Chapter 40
STEVIE
The house has been repaired with incredible additions.
The back of the house extends five feet into the backyard for a huge sitting area in front of floor-to-ceiling bullet-proof windows, and a fireplace to the right.
Large pillowy chairs, and a soft, cushioned sofa bed face onto the back of the property.
Frost said he bought me the sofa bed for when I’m feeding the babies.
I’ve already made use of it. And as much as I loved the deck, it’s now ten feet bigger, half shaded with a gazebo.
Since the kitchen cabinets were destroyed, we now have gray cabinets with black hardware and white granite countertops.
Upstairs, we have a new king-sized bed, fireplace fixed, and the ensuite washroom has been widened.
Since the downstairs has added space, we’ve created two other bedrooms, but are using one for now as the nursery, which is painted ivory and taupe.
Neutral colors, because we don’t know the gender of the babies.
I know the insurance company covered part of the damage.
I asked Frost about the rest of the money, and he told me his investments have been thriving, so he used some for the additions.
During the construction work, we stayed at Duchess and Skull’s house, which allowed me time to get to know them.
Skull’s bald head and beard makes him intimidating, but that man loves Duchess. He dotes on her and the baby.
The club women and I had planned a baby shower for Duchess, but with everything that’s happened, and her going into labor two weeks early, we never had one.
In true Duchess style, she decides to throw a baby shower for both of us at her house.
I argue with her, but the woman is stubborn as all hell.
She’s become a great friend, and I totally understand why Alicia was friends with her.
Plain and simple, Duchess makes it easy to like her.
She even had me register at a couple of baby stores.
It’s Sunday, so Kingston drives me over to the Preston house and he makes a beeline toward the downstairs to hang out with Skull.
The place is decked out in different shades of pinks and blues.
Duchess cradles Abigail in her arms while giving me a hug.
I wasn’t around children, but being pregnant, I tend to gravitate toward the baby, staring at how incredibly adorable she is and lucky to have Duchess and Skull as parents.
Willow and Joslin come over to welcome me, hand me a non-alcoholic drink, and direct me to a cushion chair where they ask questions about my pregnancy.
Joslin’s hand smooths over my stomach. “I bet you hate people touching your belly.”
“Nah, it’s okay. But if you were a stranger, I’d have a problem if you did it without asking.”
Willow pipes in, “God, you’re huge.”
I laugh. “Thanks a lot.”
“No, I’m not saying it to be rude, but carrying two babies in front of you must be uncomfortable.”
My head nods a mile a minute. “To say the least. Look!” I point to my fluffy slip-on slippers. “This is all my swollen feet will fit into. Frost bought them for me.”
Willow slides back onto the couch. “Who would have thought Frost could be so sweet?” She sips her drink. “I’m happy for you guys. Hopefully I’ll find myself a biker, preferably one with an easy-going temper, unlike Frost’s.”
I rest my hands on my belly and smile. “I’m sure you will. And under all Frost’s hardness and raw energy is a kind and caring man.”
Duchess comes over, sits on the arm of the chair I’m in, and says, “Ha! I’ve always known that about Frost.”
Ginger, Senorita, Kimmy, and Casey arrive, and Casey comes straight to me, kneeling in front of the chair. “Rebel, I’m so sorry for being a bitch to you at the salon. Jealousy does that, but it’s no excuse.”
I pat her hand. “It’s forgotten. Like Duchess said, we all have bad days.”
The rest of the women sit and we talk about the new clubhouse, houses, and the growing families.
Casey tells us she’s going back for her GED.
She’s tired of doing nothing for herself, waiting for a guy to care for her.
We congratulate her, and I offer to help her study.
Chains’ old lady is Senorita, who informs us they’ll be marrying soon.
We cheer for her. As each one talks about their future, I smile at how blessed and lucky I am to have found this family.
To see a group of women supporting each other instead of kicking each other down.
Everyone votes on eating before we open gifts. There’s a huge catered buffet of food lined across one wall in the living room. I haul myself up, plating a couple of things. Skull and Frost come up for food, too.
Frost glances at my plate and shakes his head. “No way, Rebel. Cheese, crackers, and fruit isn’t enough.”
I grit my teeth and say, “Worry about your own food.”
“Rebel…”
My eyes narrow, pursing my lips, and he knows not to push it.
He lowers, talking close to me. “Come on, Rebel. The babies ain’t going to fill up on that shit.” I look at him and he adds, “Please?”
Damn him!
The women are watching our interaction, so I add a quiche, caprese skewer, and bruschetta to my plate.
He kisses my cheek and whispers, “That’s my girl.”
We all plop down at a long table with a blue tablecloth and pink napkins. There are small party gifts for everyone in front of each seat. The men head downstairs, but not before Frost places a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries next to me, winks, and disappears. They’re my favorite.
Once we’re stuffed, we migrate back into the living room for the gifts.
“I’d like to say something.” The room turns silent.
“Thank you all for coming today. I know you did it for Duchess.” They are about to protest, but I hold up my hand.
“Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you coming here.
” I skim over the crowd. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a true friend.
Well, since Alicia.” The stillness sizzles.
“I consider you all my friends. You’ve been there for me during a horrific time in my life.
When Frost pushed me to my limits and I took it out on you, you all forgave me.
All of you embraced me when we told you I was pregnant.
The list goes on.” I rub my huge belly. “So I want to thank you for accepting me. Being there for me, and know, I’m here for every one of you.
” Tears are pouring down my face and the other women’s. “I love you all so much.”
It turns into a hug fest, with us tearing up. For the rest of the afternoon, we open gifts, laugh, and talk. I could not stop crying while opening the gifts. Even the guys pitched in money. Clothes galore, two cribs, baby seats, diapers for a year.
Frost and Skull load the truck with whatever will fit. He’ll have to make a second trip tomorrow. By the time the truck is unloaded and we’re cleaned up, Frost and I pass out in bed like the old people we are.