Chapter Fourteen
Junior stepped forward. “Can Emmy stay with us for a bit? I’ll bring her home later if your mom wants to go home.”
“Of course. Mom? You okay with that?”
“Oh, honey, I wasn’t planning on leaving until we hear Matt is going to be fine. Avis, here, needs me.” Michelle squeezed his mom’s hand.
Junior was thankful for Michelle and Sarah’s concern and care today with his mother and father. His relief was immense as they were settling some of the issues him and Sarah had. Now, he would concentrate on bringing her fully back in his life to help take care of and raise Emmy.
Sarah kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay,” he whispered.
She nodded and headed back towards the surgery center.
Junior rejoined his family.
Emmy slid down off Lilly’s lap.
Junior held out his arms. “Emmy, come here. I need one of those hugs you’re giving to everybody.”
She smiled and walked over to him. “Can I sit up there?” Emmy pointed to his lap.
“Of course, come here.”
“Let me do it. I’m a big girl now.” She tried to climb up but her dress caught on the little heel of her shoe.
Junior grabbed her and easily lifted her light frame up, then let her settle herself on his lap.
She turned her head and looked up, whispering, “Whew.” She pushed her heavy curls away from her face. “Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Those sweet little words coming from his daughter melted his heart and he just couldn’t prevent the laugh that escaped. “Oh, honey, of course, you didn’t.”
His entire family laughed along with both Emmy and himself. Junior’s heart nearly felt as if it was going to burst open at finding out he had a beautiful daughter with the only woman he’d ever loved.
After everyone quieted down, Emmy snuggled up to his chest and laid her head down. “I’m kind of tired. I’ll cuddle you for a bit, okay?”
Junior realized life had a plan for him no matter what happened to him, it had to happen this way. Now, he was home for good, the cowboy who’d traveled around the rodeo circuit realized the entire time his heart belonged right here. He pulled Emmy closer and held on tight. He wasn’t worried about the MC and the life that it might change for him and his new little family. He’d still have talk to Sarah, but he was sure it wouldn’t matter after she met everyone this weekend.
He glanced around at his family who were all in their own little worlds then to his daughter who’d already fallen asleep cuddled in his arms. He leaned back, closed his eyes and prayed he wouldn’t drop his daughter.
Junior knew without a doubt he was going to make it up to Sarah and Emmy. He could be a good father and a better husband. He couldn’t believe he actually said it in his head…Husband. Sarah was the most important thing for him now and he didn’t care what he had to do to prove it. Somehow, he knew he would have to try. Emmy was as important to him now as Sarah was, only in a different way.
He couldn’t believe he was actually holding their daughter. Would she ever had told him if he’d stayed gone? He focused his attention on the little girl in his lap.
After a while, Sarah returned and told everyone, his father was doing well but was still in surgery.
He wanted to give some of his attention to Sarah. He knew she’d had a tough night. He was more in love with her now, than ever before. Maybe it was because they’d created Emmy together and she’d already forgiven him for leaving her alone with a baby. It wasn’t her fault. Not like he’d come back here and checked on her. If he had, he would’ve found out about Emmy. He was proud of her as a doctor and as a mother. It was apparent to him she’d done a great job of raising Emmy. He wasn’t sure where he was going to fit into their lives but he sure intended to try.
Sarah seemed nervous. She stood wringing her hands as she leaned against the wall.
He patted the chair next to him. “Come here.”
Sarah joined him. “Hey.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “How are you?” Junior didn’t want her to be uncomfortable around him or his family. “You doing, okay?”
“Yeah, just tired.” Sarah seemed nervous about something.
“I’m not buying that.” He tried to get her to talk to him.
Instead, she shook her head. “It’s all good, Junior. Look, I was just worried about everything. I’m more in my head than ever before. How can I accept a life with a motorcycle club?”
“Don’t stay too far in that mind of yours. After you meet everyone this weekend, make up your mind. Just so you know they are my family just as much as this one is. It might be different but it is a life I’ve chosen and it suits me well. There will be the up and downs of life all the way around.”
“But, it just seems so dangerous.”
“What is dangerous is the fact we hunt people for a living. That is the only dangerous part of it. But, it’s the same for Harlow and you don’t love him any less for it, do you?”
“Well no, he’s my best friend.”
“See, it’s the same difference. Please wait to make any judgment until after this weekend. I’m going to prove to you that you’ll fit in.”
“Okay, I love you enough to wait and see. But what about Emmy?”
“Emmy will be fine. Nobody will fuck with my daughter. I mean that.”
“Okay. I’ll wait until I meet everyone then we’ll see.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” Sarah kissed him on the cheek.
Junior leaned over and took her lips in his own. Kissing her was a dream come true. How could they have come so far in such a short time? He was thankful for her.
After ending the kiss, he looked down at his, now, sleeping daughter. It meant the world to him to have this child in his arms. When his phone vibrated in his pocket he leaned forward and grabbed it. It was Mule. “Hello?”
“You still at the hospital? How is my brother?”
“We’re here. He’s still in surgery but it looks good.”
“Tiny just called he wanted to know if we were still on for this weekend. I have all the plans already made and I’m going to hold the picnic at the clubhouse. I think with Sr. down were better that way. We don’t have to involve your family. If you can’t make it I understand.”
“No, I’ll be there and so will Sarah.”
“Good. Her mother is getting patched in as my Ol Lady.”
“Really? That will be even better for me.”
“I figured. Look I’ll be down in a bit. I’ve got to wait until all the furniture is delivered here then I’ll be down.”
“Works for me. Thanks.” Junior had been in charge of the whole building of the compound but Mule’s position as president worked out even better for him to take over the entire project and let Junior worry about his personal life. He appreciated the man even more.
“Keep me posted. I’ll see you soon.” Mule disconnected the call.
“She’s asleep on your lap, Junior.” Sarah smiled as she tried to take his daughter.
He smiled and shook his head. “Please leave her. She’s been here since you left earlier.”
Emmy stirred a bit then snuggled deeper into his chest with a long deep breath.
Sarah seemed to have relaxed slightly, but still seemed to move around fidgeting with her hands. He reached out, took her hand and held it tight. Holding it to his chest, he gathered strength from her. He then focused his attention on Emmy. “Hey you.”
She was snuggled up against him but her eyes were half opened. “Hi, Mommy. Can I call him, Daddy?”
The question brought burning to the back of his eyes as Junior fought back the tears he held in. He waited almost holding his breath for Sarah to answer her.
“Of course, you may. But only if you want to.” Sarah kissed Emmy’s cheek.
“Well, of course I want to.” Emmy stretched up and kissed his cheek. Her little hand touched his day-old beard growth. “He is my daddy. So yes, I want to call him that.”
It was so matter-of-fact, he and Sarah let the entire conversation die a natural death, until, sometime later, Junior felt Emmy start to stir. He looked over at Sarah who was leaning her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed.
Emmy sat up, stretched, a look of panic crossed her face until she spotted Sarah, then she held her finger over her mouth. “Shhh…”
He nodded.
“I have to go to the bathroom,” Emmy whispered.
Sarah popped up fully alert. “Come on, Emmy, I’ll take you. I have to go too.”
While they walked down the hall, Junior stood up and walked around. He took a couple of pain pills to help the sharp stabbing pain in his back and prayed it would help soon. Gazing down at his watch, he saw it was late. He gently kicked Lucas’ leg. “Hey, anyone seen Lilly?”
Lucas shook his head.
Caleb sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Damien leaned forward. “What the hell?”
After Sarah returned from the restrooms, Emmy walked up to him. “May I sit on your lap for a bit more, please?” Junior looked troubled. He stared at Sarah and shook his head. “Um…”
“Emmy, I want to hold you, please.” Maggie held out her arms for Emmy to run to.
“Cool, Momma, I have so many new family members. They all want my attention.” Emmy flipped back her long hair and reached out for Maggie to pick her up.
A few hours later Mule walked through the surgery waiting area’s doors.
“Ben!” Emmy threw herself towards his uncle.
Mule picked her up and lifted her over his massive, bulky shoulders. His uncle was the youngest Mullin of his dad’s siblings and he was somewhere near forty or forty-five years old. He was in prime shape as a marine.
“I’m so glad to see you.” Michelle rushed into his arms.
“Hi, darling.” He kissed her on the lips. “Everything is set for this weekend. I even have Dog and Skip available to grill. The picnic is a go and the others will be here tomorrow.”
“The furniture?”
“It’s in and the housing is officially set up.”
Junior was relieved to hear everything was all ready for the club patch over.
Sarah touched his arm. “Let me take her.” She nodded toward Emmy. “You two can go somewhere and talk.”
Junior nodded. He lifted and settled Emmy on her lap. He kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Love you.”
“I love you too.”
Junior was happy for Mule. He just hoped Michelle was the club type. The women seemed to struggle at first getting used to having other women around and the way they let the single men act around the club Hoez.
He knew Michelle’s daughter was dealing with all the club life and stuff that went along with it. That’s why Sarah was so special to him. She’d already forgiven him so much. He’d have to see her reaction about the club life this weekend but he was confident as long as he stayed true to her there wouldn’t be any issues.
He was happy for his uncle to have found Michelle. Mule had been alone since his wife died over ten years ago. He knew his uncle hadn’t forgiven himself easily for not being there for his children while they were growing up without a father and a mother. But David being the eldest had stepped up with the help of Junior’s parents to raise the other children in that family.
“Hey, my nana told me that my daddy here…” she used her thumb to point towards Junior, “…is a very special person like you are. You know he had to stop riding bulls and horsing around to come home to me. I think my nana needs you now too.”
“Yes, young lady, I think you’re right.” Ben waved. “I’ll be back.”
“Yes, sir.” Emmy blew kisses.
“I’ll come back soon.” He caught the kiss and threw one back. He then patted Junior’s back. “After you, Junior.”
“Yes, Sir.” Junior kissed Sarah’s cheek. “I’ll be back.”
She nodded. “I’ll go and check on your father. Love you, Ben.” Sarah hugged his uncle and carried Emmy to Michelle to set her on her lap.
“Let’s step outside.” Ben walked next to Junior.
Damien, Caleb, and Harlow walked out with them. Outside, they all stood around. “I need for you to all help this weekend. It’s important to me to have a few family members stop out at the picnic. If Dad pulls through that is. I’m still waiting for the final report.”
“Of course, he’s going to be fine. We’ll be there no matter what.” Harlow seemed optimistic.
“Is the patch over ceremony going to happen at the picnic?” Damien asked.
“Yes, I believe so. It will be up to Tiny though,” Mule answered.
“We’ll be there. I’ll make sure I have the bar set up and I can help serve.”
“Thanks, Damien, well appreciated,” Mule answered.
“Okay, I think everything is set up. I need to get back in there and see how Dad is doing.” Junior pushed through the doors and reentered the hospital. Mule and his brothers stayed outside.