10. Gator
Chapter ten
Gator
Last night, we ran to Walmart as a family and picked up a few things they needed before heading to dinner at the BBQ joint I took Emma to on our first date.
I figured that since it was the restaurant that started it all, it was only fitting to be the first place we went as a family.
We took my truck, and I held Emma’s hand as the music and the chatter from our boy in the back seat filled the cab.
I looked up in the rearview mirror and caught his wide smile as he flung his toy motorcycle about, and I smiled like a fool to have them both in my life.
The whole drive felt almost surreal, as if I were living a dream I’d been chasing for years.
Emma’s fingers intertwined with mine, grounding me in the moment and reminding me how far we’d come.
Fijor’s laughter echoed through the truck, making me realize how much I’d missed out on.
Now I was determined to soak up every bit of family time, making up for lost years.
Today she is washing and putting away all the bedding and clothes she bought, and organizing Fijor’s room.
By the time we rolled out of the store, we had three carts packed full of shit.
It was a good thing my truck has an extended bed.
One cart was full of just stuff for Fijor, mainly toys.
Emma kept saying we didn’t need all this shit, but it wasn’t my fault that every time we turned around in the toy aisles, Fijor's eyes would light up.
I swear half that crap just jumped into the cart.
I enjoyed spoiling them both, though. I may or may not have been trying to make up for all the time I missed out on.
Today, Fijor and I had a father-son day.
I took him out early, just the two of us, to pick up a few things for his momma that I didn’t want to take her to do yesterday.
There were errands, things we men needed to handle by ourselves, and lessons I wanted to teach him, even at his young age.
We hit up the stores, picking out gifts and necessities, making sure everything was just right for her.
I watched Fijor’s face light up as we went from one location to the next.
He was happy to be with me, and I was grateful for the chance to bond with him, just us, without distractions.
By the time we pulled up to the house, Fijor was fast asleep in his car seat, his little hands clutching a lone chicken nugget.
After running all over Oklahoma City, he was worn out, eyes closed, mouth slightly open, breathing deeply.
I parked in the yard and honked the horn, waiting for her to come outside, excited to see her face when she saw what we’d gotten for her.
I left the door open, the Oklahoma sun shining down, with her two presents still in the passenger’s seat, waiting for her to discover them.
I couldn’t wait to see the smile on her face, knowing today was about making her feel loved and showing her she was my queen.
She rushes out of the screened-in porch, the door slamming shut behind her, nearly tripping on a step.
I bite my lip to hide a chuckle as she puts her hands on her hips.
For a moment, she just stands there, taking it all in.
With a slight shake of her head, she strides over to the new SUV I just bought her, her eyes widening at the midnight-blue finish. “What’s this?” she asks in shock.
“This is your new ride, pet. Can’t have you living on these dirt roads in a sedan.”
“A third row,” she deadpans.
I tilt my head to the side and shrug. “We might grow into it. Plus, you never know when you might need to haul any of the sisters around. The proper words are thank you, daddy, I love it. If that tattoo with my name on your ass didn’t give you an idea, let me clue you in.
You’re mine. We’re starting back at that night in the truck before I went away.
We can live our lives out in the open now, pet.
You’re not my secret baby momma. You’re my old lady.
Now get your fine ass over here and check it out. You might find a few more surprises.”
She walks up to me, and I strike out, snatching her around the waist and pulling her to me.
I bend down so she can reach up and kiss me.
“Give your ol’ man a welcome-home and a thanks-for-my-new-shit kiss, will ya?
” She smiles, sliding her hands through my hair.
Her fingers skim the tattoo of her name on my neck, the one I got last night. I hiss as she touches the raw skin.
“Thanks for my new shit. I missed you today,” she says with a teasing smile.
“See, was that so fuckin’ hard?” I lean down the rest of the way, covering her lips with mine. I glide my tongue along her bottom lip, then suck it into my mouth before pulling back. “Check it out, baby.” I release her and turn her to face her new SUV.
She runs her fingers along the door, hesitating before opening it and peeking inside, as if afraid it will all disappear. It’s not just a new ride; it’s a new start, a sign that all the changes and promises I made to this woman so many years ago are finally coming to fruition.
“What’s next, a puppy?” she giggles, shaking her beautiful blonde head.
“Baby, I’ll get you whatever the fuck you want.
I told you before, all I want is for you to be happy here with me.
All I expect from you is to be a good Ol lady at my side and a good momma to our kids.
You don’t want to clean? I’ll pay a bitch.
You don’t want to cook? I’ll figure it out.
You want to go back to school? I’ll make it happen.
You want a dog? I’ll get you one.” I step behind her, wrapping my arm around her waist. She leans back into me, finally letting that smile break through.
“The leather seats are for me, though. I think I did a good job getting them the last time I bought a vehicle. I figured I should keep the trend going,” I say, biting her ear and reminding her of the time I had her squirting all over my brand-new truck.
The tension eases from her body, our little world feels whole again, and for the first time in a long time, I feel complete.
“Check your passenger’s seat. Your new Property Kutte and gun are inside.
Carry that motherfucker with you at all times, no exceptions.
Do you understand me? Keep your head on a swivel.
I want the ladies traveling in packs right now, with a patched member in tow.
I’m happy you’re back home where you belong, but we’re going to war right now, pet.
It's going to get dangerous before it gets better.”
This woman is my world. The thought of just now getting them both back and the possibility of something happening to them is enough to send me on a killing spree. I’d burn the world down and set the charred remains at this woman's feet with a snap of her manicured little fingers if she asked.
“I understand, baby.”
“I have some things the boys and I need to handle tonight, so I’ll be home late. I’ll help you get Fijor into the house, but then I need to head out.”
***
While I was out with Fijor, I got a call from Nutz, the man got me what he called “a little congratulations gift.” He said that when a brother has a kid, you are, and I quote, “supposed to pick him up something nice.” Knowing that crazy little bastard, it could be anything.
I step into the room, and a huge, sadistic smile crosses my face.
"Oh, brother, you shouldn’t have,” I say in a low voice, placing my hand over my heart in mock appreciation.
Nutz giggles wildly, clapping his hands. “What can I say? I saw it and thought of you. If I had a son, this is what I would expect to get. I even went so far as to make sure you got to play with your new toy first.”
“I can see why. It’s perfect.” I clap Nutz on the shoulder as I step in front of my new toy.
Before me is none other than the President of the Devil’s Riders, Tulsa Chapter, the uncle of that ‘Snake’ in the grass who tried to threaten my woman and child.
This will definitely attract Fury, the national president of the Devil’s Riders, who just so happens to be this poor fuck’s older brother.
“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Well done, brother.”
“Thanks, it was nothing. It only took me a few hours to pick it up. I took the prospect with me,” he says, drawing circles on the ground with the toe of his boot, like he just asked his girl out to a dance or some shit.
“A good knockout and a set of zip ties can fix a few sticky situations.” My mind goes blank as I think about how accurate that statement is.
“Does Beaver know about this yet?” I nod toward the Riders’ President.
“Yup, he and Rock are double-checking security measures and letting the other brothers in on what’s going on down here. He said to have fun with your surprise, but he wants in on Snake when we get him.”
I nod in appreciation, knowing my brothers have things covered, and plop into the chair directly in front of the bound and gagged president.
I light a fresh cigarette and savor the moment.
I sit back and stretch out my legs. I know this will change everything.
There is no going back. I second-guess my decision to start this war while my father is laid up in a hospital bed, but time is of the essence.
They are already planning to strike first, so I need to beat them to it.
As I sit there, watching the president struggle against his restraints, I realize how much has changed since those early days when my grandfather founded the club.
The club isn’t just a group of brothers anymore; it’s a legacy built from the ground up.
Having my son tucked into his warm bed reminds me that the next generation of Heathens is upon us, and it's up to us to ensure the club’s survival.