Page 55 of Tinsel & Chrome

Now that I revealed the stipulations of the charity fundraiser, it was time to get the costumes together. It's hard to find five Santa costumes and the other characters. It took me eight days, four towns, and two online orders to find them all and I had to alter them to fit my big, strong boys. Even with that hard work, I was super excited.

Yes, I love the big backyard blowout and BBQ but this was my production and I was going to make my family proud.

The boys were assigned to retrieve the keys to the Danbury Theater from Mr. Whitlock the owner. He is the sweetest man, he'd be your favorite uncle. The one who always gives you a lollipop behind your parent's backs.

The boys cleaned it thoroughly and set everything up. I had the boys and girls post flyers all over Briarswood and the next three towns over, enticing everyone to gather their friends and have a night out with a guaranteed not so Silent Night with Sexy Santa and all his friends. Emphasizing all proceeds go to Bikers Against Child Abuse after the show. It didn't hurt that the girls were dressed like they were ready for a car wash and the guys wearing their cuts shirtless.

I was in the kitchen preparing the burgers for Bubba who insists on grilling outside because Raven asked Pawpaw for burgers and despite the 40-degree weather, he swears grilling tastes better than regular cooking. Anything for his tater tot.

And he says I’m the pushover.

Suddenly I felt the sharp sting of my man’s hands, then he shuddered, “Whoo, it is cold!”

He stood behind me, growling and kissing my neck, his lips were freezing! “You know you still owe me.”

“I thought my Christmas nightgown sealed the deal?”

“Yeah to participate, not don a Santa costume.”

“You’d do it for Onyx and Raven.”

“Those are my babies. Don’t worry, I'm going to do you this favor...but I'm going to get everything I'm owed.”

“Yes, Santa.”

Another grab of my ass before the girls came in from the bunny house. I’m still in awe of what Fiend did for the girls. I'm also thankful for every meal made in this renovated kitchen. The space didn’t feel stuffy or cramped anymore. The island fit four stools plus two on the ends, enough where we could all prep in the same space and not in the kitchen and dining room, yelling across the house. They sit and start cutting potatoes for fries.

I watch them help Poppy to the nearest, most comfortable seat.

“Whew! This little girl is wearing me out.”

Lila handed her a lemonade.

“I have money that you won’t make it to your due date, no way.”

“You might be right, Lil. But I'm so ready for my baby girl. Not only is she my rainbow baby, but she's the best gift I could ever ask for after Avery.”

It makes me so excited for Jett and Poppy to finally...finally hold a child that they created together. There's not a day I don't think about Avery. I sit out there, setting fresh flowers on her memorial. I told her how much we wished she were here but knew she was watching from above with his parents. She's loved both here and in heaven.

I chuckle, “Put me down for $20 because I'm positive you won't make it either. You've been rubbing your belly constantly. She's getting ready to make her debut and I can't wait.”

She laughs, “Put me down for $20, too. She's been so active, especially when Daddy sings to her. Who knew my badass biker boy would be such a softie?”

Lila jokingly raises her hand, “I’m two for two, remember?”

Poppy just rolls her eyes.

I look at what's left, “Alright, I only need two of you for fries, can the rest of you continue decorating the house? I think there’s a big girl around here who loves Christmas...I wonder where she could be?”

I say loudly because my shadow is never far behind.

“Me, grammy! I help!”

Raven screams, bursting through the doors like she is running from outside but she is listening nearby, she's always close and I love it.

She wraps her arms around my waist. I lean down and kiss the top of her head.

“Go help them put the decorations up. Please and thank you.”

Rocco aka Lucifer

I'm amazed by all the buzz around the house. We've never made such a fuss but a lot has changed with my boys. Both Reap and Fiend have become family men and live separately. Wicked is settled too, but no kids yet, they're both too young, and there's plenty of time for that. They are still living here since Kynlee is our niece and she loves being near family since her mom passed. Sam and I are learning how to be aunt and uncle, as well as grandparents, which has been nothing short of amazing. And to finally have our girls nearby and safe in their own space behind the clubhouse. I could never imagine this is how my life would turn out and now I sit in my chair watching Onyx and Raven sleeping on the floor with Toy Story playing.

“Pawpaw?”

Guess she wasn’t asleep.

She lets go of her brother's hand, checks to make sure his pacifier is in good, and then covers him in the blanket before she hops in my lap.

“I thought you were asleep?”

‘I pretend so Ony sleeps. He's a baby he needs to rest.”

“But you don't?”

I raise my brow awaiting her answer.

“No, because I'm a big girl and don't need naps. I can stay up all the way till tomorrow!”

Her confidence is impressive but she falls asleep on me every time within minutes. I don't know if it's the rocking, my warmth, or my heartbeat but I'll let h,er believe it.

“I want to watch Grinch, Toy Story is for babies.”

“Is that right?”

She nods, “Uh huh, and I'm the oldest of us three.”

“Raven, there's only two of you.”

“Nuh uh, cause mommy's been sick every morning like she was with Ony! Mamai has a baby in her tummy!”

She patted her belly.

Wait a minute...

“Does your daddy know?”

“No, Mommy said it's going to be a Christmas surprise!”

She places her finger on her mouth and I do the same.

Sam's going to flip!

Just then Reaper comes from the tree lot with a hefty seven-foot fir on his shoulder to put in the corner by the window. I didn't see Wicked because he was holding up the back end lost in the needles.

“Ooh, pretty tree!”

Raven shouts then stops when Onyx starts to stir.

“Raven!”

He scolds her.

“Sorry, papai...”

Her face fell, the alligator tears forming. They put the tree in the stand then he scooped her right up into a hug.

“It's okay, tater tot just remember your inside voice when your brother is sleeping. Where's your mother?”

“Helping Grammy clean the kitchen.”

Just then Avi walks out with Sam behind her, “Are you sure Avi, dear? I have some ginger ale to calm your stomach.”

“I'll be fine...oh hey, baby, I didn't realize you were back.”

Reaper approaches her, with Raven still on his hip, feeling her forehead.

“You okay?”

“Oh, yeah, it's just a sour stomach. Probably the greasy burger.”

Then her hands shot up looking at me.

“Oh no, not saying the food was bad.”

I nod, “It's ok, no harm, darlin’. Hope you feel better.”

Knowing the possibility, I could see why she wasn't feeling well.

“Hey, let's gather the kids and go home, I got us the perfect tree. Looks like Ony is ready.”

Everyone looks to see him sitting up with his grabby hands.

“I'll get him since you're not feeling good. Tater tot, grab the diaper bag. We'll see you guys in the morning.”

I wave as the family leaves. Sam sits on the armrest.

“I'm worried about Avi. I heard her in the bathroom not long before the guys got back. What if it's a bad batch of beef or something?”

I slid her off into my lap, “No need to worry. A precocious little birdie told me that mommy's pregnant...”

I let it linger before she gasped, slapping her hands over her mouth, squealing with excitement.

“It's supposed to be a Christmas reveal, Samantha. Keep it to yourself.”

“Ooh, full government name. Guess I'll be on my best behavior to stay on Santa's good list.”

“For the love of the sanctity of Christmas, Demon! Absolutely no nudity! I've seen your ass way more times than I am comfortable admitting.”

“Let's compromise with a festive holiday thong?”

Before I could answer, he pulled down his pants to reveal a Santa hat thong complete with jingle bells that were not on the front of the hat.

How did I know? I heard them but did not see them. It's not rocket science but another way for my wild child to traumatize me.

“Oh my god, go put your costume on! I'm your mother for Christ’s sake!”

Everybody has a laugh at my expense.

Poppy brings out a tray of eggnog and sets it down slowly. Fiend comes up from behind, wrapping his arms under her stomach and lifting, taking the pressure off. She practically melts, sighing in relief.

“I told you to rest, my sweet little backpack.”

She giggled at her nickname. It is outrageously silly.

“I was just bringing out drinks. Salem's been calm this morning. Oooh baby, this feels so good.”

He kissed her temple.

“I read about it in that book your mom bought, but I won't do it again if you don't rest...”

He slowly lowers her stomach and she pouts.

“All I do is rest, I want to be helpful! Stop putting me on the shelf, I'm not made of glass!”

She shouts before storming to his old room, which was now Fiend and Kynlee's room, and slamming the door.

He stands there bewildered, “Did I do something wrong? Sam?”

I sighed, it's hard to explain.

“Those are pregnancy hormones, they fluctuate wildly, especially so close to the due date. She can go through the entire emotional wheel in minutes. Don't argue, her feelings are valid and I promise you she already feels bad about it. Also, leave her be. She is taking it easy but wants to help. I'll find her small jobs to do but you got to stop, she's not helpless. She's done this before.”

And I winced, I didn't mean to bring it up. That immediately stung and I saw the guilt and pain hit. I place my hand on his shoulder, “I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. Don't feel bad for something you didn't know or couldn't help.”

I believe it's the gut-wrenching death of Avery and his inability to stop what happened to her and Poppy is what makes him overprotective. I told him that eventually he would need consistent therapy after his stint in the hospital and rehab and he didn't disagree.

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair, “You're right. I just need to...”

The door opened and Poppy came out crying profusely, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...”

He pulled her in and kissed her temple. She sniffles, “I was so angry for no reason!”

“It's okay. You want to help with the event and I shouldn't be so worried. I know you're safe...I know you're safe.”

They stayed silent for a few moments before I interrupted, “Hey, why don't you both help out and make the cookie dough. I need gingerbread, sugar, and chocolate chip.”

She perked up quickly, “Okay, how many cookies?”

“Not many, like 300.”

Their eyes widened as if in a horror movie.

“300?!”

I see Wicked in his costume, whip out my tomato shaped pin cushion and walk away, shocked looks still on their faces. They head into the kitchen to get started, recruiting some of the bunnies.

That's not a lot, right? I didn't even bring up frosting them. Depending on the ticket sales, it could be more.

Rocco aka Lucifer

Sam's pinning and poking the shit out of Wicked because he keeps squirming. I don't think he likes needles. His screams are hilarious. Luckily my suit fit as is, babygirl knows Daddy's size.

We finished setting up the theater and are working on the house for the morning after breakfast with the kiddos. I sent Reaper to grab our quarterly moonshine order from Josiah. He seemed to like picking on Reap since he crashed his bike. Calls him ‘Thor on the rocks’ and I can't unsee or hear it. I've seen old pictures of a younger Josiah and you'd think they were kin. Perhaps that's why he's taken a shine to him.

The snow machine arrives and I hide it behind the bunny house, to give the kiddos the winter experience, if Mother Nature doesn't comply. I've been observing the past few weeks and I'm growing hopeful. Temps have been slow to hit the average and there's talk of a pre-Christmas winter front. Either way Pawpaw is ready to make this a memorable holiday.

I find myself reflecting back to when I was trying to establish this club. The Merciless Few name was something sacred, to revere in. The mission to be the good in the world that someone might desperately need. The love of the rev of our engines, the brotherhood, and emotional stability because lord knows my boys need that. Each one a reflection of me as their leader but each one troubled in their own way.

I have to be honest, Fiend and Poppy's journey nearly broke me. I never want to see any of them hurt or in pain but realize that they must endure to learn life lessons. But those two, I feel the lump in my throat and either cough or clear my throat to keep from tearing up. I know when Salem's born I'm going to lose it. I'll shed my reservoir of tears then.

“Time for dress rehearsal!”

I groaned, mumbling, “It's for the children, Rocco. The children and your ol’ lady.”

I see her standing at the door. I wrap my arm around her waist and she hands me a cigar from in-between her tits. I'd rather be between those right now.

“You can have dessert later, Bubba. But first I need to see your runway walk.”

My what?!