Chapter Sixteen #2
While we eat the amazing food the ol’ ladies prepared today, we talk and laugh together.
For the first time since being discharged from the hospital, my mind isn’t stuck on Leo not being home with us.
It’s there as normal, but I’m not a complete wreck as I am every other day.
It’s just slightly easier to deal with not having my son in my arms or looking over to see his dad holding him close and whispering about things he doesn’t share with me just yet.
“When you’re done eating, we’ll open gifts so your stomach settles and you can have the cake.
We got it from the bakery a town over. I’ve been dying to taste it since it was delivered a few hours ago,” Jolene says, her voice full of laughter as we both look over at the cake.
It does look delicious and I really want to have a piece of it now.
If I could get away with not eating the plate full of food in front of me and going straight for the cake, I would. Axel won’t allow it though.
“Sounds good to me,” I tell her before digging into my plate as one of the Prospects brings me over a large glass of water.
Axel and Knuckles get in a conversation about the gym and I know they’re talking about something more but not giving anything away since my dad and I are sitting here.
Or maybe it’s because we’re all here and I’m just starting to overthink things as usual.
Hammer remains quiet as he pulls out his phone and answers a call.
A ton of different conversations are going on around the room as I watch everyone.
I thought I might be a little overwhelmed being in the clubhouse with everyone here.
But it’s the exact opposite. I’m actually comfortable and not feeling out of place as usual.
Though, I’m really not surprised considering the fact that I’ve been here countless times over the years when we were growing up.
The second we’re done eating our food, girls start moving around the room and cleaning off the tables.
I look up to thank the girl grabbing my plate to find her glaring at me.
Confusion fills me because I’ve never seen this woman a day in my life before.
I don’t bother saying anything as I turn around and look at the table in front of me.
Axel rests his hand on my leg and pulls my chair closer to his.
“Don’t let her get to you. She’s a jealous bitch,” he whispers after leaning in close. “They’re gonna test you, Little Fairy. You have to stand up for yourself and put them in their place. Don’t let them walk all over you.”
“I’ll try. You know I don’t do confrontation and all that shit. I’m surprised I stood up to my mom the last time I talked to her,” I respond honestly as Jolene and Janessa get out of their seats and head for the gift table.
For the next hour and a half, Axel and I open one gift after another.
There’s so much stuff I honestly have no clue where the hell we’re going to put it all.
Clothes, bath stuff, blankets, toys, books, pacifiers, bottles, a swing, bouncy seat, and anything else you can possibly think of for a baby.
We’ve got a ton of diapers in a few sizes so we’ll have them as Leo grows.
The one thing the guys all got excited for was the mini motorcycle he won’t be able to use for a few years.
Omen and Homicide got it for him and were proud as fuck as they brought it out.
“How do you feel about Leo already havin’ a bike of his own,” Brick asks, a smirk on his face as if he already knows the answer.
“It’s not like I wasn’t expecting it. I’ve known Axel for a very long time and he always used to talk about getting his kids into riding from a young age.
I’m surprised he didn’t rush out and get this kind of thing for the baby as soon as he learned I was pregnant.
So, I’ll be right there by his side as Leo learns to ride the bike,” I respond with nothing but pure honesty.
“You spent hours out there with Axel as he worked on his bike. I remember a few times you figured out what was wrong with it before he did. He hated those days,” Hammer says as everyone laughs at Axel and I blush at the attention.
“It’s nothin’ but the truth. My girl grew up workin’ on bikes and other vehicles with her dad. She can figure out any mechanical problem without hesitation,” Axel says, his voice full of pride as he holds me close and presses a kiss to my cheek.
“I’ve taught my girl everything I know. She’s been at my side since she was a toddler and I wouldn’t change it for any reason,” my dad says as he turns his attention toward me with a smile on his face.
For the next few hours, I sit and talk with everyone as they come up and share a few words with us.
By the time we head home for the night, I’m more than ready for bed.
Axel helps me change into one of his tee shirts before tucking me in and sliding in next to me once he’s stripped out of his clothes.
In no time at all, I’m asleep with Axel’s body wrapped around mine.