Mayhem Chapter 7 #3
“Christ, no, nothing like that. Why do women always assume the worst? It’s far from getting rid of you.
Everyone likes you and wants you to stay.
Betting on Mayhem’s persuasion skills, Reaper got all the brothers together earlier this morning.
Wait, don’t get upset, brother. It was for your own good.
The meeting was short and to the point. There was only one thing to discuss.
Who would say yes to Astrid becoming your old lady? ”
I stood there, somewhat frozen, as his words sank in.
I’d indicated yesterday pretty clearly that I wanted her to be mine, and spending time away from the club had shown that.
However, I was waiting for church tomorrow night to ask the club to cast their votes.
It had to be unanimous for an old lady to be accepted.
My insides bubbled. Astrid had a stricken look on her face.
I pulled her close before I prompted Tinker to tell me.
“And what was the decision?”
“Well, there were a few objections, but in the end, everyone said yes. Congrats, brother. You’re biker-hitched and have an old lady. I told them I’d give you the good news. And since I did, I get the first hug from our new sister,” he said, opening his arms to Astrid.
She stumbled into his arms. Tinker whispered in her ear as they hugged.
I couldn’t hear what he said, but when he let go, she was smiling.
I brought her back to me, but she moved far enough away to allow Tinker and me to man-hug each other.
Finally, we all parted. When we did, I had to ask something that was nagging me.
“You said there were some objections. What kind? From whom?” I muttered.
If anyone said shit about Astrid, even if they had ultimately voted her in, I’d be having a conversation with them in which my fist might just meet their faces.
Tinker chuckled. “I knew that would get you. It was Crusher and Hail. Crush was talking about you going out of order, and that, as the oldest single guy, Astrid should be his. Hail argued with Crusher that it should be someone closer to her age than either of you. Since he’s only three years older than her, he said Astrid should consider him. ”
Knowing the personalities of my brothers and how we loved to raze each other, especially when it involved one of us claiming a woman, my anger drained away. I chuckled.
“I swear, when I see those two, I’m gonna put the fear of God into them, so they’ll count themselves lucky I’m not theirs and they’ll pity you forever,” Astrid said with a smirk.
“Jesus, yes, do it. And if you can, do it in front of everyone. We always love a good laugh. Now, to the last two things. First, you need to inform Spawn of the size and what you would like on her property cut, Mayhem. The other is that Reaper wants us all to meet at six, in the clubhouse, to welcome Astrid into the family. He said food would be provided. Okay, now that I interrupted your make-out session, caused you some grief, and got to give the good news while delivering my messages, I’m off.
My woman is sleeping, and I want to cuddle with her. Have a great day. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks, man. That news was almost enough for me to forgive your interruption,” I jabbed.
We exchanged a few more razzes before Astrid reminded me that we needed to get moving on things. She waved as Tinker ambled back toward his house. Wanting to finish what we talked about so we could get to the other items on our list, I took her into my arms.
“See, it’s meant to be, Astrid. Even my club sees it. You’re my old lady, my biker wife. Please, say you’ll move in with me, and that you believe me about not needing another test. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll retake one.”
“No, Jamie, don’t. I believe you, and there’s no need to redo one, but I’m still stunned that you went that long.”
“Don’t be. Like I said, they weren’t you.”
“You know how to make my heart melt and my brain go on vacation, which is why I’m saying yes to moving in with you. But…” she held up her hand to stop me from shouting.
“But what?”
“I help with the bills. That means utilities, mortgage, and all the other expenses. Sometimes, I’ll need to have space. Please don’t take it personally.”
I knew better than to argue. However, she’d be in for a shock when she found out what her share was, especially for the mortgage. All I did was nod.
“Alright, what do we want to do first?” she asked.
“Let’s make out the grocery list so I can submit it, and while we’re in town, we can pick them up. Then we’ll take a tour of the houses if you’d like. I want to bring your belongings here. Are they all at the hotel?”
“I have a considerable amount of my clothing with me. As for other things, I didn’t have a lot, but what little I did have is stored in a storage rental in Virginia Beach.
I was last based at Naval Air Station Oceana.
It’s not a short trip. In good traffic, we’re looking at a six-and-a-half-hour drive one way.
Not knowing where I’d end up, I left it close to the base.
I can arrange a road trip to get it next week. I’m not working, so I have the time.”
“Do we need a U-Haul or will my truck do the trick?” I asked. I was making mental adjustments.
“Your truck would do. Will you trust me to drive it there and back? I know how men are about their vehicles.” She smirked.
“Yes, I’d trust you, but you won’t be making the trip alone. I’ll go with you.”
“Jamie, no, you have work. There’s no need for you to miss it. Two days is all I need. I’ve made the drive several times and over much longer distances than that,” she protested.
“You may have, but that was before you were my old lady. None of us would ever let our woman take such a trip alone. I’d worry the entire time and wouldn’t get a lick of work done anyway.
And you forget, I have brothers who can watch over Eden for me.
I just need to check with them which days work best. Arguing won’t make me change my mind.
You need to start adjusting to having a man like me who will ensure your safety, needs, and wants.
Besides, you can’t leave me to sleep alone,”
I gave her my best poor little boy look, which caused her to laugh and then tell me that it didn’t work on her.
However, she said nothing else about going alone, so I took it as a win.
Gathering her up, I took her back to the house to my office.
Time to make up the grocery list, and then we’ll go from there.
It turned out to be a fascinating process.
The things I would put on the list were nothing close to what Astrid did.
It seemed like I was going to get a lot of home-cooked meals, despite my telling her I didn’t want her to cook all the time.
What I ate yesterday of hers told me it wouldn’t be a hardship to eat her cooking.
I wasn’t totally useless in the kitchen, so we could split the load.
I liked the thought of that. My life was about to change drastically, but I knew it was all for the better.
After we completed the list and submitted it, Astrid said she was ready to check out a few houses as long as we didn’t disturb anyone.
I assured her I’d check first, so I sent off a group text to my brothers to find out who was okay with it.
All came back saying to go for it. We decide to start with the single guys, since those with children might have them still napping.
Astrid asked that I give them a heads-up text before we went to their door, which I had no problem with.