Loving You Forever (Battle Born MC Book 7)

by Scarlett Black

  “Who all knows about this?”

  “Me, you and my parents. Now that you know, I have a message from Stryker. Marry her, soon. He’s on his way to check on her and you.” Blade blows out a cloud of smoke. There is no joking behind his father’s threat.

  The lump that forms in my throat is hard to swallow. Who Tami really is, and she doesn’t even know it yet. “Holy shit.”

  “Yeah, holy shit. Guess who will be giving her away at her wedding?”

  “Tank is going to be pissed, you know that, right?”

  “Yeah, I know. That’s the best part. It’s hard as hell to get that arrogant prick to calm down.” Blade stands, “Take care of her.”

  “I wish I didn’t know before her. That is fucked up, Prez.”

  “No. Because it gives you time to get your head on straight when they get here to tell her. So, get her ready. That’s your job. And I think it would be smart of you to have a ring before Stryker gets here unless you’re okay with another bruise on that face.”

  Blade drops a bomb and leaves me alone staring at a wall. Just keep piling the shit on. May as well get it all out in the open. My body is exhausted, and I find myself curled up in my bed next to my woman and out like a light. We can deal with the rest another day.

  Chapter 37

  Tami

  Constantly over the last few days I have kept Cash within arm’s reach. He’s been spoiled rotten with attention. I took our safety for granted because he was born into the MC family. I couldn’t have been more wrong, quite the opposite actually. In some cases, it has put us at a greater risk. Days, I’ve spent thinking over my actions and how that has affected all of us.

  When Blade comes to the house with Vegas and the twins, I’m surprised he came to check on me at home. Standing at the curtain, I watch as Vegas and Blade help the kids out of the car. Absently, I brush it off as Vegas wanting to stop by.

  Between her and Kat they have been at my side constantly this last year to hold me up. You would have to know, I guess, what it’s like to lose your life in the midst of the chaos of the world. I understand now why Vegas was relentless in taking care of me and the unborn baby. She wanted to protect me from her pain. Why Kat is always diligent in watching over us, protecting her family. We are what we know and what we have become. Together, we take off everyone as one.

  This I know for a certainty; without them I would have been a lost soul and searching. Even Blade knew when I met them that I was family. He could have easily shipped me off like the others. Some things in life pull you together. It’s up to us to decide our future and allowing our choices to build the life we want. I’ve learned from and watched these people enough to feel such a great respect for each one. They have shaped my life like a family should.

  I leave my spot at the window and start a pot of coffee, anticipating this will take a while. I welcome it and have been waiting for the Prez to make a call. I just didn’t think it would be a house-call. Arms wrap around my middle and kisses are slowly placed up my neck. Goosebumps erupt and desire catches.

  “Eric, Blade and Vegas are here,” I inform him, effectively dousing the flame he wanted to light.

  Pawn groans, “It’s been awhile.” His hands grip my tits and the doorbell rings, “Fuck.” He lets go and answers the door. I get out some donuts and set out mugs at the table while the coffee brews.

  Pawn leads in the Prez and his Ol’ Lady into the kitchen. Blade gives me a head nod and sits at the table. My hormones start to take over. Suddenly I feel grateful and loved. Giving Vegas a hug I choke, “Thank you.”

  “For what?” She steps back a little surprised.

  Pawn sees the emotion in my expression and takes the boys, “Easton, Tez, let’s go find Cash.” Directing the boys into the living room where the kids reunite. The cartoons are blasting and laughing has started at the sound of the toy box being dumped on the floor.

  “Taking care of me.” I confess, “I don’t know what I would have done without you and Kat.”

  “Of course, Tami.” Vegas touches my arm, “We love you and will always have your back.”

  Pawn comes back in with a grin, “Don’t worry Angel, I’ll pick it up.” Knowing, any other day I wouldn’t be happy with the toys being dumped.

  I bat his concern away and step away to get the coffee. At the table the three of them are waiting for me. I set the pot down and grip the napkin in my hands. “Since I was brought here, you all have been there for me. Never pushing me away but gave me enough to feel protected and to grow. Things I can never repay.” I dot the napkin at my eyes. “It’s been a hell of a ride. Don’t mind the crazy pregnant lady emotions.”

  Pawn runs his touch across my thigh, and it helps me to keep going. “Blade, I am so sorry that I put the club at risk with that diamond. Pawn explained to me the risk of opening up to people that I don’t know. I can’t tell you how much I regret going to her now. I would have never, had I known.”

  Vegas pours herself and Blade a cup of coffee while my chest heaves with the guilt of my actions and part of the chain that derailed my life. His head tilts to the side, “Tami, I don’t say this lightly, I am part to blame as well. I gave you the ammunition to shoot yourself in the foot. I had enough of an ego to believe no one would come after you. I didn’t know that Solo gave you the information to find Amanda. If I had, I would have stopped you. Spider let me know how you had the information.”

  He takes a drink. “You didn’t know who she was now, and yes, put us at risk. But you learned the importance of what we do and why. Let go of the guilt and repercussions. That’s mine and Pawn’s burden to carry. Let it go. There is no point in you suffering any longer.”

  Vegas looks between me and Pawn. “We came here to make sure that you guys were okay. I know that you need some time to let it all settle but today, go and celebrate together. Live. I’m taking Cash for a sleepover, spend time together and reconnect.”

  Blade chokes on his coffee, surprised he is taking another kid back with them. He pulls his phone from his pocket and starts typing out a text.

  “What are you doing?” Vegas clearly onto his action and suspicious.

  “Texting the prospects that they are needed at the house later. I’m not chasing three kids all night.” Without shame he informs her, “They are little shits.” Setting his phone on the table, he stares down his wife. “Don’t thank me, but you’re welcome.”

  She shoots him a disapproving glare. “Scared of toddlers, I’m shocked.”

  “No, just not stupid,” he banters.

  Her eyebrows hit her hairline, “We’ll see about that.” Focusing her attention back to me, “How are you feeling?” Vegas asks me for the hundredth time.

  Her concern comforting, “I’m good, working through it all. But the baby, she’s good. She is relentless with morning sickness. Stronger than I can imagine, like her dad, she’s a fighter.” My hand falls to the tiny bump that has bulged out, “Like her aunts, she will be fearless.”

  Blade’s face scrunches, “Aren’t you just a few months along? How do you know it’s a girl?”

  “I know,” Pawn proudly declares, “Because I feel her. And she is strong because her mother has more heart than anything I have ever felt on this earth. That is what I feel, it’s her in there.”

  Once again, I dab at my eyes, because those hormones are no joke. My family blows me away. I couldn’t ask for more and thank the world at what I have been given, love.

  Blade finishes his coffee and stands holding his hand out to Vegas, his wife. She takes his hand and the intimacy is visible in such a simple action. The first time in weeks my mind wanders off back to the book that I want to publish. The desire to get back into the world is coming alive.

  “Let me grab a bag for Cash.” I hurry and gather some clothes and small things that Cash would want. Like his stuffed animal he likes to sleep with that his grandmother gave to him. And that inspires an idea as I stuff it into the bag.

  I find the group in the f
ront yard. Vegas holds Cash in her arms nuzzling his cheeks and is blowing kisses causing him to laugh and playfully bat her away. I didn’t realize how much he was really treasured not only by me. Since this boy was conceived, he has been loved and protected by us all. Vegas must have been worried out of her mind when he went missing too.

  Pawn and Blade argue and cuss over how to fit three car seats into the backseat. It is quite funny to watch them get pissed over the task. Blade throws one toy out and then a another to make room. Each one clanking on the pavement.

  “Thank you,” I tell Vegas again, “For loving Cash too, and me. For being the woman you are and being strong for me when I was lost.”

  She turns to me, “I’ll always love you like my sister, always.” Cash reaches for me and I take him from her. “I’m going to tell Blade tonight when he’s about to fall asleep from exhaustion that I’m pregnant again. This will make him flip his shit. Don’t judge me, I know it’s a little mean. But it’s fun to mess with him. And this—” she waves her hand in front of her, “Is icing on the cake.”

  A furious and red-faced Blade pops out of the Tahoe and declares, “Give me the kid, we are ready.” Vegas chuckles and takes the bag with her, sitting in front.

  Smothering my big boy in kisses, I finally hand him over and watch with Pawn as they take off down the driveway after loading three energetic boys. Everything that I have ever wanted is right here and the happily-ever-after that I will protect forever. Loving them all forever.

  Chapter 38

  Pawn

  Tami and I stare at each other from across the cab of my truck. Each of us having very different ideas of what we wanted to do today.

  “I think we need to go get you an SUV like Vegas has. I’m never letting you have a car again.”

  She huffs at me, “I don’t think for one, that we should spend the day, living,” She puts into quotes with her fingers, “Buying a car that I cannot afford. I’m not making any money, yet.”

  I bite my tongue that I would love to know how much money she and Blade squirreled away. But I don’t. I don’t care about her money. “It’s for us. I’ll pay for it. If you don’t want to go, then I’ll pick one out later.” I’m surprised when she doesn’t complain, but hey, if I can get it done and she doesn’t care, then I am all for that.

  Starting the truck, I pull out of the driveway, “I have a better idea.”

  “Yeah? What’s that?” Excitement consumes her and the bright sunny smile I missed so much pops back up.

  “You’ll have to wait and see.” I taunt and put the truck into drive. Driving towards a small store that I have had my eye on. On the way, Tami hums along to the songs she loves on the radio. I pull into a small parking lot and she jumps out after me.

  “What are we doing here?”

  I hold the door open, “I want you to pick out the most beautiful ring in the world. One day soon you are walking down the aisle with me.”

  “Planning our future?” she asks with a raised brow.

  “Always, angel.”

  She raises up on her tiptoes and lightly touches my lips to hers, “I love you.” Tami takes my hand and we walk in together. She tries to pick out a simple band with a small diamond.

  “No, pick out the one that you can’t stop looking at.” I refuse to buy the easy one because she doesn’t want to spend my money. I push her along and she stops in front of one wrapped in diamonds. “Take that one out please.” I ask the girl behind the counter. Taking it from her I pull Tami’s hand up and slide it on her finger. Her breath catches. “This is the one, is there a band that goes with it?”

  “Yes, sir, there is. Would you also like to get a band for yourself while you’re here?”

  Tami chuckles, “Can you please find one that you can’t stop looking at?” She teases.

  My hand touches her face, “I already have, it’s you.”

  Tami gasps, “You can’t say stuff like that to a pregnant lady, or she’ll cry.” Her voice cracks and she hiccups.

  Pulling her into me, I kiss her lips. “I plan on keeping you pregnant and happy.”

  “Happy yes, pregnant no.” Tami pouts.

  I don’t argue for now and we finish up buying our rings. Tami wears hers out of the store. The sight makes my step a little bolder and my chest full of pride. My woman, my future.

  When she shuts the truck door Tami blurts, “Can we go see your mom?”

  “Yeah.”

  She must hear the shock in my tone and adds, “I was used to seeing her a lot before and I haven’t seen her in a while. I want to show her the ring too.”

  We take our time and drive the distance up to the diner where she works. Walking inside I ask the lady she’s worked with for years where she is.

  “She quit a few weeks back and moved out of town and wouldn’t tell anyone where she was going. I think she wanted to start over.”

  We stand there stunned and then we both say at the same time,

  “Your old place?”

  “My old place.”

  We run to the truck and drive back to Reno. The whole way, we both are filled with anticipation and hope that she left him. As soon as the truck is stopped, we race each other to the door. Tami knocks and I pull out my keys to unlock the door myself.

  My mom shrieks when she finds us barging into her now house.

  “What are you doing?” I scold her. “You didn’t tell me?”

  “What the hell happened to your face and arm Pawn?” she counters.

  “Club business mom. It’s okay.” She didn’t know what happened with Cash and I don’t plan on telling her either.

  “It doesn’t look okay. And, no I didn’t mention me moving,” she admits. “If by chance something didn’t work out I and I ended up back there. I didn’t want you to be disappointed.” She drops the fact that my arm is broken, and my face is swollen and bruised to hell. Her gaze roams every bump and bruise. Thankfully, she keeps her disapproval to herself.

  “But you did it.” I can’t help the smile that comes across my face.

  She mirrors me, “Yes, I did. I applied for a job at the school and I’m a school secretary now. Come in and sit down.” My mom for the first time in my life looks different. I’ve never seen her so happy. “You must be hungry if you went to the diner.”

  “Mostly to see you, but now that you said food, I’m starving.” Tami deciding she’s now starved and orders a pizza with extra everything. “Oh, do you have pickles?” she asks. “No, okay, can you put pepperoncinis on the pizza then?” She pauses, “Great, thank you.” Tami hangs up her call after giving the address. Mom’s brows furrow at her order. “I’m sorry I should have asked. Did you want something? I will call them back.”

  “No honey, the extra-large pizza is enough, thank you.” Mom eyes her strangely but shrugs off Tami’s order. We sit around the living room while she tells us about her leaving and starting over.

  “I guess when I was living with Tami, helping her with Cash, she gave me the courage to see my life differently. Even though she was scared and sad she did it. I came home after one of the last times I was there, and it hit me, I can stay, or I can try. I wanted to try. I wanted to be here, and I knew If I didn’t leave, I wouldn’t see Cash as much as I wanted. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I needed the space to figure me out. It wasn’t easy and I needed some time alone.”

  “Where is dad? Has he tried to reach out to you?” I’m floored that she did it. But also worried he may come back to drag her home.

  “He doesn’t know where I left to. I left him with enough money to keep him drunk for a few weeks. I honestly don’t even think he cares about me anymore. There used to be love there. I guess I thought maybe when he got older, he would slow down and miss me liked I did him. And soon realized what a fool I have been. There hasn’t been love there in a long time.”

  The pizza arrives and Tami digs in not offering any to us. Mom looks at her and then me, “What is going on here?”

  Tami stops
from stuffing her face with food and smiles around a mouthful, “We are having a baby.”

  Mom squeals and hugs me, “You are?” and then hugs Tami, “I’m so excited. I knew you two just needed a little time to patch things over. You know that Eric told me about you.” She tells her all the details of every conversation I’ve ever had about her.

  The whole time Tami looks from mom to me and when she’s done, she asks, “I thought you didn’t care about me that much back then.”

  From across the room I tell her, “I’ve always cared for you. It just took me some time to understand how to show you.”

  Tami walks across the room and sets in my lap wrapping me up in a tight hug, “Me too.”

  “When is the wedding?” My mom exclaims, now noticing the rock on her finger.

  Tami gets up and sits back down next to her on the couch, “That’s why we came to find you. To tell you everything. When, I don’t know yet.” Holding her hand out. My mom smiles brightly at the ring.

  “As soon as she can plan it.” I happily inform her. “I don’t want another baby in this world and for Cash too, not to have us married.”

  Tami’s eyes water again, “You’re killing me. I would marry you right now.” Her lip wobbles and she bats the tears away from falling down her face.

  “We need a perfect wedding. You need to plan it out and have everyone and everything you could ever want there.”

  Mom thankfully squeals in anticipation and I watch T.V. while they spend the next hour talking about weddings. My movie is over and I’m done and ready to take her home. Kissing my mom goodnight, we leave her alone. She and Tami discuss meeting up and make more plans for the wedding. We drive off and my mom waves goodbye from her doorway.

  Tami found a way to get me and my mom to brave enough to be different. My angel is stronger than she will ever realize. Picking up her hand I kiss the top of it and hold it in my lap.

  “Where to now?” Tami asks hopeful to live out another adventure today.

  “Home.” I inform her.