Chapter Thirteen
Grim
“Dr. Adams, you have a patient in room 12,” Nurse Write says, handing me a folder I quickly scan.
Luckily, this one ended up being a heartburn case, but the twenty-seven-year-old patient was worried it was a heart attack.
“Dr. Adams, you have a visitor,” Nurse Write tells me, not looking up from the nurses' station. I smile when I see Jade with a bag from the Diner downtown. She smiles back, and I walk up to her before bending and kissing her. I ensured everyone knew she was allowed back if she showed up. I might not always get a break, but she will come first over everything, no matter what.
“Come on. We can go into the break room. What did you get me?” I ask, taking the bag from her, taking her hand with my free one, and leading her down the hall.
“I didn't expect you to have time. I was just going to drop it off, but it's a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a piece of pecan pie,” she says, sitting at one of the tables. Luckily, there isn't anyone else in here at the moment.
“Yeah, lucky timing for now. How has your day been? How is the shop?” I ask, unwrapping my cheeseburger and taking a bite.
“The shop is good. I didn't realize how much I missed it. Don't get me wrong, I love being with you every night, but I grew up in that shop. I remember going in nearly every day, cutting my doll's hair in the chair next to my mom, listening to her and her friends connect on a level that was more than family. Surrounded by strong, loving women and learning everything I could about life. It was just good to be back, ya know?” she asks, looking at me nervously.
“Clover, I can completely understand that feeling. When we finally have a house together, hopefully on the compound property close to my brothers, I know that will be home, but the clubhouse is that environment for me. One that feels just right, where I’ve taken my highest of highs but been at my lowest of lows. But my brothers were there for me at both those points in my life. My club was there for me,” I tell her, watching the smile grow slowly across her face.
“That's exactly how it feels. I’m so happy you get it. I don't plan to quit even when the baby is born. I want them to grow up there just like I did,” she says sternly, like I would ever have a problem with that.
“Baby, that shop, those women, this baby's grandma. They are a part of your life, making them a part of my life and any future kids we have together. I don't care if they spend every spare minute they aren't spending with me at that shop. Teach our daughters to braid. Hell, teach our sons to braid. Hopefully, one day, they will have daughters of their own and can give their partners that type of support. I would never even think of taking that from you and your mom. That shop, those ladies, and that environment taught you to be the woman you are today, and I love the fuck out of the woman you are today. Why would I not want my kids to know that?” I ask her seriously. I see the tears gather in her eyes, so I lean down and kiss the corner of each before pulling back and taking another big bite of my burger. I hear Jade clear her throat before she starts talking again.
“So anyway, how has your day been?” she asks, taking a bite of the fries she's dipping in ketchup and mayonnaise mixed together.
“Can’t complain too much. Hopefully, it's a normal shift, and I can get off around six. What time are you thinking of heading back to the clubhouse?”
“I usually work until four thirty, but I’m going to take an appointment for one of the other girls. Her babysitter called and said her son was sick, so she wanted to clear the rest of her day. I didn't have any appointments today, so I took over for her, so she still gets the tips and pay.” She shrugs like it's no big deal, but I see the heart shining out of her eyes.
My girl may be sassy and doesn't take shit from anyone, but she has a heart of gold that anyone who will give her a chance can see. I lean over one more time and kiss her lips just as she takes a bite of her burger. I can't help it; I can't stop touching her if I’m near her. She’s lucky I didn't throw her on the table and fuck her when we walked in. Seeing as no one was in here, it crossed my mind, but I didn't want to get an emergency call and have to leave Jade with her legs spread if something came up.
“You’re fucking amazing; you know that?” Before she can answer or deny my statement, I continue so she doesn't get the chance. “So, what time is your last appointment?”
“Three-thirty. But it shouldn't take too long. I should leave the shop around five thirty,” she says, shrugging.
“Just promise to take a lot of breaks and…” She cuts me off.
“And don't stay on my feet for too long. Don't forget to eat and don't work too much. Yeah, I know I get it,” she says, rolling her eyes. I chuckle, but still give her a stern look.
“I mean it, Clover. It's not just about you. It's about this baby, our baby. I would never be able to believe in this life again if something happened to you or our baby,” I say, trying to make her realize how much they both mean to me.
“I promise, Gray. I will do everything I can to make sure me and this baby both stay safe,” she whispers, reaching across the table and grabbing my hand. I smile and go to take a bite of my food, but a call comes over the speaker that has me jumping out of my seat and quickly cleaning up my mess, throwing away the food my woman brought me. Fuck, I hate this sometimes.
“I’m so sorry, baby, I have to go. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t. You have a job to do. One that saves people's lives. I completely understand and will never hold that against you. You are my hero, Gray Adams. Now, go be someone else's,” she says, smiling at me as she rises from the table and plants a quick kiss on my lips before picking up her food.
“I hope you know I meant what I said,” I tell her, reaching for the break room door. She turns to look at me with a confused look on her face.
“Meant what?” she asks.
“That I love you. I love you more than anything, Jade.” I don't wait for her to say anything back. I just smile at her before turning and walking out of the room.
Before Jade, I was lost. I felt like I had the whole club on my shoulders. I couldn't save my brother, I couldn't save my mother, I couldn't save my club brother. I was always waiting for the next loss. Who would it be that I couldn't save next? Who would pay the price for me not being good enough, fast enough, or strong enough? Now I’m determined. No one, and I mean no one, will hurt my family. I’ll kill every fucker on this planet if I have to. Jade gives me the determination, strength, speed, and confidence to carry every burden I have now with ease. She makes it worth it.
I’m not sure if she’s on the same page as I am or not, but that won't stop me from telling her every chance I get. That won't stop me from showing her she is my queen, my salvation. She is my everything, and I can't wait to hear her say those three words back to me.
One day.