Battle Scars

by Cara Carnes

  “Would it be better if we considered it a laundromat?” Rhea asked.

  “First, Mary will never expect it,” Zoey replied.

  “Second, the guys demanded it,” Bree said, “in a don’t-ask-questions-just-do-it kinda way. It was hot to hear Nolan get all growly. I thought he was the vanilla Mason man, you know?”

  “I know you aren’t going there about my brothers with me right here,” Riley said.

  “Oops,” the blonde responded. “My bad. Ixnay on the sexy bosses.”

  Ellie chuckled. Each of the women had carted in a different section of the cake she had stayed up most of the night baking and decorating. Though Ellie had tried to convince her mom to rest, she’d insisted on helping get all the decorations just so. Thanks to Cord gathering all the pictures needed, they’d be perfect.

  She entered the Sip and Spin and noted Dani’s glower from her ever-present position behind the bar. Rhea, Bree, and Riley took all the sections of the cake into the back along with the other supplies.

  “Hey, Dani.”

  “Don’t ‘hey Dani’ me,” the woman muttered. “Those two women have been back in the kitchen with Bubba for two hours.”

  Those two women were Mrs. Mason and Ellie’s mom. Ellie worried her mother was trying to do too much. She bit her lower lip but remained silent because she was glad to see her mom finally connecting with people. There was no guarantee on how long she had, but Ellie was glad to know she was living it to its fullest.

  “Mrs. Mason’s been keeping her seated. There’s a recliner in the office—nastier than hell since Lonnie doesn’t know how to clean worth a damn. But Bubba and Mrs. Mason scrubbed it down and covered it with a blanket from his truck. She’s been asleep for a couple hours,” Dani said. “I may have slipped her a few cookies Bubba and I baked while Mrs. Mason was scrubbing down the tables out here.”

  “Mrs. Mason is more than willing to make special cookies for a woman who damn well deserves not to suffer,” the woman said as she exited the back area. “I’m glad to know you and Bubba have her covered. I was going to call Logan and get him out here with something.”

  “May still want to do that,” Dani advised. “The cookies won’t last long.”

  “Good to know. I’ll make sure he brings something a bit stronger with him.” Mrs. Mason patted Ellie on the shoulder. “She’s doing well, dear. I know you’re worried, but sometimes being useful is the best medicine around. You made sure to remind me of that when I was down. Don’t you worry. I’ve got her covered. You go and do whatever you need to do.”

  “Why the hell is a baby shower for a Mason being done in a bar? My bar?” Dani asked, her voice pitched high enough to broadcast into the entire area.

  “Why not?” Riley asked as she plopped onto a stool. “There’s ample seating. Tons of liquor and music at the ready. A kitchen in the back to cook. And…we even have washers and dryers if little Jessie pukes all over us. Or Ariana. They’re both a bit pukey.”

  Ewww.

  Ellie smiled when she realized Ariana would now have another baby around. Another girl. DJ and TJ were great with her, but they were boys who enjoyed hunting and roughhousing. By the time little Ariana was ready for dolls, Jessie would be, too.

  They’d likely be robotic dolls she’d programmed because the girl would be beyond brilliant, but Ellie was confident Ariana would hold her own. She glanced over at Kamren, who entered with mounds of helium balloons. The boys ran around in hyperdrive as always.

  “Let’s get to it, sons,” Dallas said, his voice a loud boom within the area. “Operation balloon battalion is underway. First one finished with their appointed color gets an extra thirty minutes of game time tomorrow.”

  “Yippee!” TJ shouted.

  Ellie laughed. “Oh dear.”

  “I’ve learned to accept that my man will incentivize our sons,” Kamren said as she appeared. “I’m surprised we’re doing this today. Why not wait a week or two? We have a wedding in, like, two days.”

  Wedding.

  Ellie beamed. She touched the ring on her finger and felt heat creeping up her cheeks.

  “Someone is happy,” Dani said, a grin on her lips. “I’m thinking some of the rumors I’ve been hearing about your man are way off base.”

  “Dani!” Kamren reached across the bar and punched her friend in the arm.

  “No way in hell she’s beaming that smile and not getting a happy ending whenever she wants,” the woman said. She looked at Ellie. “The Masons and I haven’t mixed well in a long while. All this shit going down—the way they threw down and ripped through half of Marville’s high and mighty to set things straight—I’m pleased as hell you have him back.”

  “Some little birdie told me an emergency meeting of the Marville School Board was called for next week. They’ll be appointing a replacement. And there have already been more than a few demands to return you to your rightful position as the kindergarten teacher,” Vi said. She sat on the stool.

  “Little birdie, huh?” Riley took a beer Dani handed to her. “Jud isn’t that little, and he sure as hell isn’t a birdie.”

  “Are you going to take it?” Rhea asked as she entered the fray with a mound of small baggies. Party favors. Thank goodness. Ellie had totally blanked on needing those.

  “Sit down, girlfriend. You’re looking pale and tired. Jesse will kick my ass if you have a seizure,” Bree said.

  “Seizure?” Dani froze. “You still having those?”

  “I haven’t had one in a while, but they’re a possibility. The injury will take some time to fully heal. Until then, I might do randomly weird things today. Just go with it.”

  “Good to know,” Kamren said. “Speaking of know, the GED exam is next week. If you’ve got time, I’d appreciate another practice test.”

  “OMG. We need to plan a party,” Bree said.

  “Let’s make sure I pass first,” Kamren said.

  “Have you thought about what you’ll do after?” Vi asked.

  “Well…” The woman drew the word out and looked around and over her shoulder at Dallas. “We’d talked about spending the summer up north and helping the guys up there restore the cabins they’re not using. It’d be a great hideout for Z’s families.”

  It would be. Ellie and Jesse had talked about the program and his desire for them to help with it. Ellie loved the idea—so much so she wasn’t going to return to teaching, even if the school board offered her her job back.

  “I was under the impression you and Jesse are spearheading all that,” Kamren said. “Looks like you’ve got more big decisions to make than I do.”

  “Big decisions?” Riley lowered her voice to a shout-style whisper as she looked back at the swinging doors leading to the kitchen. “Wait, you aren’t going to move up there, are you? Mom will have a fit.”

  “We’re going up there for the summer if I can convince Dallas it’s okay. The boys are looking forward to hunting and fishing and tracking wild game. I am, too.”

  “Why wouldn’t he be on board with that?” Rhea asked.

  “Baby Jessie’s getting another cousin soon.”

  “OMG!” Riley wrapped the woman up in a hug and started dancing up and down. Tears streamed down the blonde’s face. Kamren smiled and looked back at Dallas. He chuckled when she mouthed the word “sorry.”

  Ellie beamed. Another baby Mason on the way. Things couldn’t be any better.

  Operatives and locals from Resino who were close to Dylan drifted in. Momma Mason swore the guest list was small, but the place was packed within minutes. By the time the happy couple arrived with baby Jessie in tow, everyone had forgotten they’d come to a bar for a baby shower.

  Momma Mason and Bubba appeared from the back. The woman shuffled Mary, Dylan, and Jessie to their appointed seats in the middle of the revelry. Bree followed the woman and passed a tiny set of earmuffs to Dylan. The man grinned his thanks and put the pink and purple ear protection on his little girl.

  Drinks flowed, music play
ed, and the revelry was set to high. Ellie walked over to where Jesse stood with his brothers. The men glared at the swollen crowd as if they expected a terrorist strike any moment.

  “Relax,” she whispered.

  “It was only supposed to be family,” Jesse grumbled. He glanced over at Nolan. “This could go sideways.”

  “It won’t. If it does, it’s on me.” The man clapped Jesse on the back. “Go spend time with your woman. I’ll handle the rest.”

  “The rest?” Ellie looked between the brothers, but Nolan was already heading outside. “He’s leaving?”

  “He’ll be back. Let’s go get a drink. It’s been a long day.” He kissed her softly. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  “You were up all night baking. The kitchen looks like a tornado struck.” Jesse grinned. “I heard you recruited Cord to help.”

  “Images. He didn’t bake anything, I swear.”

  “Good. I’m not sure our liability insurance covers mass food poisoning,” Marshall muttered.

  Ellie chuckled as Jesse guided her toward the bar. Dani opened and passed two beers to them. Lost in the merriment of the moment, she didn’t notice the silent hush that fell over the crowd until the woman behind the bar froze.

  And paled.

  Jesse had risen and made his way around the bar. He caught her before she tumbled to the ground.

  “Dani?” Kamren rose off her stool, concern evident.

  Ellie tracked the woman’s gaze across the congested bar, which parted as two men approached. With Nolan. The latter remained close, but behind…

  Raul and Dominic.

  Shock struck Ellie as she looked at Jesse. That’s what he and Nolan had been doing?

  “Oh my god!” Bree said. “I didn’t think you’d pull it off, Vi.”

  “I made a few calls,” the woman said.

  “More than a few,” Jud commented as he appeared and wrapped his arms around his wife. “We aren’t having this shit when it’s our turn. We’ll do it at The Arsenal where it’s more controlled.”

  “You don’t dictate a baby shower, Judson Jensen. That’s momma country, not daddy world.”

  “Everything in momma country is daddy world,” the man said.

  But Ellie’s focus remained locked on Raul and Dominic as the two brothers made their way to their baby sister—whom Jesse had navigated from the other side of the bar. The woman stumbled forward as though dazed and fell into her brothers’ arms.

  Ellie sighed in contentment as the music started up and the gathered crowd returned to their conversations. The reunion continued a few moments, then Nolan approached. He paused at Jud.

  The former assassin unlatched himself from his wife, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a folded envelope. Nolan nodded, then turned to face the three Santiagos, who all watched with mixed reactions.

  Dominic looked around as though ready to bolt from the crowded room. Raul was far worse. And Dani looked…

  Confused.

  “How?” she asked.

  “We expedited his release,” Jesse said. “Vi made a few calls. Nolan and I went and pushed the warden to not drag his ass. Marshall and Cord handled Raul’s extrication. We’ve hit reset.”

  “We can’t undo the wrongs those bastards did, Daniella. We can’t give any of you the time back you lost. I wish to fuck we could because I’d gladly give it back to my brother and Ellie, too,” Nolan said. He handed the envelope to Dani. “But this will get you started on the path to a new life—whatever that may be. Everyone gathered here today donated in lieu of a gift for baby Jessie because that girl’s already got enough.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “I can’t take this,” Dani said, her voice soft but edged with pain. “I can’t.”

  Dom reached around and took the envelope from his sister. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear. Tears glistened in the woman’s gaze.

  “Thank you,” Dom said.

  “It’s not much, but it’ll give her what she needs to buy Lonnie out of this place. He’s now incentivized to take whatever offer you make,” Nolan said. “Or start over with what you want. Either way, you’re free.”

  “I don’t…” She looked down at the envelope in Dom’s hand, then up at Nolan. “I can’t…”

  “I won’t ever be in your world. We orbit the same people, but I’ll remain far enough away so you breathe free. Seeing me shouldn’t ever rip you from whatever orbit you set for yourself. Don’t leave Kam’s world simply because I share it now. I won’t ever be an issue,” Nolan promised.

  The woman visibly tightened in her brother’s embrace. “Thanks.”

  Ellie sensed the tension thickening the air. She shifted her attention to Jesse. “I need to get the cake put together. I’ll be back.”

  “Want some help?” A glimmer appeared in his gaze.

  “You go back there and we’ll never get the cake put together.” She patted his chest and kissed him on the lips. “Later.”

  Ellie entered the kitchen and was relieved to see Bubba had already begun removing the pieces of the cake from its holders. He glanced up. Tears shimmered in his eyes.

  “This is perfect. A work of art. Rebecca was here helping, then she saw the artwork and excused herself.”

  “It’s beautiful, Ellie-belly,” her mom said. She entered the kitchen, leaning heavily on her walker. “You have such a gift. It breaks my heart you never followed that dream of yours to open a shop. I think you could give Bubba here a run for his money.”

  “I wouldn’t want a restaurant, Mom,” Ellie said. “I love baking more than anything.”

  Bubba’s eyebrows rose. “No one ever mentioned you wanted to open a place. Fuckhead’s in jail. There’s no reason you shouldn’t.”

  Ellie could think of more than a few reasons not to—most of them financial. The risk. Ugh. The investment. What did she even know about running a business? Nothing. She’d gone to school and gotten a teaching degree. She’d taught babies not to eat their boogers and to play nicely with one another.

  “I’ll make room at my place for you,” Bubba offered. “We’ll put your sweets and whatever else you want on the menu. The Burtons owe me more than a few favors. I’ve been meaning to expand the seating area anyway. The way Rebecca’s boys are going, one reserved table for the Mason brood won’t be enough.”

  Did Bubba just offer to go into business with her?

  “Stand around with your mouth open in this place and you’ll catch a fly,” her mom commented. “Give her a moment. I’ve had the poor dear so withdrawn from everyone she gets confused when people make such generous offers. You’re a good man, Bubba.”

  “You raised one hell of a daughter,” the man said. “Pleased as hell we’re finally getting her last name right.”

  Ellie smiled. “I’m thinking it’s about time you get a couple things set to rights yourself.”

  The man glared. “That’s rule one if we’re working together. Don’t meddle.”

  Her mom smirked. “She meddles. That whole bunch out there are nothing but professional meddlers. You’d best accept they mean to see you set a couple things straight. I agree.”

  “Not you, too. Lord save me from meddling women.”

  “What are they meddling in?” Momma Mason asked as she entered the area.

  “Nothing.” Red rose in the man’s face. “You’d best set your soon-to-be-daughter-in-law straight. She’s opening up shop with me.”

  The woman’s eyes widened. A wide smile appeared. “Why, that’s a great idea. As long as you keep your cobbler.”

  “I’ll always keep the cobbler. It’s a Mason favorite.”

  Translation—it was a Rebecca Mason favorite. Ellie smiled. The two were adorable together. Rather than tease the man any more than he could tolerate, she got to work assembling the cake. She’d figured it’d take at least forty-five minutes. Fortunately she had more than enough help.

  By the time she and Bubba rolled it out on the cart
he’d thought to bring along, the gifts had been opened. Pictures had been taken. Mary was more than ready to leave.

  Ellie had forgotten the woman was about as good with crowds as Ellie’s mom was—not at all. A hush fell over the crowd until DJ blurted, “I’m on the cake, Mom!”

  Everyone laughed. Mary and Dylan stood, their eyes on the cake. Tears glimmered in the woman’s gaze as she studied the bottom tier. The base of the cake was the largest, the roots of the mighty family tree. Images of Resino and its residents and the operatives of The Arsenal made up the area around the sides. Dylan’s and Mary’s parents and grandparents covered the area around the base of the oak Ellie had painstakingly recreated. Hearts with the initials of the Mason men and the women they loved were displayed along the trunk as it spanned upward onto the second tier. Images of the six Mason sons and Riley spanned around the smaller tier. Images of Dylan and Mary together with their closest friends and family covered the area around the trunk as it moved upward to the final tier.

  Pictures of DJ and TJ surrounded the top tier, where baby Jessie’s picture sat atop the mighty tree. Branches shot outward from along both tiers, just enough to dangle leaves with people’s names.

  “Ellie,” Mary whispered. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Congratulations,” she whispered back as they embraced. “I’m so happy for you. Thank you for naming her Jessie.”

  “Thank you for loving him. He’s a good man, and I’m thrilled you’ll be my sister now.”

  Ellie let her tears fall as Dylan drew her into a hug. By the time she’d separated from the couple, a crowd had gathered. Flashes filled the room. Ellie winced and made her way to the side.

  Jesse was there, drawing her against him. Sunglasses appeared on her face. “They’ll help. Is your vision spotty? Clouded?”

  “No, I think I’m okay.”

  He kissed her forehead. “It’s beautiful, Peanut.”

  “You should’ve told me about Raul and Dom. They aren’t on there.”