Chapter 46
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
FREAK
Grinning, as I end the call with Trixie after assuring her she’s got the time to go along with Pippa’s plans, I wonder how she’s getting on and whether she’s having fun.
I hope Pippa’s been able to railroad her into spending my money.
I’m sure Trix probably put up an argument, but knowing Saint’s old lady, I suspect Pippa has won.
After all she’s been through, she deserves everything I can give her, and today’s visit to the spa with Pippa and Bronwyn is just the start.
She entered my life like a whirlwind, turning it around.
Apart from her act of bravery in saving Ace’s life, she’s created a real home for Ace for the first time in his life, entering our little family as though she was always meant to be there.
And lately, even recovering from her injuries, she’s put energy into making sure my son gets the best birthday ever.
She’s making the day special for Ace, and in return, I’m making it something to remember for her.
I received Pippa’s text a few minutes ago, and am now hurrying Ace out through the door of the burger joint – his choice for his birthday lunch. I want to make sure we all arrive at the clubhouse at the same time.
Ace took to driving well, just as he does anything, so while I’m a bag of nerves, I’m allowing him to drive back to the clubhouse.
He takes it slow, checks his mirrors, has gotten the hang of using the indicators well, and while I’m poised to pull on the wheel if need be, he gets us there without incident.
Dum/Dee’s on gate duty, and he waves us inside.
“Let’s wait for Trixie to get here, okay?” I tell him as he puts the car in park.
“I can’t wait to see what she looks like. How the hell did Pippa get her to agree to go on a fucking spa day?”
“Pippa’s a force of nature, son.” I respond, and because I’m a responsible parent, I add, “Mind your language.”
Ace is so excited he’s bouncing in his seat. “I can’t believe we managed to keep this all quiet.”
“Remember, kid, don’t give anything away.”
The disdainful look he gives me is far too mature for his age. “I know, Dad. If anyone is going to let something slip, it’s more likely to be you.” Me? When I glance at him, he grins. “You’re smiling like a loon. She’s going to suspect something.”
Though I try, it is impossible to wipe the grin from my face. I can’t remember ever being this happy. What the fuck happened to the old me?
Movement catches my eye. Checking in the side mirror, I see Pippa’s text was impeccably timed. She and the girls are just arriving. Ace and I get out of the car as they park.
Pippa’s first to emerge. She looks great.
Saint’s going to be fighting the men off her tonight.
Or maybe he’ll just step back and let her handle them herself, though with her reputation, there probably won’t be many trying it on.
And Bronwyn? She’s the second to exit the car.
Short is going to be on his knees when he sees her.
I notice she’s carrying a box with the local bakery’s logo, and, spying Ace, she turns sideways so it’s not so easy to see as she carries it into the clubhouse.
I hold my breath waiting for the first sight of my woman.
When she finally slides out from the back seat, my breath catches.
She’s always fucking beautiful, but today she’s pure perfection.
Her hair, still long, now hangs in waves, giving it more volume, or whatever the fuck’s the right word chicks would use to describe it.
My cock immediately starts to lengthen against my thigh, and mentally I begin to imagine stripping down an engine to prevent disgracing myself. That dress? An absolute knockout.
The single men in the visiting clubs are going to be salivating when they see her.
But it will be my arm she’s walking in on, and I’ll be the one taking her home tonight, and every night for the rest of our lives.
One thing’s for certain, absolutely no one would make the mistake of thinking she’s a club girl.
Ace and I approach her together. “You look beautiful,” I tell her, my breath catching in my throat. So fucking beautiful, I wonder what I’ve done to deserve her.
“Mom, you look great.” Ace grins. Just when I’m reaching out to take her hand, the little fucker links his arm with hers.
That’s my job, son. But my time will come. For now, I’m content to follow them into the clubhouse, relishing the way that dress – which probably cost me a fortune – swings around Trix’s ass. Can’t wait to get it off her later. However good it looks on her, it would look better on my floor.
Glancing at me over Ace’s head, she mouths thank you, then she quickens her step, and now it’s her leading my son into the clubhouse. I grin behind their backs, knowing she can’t wait to give Ace his birthday surprise.
They reach the door. She’s there first, reaches out her hand to push it open, then she steps back, pushing Ace inside.
He starts to march in, then abruptly halts.
The clubhouse is crowded, standing room only. The room is strewn with banners that read shit like, Sweet Sixteen, Happy Birthday, Birthday Boy, and other such sentiments. It seems like hundreds of balloons are floating around, all with the number sixteen on them.
Ace turns to us, his eyes open wide. “Dad…” he starts hesitantly.
“Happy birthday, son,” I say quickly.
“Surprise!” Trixie exclaims, gleefully. Now she’s the one taking Ace’s arm and pulling him into the room.
“Happy birthday!” someone shouts, the call being quickly taken up and echoed from all around.
With a lump in my throat, I notice there’s a pile of presents for Ace that I didn’t expect. As I glance around, I’m also surprised at the number of brothers attending from other chapters. I knew some were coming, but didn’t realise there’d be so many.
There’s Bigfoot with his old lady, Sammie, Baffle with his Nell, Grease, Dime, Smooth, and Glitch, all from New Mexico.
Beside them, I see Blitz, the brother with a severe aversion to flying.
He’s got a woman hanging onto him, and she’s wearing his patch.
Close by, there’s Token and Rhino from Georgia here as well.
And, fuck, there’s the East Texas crew. Renegade, Rebel, and Hazard.
I’m just wondering if LoneStar is with them, then I see him, and have to laugh.
He’s backing away from Pippa with his hands raised in a defensive position.
I see someone lifting their hand to me. It’s Lunatic, and Hardcore is standing beside him.
And well, fuck me, I'd better be on my best behaviour, as I notice who they’re drawing my attention to.
It’s their prez and our national head, Big Daddy, with his arm around a woman I take to be his Gwynee, standing and talking to Bullseye.
I’m about to make my way over when Trixie touches my arm. Glancing down, it’s to see her mouthing one word, Ace.
I look over where she’s indicating, and notice my son is standing still, back ramrod straight. I can immediately tell he’s overwhelmed. Stepping forward, I go to his side and encourage him to move into the room. Knowing my old lady will understand why I’ve abandoned her, I ease him forward.
“You remember the Georgia guys, huh?”
“Blitz.” Ace breaks from his spell, now that he can distinguish a face in the crowd. He grins. “You try to crash the plane this time?”
“Little fucker,” Blitz replies, but with no malice. “I’m getting rather partial to gummies.” He pulls the woman by his side closer. “Meet Charlie. She’s my ol’ lady.” Ace greets her politely.
“Hey, kid, congrats. Hope you’re having a great day.” Rhino holds out his hand. Ace, after only a second’s hesitation, shakes it.
I continue moving him around, reminding him that most of these people aren’t strangers. Gradually, my son relaxes, and finally, still bringing him along with me, I approach Big Daddy.
Holding out my hand, I tell him, “Thank you for coming here today.”
“Ain’t no problem,” he drawls. “When I heard what was going down, well, Gwynee didn’t want to stay away.” He elbows Bullseye. “Gives me a chance to see how the other chapters are doing.”
“We’re doing just great.” Bullseye narrows his eyes.
When Big Daddy slaps him on the back, I move my son and me away.
“Ace, com’ere,” Tempest calls out. “Wanna see what I got you?”
When my kid leaves my side, it gives me a chance to look around the room. My eyes find my ma, she’s chatting with Saint. Should I warn him she’s probably armed to the teeth? Nah, I’ll just trust him to mind his Ps and Qs.
Then my lips curve as I find my old lady, wearing that amazing dress that emphasises her boobs and slim waist. But... who the fuck is she talking to? I move to her side fast.
It’s as if she senses my arrival, as she turns and grabs hold of my arm. “Freak, this is Mountain. He’s from Ohio.” As the man named raises his chin to me, she adds, “He was one of the Kings who helped me escape from New York.”
I shoot her a secret look at her mention of Ohio, she blushes. I grin and decide to refrain from raising the issue of scarecrows that can walk or men who disappear into thin air.
Instead, Mountain, who’s been appropriately named, and I exchange man hugs and back slaps. “Thanks, Brother, for helping her, and thanks again for assisting us with transporting our package to New York.”
“Least we could do, both back then and now.” His eyes narrow as they focus on Trixie. “You sure look in better shape nowadays.”
She laughs deprecatingly, and shake her head. “I sure wasn’t good when I stayed in Raven’s Crest. I spent most of the time hallucinating.” To which Mountain doubles up and gives a genuine belly laugh.
Ace is back at my side, pulling me away. “Dad, when are we…?”
“Shush,” I say fast, seeing Trix has finished her conversation with Mountain, and is approaching fast.