Page 76 of Choosing My Happiness
Laughter filled the room as the doors swung closed. People turned back to their companions and picked up conversations. Behind me, I heard the door to the play area open. Kids came running in, yelling and talking. I took a step towards the memorial.
“Oh my Gosh, that was so much fun! Does this happen every weekend?”
I looked up at the excited tone in Amber’s voice. Her eyes were shining bright. My brain was imploding. She thought what had just happened was fun?
“What?” I blurted out.
“Does this happen often? I mean, Tank had family days that I was allowed to, but nothing like this ever happened. That was cool!”
“Cool?!” I repeated in shock.
“Yeah!” She frowned. “Are you okay?”
I stared at her. No, no I wasn’t okay.
I felt a little hand grip mine. “Dad? Why was Grampy angry?”
I looked down into my son’s eyes. I opened my mouth and then realized I had no child-safe explanation. He saved me with typical child curiosity.
“An’ what’s a cousin?”
I blew out a breath.
“An’, can I sleep with D2 tonight? She said I could,” he added.
“Dylan, stop.” I slowly crouched so I could look him in the eyes. I finally noticed D2 standing just behind him, holding his hand.
“Which question do you want answers to first?”
“Um, mm, the sleeping one.”
Oh, fuck me dead.
I saw Bull suddenly notice us. He paused the beer that was on its way to his mouth. That made this easy.
“While we’re here tonight, sure. Just make sure you actually sleep. No playing games.” I tried to sound stern.
Dylan and D2 both squealed and ran, giggling to the bedrooms. I slowly rose as Bull left his seat and started making his way over.
“What’s going on?” he growled at me.
“Uh, Dylan and D2 are planning to have a nap for a bit.”
Bull nodded, and a small smile creased his eyes. “He’s a good kid,” he grunted at me, and then turned to Amber. “Hi, I’m Bull,” he bluntly introduced himself, holding out his hand.
Amber simpered. “Amber.” She gave him a flirtatious grin and flutter of the eyelashes.
His smile turned stoney. He nodded and disengaged his hand.
“I don’t know what your experience with other clubs is, but here we hold relationships as sacred. Apart from your father and this idiot, a man’s ability to stay faithful to his ol’lady is a sign of his ability to stay faithful to the club.” His smile completely disappeared. “And every man here is loyal. Be careful who you flirt with. I’ll back any woman’s threat if you try and damage their relationship.” He turned and walked away.
“W—what did he mean?” she asked.
I sighed. The warning was clear. “It means don’t try and fuck around, Amber. If you insult an ol’lady, everyone here will turn a blind eye to your punishment. Especially my parents.”
I turned and walked away towards the bedrooms to tuck the kids in.
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