiently and eventually get to spend a couple of minutes with the newest Devil’s Angels’ family member, and she’s beautiful. When we leave, Rex is quiet on the drive to his place. I let it go for a while, then ask what’s on his mind. He doesn’t hesitate to explain where his mind’s at.

“I love the kids. They’re all fun, and I love that I get to be their uncle. I like spoiling them, spending time with them, and watching them grow, and learn things. But I’m not sure I want any of my own. I like my life as it is, especially now that you’re in it. Is that selfish of me? Is that something that might clash with what you see for your future?”

I think about what he said and find myself shaking my head. I’ve never been that woman that craved having kids. I like them, but I don’t see myself having some. I never really put much thought into it before, either.

“I’ve never been someone who saw myself having children. Maybe that’s because of spending so much time on my schooling and then setting up a practice. I guess I wouldn’t say absolutely no to children, but I’m not over here secretly hoping for them, either. I don’t think that makes me or you selfish. I think it makes us honest with how we really feel. I love kids, but I always saw myself being that awesome aunt to my brothers’ kids. I hope they have children so I can spoil them rotten and then send them home. If that’s wrong, then I’m wrong, but I don’t think people should have kids just because society expects them to. Not everyone is made to be a parent,” I answer as honestly as I can.

Rex nods, takes my hand in his, and drives us to his place. Once inside, he brings the subject up again.

“Maybe later in our relationship, we can revisit that subject. But for now, I like having you to myself. I want to work on us without other distractions. Maybe we’ll both feel differently later. Maybe we won’t. Either way, I want you to know that I’m willing to talk about it at any time.”

“Thank you. Now that we’ve had that discussion, I think I need wine,” I say and watch as Rex’s handsome face lights up with a grin.

“I agree.”

After wine and a movie, we called it a night. If I had known what tomorrow would bring, I would have never been able to sleep as sound as I did wrapped in his arms.