Chapter 40
Katarina
True to his word, I had non-stop visitors. But Papa came and only left to take a call. He and Mama Hen were friendly, and just like her normal self, she made sure he was comfortable, hydrated, and fed.
“My poor little Katushka. We need to get you out of this dreary place and cleaned up,” Papa said as he patted my hand.
“Perhaps if you’d let me, I could do as the nurses asked.” They’d told me I would need to walk unassisted, eat, but also use the restroom before I could be discharged. The idea of my father accidentally seeing my bare ass or listening while I used the restroom was mortifying.
“I can help you up,” he said as he held out a hand. “It’s already been a whole night.”
“Well, she was all hopped up on meds last night,” Mama Hen said as she went through a bag Squatch had brought for me. I was a little disappointed that Hawk hadn’t returned, but I knew he’d be here if he could. “I can help you shower so we can get the fuck out of here.”
I was not as bashful with her, but I was capable of showering. “I think I can handle it.”
“Oh no, hon. You can’t get that shoulder wet.”
“They put a film over it last time they changed it,” I said, trying hard to not sound ungrateful for all their concern.
“Yep but the first few days are the hardest, and you still don’t want water on it if you can help it. Trust me, I’ve seen plenty of naked women.”
“Haven’t we all,” Coop joked.
Papa and Mama Hen turned, scowling at him.
Papa said, “You would say such things about the wife of your president?”
Coop’s eyes widened and his hands flew up. “Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood. I’ll just be outside.”
Mama Hen shooed him off with her hands then said, “I’ll get all your stuff ready in the bathroom. Take a little trip around the hall with your dad then come see me. Squatch, you go in case she gets unsteady, and tell Coop to stay by the door.”
Great. Papa and Squatch may see my ass. Still, I was ready to go to the clubhouse and have some good coffee and sleep in my bed, so I let Papa help get me off the hospital bed.
Mama Hen came over and adjusted my gown. There was no draft on my backside. “Thank you,” I told her.
“Just go so we can all leave, hon. I hate hospitals.”
Papa grabbed the IV stand with one hand and my arm with the other. “Are you alright my little Katushka?”
“Yes, let’s get out the door and see if I can stay steady on my own.”
Squatch opened the door and I patted his huge arm as I passed him. He was big and hairy but had the kindest smile.
I took small steps at first, but after we got halfway down the hall, I was taking normal strides. Still, a heavy sigh left me.
“Katushka, are you alright?” Papa asked.
“Oh, yes. Just tired. And…”
“And what, my dear?”
“It’s so silly and immature.”
Papa said, “You tell me. What’s on your mind.”
“I just miss my husband.”
“Oh my dear, that’s expected. But I’m sure you know he’d be here if he could. A man in his position has many obligations. Especially at a time like this.”
Nodding and walking to the end of the hall, I said, “I know. I told you it was silly.”
“It warms my heart to know you have a care for him. I knew it would be an appropriate pairing, but I’m glad you hold him in high regard. I want you to be safe always, which is why I chose him. But I hope you know I also want you to be happy.”
My hand went to his and we stopped. “Thank you, Papa. That means a lot.”
“You’re my little Katushka. Of course I want the world for you,” he said as if I’d insulted him.
“I’m very happy here and very happy with him. And I must say, I appreciate you not bringing up the incident.”
“Oh my little Katushka. Even though you’ll always be my baby, you’re not mine to discipline any longer.” He chuckled, his round belly shaking. “That’s Hawk’s problem now.”
I playfully smacked his arm, then started to walk again.
He tried to pull his hand away. “The nurses will not allow this to count.”
Squeezing, I said, “Just another minute. We can just walk a little longer.”
He smiled over, nodding as he tightened his hand. It was such a small gesture, but for the first time, I felt like he finally saw me as a woman and not his little girl.
After my stroll around the halls, forcing Papa to wait outside while I used the restroom and showered with minimal help from Mama Hen, then had another exam, I was finally discharged from the hospital.
“If I must walk in order to leave, then why do you force me to be wheeled to the car?” I asked the nurse as she pushed me down the hall.
“So that I don’t lose my job. You don’t want me to lose my job, right?” she joked. “Nice little entourage you got here. Are you like an influencer, or something?” she asked.
“No. God no. I just have been blessed with a lovely family,” I said as I winked at Squatch.
We made it outside and the nurse helped me from my chair. The air was brisk but the sun was out and I closed my eyes as it hit my face.
“You okay, hon?” Mama Hen asked.
“Yes,” I said, reaching for her hand. “Just feels good to be free.”
“Amen to that,” she agreed. “Let’s get you home.”
On the ride back, I rolled the window down, leaning my head closer to feel the wind whip over my face.
Papa patted my leg. “You okay, my dear?”
“Yeah. But I’d love to take a ride in this weather with Hawk.”
“Can’t beat this fall weather for a good ride, hon,” Mama Hen said. “Maybe I’ll go with ya.”
Looking in the side mirror, I watched Coop and Squatch behind us. I drew in a deep breath as a wave of contentment washed over me. The only thing that would make it complete was being reunited with my husband.
As we pulled into the driveway, I smiled. Home sweet home. But as we made it up past the driveway, I squinted. “What in the world?”
The car pulled close to the two rows of members lined up, facing each other with their hands clasped together in front of them. They formed a walkway leading to the front door of the clubhouse.
Squatch and Coop had jumped from their bikes and rushed to the end of the row, standing at attention with the rest. Some of the bunnies, including Sugar and Penny, were gathered around.
Niko came over and opened the door, offering me his hand. “You look much better, Katya.”
“What is this?” I asked, confused.
He motioned for me to walk ahead. I looked back and Mama Hen climbed from the car. She passed my duffle bag to Niko and I couldn’t help but laugh, even though it made my shoulder pinch.
As I walked closer, the trees blocked the harsh rays of the sun and I stood at the end of the man-made aisle in awe. Turning back, I asked Mama Hen, “Is this for me?”
She smiled. “Go on, hon.”
I stepped into the aisle of men and Squatch and Coop stepped in closer holding something out as they kneeled. A nervous smile spread on my face but I looked at Squatch’s hand and there was a small piece of chain link.
I took the small metal and he said, “With this link, I vow to stay true to you, and always protect and support you.”
Blush filled my cheeks. “Wow, I um–”
Coop cleared his throat.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I reached for the link from his hand and smiled.
He said, “With this link, I vow to stay true to you, and always protect and support you.”
A squeak came from me. “What are you doing?”
The next two members knelt, holding their hands out. I looked back at Mama Hen again. “What is happening?”
“Go on, hon.”
I stopped at each new kneeling member and took the links. Looking ahead, I didn’t see Hawk, but all the officers were standing at the end of the aisle, grinning from ear to ear.
The Old Ladies all stood along the doorway, also grinning from ear to ear. Shiv and Jackal had returned and I couldn’t stop myself from mouthing, “Hey,” to her.
Once I got to Eagle and Falcon, taking their links, tears were squeezing from my eyes and I was fighting full sobs.
Hawk finally appeared, holding a shallow but wide white box. I stepped closer and he smiled. A big smile, almost cheesy.
I wrapped my fingers around all the pieces of links and wiped my cheeks with the back of my hands. “What’s happening?”
He came a step closer. “Kat. Katarina, do you promise to always stay true to our destiny and enforce our bylaws?”
“Yes, of course,” I said, swallowing hard.
“Do you promise to always stay true to me and support me and the club?”
“Yes…” I said slowly.
Hawk fell to his knee, and pulled the lid off the box. Staring up at me was the club emblem, the Grim Reaper with crossing scythes. Above it said, “Property of” and below it said, “Hawk.”
“Oh my God,” I gasped, my shaky hand flying to my mouth.
“Katarina, I promise to stay true to you, and always protect and support you. Will you be my Old Lady?
The sobs finally broke free and I fell to my knees. My shoulder pinched from the impact but I didn’t care. He moved the box and grabbed me, pulling me close. I wrapped my good arm around him and put the other closed hand on his chest as my body shook.
“Is that a yes?” he asked in my ear.
“Well, what’s it gonna be?” Daisy shouted.
A broken, “Yes,” finally came out before Hawk’s lips crushed mine.
Everyone yelled and clapped, and I jumped when someone popped a bottle of champagne.
“I got you,” he said. “Here, I wanna see this on my woman.” He pulled away and grabbed the small leather vest.
He helped me to my feet, then gingerly helped me get it on, careful with my bad arm. Lacy brought me a small black, velvet satchel with the club emblem on it, and I dropped the links inside.
Looking down, I rubbed my hand over the patch that said Kitty Kat.
“I love it,” I said, wiping more tears from my cheeks.
Mama Hen came around and stood next to Hawk. She stared at him, and when he gave her a nod, she pulled a small box from her pocket. “This is yours now.”
My hand was still trembling when I took the small rectangular box. I opened it and reached inside. What I pulled out brought a new wave of sobs and I fell into her arms.
“Your shoulder, hon,” Mama Hen scolded.
“I-cannot-take-this,” I said between ragged breaths.
“Don’t worry. I still have one. But this is yours now. I’m retired.”
Pulling away, I looked down at the patch that said First Lady.
“I don’t know if I’m ready,” I whispered to her.
“Apparently,” Shiv said as she came closer, “you are. But next time, no shenanigans if I am not here, okay? And also, why didn’t you ask for a brown doctor? I will need to see that wound.”
Watery laughs came from my chest. “I’m sorry. You’ll be glad to know Kristie did try to point out that you weren’t here.”
Kristie nodded. “And I was right. So, let’s remember this.”
Lacy said, “I told them it was a bad idea.”
Klara came over. “Hey, you look good in that.”
I pulled her close. “Oh my God.” Seeing her was such a relief. Knowing these people would be handled, and I could trust my friend would be safe, was comforting. Regardless of whatever I thought I saw from Niko, he would make sure nothing happened to her now, for me if for no other reason.
Daisy said, “Looking good. Do you know how to sew?” she asked as she took the patch from me.
“I do,” Mama Hen said. “I’ll get that on in no time.”
“Hey, can I have a minute with my Old Lady before y’all take over?” Hawk asked as he snaked his arm around my waist.
Shiv rolled her eyes. “Fiiiinnnee. Jackal, c’mon. Let’s go help with the champagne glasses.”
Everyone dispersed and Hawk pulled me close. “I’d really manhandle you, but I’m trying not to hurt you.”
“Well,” I said, patting his chest. “The doctor said I should be fine in just a week or so. And I have a request.”
“Anything.”
“Once I’m cleared, I want to go for a ride.”
His mouth met mine, and I slipped my tongue past his lips. He kissed me deeper and his chest rumbled. “We can ride all the time, Kitty Kat.”
“My little Katushka,” Papa said so I turned, smiling hard.
I grabbed the leather and said, “What do you think, Papa?”
“Beautiful.” He gave me a gentle hug and whispered in my ear. “I always knew this life would suit your spirit better than ours.” He leaned back, grinning. “You’re too strong to be a mere trophy.”
“Thanks, Papa. But from what I remember, Mama was pretty strong herself.”
“She was,” Mama Hen said. “And she was one of a kind. She’d be so proud of you.”
My eyes welled up with tears again, but no more sobs. Just simple, joyous tears.
Looking around, then down at my cut, I knew I’d finally fulfilled my destiny.