Page 30 of Explosive Union

“I’ll be fine,” the beautiful blonde says as she walks over to him. “This is Jade’s day. She deserves us all to be there cheering her on. Showing her that we support her and this family.”

Finn doesn’t look any happier, nor does Romero. But Granda has spoken. They have no choice but to accept his request.

“Ready for this, Jade?” Da asks quietly.

I nod. “I’m ready.”

He grins at me. “I’m so proud of you, mo chailín milis. Never ever forget that. You make me proud every single day.”

“Breá liom tú, daidí,” I whisper so that only he can hear.

His eyes well up, and he presses a kiss against my forehead. “Agus tá grá agam duit, mo chailín milis.”

* * *

“Gentlemen, welcome,” Granda says as he stands tall. His smile is welcoming and his posture at ease. This is what he was made for, who he is. The Head of the Clann. The man who built this empire from the ground up. He is the reason we’re all here, able to coexist with women being able to lead. My granda, unlike most mafia kings, has embraced the twenty-first century and saw what women can do. Makenna proved it and continues to do so daily.

“As you can see, today is a joyous occasion. We have our Jade home with us.”

Roars and cheers blast around the restaurant. It’s been swept for bugs and cameras and is all clear. This is our family business, something Mam runs for Da. It’s the legitimate side to our dealings. I’m pretty sure Mam had hoped I’d take over one day, but that’s not who I am. I would never want that life.

“Jade has proven her loyalty to the Clann, to the Gallagher family, and as such, she will be rewarded. Gentleman, it is a great honor to introduce you to the new Underboss of Chicago.” My granda side steps out of the way so I’m in view, and acknowledges me.

I keep my head held high. No matter what happens today, I am the underboss, and I’m proud to be one. While I still believe Hayes should have gotten the job before me, I am not stupid to turn it down.

Their cheers once again ring throughout the building. I glance around, and I’m surprised to see so many men standing and cheering. I thought I’d have a battle on my hands.

Granda raises his hand and silences them. “Jade has a few words to say.”

I smile widely at them, honored that they stand before me, without contempt. I know how hard Makenna had it when she was named boss.

“Gentleman, it’s good to see you all again,” I say loudly so that those at the back can hear me. “Five years is a long time. Diarmaid, congratulations on the twins,” I say to the man who’s sitting at the table with the more affluent soldiers that are in Illinois.

He grins at me and nods.

“Tyler, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure Mama Hoss is proud of you, as we all are,” I say, and instantly know that I’ve done the right thing by keeping up to date with the men and their lives. Tyler lost his mam almost six months ago, just before he made it to soldier. Mama Hoss was like my own granny. She was gutsy and ballsy but loved fiercely, and she was proud of both of her sons. One is currently in Indiana, as he followed Hayden there to help him get set up.

“Appreciate it, boss,” he says immediately, and I feel my throat lodge with emotion.

That easy, that simple, and he’s onside. And I suddenly realize what Granda meant in my da’s office. That my love is what makes me who I am. I’ve always cared about the men. They’re part of my life, part of who I am. I’ll always make sure that they’re okay and looked after.

“Over the next few weeks, I’ll be getting to know you all again. It’s been a while and, well, prison isn’t exactly a place for social calls.” There’s a few chuckles at that. “But the first announcement that I have is to announce who’ll be my right hand.” I glance over at Hayes and see the pride in his eyes. “Hayes has everyone’s back. He’s always there and he’s always proven that he’s more than capable of being a part of this family. There’s no one else I’d rather have at my side than him.”

The cheers that sound are even more robust than what I received at being announced as the underboss, and this just proves that Hayes may not have my granda’s backing, but he has the men’s.

“This week, we’ll be working together to figure out who’ll be my closest soldiers, and it will give you time to decide if being a soldier for a woman is what you want. If not, there’ll be no hard feelings and you’ll be reassigned to another city. If you want to stay, I welcome you and look forward to working with you.”

There are some bright smiles from the men, and those grow wider when Da steps up and starts talking.

“You did good, Sissy,” Hayden tells me. “They respect you for what you did for me.” The guilt is clear to hear in his voice.

“I would do it again,” I promise him. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my family.

“I owe you—"

I cut him off before he says something stupid. “You don’t. It’s done and we’re all moving on.”

He stares at me in disbelief. “Sure we are,” he snaps. “That’s why you haven’t been sleeping. Don’t lie to me, Jade.”

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