Page 55 of Falling for Her

Cody smiles and reminds me, “Because he knows you are ready.”

I smile sadly and finally admit, “He may know I’m ready, but, in my heart, I don’t think I am because even though it’s been nearly four years since she passed, it’ll make things more final.”

His body deflates at my words, something I’ve never admitted, even to my dad and he mutters, “Ah fuck,” and rounds the counter before taking me in his arms and whispers, “Everything will be okay,” holding me tightly and I let my first sob release, hoping he’s right.

Mom.

The bakery.

Damian.

The baby.

Bethany…

I need a break and hopefully come up with the best decisions while the club deals with their princess because next time she comes in here and threatens me, I’m smashing a tray across her face.

Chapter 22

Jokester

Itiltmyheadas every brother looks my way with hesitation and apprehension while my dad and Butcher huddle with Bullet near the bar, most likely trying to figure out how to get my patch back on my back.

And no, I did not miss the fact that said patch was sitting on the bar in front of them.

I sigh. I feel like I’m a fucking fish in a fishbowl with everyone looking at me.

“I can’t believe my girl and Adam convinced me to do this,” I mutter and cross my arms over my chest as I lean back in my chair and Hammer who is sitting opposite me grins.

“Did I ever mention how much I like your girl?” he asks, and I snort while some brothers – Slick and Acid to be precise – scowl. While they know her, they haven’t had proper discussions with her each time they’ve gone into the bakery, and now they’re pissed and more so at me because I’ve not only iced them out for five months but also because I never told them about her.

“Once or twice,” I mumble as I lean forward and grab my beer, taking a swig.

“You know I gave you a bad reference, right?” He confirms, and I shake my head because of course he did.

“Really?” I huff, and he shrugs and admits, “I won’t lose my best employee because my best friends are fucking idiots.”

I shake my head and return, “Well, lucky for me, Robyn’s Tats didn’t take note because they’ve offered me a job, and there is a nice two-bedroom house up for sale down the road from Adam’s that I’ve booked for a viewing.”

Hammers's face reddens as he stands and shouts, “Butcher, let's start this fucking thing right now!”

Fuck, I should have seen that coming.

Everyone looks at him, and I wince and lock eyes with Bullet, who sighs and states, “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t tell Hammer about the new job until we’ve all had this meeting.”

The room becomes tense more so knowing he was aware of my new job and didn’t say fuck all, and I reply, “I didn’t even want this meeting, Bullet, you know this,” his jaw ticks, but I ignore his frustration and remind him, “I’m still going to be taking the job, and moving on with my life. You know I’m only here because my girl and her father, sweet-talked me,” I look around the room, “You are all my family, something precious to me, and I don’t want to have regrets. Essy lost her mom nearly four years ago, so I’m here for her.”

Bullet shakes his head as the men huff. I open my mouth but soon close it when Butcher says, “You are our brother, the jokester of the club, and more so since finding Essy, meaning you found yourself again. You are Levi and Hannah’s uncle in every way except blood, their favorite person after Essy that is–”

I cut in and scoff playfully, “I’ll win that position back,” making the brothers chuckle because I most likely will not. Those kids love my girl, and I can’t really blame them.

Butcher grins and continues, “You are loyal to no end. Dating Bethany is proof of that, and you also know when enough is enough. You are our family, Damian, and I can’t apologize enough for the pressure I put on your shoulders, proving I wasn’t deemed fit to wear the presidential patch,” I swallow at the truth he shines with as Butcher sighs, “You made me open my eyes to the error of my ways, showing me I can’t just brush what Bethany was doing underneath the rug like I was doing, not wanting to disappoint my old lady.”

“We want you back where you belong. We want you here, being a part of something you dreamed of being a part of,” Stone finishes, and I look down, not sure what to say.

Has every brother in this room, and the prospects, tried to contact me in the five months I haven’t been here? Yes, and have I ignored them all? Also, yes, but that is because I needed a break.

What Dad and Butcher did was hard for me to process. I looked up to them, and they let me down more than once. Even being here is hard for me, but I know these people are my family, and if my girl has taught me anything, family is to be cherished.

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