Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Rage
“What do you fucking mean you lost her?!” I yell into the phone.
Shelly reaches up and gives me a smack on the face before continuing to fix my tie.
“I think he would look more distinguished with a nice Stetson,” Cowboy says, leaning against the counter.
Mila is running around the lobby of the Inn chasing one of the resident cats.
“I’m telling you the bitches in Nevada are crazy. They sent me on a fucking crazy goose chase, and next thing I know she’s gone,” Carver says. “But chill …” The phone cuts out. “Fuck … man.”
“You’re cutting out. Are you on the road?”
“Soon,” he says and then the phone goes dead.
My gaze slides around the room as club members gather to support me and my sister. We’re walking down to the courthouse together. “Find me a twin,” I snap at Prospect.
“Yes, sir,” he says, turning on his heel and walking out of the Inn.
I try calling Carver back, but he doesn’t pick up.
He was supposed to bring her back. I gave her two weeks. In my opinion, that’s more than enough time. Now that everything’s calmed down, there is no reason she shouldn’t be home.
“We better get down there,” Wolfe says, his hand wrapped firmly around Mila’s to keep her out of trouble. It hasn’t taken her long to get comfortable with everyone.
“Yeah,” I agree.
He pats me on the back. “You’ve got this.”
As we’re walking over to the courthouse, Prospect runs up to me. “Couldn’t find either of the twins, but Carver’s back. He’s waiting for you outside.”
“You can head back to the Cage.”
“Will do.” He shakes my hand. “Good luck today.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Carver is leaning against the building. He drops his cigarette to the ground as we approach, falling into step beside me.
“I know you’re pissed, but those women over there are cunts.” He holds the door open for Mila and me.
“I don’t want to hear it. We need to find the twins. They’ll know where she’s at.” I stop to straighten my suit. “Right there,” I say, spotting them standing by a long bench in the hallway. “Fuckers,” I whisper under my breath.
“Sweetheart, you have to stay with us,” Wolfe tells my baby sister as she tries to pull away from him.
I take her hand in mine, dropping to my knee to talk to her. “Mila, it’s important to always stay near us.” She is tipping her head to the side, looking at the twins and pointing. I pull her hand down. “Listen to me, Mila. You can go sit with Carson and Cole in a minute.”
“Mommy,” she squeals, yanking out of my grip with a force I did not know she possessed.
Everything around me quiets as I slowly stand and turn around. Time freezes, and I’m caught in a moment I wasn’t expecting.
Mila is in Serenity’s arms, and it’s as if my heart feels every tear they cry, every smile, all the joy, and all the sorrow. It’s an overwhelming mix of emotions, and suddenly it jolts me awake.
The world picks up seemingly where it left off, but something is different. Everything seems familiar, but nothing looks the same.
Serenity turns to face the wall, clearly uncomfortable with everyone seeing her raw emotions, but she doesn’t let go of Mila. She hugs her tight.
“Carver,” I say, not turning to look at him.
“I won’t fail this time,” he says.
I chuckle under my breath as his footsteps retreat behind me.
Wolfe turns to face me and my brothers. “Well, men, we sure did get it wrong.” He looks at each of us. “We’ve got a lot of amends to make with that one.” He shakes his finger her direction.
Everyone nods.
“That’s the kind of woman we need in this club. I suggest none of you settle for less,” he adds, and I appreciate it.
He’s absolutely right. I’m so glad I didn’t settle for less. Serenity is my saving grace.
“Go on. Get your girl,” Wolfe says, pushing me toward her.
Carson and Cole toss me a couple of shit-eating grins as I approach them. I give them each a hug, because fuck, they are my goddamn brothers for life. Both on and off the road. I owe them everything.
The courtroom opens, and everyone begins filing inside to get a seat. My lawyer motions us over to him.
“We need to go,” I say, gently touching Serenity at the small of her back.
“Just five more minutes,” she pleads in a broken whisper, still refusing to look at me.
I step away to let him know we’ll join him in a bit. “She just needs a minute.”
His eyes bounce over my face. “So, this is highly unusual but …” He directs me over to the corner, away from prying ears. “She spoke to the judge earlier this morning.” He scratches his head. “When I arrived, she was just stepping out of his office.”
We watch as she sits down on the bench, settling Mila on her lap.
“Can you trust her? We don’t know what she told him.”
I realize now she didn’t come back to Cheyenne to play the imaginary role of Mila’s mother or my fiancée. She came to set the record straight.
Mila is showing Serenity the little stick-on earrings Shelly put on her this morning. Serenity smiles wide, hanging on every word.
“I trust her,” I say, walking away. “I’ll meet you inside.”
“And these Mila’s new boots,” Mila tells Serenity.
“Let me guess. Did Cowboy buy these for you?” she asks.
Mila nods. “And Daddy painted my nails.”
Tears stream down Serenity’s face. “Aw, they’re so pretty. He did a good job, didn’t he?”
I let them have their moment. They both need it.
“Today is a big day, so you need to go with Daddy now,” Serenity tells her a few minutes later. She stands with her in her arms. This time she doesn’t turn away. “Be a good listener today, okay?”
Mila hugs her tight, not letting go.
“Tonight there’s going to be a big party to celebrate you getting to live with Daddy forever.”
I notice she leaves Mommy out of the equation. I’m not sure why, but we’ll discuss that later.
“A party? With cake?” Mila asks.
“I’m sure they’ll have that and more, because today is the bestest day ever.” She kisses Mila on the forehead. “Okay, you don’t want to keep the judge waiting. Go with Daddy.” She tips my sister into my arms, and unbelievably Mila agrees.
Serenity smiles, patting her back, and then her eyes finally meet mine. “Good luck in there today. I know everything will go your way.”
“You’re not staying for the party?”
She lightly laughs. “I’ve been to one of your parties. I think I’ll sit this one out.”
“I’m …”
She places her hand on my arm. “I’m only teasing. No need for apologies.”
“Serenity …”
“Bye-bye, sweetheart. Have fun at the party tonight.” She gives Mila another kiss on her cheek and then she walks away.
“Where’s Mommy going?” Mila asks, laying her head on my shoulder as she watches her leave the building.
“She’s going home.” I turn away from the glass doors, forcing myself to trust the process.