26. West
26
WEST
One week later
Audrina was scared about returning home after the bomb threat, but Nevada and I reassured her that it was safe. Cash has also doubled up on security since that night, and the club is slowly getting back to normal.
Of course, Audrina’s ex heard about the news from Nevada and wanted to visit, but I put a stop to that. He doesn’t need to see her like this. If she wants to after she recovers, which I doubt, then I guess we could do it together. Nothing would make me happier than to let him know to his face I knocked up his ex-wife in less than five weeks and he couldn’t do it a second time round in two decades, but that would just be plain mean. But we need to get our news out of the way before any of that happens.
Nevada and I dealt with Griffin; the man was a fucking lunatic. The fact that he was planning on taking us all out only added fuel to the fire. I didn’t want Audrina to catch wind of what we’d done to him, but the alligators are still the best fed this side of the gulf, and there was some satisfaction in torturing the shit out of him and leaving him to rot in Hell.
Willow was able to shut the gang down, and they’ve made several more arrests; not that she was thrilled about her operation being blown wide open, but after the bomb threat they weren’t leaving anything to chance. I don’t give a fuck about her or the cops; all that matters is that Griffin is dead, and Audrina and our baby are okay.
I look up, and Audrina squeezes my hand, Tilbury sitting in her lap. She was so happy to be reunited with her dog, and it brought tears to my eyes. Tonight we’re having dinner with Nevada and Star, as well as Priest and Bella, and we’re going to announce our news. We wanted to wait a few days, not that I didn’t wanna scream it from the rooftops, but we needed this time to get our heads around things.
I’ve never been so elated, doting on Audrina while she gets bedrest. I didn’t even want her to be sitting upright at a table because she’s still badly bruised and swollen. When I look at her injuries, I’m reminded of what that asshole and his cronies did to her, and it makes me wanna go back to the bayou and find Griffin’s remains just so I can burn them this time.
A part of me will always mourn for the fact that I wasn’t there to protect her; that’s my job after all, but I can rectify that, even if she tells me I’m wrapping her in cotton wool, I don’t care.
“You okay?” I press a kiss to her hand.
“I’m better than okay.”
The doc said she was only five weeks pregnant, so it’s really early days, and we’re both on tenterhooks because we don’t want anything to go wrong. Audrina is in complete recovery mode, and while she’s a stubborn little thing, she’s also been completely exhausted and bedrest is what the doctor ordered. She’s also suffered immeasurable stress; anything could’ve happened to her, yet she’s here, by my side with a smile on her face.
“I was worried that you might change your mind about us,” I say. “That the MC was too dangerous.”
Her eyes soften. “This has nothing to do with that. It’s what happened to Priest in jail, remember? An eye for an eye, without the MC who knows what could’ve happened,” she says without hesitation. “I’ve also got to pay credit where it’s due; Cash took Asher in when he was at a really low point, especially with all the stuff going on at home, and he’s thriving now. He’s found the love of his life, and...”
I stroke her cheek. “And?”
She bites her lip. “I’m just so nervous about telling them — I mean, Asher isn’t going to understand.”
“He’ll understand, and if he doesn't, that’s too bad for him,” I say. “Don’t overthink it. Okay, we didn’t take proper precautions, but the likeness of something like this happening wasn’t high.
“You’re quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?” She leans over and presses a kiss to my cheeks.
I grin. “Very.” I’m so looking forward to seeing her body change and being with her the entire way as we navigate this journey together.
“They’ll be here soon.”
“And it’s gonna be okay,” I reassure her. “I’ve no doubt it’ll be a shock, but everyone is gonna be supportive, you know it deep down.”
I admit, Asher has had his reservations about us, but for the most part he’s been supportive. He just wants to see her happy, and I respect that. I admit it is a little freaky telling your adult children you’re having a baby, especially at our age.
We decided to order in, but Manny, bless his heart, came over to cook and left everything in the oven so we could serve it when we needed it. Stella joined him half way through, and we were happy for them to join us, but they both had to take off to get back to the Soup Kitchen.
I take a breath. It’s gonna be huge news, but it’s our news, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Just breathe,” I add. “You look a little pale, you okay?”
She nods. “I’m fine. I’m just jittery.”
We don’t have time to ponder that because a few minutes later, Nevada’s voice booms through the house as he and Star, along with Priest, Bella and Jack come in.
I stand, ready to greet everyone, and Audrina sets Tilbury on the ground as Nevada scoops her up. He’s quite taken with the little thing, tickling her tummy and calling her his sister... he has no clue he’s about to be a brother again, just in a different way.
“So happy you could make it.” Audrina hugs everyone as we settle down at the table. “We just wanted to get everyone together and feel like a real family again, so much has happened, and we’ve also got an update on... well, everything.” She’s glossing over the details, and I love her for it.
“Boys, give me a hand gettin’ the food out of the oven,” I say. “We’ll let the girls chat for a second.”
They both follow me into the kitchen and we retrieve the roast Manny cooked with all the trimmings, along with mashed potatoes, biscuits, and gravy. He went all out to prepare Audrina’s favorite meal, and it smells amazing.
“How’s she doin’?” Nevada asks me. “Everytime I ask, she just smiles and says she’s fine.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, knowing I’m probably gonna get a lump on my head when Nevada is done punching me for knocking up his mom.
“She’s doin’ great,” I say. “Really. The doc said she’ll make a full recovery, she just needs rest. I didn’t wanna have a dinner party so early, but you know your mother, nothin’ can keep her down for long.”
He looks relieved, and I feel guilty for keeping this from him for these last few days. I’ve no idea how he’s going to react, but shocked and furious are two thoughts that come to mind.
When we’re settled back at the table and we’ve said grace, Star sets her cutlery down. “We’re so happy you’re all okay, Audrina, really, we were so worried.” Tears cloud her vision, and Audrina squeezes her hand across the table.
“I’m fine. The club got to me so fast, and I had Willow — not that I knew it at the time, but she was planning on getting me out of there before long,” she says. “She was just doing her job, and if it means that more of these miscreants were arrested and punished, then so be it.”
“We’ve also got some news,” Star says, turning to look at Nevada.
“That’s funny, so have we,” Audrina smiles. We know they’ve been talking about redecorating and planning a vacation, which is probably something we should think about when Audrina is fully healed.
“Hey, we should announce it together,” Nevada laughs. “Though we know you guys are lookin’ for a place, so it’s not like it’s gonna be a shock to the system when you tell us you’re movin’ in together.”
I feel Audrina’s eyes on me. Oh, boy.
I open my mouth, then close it again.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea—” Audrina starts.
“It’ll be fun.” Bella claps her hands, then narrows her eyes at Star. “Unless you guys won the lottery and aren’t telling us?”
“Nope, nothin’ like that.” Nevada looks quite pleased with himself, and an uneasy sense of panic washes over me. I don’t get a good feeling about this joint announcement.
“You should have your big moment,” Star concedes. “But I’m taking bets that you guys are gonna get married, if you haven’t already snuck off and done it.”
While I want to do all of those things, we’re so far off base it isn’t even funny.
“I’ll count down.” Nevada takes Star’s hand and they beam at each other.
“Uh,” I start, that feeling of Oh, holy fuck, hitting me like a ton of bricks. “I don’t think?—”
Nevada bangs his fist on the table. “Three, two, one, go!”
“I’m pregnant!” Both women say at the same time, though Audrina all but yells it.
Silence surrounds the table, and Nevada laughs. “That’s a good one, Mom, it sounded like you said you were pregnant?”
“Oh, God, you’re pregnant?” Audrina’s hand is across her mouth as I gape at them in shock. “That’s so fantastic!” She almost leaps out of her chair, but I grab her just in time before she hurts herself.
“Audrina, careful,” I say.
Bella has the same reaction as Star; both hands covering their mouths, but Nevada hasn’t registered it yet.
Audrina hugs Star, kissing her on both cheeks, and then she’s crying and hugging Nevada as Priest’s eyes meet mine across the table, his smile slowly growing. Oh, he heard alright.
“She did say that,” Star whispers.
Nevada frowns. “Huh?”
“You’re mom’s pregnant with my dad’s kid,” Priest clarifies, he claps my hand and we pound hug. “Way to go Dad!”
Bella hugs me with Jack in her arms, then Audrina as Nevada gapes at us. I hold out my hand to shake his, but he just stares at us. “You’re pregnant, Mom?”
“Yes!” Audrina has tears streaming down her face. “It... it just happened, we didn’t expect it or plan it, but well, here it is! You’re going to have a baby brother or sister, and I’m going to be a grandma!”
I put my arm around Audrina, pulling her into my chest. “We’re both elated, but yeah, a little shocked.”
“My God!” Star is still recovering too as she wipes her eyes. “This is going to be so much fun! Pregnant together! Holy shit!”
“You’re pregnant?” Nevada says again.
Audrina presses a hand to my chest. “I know it’s a shock...”
“So wait, how far along are you?”
“Only five weeks or so...” Audrina trails off.
“Five weeks?” He balks. “So you and him were havin’ sex pretty much on your first date?”
My, my. For someone who doesn’t pay that much attention, he catches on pretty quick with random shit. I won’t divulge that we did, in fact, have sex on our first date and that his mom is fucking fantastic, but I straighten my spine.
“I think we all know how it works.” I cough into my hand. “I’m thrilled about your news, and I’m sure when you get over the shock of our announcement, you'll be happy for us, too.”
“I’m gonna have a brother or sister?” It’s like he can’t fathom it.
“Uh, huh.” It’s literally tongue in cheek, but for Audrina’s sake, I don’t slap him upside the head. I’m sure he won’t appreciate that from his soon-to-be stepdad.
“Asher? I know it’s a lot,” Audrina starts. “But please know that Hustler and I are both really happy about the news. Yes, it’s a surprise, trust me, it is for us, too, but we love each other so much. I never expected I could fall pregnant that easily.”
“It’s fantastic,” Star gushes as she and Bella hug, followed by Priest, who also takes Audrina in his arms and whispers his congratulations.
“I’m gonna have a baby brother or sister too,” Priest says, slapping Nevada on the back. “And if they get married, we’ll technically be stepbrothers." Nevada stands, Star watching him like a hawk. He’s unpredictable at the best of times, but I’ve no idea if he’s gonna take a swing or give me a hug.
“I’m... just a little shocked,” he says. “But if it’s what you want, Mom?”
She takes both his hands. “It is, honey, and I’m sorry this took away from your big moment, maybe we could do it again and we stay quiet this time?”
The others laugh, and I do too. This is just like my beautiful Audrina. Always thinking about other people and their feelings.
Finally, he takes my hand and shakes it. “I still maintain if you hurt my mom...”
I hold up both hands. “Not gonna happen, she’s my life. We’re gonna get a house and make room for the baby. You have my word. She, the baby, and Tilbury are the most precious things in my life. I’ll guard them all with everything I have.”
Nevada nods, then hugs his mom. “I’m happy for you.”
“I’m happy for you, too! And we’re gonna be grandparents!” she sing-songs.
“This is gonna be epic!” Star gushes. “We can shop together and maybe take a prenatal class?”
Audrina scoops Tilbury up off the floor and kisses her head. “That’ll be fun!”
“Oh, won’t it,” Priest mutters, failing at hiding his amusement.
“Wait, I thought older guys kinda didn’t have much of a sperm count?” Nevada says out of nowhere.
I laugh as Audrina flushes. If only he knew what we’d been up to, he would probably follow through on his threat to hide me out in the bayou.
“Nope, men are fertile well into their eighties and nineties,” Bella helpfully informs us.
We take our seats as I pass Audrina a tissue to wipe her eyes. “How far along are you?” she asks Star.
“We’re going into the second trimester,” Star says proudly as she and Nevada hold hands. “Thirteen weeks.”
“We didn’t want to say anythin’ until we got over that three-month mark,” Nevada adds.
Audrina nods. “I get that.” She turns to look at me. “It would’ve been hard to keep this under wraps, and like I say, at my age and with my fertility issues, it’s a miracle in itself.”
Nevada looks like a deer caught in headlights, and I feel for him. It’s kinda out there, but all the same, it’s life. And this life couldn't be happier right now. All I need is my ol’ ladies scars and bruises to heal, and we can start looking for a place. I’m not dumb enough to believe that emotionally she won’t be suffering for a long time yet, but I’m here for her in every way I can.
“Well, I think this is cause for a toast, don’t you?” Priest announces, dinging his glass with a fork. “Dad, you wanna do the honors?”
I kiss Audrina’s hand as I turn back to the table. “All of you know these last few days have been hell for all of us, but out of all the angst, pain, and misery, we’re here together with new life growin’ all around us.” Audrina sniffles, and I turn to her and smile. “I love you so much, Audrina, and I know this is hardly the time or place and I haven’t sized the ring right now to seal the deal, but will you marry me?” I get down on my knees, looking up at her as the girls gasp and Priest whoops with claps and laughter. I pull out my grandmother's wedding ring and take a breath, waiting for her answer.
I already ran it by Nevada, and I think that’s part of the reason he’s in shock about the baby. I think one surprise was probably enough for today, but what the hell?
“Oh!” Audrina spills tears as she pulls me into her arms, and we kiss. “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”
I slide the ring onto her finger, thank fuck it actually fits, and we kiss, Tilbury letting out a little bark as we separate laughing.
“Wow, this is so cool!” Bella squeals.
“We can help you pick out wedding dresses, and Deanna can do all the table decorations!” Star gushes. “That ring! Oh, West... you kinda out did yourself there, you dark horse!”
I grin as everyone does another round of hugs, the girls inspecting the ring that I had professionally cleaned. It looks so beautiful on her; the large, oval-shaped diamond with a rose gold band is timeless and elegant, just like her.
“It was my grandmother’s,” I tell everyone. “It’s the only thing I have of hers, and I honestly never thought I’d ever get the opportunity to—” Audrina slams her mouth against mine and I laugh, cupping her face.
“Get a room!” Nevada yells across the table, then adds, “I don’t think I can suffer any more surprises today, you guys good?” He nods to Priest and Bella.
Priest waves his hands at us. “Nothin’ goin’ on over here,” Priest tells us, cradling his son. “But we’re excited for you, aren’t we, baby?”
“Yes.” Bella snuggles into his side. “This is so romantic!”
I glance around the table, all of our nearest and dearest happy for us and us for them. I can’t wait to share the news with the rest of the club and officially claim Audrina at the table. We will have to make a lot of adjustments in the coming months, and I want Audrina to take it easy after everything she’s been through, but she’s one tough little cookie. I’m so proud of her. She’s resilient, warm, beautiful, strong, delicate, and brave. All of those things and so much more mixed together.
“Couldn’t be happier,” I mutter as I press my forehead to hers.
“Me either,” she sighs. “I can’t wait to build a life with you, West.”
“Right back at ya, Peaches.”
“Oh, fuck,” Nevada groans. “Does this mean I have to start callin’ you Dad now?”
I turn and grin at him as everyone laughs. “Not if you expect me to answer.”
He chuckles, leaning over to give Star a kiss, and I think we’re redeemed.
Nothing else in the world could prepare me for marriage and fatherhood at this stage in my life, but that’s what life throws at you. You gotta roll with the punches, and when life throws you curveballs, you gotta bend.
I glance at Audrina, her eyes filled with tears, and my heart beats wildly at the snapshot of our future together.
It’s perfect. Everything is. Just like My Sweet Little Peach .