Chapter One #2
I look into his eyes, seeing the love and concern there. It still amazes me sometimes how we found our way back to each other after everything. I squeeze his hand, feeling a lump form in my throat.
"Okay," I say softly. "I'll try to take it easier."
Harlow grins, clapping her hands together. "Great! Now that that's settled, I’m going to go run the candy to Tinsley. You two good?”
I nod, feeling a mix of gratitude and annoyance. "We're good. Thanks, Harlow."
As she heads out, Rex settles beside me on the couch, his arm draping around my shoulders. I lean into him, allowing myself to relax for a moment.
"You know," he says softly, "it's okay to let people help sometimes. Doesn't make you weak."
I snort. "That's rich coming from you, Mr. I-Can-Handle-Everything-Alone."
He chuckles, "Yeah, well, maybe we're both learning."
We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the distant sounds of the shop a familiar backdrop. The baby gives another kick, and I guide Rex's hand to the spot.
"Feel that?" I ask. "Kid has got your restlessness."
Rex's face softens, a look of wonder replacing his usual stern expression. It's a side of him few people get to see, and it never fails to make my heart skip a beat.
"Strong," he whispers. "Just like your mama." The baby kicks once more, and a smile spreads across Rex's face. "Hey there, little guy, quit kicking your mama."
“You’re assuming it’s a boy.”
“It might be,” he shrugs.
“But it could be a girl.”
“Rem, I don’t care, boy or girl. All I care about is that you and our baby are safe.”
I lean into Rex, feeling the tension slowly ebb from my body. His warmth and steady presence are comforting, grounding me in a way few things can. The baby settles as if soothed by its father's voice.
"I know you don't care," I say softly. "I just...I worry sometimes. About everything."
Rex's arm tightens around me. "That's what makes you such a good mother. To Beaux, Birdie, to this little one, even to the Queens in a way."
I snort. "The Queens would kick your ass if they heard you call me their mother."
"Probably," Rex chuckles. "But it's true. You take care of everyone, Rem. Maybe it's time to let someone care for you for a change.”
I roll my eyes at Rex's comment, but I can't help the warmth that spreads through my chest. "You're such a sap," I mutter, but there's no bite to my words.
Rex chuckles, his hand still resting on my belly. "You finished eating?" he asks, eyeing the empty plate beside me.
I nod, suddenly feeling much better now that I've got some food in me. "Yeah, I'm done. Thanks for that."
He takes the plate from me, setting it aside on the cluttered desk. When he turns back, his eyes are soft, filled with an emotion that makes my breath catch. "You know," he says, "you've never been more beautiful to me than you are right now, carrying our baby."
The sincerity catches me off guard, and I feel a lump form in my throat. "Rex..." I start, but he shakes his head.
"I mean it, Rem. I missed this with Beaux. I missed so much..." His voice trails off, and I can see the regret in his eyes.
Guilt washes over me, sharp and familiar. "I'm sorry," I whisper, looking down at our intertwined hands. "I should have told you about him sooner. I should have-"
Rex cuts me off, his finger gently tilting my chin up so I'm looking at him again. "Hey, stop that. We've been over this. You did what you thought was best at the time. We can't change the past, but we're here now. Together."
I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten to fall. Damn hormones.
Rex leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "And this time," he murmurs against my skin, "I get to be here for everything. Every craving, every kick, every sleepless night."
I can't help but laugh. "You say that now. Wait until I'm waking you up at three o’clock in the morning demanding pickles and ice cream."
He grins that roguish smile that still makes my heart skip a beat. "Bring it on, baby. I can handle anything you throw at me."
Rex's phone buzzes, interrupting our moment. He pulls it out, frowning slightly as he checks the caller ID. "It's Coffey," he says, answering the call.
I watch as Rex's expression shifts from concern to interest as he listens to whatever Coffey's saying.
I can only hear snippets of the conversation, but I gather it's about the new clubhouse they're building.
After everything that went down with the old guard of the Zulu Kings, Rex has been working hard to rebuild the club from the ground up.
When he hangs up, I can see the conflict in his eyes. "They need me at the build site," he says, running a hand through his short hair. "Apparently, there's some issue with the foundation that they want me to take a look at."
I nod, understanding the importance. The new clubhouse isn't just a building. It symbolizes the new direction Rex is taking the Zulu Kings. "You should go," I tell him, even though part of me wants him to stay.
Rex hesitates, his gaze flickering to my rounded belly. "Are you sure? I don't want to leave you if you're not feeling well."
I roll my eyes, pushing myself up from the couch. "I'm fine. The sandwich helped. Besides, I need to finish up here, pick up the kids from school, and then head home to get them ready for the parade.”
Rex pulls me close, his strong arms encircling my waist as much as they can with my protruding belly between us. His lips find mine in a passionate kiss that makes my toes curl and my heart race. When we finally break apart, both slightly breathless, he rests his forehead against mine.
"I hope the kids have an early night," he declares. "I've got plans for you later that definitely don't involve them invading our bed."
I feel a familiar heat bloom in my core again. "Is that so?" I tease, running my fingers along the nape of his neck.
Rex teases, his hands sliding down to cup my ass. "Careful, Rem. You keep that up, and I might not make it to the build site at all."
I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "Go on, get out of here. The sooner you deal with whatever's going on there, the sooner you can come home and make good on those plans."
He steals one more quick kiss before heading out, leaving me alone in the office. The baby gives a little flutter. "Settle down in there.” I smile to myself as I watch Rex's retreating form through the office window.
Shaking off the lingering warmth from our encounter, I turn my attention back to the pile of paperwork on the desk. There's still plenty to do before I can head home to get the kids ready for the party.
As I settle into the chair, my phone buzzes with a text from Mama.
Don't forget to swing by the house on your way to the parade. And please tell me you're not still at the shop.
I sigh, typing out a quick reply:
Just finishing up some paperwork before I go pick up the kids from school.
I can almost hear her exasperated sigh through the phone. Before I can put it down, another message pops up.
Remington Laveau, you better not be overworking yourself. My grandbaby needs rest!
I roll my eyes but can't help the fond smile that tugs at my lips.
Turning back to the paperwork, I lose myself in invoices and order forms for the next hour.
The steady rhythm of work helps calm my restless mind, and before I know it, I'm signing off on the last form.
I gather up the paperwork, sliding it into a worn leather folder.
With a final glance around the office, ensuring everything is in its place, I heave myself out of the chair.
My back protests the movement, a dull ache that's become my constant companion these past few months. I stretch, feeling the baby shift and roll in response.
I make my way through the shop, flicking off lights as I go.
The sudden quiet is almost eerie. A stark contrast to the usual soundtrack of power tools and classic rock that fills the space during business hours.
With the parade happening tonight, I let everyone go early.
Apparently, I’d been so wrapped up in my paperwork that I didn’t realize they were all gone for the day.
My footsteps echo on the concrete floor, the sound mingling with the faint ticking of the old clock on the wall.
At the front door, I pause, taking in the sight of Papa Midnight Motors.
The neon sign my father installed years ago casts a soft blue glow over the room, highlighting the gleaming chrome of the bikes lined up near the windows.
Pride swells in my chest. This place, this legacy, is ours now.
Mine and Rex's, the Voodoo City Queens, and someday, maybe even our children's, and that legacy is worth everything we’ve gone through to get here. Every fucking thing.