Page 32 of Cheshire

He nodded. “I’m aware.”

“If something happens to me, I need to know the club will watch over Eliza.”

Hatter snorted. “As if you even have to ask. I also assume that if I ever die, y’all will take care of Jo.”

“And your kid?” I asked.

He narrowed his eyes. “Who said Jo is pregnant?”

I smirked. “Jo did. But if it’s any consolation, she said she told you first.”

He groaned and closed his eyes. “Does everyone know?”

“Nope. She only told me and Rabbit. Said she was too excited to hold it in. I think she wanted you to make the official announcement.”

Hatter rubbed his hands over his face. “And I will, once this nightmare is over. I don’t need anyone more distracted than they already are.”

“This thing with Eliza… I haven’t made it official, but she seems to feel the same way. I’m trying to give her time and not push too hard too fast. After everything she’s been through, well, I’m scared I’ll run her off.”

Hatter nodded. “I get it. She seems to be settling in nicely. She and Jo are getting along well. They’re even talking about making a book together. Something about art and poems. As long as it makes them happy… but I’m worried they’ll get discouraged when it comes time to find someone to publish it.”

I hadn’t known Eliza was doing that. It just showed there was still a lot we needed to talk about. I wanted to know everything about her. Not just the horrific parts of her past, but simple things like her favorite foods, what type of music she liked, if she had a favorite movie.

Hatter cracked a smile. “And that right there is the look that means you’re toast. You’re already in love with her.”

“Maybe. I know I like her. A lot.”

“You’ll figure it out. Just make sure you tell her once you do. Don’t hold that shit back for any reason.”

“Yes, Dad,” I said, giving him a mock salute. He flipped me off and I laughed as I left his office.

We weren’t going after the sheriff just yet. Until it was time, I needed to be with Eliza more, and learn everything I could about her. She was still in the kitchen when I went back in there, still at the table where I’d left her. She’d made a cup of tea and sipped at the steaming brew.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and gestured to the seat beside her. “Mind if I sit?”

“Go ahead.” She gave me a slight smile. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. It’s quiet for the moment. Thought we could take some time to get to know one another better. If you’re up for it,” I said.

“Are we going to play twenty questions?”

I shook my head. “Nope. Although, I’m game if you are.”

“Um, I’d rather not.”

“Then why don’t we start with you asking me something? Obviously, I can’t discuss a lot of my military background, but I’ll truthfully answer anything I can.”

“All right.” She took another swallow of her tea and set the cup down. “Then, how old were you when you joined the military?”

“Eighteen, almost nineteen. I’d signed up for college, went one semester, and decided it wasn’t for me. So I dropped out and enlisted.”

“How long were you in?” she asked.

“I was dishonorably discharged after several years of service. Hatter, March, Absolem, and Rabbit all knew me from those days, even though they were enlisted longer. We all felt a little lost, so… Underland MC came into existence.” I drank more of my coffee, staring into the cup. “I guess we were missing that sense of brotherhood we’d had. Absolem had some money he’d inherited from his family. He bought this land, had the clubhouse built, and we all moved to Warren.”

“But the club has been here a while, right?” she asked.

“It has.”

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