Page 59 of Vex

We’re waiting at the clubhouse for Tessie. Vex and I decided to let her know about the baby and I’m nervous about the upcoming conversation. I texted her earlier, and she said she’d be here soon. After this tough conversation, Vex and I need to decide where we’re going to be staying for a while. The club doesn’t want me back at my home because of Rooster. I agree with their logic but Vex said we have other options than just his room here.

We’ve been chatting with Chubs and entertaining the girls. Not long after Axel left, Gunner made an appearance, grumpy face and all, and took his daughters to his office. Didn’t speak, just picked the twins up and turned to leave when Vex stopped him.

“Axel didn’t mean for the girls to say what they did. He wasn’t teaching them swear words, but that’s what they picked up on.”

“I get that. But they’re learning things rapidly now, and he should’ve known better,” Gunner barks.

He’s definitely not a happy daddy at the moment.

“He loves those girls like they’re his own. And every little girl should have a guy like Axel in her life. Protective, loving. Nobody will ever get past him to hurt either of your daughters or his own. Don’t punish your girls by keeping their uncle away from them. His heart’s in the right place,” Chubs adds in a quiet but firm voice while staring Gunner in the eye.

I’m a little shocked to hear Chubs speak up because he’s always so easy-going, happy and smiling. His comments in defense of Axel proves his loyalty because not many would risk irritating a man like Gunner. Gunner pauses, nods once and walks off. I get the feeling that Chubs’ comments struck a chord within Gunner. Gunner may be a hard man but he’s also a fair one. I have mad respect for Chubs’ kind of loyalty but also for a man that’s fair.

“Vex!” Toes hollers from across the room.

“Yeah?” Vex answers.

“Know anyone by the name of Brock Cooper?” Toes asks.

I have no idea what’s going on, but one of the men sitting with me freezes in place for a quick moment.

“Who’s asking?” Chubs questions.

“Horse Nuts is on the phone. Said there’s a couple of suits at the gate asking to speak with a Brock Cooper,” Toes replies.

“Tell him I’ll handle it. Be there in a minute,” Chubs responds while standing up.

“Chubs? Need a hand?” Vex asks quietly while also standing up.

“Nah, I got this. Stay with your woman. I’ll call if I need anything. Thanks, Vex,” Chubs answers as he walks away.

I don’t know who Brock Cooper is, but I know enough about club life to not ask too many questions. If I need to know, someone will tell me. But I do know that Vex is tense and concerned about suits at the gate.

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

“Let me get this straight. You had unprotected sex, even though you both know better, and now you’re pregnant. And I know you know better because you’ve been the one that’s lectured me several times about that very subject. ‘Condoms are cheap, Tessie. Babies are not.’ I’ve heard that so many times coming straight from your mouth, Taja,” Tessie declares.

“That sums it up,” I mumble.

“One look at this hot Hawaiian and…”

“Tessie, we…” Vex starts to say before Tessie interrupts.

“Your ass chewing will commence in a minute, biker boy. I’m not done with Taj, yet. I love you to the moon and back, Taja. And when I said you needed to live a little, I meant it. I’m glad you chose Vex to do that with, to give up that rusty old V-card to. Perfect choice for some fun. But a baby? You know I’ll love that child and you, forever. I’ll be the best aunt any child could ever have. I’ll rock the hell out of being an aunt. And we’ll figure things out money wise too so the baby never needs anything we can’t provide. I can work more hours at the garage. I’d like that anyway. But Vex as a father?”

“Hey! I’ll be a great dad,” Vex protests.

“Hey! Your turn now, daddy-o!” Tessie shoots back before laying some truth on Vex.

“Taja’s inexperienced and from everything I’ve heard you are far from that. You should’ve been the careful one. This wasn’t your first time up to bat. Are you always that careless, and if so, how many brothers and sisters does this child have?”

“Zero. I’ve always been careful and yes, I did fuck it up this time. I own that shit,” Vex barks back while placing his hands on his hips and widening his stance.

Tessie mimics his pose and stands as close to nose-to-nose as she can get. The girl’s got guts.

“What’s done is done. Thank you for giving me a niece or nephew to love. Taja has always wanted kids, and she’ll get her wish. But here’s how this is going to play out. You’re either in our lives or you’re all the way the hell out of them. We’ve spent a lifetime dealing with a deadbeat, useless father, and this baby isn’t going to go through that too. You don’t get the choice to play part-time daddy. Taja and I will be this kid’s parents if you want out. Either all in or all out, Vex. I like you. I really do. But I know what it’s like to have a dad that’s lurking around the edges of your life waiting to exploit you in some way. Not saying you would do that. But my job now is to protect this baby from everything bad for it even if that includes its dad.”

“Holy fuck. You’re going to be as much of a nutjob about this baby as Axel is with his, aren’t you?” Vex questions with a grin.

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