by K E Osborn
Jovie frowns as I grip hold of him tighter. “No, buddy. But she is watching down on us, and her memory lives on everywhere. Plus, Grumps and Mimi are there.”
“Yay,” they both cheer-jumping up and down on their beds.
“Grumps and Mimi?” Jovie asks.
“Fox and Bub’s grandparent names.”
“Gotchya.”
“So, you’re both okay living with Daddy? Not with Uncle Ethan and Auntie Lou anymore?”
They both look at each other, then back to me. “Will we still get to see Uncle Ethan?” Sadie asks.
Ethan steps forward this time, caressing her tiny cheek. “Of course. All the time. I’m not going anywhere. You’re my two favorite little people.”
They giggle as Sadie jumps up in her excitement. “We’re gonna live at the clubhouse.”
Chills gave the kids the all-clear to come home. They might have been full of energy this morning when we told them about coming to live at the clubhouse, but their energy is only short-lived. It comes in bursts as they’re still quite worn out from their hypothermia. Their energy will come and go for a little while, and I have been told I just need to keep an eye on them.
While Jovie went and got some snacks, I was able to ask them briefly about what happened when they were taken. They said a man in a mask took them. He was wearing an elephant mask, so he didn’t appear threatening, more playful. He gave them candy in the car and treated them well, but when they got to the warehouse, he handed them over to an older man, and they didn’t like him. He was wearing all black, and they described a face with burns.
He’s the asshole who put them in the freezer.
He’s the one who’s going to pay.
But all that can wait for a moment because right now, I’m driving into the clubhouse with my kids. I’m not sure I ever truly believed this day would come. Zero has been so fucking good about all this. He has a room ready for them right next to mine.
Jovie’s on the passenger side alongside me. Honestly, she has been so freaking supportive through this whole thing. As I pull the car to a halt, the kids are quiet as I glimpse across at Jovie. A range of emotions flow through me I can’t even describe.
She nods at me in understanding, gripping my hand with a tight squeeze. “They’re home, Daddy,” she whispers.
She couldn’t have said anything better.
I inhale sharply as I turn to my children in the back. Sadie’s playing on her iPad, and Lucas is staring out the window at the clubhouse in awe.
Pride fills me.
I made them.
These two resilient, amazing, gorgeous children.
What a fucking accomplishment.
“Okay, let’s go inside and unpack your room, okay?” I tell them.
“Is it pink?” Sadie asks.
I sort out a laugh. “No, your brother is in there with you.”
“Is it bwue?” Lucas counters.
I tilt my head to the side. “No, your sister’s in there with you.”
Jovie snickers as she opens her car door, sliding out.
“Can we get a dog? Uncle Ethan wouldn’t let us get a dog. I want a poodle,” Sadie blurts out.
“Making demands now, baby girl? And we don’t need one, Wraith already has a dog called Mack. You can play with him.”
Sadie claps her hands together. “Yay, we have a dog.”
I grin, sliding out of the truck, then move to the back to help them out. I grab Sadie first as my brothers all walk outside to help us bring in their luggage.
“Welcome home, kids,” Fox calls out.
Sadie’s eyes widen. “Grumps!” She takes off before I even have her feet on the ground. She slams into his legs, giving her grandfather a tight embrace as I walk around for Lucas, who’s squirming in his booster to get to his grandparents. “Down, Daddy!”
“I know, buddy. Hang on.” I undo his restraints, then lift him out, and he’s taken off as fast as his tiny legs will carry him. Bub lifts him into a tight embrace, planting kisses all over his face.
They’ve missed them almost as much as I have.
The kids belong here with us all.
Of that, I have no doubt.
I move to the trunk, where Jovie’s messing about with the luggage. “You doing okay?”
“You know what? Seeing the way those kids just lit up, yeah… yeah, I’m doing just great.”
I lean in planting a quick kiss on her lips, grab two suitcases, and she takes a duffle bag as we head toward the clubhouse. Sadie’s running around with Mack as Lucas and the prospect, Blake, have already started playing chasey.
Zero strides up to Jovie and me, gripping my shoulder. “It’s good to see them doing so well, brother. How are you? You happy?”
My eyes take in Jovie, then shift to my kids, who are as content as a pig in mud right now. I wrap my arm around Jovie. “Yeah, yeah, I am.”
Savanah rushes to Jovie’s side. “Holy shit, guys. I heard what happened. That was intense, but I’m glad everyone is okay.” She leans in, embracing Jovie.
For the first time, I look at the clubhouse like I’m one hundred percent in the place I am meant to be. I always felt like there was a part of me missing. But my children’s grandparents are here, my children are here, my extended family is here. So how else could I see this clubhouse as anything other than my home? Nothing is missing because everything I could ever want is right here at my fingertips.
I pull Jovie to me tighter, kissing the top of her head.
Yeah, everything I want is right here.
The day was calm. It was so freaking good to have the kids back at the clubhouse. We set up their bedroom, we sat and ate lunch and dinner, doing stuff as a family, as a clubhouse. Everyone was welcoming, even Wraith, who I was a little worried about, but considering he has a baby on the way, it seems to have softened him toward kids, which is good.
But now, I have to admit I’m worried how their first night will go being away from Ethan’s home. In a new place, out of familiar surroundings, and after a traumatic event. They don’t appear to be traumatized by it so far. They’re not bringing it up or acting differently, but it doesn’t mean it’s not in there subconsciously, ready to come out at any time.
It’s almost bedtime for the kids. I feel like I’m more anxious than they are. Jovie and I are in their room as they change into their pajamas, and I pull Jovie aside. “What do you think about them falling asleep in my bed, then we’ll move them? I just worry about—”
“I’m totally fine with it, Kevlar. Honestly, they need you right now. Even if they don’t know it.”
My muscles relax, and my pulse beats a little faster for her. She’s so fucking understanding. “You’re amazing. You know that?”
She turns to the kids. “Change of plans, who wants a sleepover?”
Sadie’s ears pick up, and she turns dramatically to face us.
“I do, I do,” Lucas chimes emphatically.
“Okay, then let’s go to your dad’s room, and we can all get cozy.”
“Yay! Can I bring Moo?” Sadie asks.
“Of course, baby girl.”
Sadie reaches for her rabbit, then we all head next door to our room. We enter, and the kids go running for the queen-size bed. It’s gonna be a tight fit, but we’ll make it work.
“Right, kids in the middle,” I tell them.
They jump in under the covers as I get undressed into my white tee and briefs. Jovie moves into the bathroom to get changed into her pajamas. I slide into the side of the bed next to Sadie, and she turns, gripping hold of me like she never wants to let me go. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, baby girl. I missed you both so much. I’m so glad you’re back here with me.”
“Me, too,” Lucas offers.
I reach over, scruffing his hair as Jovie comes out of the bathroom, flicking off the light.
“Turn on the l… l… light,” Lucas yells, sitting up in the bed dramatically.
Every muscle in my
body seizes as Jovie flicks the bathroom light back on while I reach over to grab Lucas to calm him.
Jovie rushes over to the bed, jumping in beside him. He spins out of my arms, slamming into Jovie for comfort. She widens her eyes as she embraces him. I’m not offended he’s searching for a mother figure. If Jovie can be that for him, then I’m okay with it if she is.
She smooths his hair down while rocking him back and forth. “It’s okay, Lucas, we’ll leave the light on. You’re okay, little big man.”
He sniffles as he clings to her, but she slides down into the bed, pulling him in tight. He cuddles into her, and she rests him against her to comfort him. “It’s okay. Try to go to sleep. We’re all here. We’re all safe. Daddy’s here. I’m here. Sadie’s here. And we’re not going to let anything happen to you, okay?”
“Yeah, we’re a team, Lucas,” Sadie offers.
My heart swells.
“Love you, Lucas.”
“Love you, Dad.”
“Good night.” I cuddle into Sadie.
My eyes meet with Jovie’s. Hers are sad and glistening. We don’t need to say anything to know that we’re thinking the same thing.
Lucas has not come out of this unscathed. I have no idea what kind of trauma this has put him through, but we will get through it.
Together.
A soft whimpering seeps its way into my ears. I can’t quite make out what it is until a cry out in terror jerks me awake. I sit up, accidentally bringing Sadie with me as she begins to cry. Lucas writhes through his terror as I cuddle into Sadie, trying to calm her, while Jovie clings to Lucas, who’s still fast asleep and screaming through his nightmare.
“Shh… Lucas, c’mon, buddy, wake up,” Jovie coos softly into his ear while I run my hands up and down Sadie’s arms to try and calm her. “You’re okay, Sadie, everything’s okay, baby girl.”
“Daddy…” she whimpers, clinging to me. My heart tears to shreds at the worried expression on her face for her brother as Lucas finally wakes with a start.
He gasps as he jerks, then notices Jovie and pushes into her arms. I weakly smile as she rocks him, cradling him to her, her fingers running through his hair. “Shh… you’re okay. It was just a dream. You’re safe.”
“I was so c… c… cold.”
Anger flares inside me as I grit my teeth.
I’m gonna find that motherfucker and gut them like a fish!
“Are you warm now?” I ask. He slowly nods. “Then, see… you’re fine. You’ll never be cold like that again, okay?”
Sadie clings to my shirt, making me look back down at her. “It was scary, Daddy.”
It’s like the floor drops out from under me.
Since Sadie was born, all I’ve wanted is for my children to feel safe, protected, and loved.
I wasn’t there for them.
They’ve been through something horrific, and I couldn’t help them.
However, I can’t spend my time thinking about shit like this. Right now, I need to take care of them. For as long as they need me, even when I am old and gray, I will always be there for them.
“I know, baby girl. But sometimes, scary things need to happen to show you just how strong and brave you are. You took care of your brother. You both huddled together to keep warm. You did all the right things. You were both so, so brave. I’m so very proud of you.” Her little eyes glisten as she squeezes me tighter.
“Jovie…” Lucas murmurs.
She runs her hand through his hair. “Yeah?”
Lucas sniffles, pulling back and wiping his face. “Will you be my best f… f… fwend?”
Jovie’s eyes well with tears as she quickly blinks them away. “Of course, Lucas. It would be my honor.”
He slides back down, getting comfortable in the bed again like he’s ready to go back to sleep. My body radiates with warmth that my kids are welcoming Jovie in so easily.
They adore her.
I adore her.
Shit! This all might be hard for a while as my kids settle back into some semblance of normal, but with Jovie here by our sides, I think we’re all going to be okay.
At least, I hope so.
Tomorrow, though, I’m going to need to take action.
In the meantime, let’s hope we make it through this night.
Though somehow, I don’t think I’m going to be sleeping another wink.
KEVLAR
The Next Morning
The rest of the night was thankfully uneventful, and while I’ve never slept with my kids at this age in bed with me before, I have to say it was actually comforting. It’s probably not the best parenting, but I needed them last night as much as they needed me. So, fuck the critics. I’m going to comfort my kids after their trauma. They’ll go back to their own beds, but last night we needed to be a family—a family that included Jovie.
This morning everyone’s a little brighter.
Lucas slept through after his event, and Sadie is her usual peppy self. She’s in her room with Jovie playing while I’ve been down discussing business with Neon. He doesn’t have any leads on who the fucker with the burned face tied to the Baron is either.
Damn, if I’m not furious.
Because Ethan’s at a dead end.
But we’ll find a way.
We always do.
Walking up the stairs to the kids’ room, I hear the giggling from the hall. It fills my heart so fucking full. Moving to the door, I gently open it. Sadie and Jovie are sitting at the tiny table. Jovie’s a small thing herself, but on Sadie’s pink seat, she can barely fit. Her knees press up toward her gorgeous fucking tits as she sips on a make-believe cup of tea.
I stand back, leaning against the doorframe, arms folded across my chest while I watch them.
Tea parties are something Sadie did with her mother. Not for a second do I think Jovie is replacing her mother, but it’s cool that Sadie can share this with Jovie.
“Jovie, would you like a rainbow cookie?” Sadie asks.
“That sounds delightful. I would love a rainbow cookie,” Jovie replies.
Sadie hands her a small plastic plate with nothing on it. Jovie puts down her tiny cup, taking the plate, then pretends to pick up the imaginary cookie. She takes a bite, moaning out in delight. I chuckle, which makes Jovie turn to me. She smirks but spins back to Sadie, who’s smiling so wide I bet her cheeks hurt.
“Sadie, did you make these?”
“I baked them myself… I made them with one hundred percent rainbows.”
Jovie moans again.
Jesus! She needs to stop doing that.
“Mmm… I can tell, I can really taste the purple you put in there.”
Sadie burst out laughing. “No silly, it’s indigo.”
Jovie puts up her finger as if she can’t talk because her mouth is full. “You’re right,” she mumbles through her invisible cookie, then gulps like she’s swallowing. “I totally taste the indigo now you mention it. How could I ever have thought it was purple? You know, Sadie, these are probably the best rainbow cookies I have ever had!”
Sadie stands taller, moving from side to side in her excitement. “My mommy taught me to make them with love and a little bit of happiness.”
My smile falls as I watch Jovie, but she doesn’t falter, taking another bite while bobbing her head. “Well, I tell you what? Your mommy taught you just right!”
Seeing Jovie not even bat an eyelid when Sadie talks about her mom is refreshing. She’s not awkward around my kids. She’s so fucking good at this. She came here to get away from her dramas and walked right into mine.
Without hesitation.
No uncertainty.
I don’t know anyone who would do that.
My skin prickles, like the air in the room fluctuates just thinking of Jovie and how my life has changed in the short time she’s been in it.
Clearing my throat, I gain both their attention. “Sadie, baby, can I borrow Jovie for a minute?”
Sadie walks over to her little Eas
y-Bake oven, placing a baking tray inside. “The cookies will be ten minutes… the tea can wait.”
Jovie places the pink plate on the table, then stands. “I’ll be back soon. I want one of those cookies straight from the oven.”
Sadie exudes excitement. “They taste like a waaarm cloud.”
I roll my eyes, then I head out into the hall with Jovie making her way toward me. “Honestly, Sadie, I can’t wait to try them.”
As Jovie walks out, I move back from the doorway. Then I grab hold, pulling her down the hall. Jovie’s eyes widen as I take her possessively, thrusting us back against the wall. Pressing my body to hers, my hand snakes up into her hair, the other gripping her hip. I press my mouth against her silky lips.
I just need her.
My lips tingle while her hands slide up under my cut, pulling me closer. My cock jerks against the seam of my jeans, grinding in against her pussy. Kissing Jovie is all I’ve wanted since she comforted Lucas last night. Seeing her be so fucking protective over my kids means more to me than anything I could have ever prepared myself for.
I wasn’t ready for this.
I wasn’t ready for her.
But now she’s here, in my life, and I don’t want to give this up.
I need her to know that.
Kissing her like I fucking mean it, a soft whimper escapes her mouth. If I don’t calm this down, I won’t be able to, and I know I have to. Jovie has some more cookies, which taste like warm-fucking-clouds, to pretend to eat, and I chuckle against her.
She pulls back dramatically with the biggest grin on her lips. “Are you laughing while kissing me?”
I bring my hand up, caressing her cheek. “Warm clouds? Sadie really does have a vivid imagination.”
Jovie leans in, planting a chaste kiss on my lips, then lets out a long exhale. “That kiss was nice, but… was it for a reason?”
“Just for coming into our lives and being so damn accepting. Though, I do want to stipulate if this is too much for you… the club, the instant family, I completely understand.”
She wraps her arms around my neck, planting another chaste kiss on my lips. Pulling back, she stares deeply into my eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Liam.”