Page 47 of Chubs

“He’s an easy keeper,” Cash says before reaching out to take his son. “Another few bowls of mac and cheese, and you won’t be lifting him anymore.”

“Probably not.”

The door flies open, and in comes Tessie, Taja, and Vex, who’s carrying baby Kalea tucked against his shoulder. Tessie stops beside me and slings an arm over my shoulders.

“I have this driving thing all figured out now. Won’t need any more lessons, but thanks for the help,” she says confidently.

“You have two more, and you’re not getting out of them. Then I’m giving you a road test, and if you pass, Gunner said he’d lift the ban on you driving on club property. Even though we both know you’ve ignored the ban several times,” I remind her.

“I think you just enjoy torturing me,” Tessie groans before removing her arm and stalking away.

“We have to talk. I need to know how you got her driving without endangering everything around her,” Taja says with a huge smile.

“I have skills, but those are my secrets,” I answer before holding my hands out to take Kalea from Vex.

The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen suddenly scowls at me, turns suddenly, and walks off. Shocked, I look at Taja in bewilderment.

“You know how everyone has teased Axel for never wanting to let anyone hold Alexia? Vex was especially hard on Axel and harassed him mercilessly. Now that he has his own daughter, he’s finding he doesn’t like sharing her either. He won’t admit it openly like Axel did, but he’s very stingy when it comes to letting me and Tessie hold her. He’s pretty much quit working at the strip club because he hates being away from her that long,” Taja answers, then laughs loudly.

Vex turns from where he’s standing and throws a glare in our direction, but it doesn’t stop me from laughing with Taja. We watch, somewhat gleefully, when Trudy walks up to Vex and holds her hands out. Vex hesitates, glares at Trudy, but hands the baby over. When Trudy turns to walk away, Vex follows and continues hovering when Trudy takes a seat. Men and their daughters.

“Hi, Taja. Do you like my new shirt?” Craig asks, focusing solely on Taja.

“Yes, I do! It’s very nice,” Taja says enthusiastically while bending down to give Craig a hug.

“Hi, Craig. Notice me? I’m right here,” I joke since he notices little when Taja’s in the room.

“See you, Lucy. Hello. I have seats for us over here, Taja,” Craig states, then takes Taja’s hand and pulls her behind him.

I turn and find Luke and the twins, Mia and Zoe, standing behind me, grinning. I sign hello to Luke then say hi to the twins. When they continue to grin at me, I start to get worried.

“What’s up?” I sign and say out loud at the same time.

“Daddy said that you are going to tell Craig that he has to start school next week, and we want to be there when you do. There’s going to be an epic meltdown,” Zoe states excitedly.

“Wait. Why am I the one telling Craig? That’s Pooh and Pippa’s job,” I reply.

“Because Pooh and Pippa don’t want to die in their sleep,” Mia says before giggling loudly.

“Well, your daddy is wrong. Not my circus, not my monkeys,” I insist.

I watch as Luke signs and start shaking my head, no, halfway through his words.

“Doesn’t matter that I don’t live on the property. It’s not my job to tell him. Trigger and Tammy don’t live on the property either, so one of them can.”

“He’s my fishing partner, and I don’t want to lose that. He never listens to Tammy, and they just argue non-stop. Tag, you’re it!” Trigger says as he walks past, tossing an evil grin over his shoulder.

“No! You all need to man up and do it yourself!” I shout at Trigger’s retreating back.

The kids laugh and walk off. Looking around the room, I notice most everyone has a full plate in front of them except for Rex. He’s sitting in a recliner at the back of the room, sunglasses still on his face. It dawns on me that he’s sleeping. Walking to the bar, I fill a plate, grab a beer, and walk across the room to Rex’s side. Setting the food on the small table next to him, I shake his arm as I repeat his name. When Rex jerks awake, I take a seat in a chair next to him.

“You need to eat, Rex,” I say softly as he pulls his glasses off and rubs his face.

He looks exhausted and somewhat disoriented for a moment before he focuses on me.

“Hey, Lucy. Thank you, I’m starving,” Rex states as he scoops up his plate and starts shoveling food into his mouth.

“Slow down. There’s plenty more,” I add with a small laugh.

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