Chapter 8 #2
Once she’s through the door, I close it behind her and sit in one of the chairs in front of Coal’s desk. Closing my eyes, I take a minute to breathe, knowing my brother will let me have it. When I’m feeling calmer and more centred, I open them and look straight into his concerned gaze.
“I’m okay,” I assure him before he can ask. “Just needed a minute. The common room is loud, and it’s been a busy morning. I wanted to ask you something.”
“You said,” Coal nods. “I have a feeling I know what it is, but ask anyway.”
“I’m going to ask Nora to be my Old Lady, and I want you to put it to the brothers for a vote. I know it’s quick, but she’s my one.”
“I’m not going to tell you it’s too quick, Nickel, not when I met and married Thea in four hours.
If this is what you want, I’ll be happy to put it to a vote in Church this afternoon.
She’ll make a welcome addition to the other Old Ladies.
As long as she’s good to you, I have no problems. From the way she stood between us last night, I’d say she more than cares for you. I’m happy for you, brother.”
“Thank you, Coal.” I stand. “I hope the other brothers feel the same way.”
“Oh, I have no doubt the vote will go through.” Coal chuckles. “She sealed the deal when she stood up for you against me. We Tins seem to have a type.”
“Yeah, we do,” I agree. “Strong, kick-ass, not afraid of anything, family-oriented women are our kryptonite, it seems. See you in a bit, brother.”
Opening his door, I leave to meet Bee.
We spend the next few hours reviewing all the accounts and speaking with Beau about taking over. We’re deep in the accounts when our phones beep with a message from Opal that lunch is ready and to come and eat.
It’s been a morning, and I can’t wait for Church to be over so I can spend some time on my sled with my woman wrapped around me.
***
Church is nearing the end, and Coal still hasn’t asked for a vote on Nora. I’m beginning to get antsy, shifting restlessly in my chair. Maybe he isn’t going to do it today.
Nora squeezes my thigh, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Okay,” Coal says, going through the list in front of him. “It’s a yes to the gym and the boxing ring. Bee, I’m going to leave that with you, Copper, and Nickel. The Roadhouse is doing good, and now that the weather is warming up, it will get busier. Blue, how are the new managers working out?”
“They’re okay, Pres. I’ll keep an eye on them, but so far, so good.”
“Excellent. It’s good you’re no longer tied there. Brass, Iron, what about the paintball? When are you thinking of re-opening?”
“Easter school holidays,” Brass responds. “We’ll go over and do maintenance next week. Opal and Jeanie are working on the social media side, but we figured it would be good to open during the holidays when the weather will be better.”
“Sounds good. I know from Mom that the cidery is doing fine. Any problems I need to know about, Tinman?”
Tinman shakes his head. “None, Pres.”
“Good, that’s the end of the business side, unless there’s anything else?
” Coal looks around the table. When everyone shakes their heads, he continues.
“Okay, then, an update on building the nursery. Bee has organised for the company to break ground next week, and they’ve said it will be completed in six weeks.
She’s also ordered all the building supplies we need for the wet room to coincide with deliveries for the nursery to avoid scrutiny.
We’ll get started on that as soon as the supplies arrive.
Sterling is still working with Ramzi on finding Miles Burres, so nothing new to report there.
I’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything.
That’s all from me. The next part of the meeting is brothers only.
Can the Old Ladies give us the room, please? ”
Nora squeezes my leg once more, then stands and leaves with the other Old Ladies. Thea is the last one out, closing the door behind her.
Coal turns to the table and nods at me. “Your question, Nickel.”
Taking a deep breath, I nervously wipe my hands on my jeans. “I’d like a vote on me making Nora my Old Lady.”
“Aye.”
Tinman is the first to vote. I nod my thanks to him.
“Do we need to vote? You Tins seem to have found women perfect for the club,” Cross states.
He barely finishes speaking before Coals shakes his head.
“We vote, same as always. It’s in our bylaws and needs to be noted down. Nickel will give Nora the rules if the Old Ladies haven’t already.”
“Okay,” Cross agrees. “It’s an aye from me.”
“Aye.” Brass raises his hand.
We go around the table one at a time, and each brother votes. Even though it’s unanimous, Coal still turns to Tinman.
“Tally?”
“All ayes. Congratulations, son.” He grins at me. “You boys have done me proud. I’ve got some fantastic daughters-in-law.”
“I haven’t officially asked her yet,” I warn. “I’m taking her for a ride this afternoon and will ask her then.”
“If there’s nothing else?” Coal asks, looking around.
The brothers shake their heads.
“Church dismissed. Ride safe if you’re going out.”
Church empties fast, and I search for Nora as soon as I’m in the common room. I find her rolling on the floor, play-wrestling with Noah, Shea, and Opal.
I watch them for a second before walking over and catching Nora’s eye. Holding out my hand, I tug her up. “Are you ready to take that ride, darlin’?”
“Yep.” She waves at the kids, smiling at their protests as we leave.
Nora lets out a deep sigh, and I turn my head to look at her. She’s smiling, relaxed, and happy.
“That was fun,” she says when she catches me watching her. “They’re lovely kids.”
“They are,” I agree as we reach my sled.
I hand her the borrowed helmet. She’s already dressed for the ride. I wait until she’s fitted it on her head before I check the strap under her chin.
Getting on my sled, I back it out before starting it up and hold out my hand for Nora to help her get on behind me.
Once she’s seated, I grip her thighs and tug her into my back. We’re plastered so close that I can feel every breath she takes as she laughs at me. She doesn’t move away, though. Instead, she wraps her arms around me and squeezes.
I set off down the road, past the clubhouse. I raise a hand at Sterling, who must be watching the cameras, because I don’t have to stop and wait for the gate to open.
It’s after one in the afternoon, dry and not too cold, so I decide we’ve got time for a decent run and take the exit for Lymington. It’s a scenic ride and has a café on the beach.
Tension I didn't even know I was carrying flows out of me the further we ride. Behind me, Nora flows with me around every bend and curve. It’s peaceful and just what I needed after the chaos of the last few days.
The beach is quiet when we park and get off.
Nora removes her helmet and lifts her face to the sun, sighing gently. “Oh, this was a good idea.”
Taking her helmet from her, I place it on the seat along with mine. The beach is practically empty. It’s mid-week, so it’s only a few dog walkers and us. We won’t be going far.
I take a blanket from my saddlebag and tuck it under my arm. “Want to sit on the beach with me?”
“Sounds good.”
We walk to an outcropping of rocks. I shake the blanket out and lay it on the sand before sitting with my back against a rock and patting the space between my legs for Nora to sit.
Neither of us says anything as she settles against me, and we watch the waves ebbing and flowing as the tide rolls out.
Nora lets out another little sigh and relaxes against me, closing her eyes.
It’s good knowing that she’s at ease and relaxed.
I hope I don’t fuck it up with my next question.