Page 55 of Vex

“What?”

“Grab the pregnancy tests too. It’s time to find out, doll.”

My eyes shoot to Vex’s, and I realize he’s right. I also realize this could be the beginning of the end for us. Regardless, we need to know for sure, and I’ll deal with the fallout as it happens. I turn to my room, grab the bag with the tests and follow Vex down the stairs.

“Wait. I don’t need to bring these too. I’m just dropping off Tessie’s stuff and explaining everything to her. I’ll take a test in the morning,” I tell him while setting the tests on the nearest end table.

“Where do you think you’ll be in the morning, Taja?”

“I thought I was following you back to the clubhouse to speak with Tessie. Then I’d be coming back here, I guess. Or Freddy’s place. He said I could stay with…”

“No. You’ll be with me, at the clubhouse, and we’ll take the test in the morning. Together,” Vex rudely interrupts.

“Are you worried I’d lie to you about the results?” I ask shocked.

Vex sets the suitcase and backpack on the floor and moves in close to my front. Using his thumbs, he tips my head back and drops a quick kiss on my mouth. Still holding my head in his hands, he explains further.

“Fuck no, Taj. Never crossed my mind, baby. I promised you that we’d do this shit together. We’d find out, we’d decide how things are going to go and we’d deal either way, but we’d do it together. And no fucking way am I letting you stay anywhere but with me. Not happening. You’re not picking up what I’m laying down yet, but you will. Pregnant or not, we’re together. We’re seeing where this goes. Us, Tessie and possibly a beautiful little girl with your eyes and big heart. Maybe a boy with my bossy ways. Who knows? Maybe just me, you and Tessie for now. You get it yet?” Vex ends with a soft smile.

“I think so. Yeah, I do. I may need you to keep reminding me sometimes, though. And you are bossy,” I reply while fighting my own smile.

“Good thing to know from the start I guess,” Vex says before capturing my mouth with his and kissing the hell out of me. Vex wraps his arms around me and holds tight.

Chapter 22

Vex

Laying in bed, Taja sleeping and tucked close, my mind’s at peace. I don’t really know when I went from wanting a night with her to wanting more than that, but that’s how this has turned out. Not sure if it’s shocked me more than my club family though, judging by some of the skeptical looks I’ve seen. I’m well aware that I’m taking on not one, but two women. Two women that are practically joined at the hip and will always be that way. I grin in the darkness knowing I’m ready for both.

I’ve never had much interest in the inheritance my grandmother left me. It’s been sitting for years, growing by leaps and bounds, but I have everything I’ve ever really needed. Club family, roof over my head, a new truck whenever I wanted one and several bikes. But now I’m thinking I need something more permanent for our future. These women have struggled their whole lives to make ends meet and have no idea they’ll never have to do that again. I’m also aware that neither are going to lose their independent streak, and I like that about them. There’re going to be battles ahead, but I have no qualms about not fighting fair. Having money, lots of it, finally has some appeal to me.

At Church, Gunner announced that he reached out to Rooster and hasn’t received a reply yet. Not surprising, really. Gunner wasn’t trying to come to a truce but rather letting him know that we’re his biggest threat now. Rooster’s smart enough to know that since he lost four men and his clubhouse is now a smoldering ash pile. We know this isn’t over, but we’ll keep Tessie and Taja safe until it is. That was, of course, a unanimous vote. Numerous members offered up their homes as a safe place for the sisters since I live at the clubhouse. I need to have a discussion with Taja about that, but for now at least Tessie’s settled in with Petey.

Taja shifts slightly and then freezes. Tilting my head her direction, I see her squeezing her eyes shut tight and panting through her mouth. Before I can say anything, she bounds up, jumps over me and hits the floor running. I scramble out after her and follow her to the bathroom. She’s already on the floor in front of the toilet and making some gruesome sounds. I grab a washcloth, run cool water over it and wring it out. I wait until she rests her head on her arms, then crouch down next to her and place the washcloth against her neck under her hair. I grab a hair tie off the counter, pull her hair back and use it to secure her hair out of the way. Reaching over her, I flush the toilet.

“Stay here, baby. I’ll be right back,” I tell her.

All I get is a nod but that’s enough. Walking into the kitchen, I make toast, grab the crackers and then make a hot tea. Taking them with me, I return to my room and find Taja laying across the bed, belly down.

“Thought I told you to stay where you were,” I say as I set my items down and take a seat next to her.

“Don’t be bossy when I don’t feel well enough to kick your ass for it,” she mumbles back.

I grin as I wrap my hands around her torso and pull her up to sit against the headboard. I swing my feet onto the bed, so we’re sitting beside each other, and hand her the tea. When she takes it, I notice her hands are still shaking. I don’t think she’s done with the bathroom yet.

“Do we even need you to piss on a stick at this point, Taj?” I ask knowing she’s going to argue.

“We need to know, Vex. One way or the other. And this could be a touch of the flu or stress.”

“Think we already do know, honey. When you’re done eating and drinking your tea, we’ll get the test out and confirm it. Eat, drink. Then after the stick says positive, we’ll make a doctor’s appointment to get you started on pre-natal care.”

“Being bossy again.”

“Get used to it,” I say while laughing at the disgruntled look on her face.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

Leaning our backs against the bathroom wall, sitting on the floor, we both stare at the plus sign on the pregnancy test. I thought when I saw the proof there’d be some anger or disgust for myself and my carelessness. Instead, it feels right. Pride maybe? Definite happiness, no regret. Glancing at Taja’s face, I see nothing. No expression whatsoever and I don’t know what to make of that. Is she mad, sad, scared, happy?

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