Page 112 of Moose

Beckett frowned. “Yeah, of course, bud. Why?”

“You tried to save us. I watched everything that happened.”

Beckett wrapped Maddox tight into his arms. “Shit, little man. I’m so sorry you had to see that. But I love you two and will always put myself in front to save you. I’m tough, don’t worry.”

I could see a small tear fall down Beckett’s cheek and leaned into Moose. Beckett was wonderful with the kids. He truly cared about them.

Beckett stood, and we all walked toward the SUV, climbing in. He climbed in the front seat with me while Moose sat in the back with the kids.

As we drove to the clubhouse, I could see everybody on their motorcycles and cars behind us. It was a beautiful sight to see and made me tear up a bit.

Striker and Maverick moved in front of the SUV, and we all came to a stop. The gates of the compound opened, and we all moved in.

As we got out of the SUV, everybody else was parking or already in the clubhouse. Music had started to play and Moose and I held hands as we walked toward the back.

Nova and Maddox ran to play with all the other little kids. The grills were already fired up and Bambi was setting up tables with food, the other Old Ladies right by her side.

I sat at one of the picnic tables with Moose and just watched as everybody moved around. It was amazing to see how well everybody fit in, despite their differences.

Striker nodded at Moose, then moved inside. Moose stood and turned back to kiss me. “I’ll be right back, princess.”

I kissed him again as he followed his president inside, no doubt to talk about what had gone down. I knew Striker was going to want to know all about Javier and the crew and made a note to pull him aside later to talk more in depth about it. But I trusted Moose and knew he would tell Striker exactly what happened.

Nova and Maddox came over with plates of food and sat across from me.

“How are you kiddos doing?”

Maddox smiled. “Much better now that we’re home. But I miss Tia already.”

Nova nodded. “Me too. She was so nice.”

“Tia is my favorite besides you two.” I winked as they giggled. “She raised me as a little girl. Her and Javier are going to come out for Christmas!”

They both smiled and turned back to eating. Maddox looked up at me and put his fork down.

“Lily?”

I looked up at him. “Yeah, baby?”

“Do we ever have to see Tessa, I mean our mom, again?”

I took both Nova and his hands in mine. “No. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you before, but I will not let her ever hurt you again.”

Maddox smiled. “Good. I just.... I don’t want her to be our mom.”

“Well... biologically, she will always be your mother. But you don’t have to call her mom or be near her if you don’t want to. Maybe one day you’ll change your mind when she gets better. But that’s always up to you.”

Nova got up and climbed into my lap. “We have a very important question to ask you.”

I nodded. “Ask me anything you want, babes.”

She and Maddox looked at each other, then back at me.

“Can you be our mom?”

I gasped as the tears filled my eyes.

“Me?”

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