Chapter Twelve
The week flew by for Junior as they prepared for the visit of the Steel originals and the compound was just coming together with the builds on a fast track.
His house and Mule’s were already almost complete. They had tons of folks on the hundred acres he’d donated and they were building everything at warp speed. Twenty-four hours a day crews were working. He needed to house all the men and women who were coming up for the weekend.
Daddy and Roxy were bringing up six women and they each needed an apartment to live in to feel welcome. He didn’t want to disappoint Tiny and Steel. He’d already talked to Daddy and she was coming up with Steel. Roxy and Tiny were also coming. The best news was Mickey, Hawk, and Sal were coming too.
He was excited to have Sarah and Emmy come out and meet everyone. He was nervous about Sarah meeting all the members at once but what a way to introduce her to club life. The entire MC originals and his own charter all together at a family style picnic. It was only two days away. Riding out to the compound, he found the fencing had finally been finished and the one hundred acres were completely secured behind a ten-foot chain link fence and a gatehouse with two large sliding gates to protect his club.
As he pulled his motorcycle into the compound, Dom, the prospect waved him through. He stopped his motorcycle. “I see the fence is complete. Is it secured all around the perimeter?” Junior asked.
“Yes. They finished it yesterday. I’m shocked at how fast everything has been done. It’s a miracle you were able to get everything done in less than a month!” Dom exclaimed.
“Yeah, we’re pushing it to its limits. But, I’m pleased with the finished product. I’m here to check on the properties. I hear the new clubhouse is nearly finished?” Junior asked.
“Yep, I actually saw it this morning. The water and electricity is on and they have fifteen apartments finished. The first two floors are done.”
“Awesome. How about the commons room and our conference area?”
“Done.” Dom smiled.
Junior was excited to go and see the clubhouse. “Oh, they said something about your house almost being done?”
“Really? I’ll mosey over there and check it out.” Junior started up his bike and headed over to the clubhouse. Pulling in front of the massive structure. he shut down his bike and stepped off the motorcycle.
Mule met him outside the doors. “Hey, Junior.”
“Hey.” He walked up the new cement sidewalk into the clubhouse. “Wait till you see the new house. They pushed through and finished the inside of it last night. They’re here now finishing up the last of the interior. We can start moving furniture in anytime.”
“Cool, it will be done in time to give our brothers a home when they come for the patch over.”
“Yep. I spoke with Tiny and they’re heading this way. I can’t believe it’s been a month since we moved home.”
“It doesn’t seem that long does it.” Mule patted him on the back as they walked inside.
The commons area was done. The large bar was set up just like it was an outside establishment. Complete with kitchen, dining area with enough tables to seat the entire MC and their guests. A large area off to the side with three pool tables, foosball table, and other games including dart boards already hanging on the walls. A shipment of alcohol had already made it inside and he could see Dog and Skip were already setting up shop behind the bar. He walked over to them. “Welcome home, boys.”
“Hey, Junior, can’t believe we pulled this off. The ladies will be here this weekend and I intend to have everything done so they feel welcome. It’s been a while.” Dog grabbed at his crotch.
“Yeah, it’s been a while for most of the guys. We’ll get everything done and make sure everyone feels welcome.” Junior nodded then followed Mule so they could finish their inspection together.
Finishing their tour of the first two floors of the clubhouse. Junior turned to Mule. “Who should we put in charge to go shopping for furniture?”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I put Shelly on point for that. She already ordered everything and the delivery will be tomorrow morning. I think she contacted that large furniture barn in Austin.”
“Glad you took care of it. I’m not one to shop for furniture and shit.” Junior smiled. He was happy Sarah’s mom had taken a role in the club. It would be easier to get Sarah on board with her mom already there.
“Things serious between you two?” he asked Mule.
“Yeah, serious enough. She’s agreed to be my Ol’ Lady and she’s even going to Remy for her tat. I intend to make her my wife soon.”
“That’s cool. Glad you two have it figured out.”
“What about you and Sarah. You two settled?” Mule walked him into the large conference room that was put together for their meetings.
“Sarah told me about Emmy. I was shocked to learn I was a daddy.”
“Well it’s about damn time.”
“You knew all along.” Junior was pissed off that Mule knew about Emmy. But, not surprised he kept the secret. It seemed he was loyal to Shelly, Sarah’s mom. “I guess I can’t be too pissed off at you knowing.”
“No, you can’t.” Mule shook his head.
Junior changed the subject back to their original discussion. “It looks like this room is ready to go. When’s the new table we had designed going to be delivered?”
“Tomorrow. I talked to the builder and its done. Decided to wait until we had a spot to put it. He’ll bring it and set it all up. I ordered twelve chairs to go around. I think that will be enough for now.”
“Plenty. It will be cool to have our first official church together in this room.” Junior walked to the wall of pictures. He saw that each of the new members that will be patched in had their portrait already on the wall. “This is cool. Where in the hell did you get all the pictures?”
“Been saving them. Want everyone to feel welcome. You know as club president it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone has a home.”
“It’s been a long time in the planning. Don’t worry, Mule, we all know you have our best interest at heart.” Junior looked at his portrait, it was one of his best pictures. He was sitting at a table holding up a beer. He remembered the day they shot the picture while he was in New Mexico.
“I hope so. Look I have a few errands to finish up before this weekend. Junior, you good? Feel free to walk the rest of the building and if you see anything that stands out let me know. But, otherwise let’s plan Saturday morning to all meet here and we’ll get the picnic going. Tiny, and the others will be here Saturday afternoon.”
“Okay, sounds like a plan. I don’t see anything that can’t wait to be fixed. I’m going to mosey on over to my house. I guess it’s nearly finished.”
“They finished my house yesterday. I’m not ready to move in. I want to show Shelly it and let her decorate. That’s the woman’s job.” Mule smiled.
“I think you’re right.” Junior walked Mule outside. After settling on his motorcycle again, he waved to his Prez and started the engine. Driving down the newly paved road toward the housing area, he saw that the ten houses they’d planned to have up were all in the several different phases. His was one of the most finished besides Mule’s which was right next to door to him.
He wanted to share this moment with Sarah but their relationship wasn’t quite there yet, or was it. How quickly could he rush things with her. After spending the night with her and meeting his daughter for the first time, it seemed they could put aside the newness and get settled in to start their family together.
Parking the bike in the driveway, he walked up to the house and passed a few construction workers leaving the house. “This is my house, boys. You did a good job, thanks.”
“No problem. We worked to please. Our foreman said you all were in a hurry, we have our best crews on the housing projects. This one, and two others are done. Go ahead, take a look.”
“If you don’t mind I will.” Junior walked to the large house he’d designed. It was three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. Downstairs he wanted to finish the basement later. For now, though, he was pleased with the progress of the build. He walked inside the living room through the front door. Up the stairs he found the second floor completed. He’d have to order furniture but that could wait until he talked with Sarah. He wanted her opinion on how to furnish the whole thing. All three bedrooms were carpeted and the inside was completed.
After finishing his inspection, he only noticed a few small details that he’d address the builder on. But, it was perfect. He was pleased with the progress of the housing. He was shocked at the warp speed everything was done.
Leaving he had enough to get done and just hoped he’d have a chance to go back over to Sarah’s. He grabbed his cell phone and sent her a text. Up for company tonight? I have something I need to ask you?
Sure, see you around seven.
Works for me. See you then. Junior was happy with their progress already. He wanted to see if she was open to helping him with the house.
Sarah quickly finished up her errands and drove herself home. She had to get ready for Junior’s visit. She wondered what he was doing?
She’d heard from her mom and they had the entire compound nearly completed and Mule had mentioned that his house was done and wanted her mom to decorate the whole thing. She was happy for her mom. She wondered who was helping Junior with his house.
They only had a few days to get ready for the big picnic they had planned for this Saturday. Sarah was nervous about meeting all his friends. It was something that she wanted to do though.
Accepting the fact, she was still in love with the man and forgiving him for leaving her five years ago was something that she’d decided it just had to be. Her feelings were the same and she was tired of wasting time and energy on the worrying part of it.
Walking inside her house, she was greeted by Emmy and her mom. “Mommy, you’re home early.” Emmy gave her a big hug.
“I got finished my errands and I decided to come and take you two out to dinner.”
“That’s cool. Where are we going?”
“Let’s go to Lucky’s?” Sarah grinned at her mom.
Emmy jumped up and down. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. It’s something we should all get used to, don’t you think?”
“Well, it is the way of their life. Let’s go.” Michelle grabbed her purse and keys. “I think I’ll drive separately. After dinner, I promised Mule I’d go and look at the house with him.”
“That’s so cool, Mom. Look I’m really happy for you.” Sarah kissed her mom’s cheek. “Let’s go.”
After they arrived at Lucky’s Emmy was dancing beside her as they walked into the bar and restaurant. Damien Mullin walked over to them. “Well, well if it isn’t Dr. Moore and her mom.” He kissed Sarah’s cheek then Michelle’s. “Well who’s this beautiful woman walking beside you.” He leaned down to Emmy and shook her hand.
“I’m not a woman. I’m just a little girl.” Emmy smiled.
“I know that. But, you are most beautiful just like your mommy, and grandma.” Damien always had his charm on when he talked to women.
“This is my daughter, Emmy.” Sarah introduced them. He smiled and nodded. “You having dinner tonight?”
“Yes, we are.” Sarah led them as they followed Damien to the dining room area. “This booth okay?”
“It is.” Sarah and Michelle both sat down Emmy sat next to Michelle. “I want to sit next to Nana.”
After they enjoyed dinner, Michelle headed home and Sarah and Emmy drove back to the house. It was six forty-five and Sarah knew Matt would be showing up by seven. She wanted to get Emmy showered and dressed for bed.
“Let’s get you in the shower kiddo. I have Matt coming over at seven. You remember him?”
“Yes, Mommy, it was only this morning he came into the kitchen. Did he spend the night with you?” Emmy glanced up at her.
“Yes.” Sarah didn’t try to lie to her daughter it wasn’t how their relationship worked. They were always honest with each other. Even though the little girl was only four she was smart and she would have caught Sarah lying.
“He’s pretty special to you, yeah?”
Sarah nodded. “He is. Do you know why?”
“Yes, Momma, Nana told me he is my father.”
The news that her mother had told Emmy wasn’t a big surprise. It hurt though, because she wanted to explain to Emmy who he was to her.
When Junior didn’t show up at seven Sarah was worried about him. But not surprised that he was late. Until she received the disturbing call from him.
“Sarah, this is Matt. We’re on our way to the hospital. Dad had a heart attack.”
“What? Oh my God. I’m on my way.”
Sarah hung up the phone and gathered her purse. She called her mom. “Hello,” Michelle answered on the first ring.
“Mom, meet me at the hospital. It’s Matt Sr., he’s had a heart attack.”
“I’m on my way.” Her mom disconnected the call before she did.
Emmy was out of the shower and dressed in her PJs. “Let’s go, girlfriend. Momma has an emergency at the hospital.”