Page 23 of Moose

“Good plan, brother. Let’s go bring this food inside and we’ll talk to Striker this week.”

We both grabbed the plates of food and headed inside toward the laughter of my kids; my entire fucking world.

We had finished eating lunch and were hanging outside while the kids played. Sav and Hawk said their goodbyes, leaving me alone with my kiddos.

Nova was cuddled into my one side and I nodded to Maddox to come over and sit next to me. I held both of my kids and took a deep breath.

“I’ve got some things we need to talk about.”

Maddox looked up at me. “Like mom?”

“Yeah, buddy. Like your mom.”

Nova snuggled closer to me. “She was scary, daddy.”

“I know. And I’m doing everything to protect you two. Your mom is... she’s very sick and that makes her not think normal. She and I used to be best friends. Then she got sicker and made some bad choices.”

Maddox sighed. “Like running away from us?”

“Exactly. I just need you both to promise me, if you ever see her run. Run as fast as you can and find any of us. We’re always around town. Or any of the Old Ladies.”

Nova glanced up at me. “Are we in danger, daddy?”

Exhaling, I lean down and kiss her forehead.

“I don’t know, baby. I really don’t know what she’s capable of, to be honest. All I know is she’s sick and making bad choices.”

Maddox leaned into me and took his sister's hand in his. “I’ll protect you, Nova. Don’t worry.”

“Daddy and Miss Lily will protect us too, right?”

I smiled. “That’s right. So will all of your uncles in the club. You two are very loved.”

Nova sat up. “Where is Miss Lily? I like her. She’s so pretty.”

“She’s working really hard. Let’s go inside, though. I got some work to do and I think you both have tests to study for..”

As the kids were running up the stairs, the bell rang. I walked over to see Lily standing on the other side.

I opened the door and leaned on the doorframe. “Miss me already, princess?”

She shook her head and shifted on her feet. I could tell something was wrong and stepped back.

“Living room is right there. Sit while I make sure the kids are all set.”

Lily nodded as I ran up the steps. Maddox and Nova were both at their desks, books open. My kids were fucking great.

I walked back down the steps to see Lily sitting right where I left her. She was wearing tight black leggings with a lacy black top and a longish tan sweater on top. She even had on cheetah print heeled booties to top her look.

Lily’s long brown hair was pulled into a neat ponytail with curls at the end. Nova was right; she really was pretty.

I shook my head and walked over to her. Lily looked up as I moved in front of her.

“I’m really sorry for just showing up. I’ve been trying to call you…”

“Saturday’s I don’t pick up the phone. It’s my time with the kids.”

She nodded. “Got it. Well... um. I have good news and bad news.”

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