Ready For Love?

Chapter 27

Laughter filled the room after the slap echoed throughout. Followed by, of course, a few remarks from everyone about me playing a dangerous game or Rip finally meeting his match. He just watched me with eyes that I swear were at least 2 shades darker and had a lot of promise written all through them.

My body feeling alive and wanted to squirm, but I tried to ignore it and concentrate on the food.

“Mornin’.” Doc came in and nodded and with satisfaction when he saw Basket eating his pancakes.

Everyone greeted him back before he went and spoke to Hollywood and introduced himself to Hunter. After breakfast, they were going to go and do some mouth swabs before Amy was to take them shopping and help get Hunter set up.

I liked that the club was jumping in to help Hollywood.

Turns out the mother had a new boyfriend that didn’t want any child that wasn’t his ‘hanging around’, so they just dropped poor Hunter off with a bag of clothes and a bag of toys.

It broke my heart. I really didn’t understand how a mother could do that.

I would feel lost without my kids. I missed them terribly even when enjoying this quiet time by myself. I had to remind myself they were a phone call away and safe… and I knew my sister would bring them back even if she was threatening to keep them.

I had my money on a honey pregnancy. She would probably be pregnant already if it wasn't for the MASSIVE amount she spent on her wedding dress. I hate the fact that we are going to be all the way back in Australia and I won’t get to see my nieces and nephews grow up every day... because trust me, there will be more than one in the next couple of years.

Fi has talked about coming back to Australia when the kids get to school age or before. Growing up in Australia, we aren’t used to all the guns and I have to admit I get nervous around them.

Dad always tried not to have his police belt with his gun and everything on him when he was home. He would put it straight into the safe, then have lunch before grabbing it and going. We honestly hardly saw it.

The most guns I ever saw was when dad went rabbit and fox shooting. I only went once or twice as it wasn’t my thing.

Even right now, I’m trying not to look at the holster that is hiding under a few of their vests… oops sorry, cut. I have noticed that Reid doesn’t carry one, which I’m relieved about... or its well hidden not to make me nervous.

Fi has spoken about how she doesn’t like it either, even though everyone in DC are discreet due to the law when carrying, compared to what I've been told about down south.

America just has a very different culture when it comes to that... oh and VERY different laws.

Reid grabbed my plate and told me to stay put. “You bossing me around now?” I arched a brow at him.

He smirked and didn’t reply. Yeah, he would love to just boss everyone around, it wasn’t half obvious he had to be in control.

The Smithsonian was amazing, and the tour guide was fantastic. I was enjoying getting my nerd on, asking question after question and getting a thrill from being about to see areas not normally open to the public.

Full nerd on!

Reid was patient, holding my hand and wondered around without a complaint. He even asked his own questions here and there, and it felt… nice. Really nice. It wasn't just the fact that he was walking s*x on two legs, I found his presence calming, he was always so relaxed. He never once made me feel like I was doing something wrong and even asked me a bit about Cam.

That surprised me and I did feel a little uncomfortable at the start until he told me 'don't ever feel like you can't to me about your past'.

We had lunch at a local café before coming back and looking at more, not leaving until it was nearly four. I seriously had to drag myself out. SO MUCH TO SEE!

The h*******t Museum was nearby, and I made a note to come back and see that as well. I know I would be a blubbering mess within seconds of walking in, especially at the moment, but it was also a must.

I honestly didn’t know they had one… but should have. Another thing on my list… long list.

Dad’s arriving on Wednesday next week, so if I don’t get time this week, I know he can look after the kids for a few hours, so I can go. Yes, yes, I should take the kids as well… but Ethan wouldn’t really understand and Addie would be ‘bored’ within seconds and I know I would die of embarrassment if she said that out loud there.

I know the kids would actually like several sections of the Smithsonian, so I might bring them back.

I may have gotten Reid to stop, so I could get little Hunter a present on the way back to the clubhouse… and a few extra things I needed to make meat pies to add to the dinner service.

Fire was in the kitchen with Scruff, Trap and Stalker. It seemed like we were also doing deserts tonight as well.

“Hello everyone!” I called as we walked in.

They all welcomed me using my new nickname. Seemed Anne was gone, and it was only Bear now.

I showed Reid where I wanted him to put the shopping bags before he got a call. “I got to take this. I’ll be back,” before kissing me on the forehead and walking back outside.

Fire gave out a small squeal before she came over and gave me a hug. I hugged her back gently before asking how she was feeling.

She waved it off. “I’m sick of people fussing… except you Mama Bear.” She winked before going back to her mixer.

“Lucky because I would have told you to get over it.” I winked back and she laughed before wincing slightly. “What you making?”

“Trap is doing pumpkin pie and apple pie. I’m making my last cake, a lemon raspberry. Scruff is doing the garlic and herb breads and Stalker is getting all the veggies ready to be roasted. We still need to do the creamy pasta, the chicken breasts for both the allergy side and normal, the salads…” She rattled it all off as she looked at everything.

She was still very stiff and had to be still VERY sore, but I knew now there was NO telling Fire to go and relax. But then again I might… just to razz her up.

She looked in charge, happy and focused. It was good to see.

“So did Rip tell ya, we will be catering for the Red Serpent MC for dinners now too.” She smiled proudly.

“No, but I’m not surprised. I also brought everything to make meat pies to add to tonight's menu, if that’s alright.”

She scoffed. “As if you need to ask. You will have to show me though. I’ve never had one.”

“Only if you say please.” I started to pull everything out I would need on the spare bench space I found… it wasn’t hard though with such a big kitchen.

Her face changed into the most innocent pleading, pitiful face that normally my kids use to try and emotionally blackmail me into letting them have something. “Pretty please, Mama Bear?” She intertwined her fingers and put them under her chin.

“Oh, you be good at that. Fine then. Go finish your cake as I get it all ready.”

I don't know why they keep saying Fire is anything but sweet, especially as one of the bunnies walks in with nothing but attitude. Actually... this is where Fire shows how sweet she isn't, as she steeled herself and narrowed her eyes on the woman. "Skanky sluts need to keep their diseases out of the kitchen. So... fuck... off!"

The woman in barely anything rolled her eyes before looking straight at me. "I was just looking for Rip."

Oh, here we go.