Bear (Silver Saints MC), page 7
Rather than argue with her about the doctor, I took out my phone and hit Patch’s speed dial.
“I was just about to call you,” he said the moment he picked up. “Your girl’s dad—”
Whatever he wanted to tell me couldn’t be nearly as important as Alyssa’s health. “You need to get your ass over here. Something’s wrong with Alyssa.”
“I’ll be there in ten. What's happening?” he asked in a serious tone, going straight into medical mode.
“She’s sick. I don’t know—”
“It’s nothing,” Alyssa grumbled. “I must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me.”
“Bullshit,” I hissed.
“Tell me her symptoms,” Patch instructed.
“She’s been vomiting for a couple of days and not sleeping well.”
“I probably have the flu,” Alyssa snapped loud enough to make sure Patch heard her through the phone.
“I’ll let the doctor decide what’s wrong,” I grunted. “She always seems better after throwing up, but then she gets sick again.”
“After every meal?”
“No, it’s been pretty random.”
“Are you having sex?”
Alyssa snorted, but I wasn’t amused.
“Why the fuck are you asking about our sex life?”
“If you haven’t figured it out, then I have to wonder…you do know how babies are made, right?” Patch drawled.
“Of course, I know, asshole. I’ve been working on it since we got here.” It had occurred to me the first time Alyssa was sick, but it was too early, and she wasn’t just vomiting in the mornings. Maybe I’d been wrong…
“Then why are you freaking out about her being pregnant?”
I had one arm curled around Alyssa, and my hand drifted down to splay on her flat belly. “I didn’t think she would be sick this early. And she’s been having trouble a hell of a lot more than just in the—”
“How do you not know that morning sickness is different for every woman? There have been babies popping out all around us for years.”
I shrugged even though he couldn’t see the gesture. “I wasn’t paying that much attention. It wasn’t my woman, so I left the worrying up to their men.”
The front door opened and shut, so I assumed Patch had arrived. I told him which bathroom we were in and ended the call. Some of the color had returned to Alyssa’s skin, and she sat up with a little more strength. I scooped her into my arms and stood, then set her on the counter next to the sink.
“We’re having a baby,” I said as I cupped her face and stretched my lips into a wide smile.
“Holy crap,” Alyssa breathed, her face lighting up and her green eyes sparkling. “Pregnant!”
“Who the fuck is pregnant?” a deep voice bellowed from the entrance to the bathroom.
Fucking hell. It was the sheriff.
11
Alyssa
It wasn’t easy to get anything past my dad. He was too observant to miss much, especially when it came to me. So it only took him a split second to notice our positions and how Garrison had been holding my cheeks. “Alyssa, pumpkin, I need you to step into the hallway please.”
Garrison’s hands dropped, and I slipped my palm against his, interlacing our fingers. “I’m not going anywhere, Daddy. My place is with Garrison.”
My dad looked like he was about to have a heart attack, his face turning purple as a vein in his temple visibly throbbed. “You’re an eighteen-year-old girl. Your place is in school, not with a biker who’s more than old enough to know better.”
Maybe it was immature of me, but I rolled my eyes. “Eighteen is past the age of consent, and you know I’m basically already done with school.”
“I might not be able to arrest Bear for what he’s done, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let this stand. You never should’ve been out here alone with him in the first place, and he should’ve kept his damn hands off you.” My dad glared at Garrison. “I let my daughter stay with the Silver Saints to keep her safe, not so she could keep you entertained in exchange for protection.”
“What the hell did you just say?” Garrison rumbled, his body shifting to block me from my dad’s sight. “I don’t care if you’re the sheriff or her father. If you talk about Alyssa like that again, you’re going to find yourself six feet under.”
“I didn’t–I wasn’t—” I peeked around Garrison’s back at the crack in my dad’s voice. When his green eyes met mine, they were filled with remorse. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out. It was supposed to be a verbal jab at him, not you. Never you, pumpkin. You gotta know that.”
“Of course, I do.” I shoved at Garrison’s back to make enough room so I could jump off the counter.
“Careful, baby.” He wrapped an arm around my back to make sure I didn’t hurt myself. Then he tried to pull me close, but he wasn’t fast enough to stop me from darting forward to give my dad a hug. “Dammit.”
Although tension was thick in the air, I giggled as I pressed my cheek against my dad’s chest before tilting my head back to smile up at him. “Sorry, he tends to get a little growly over me. Kinda like you do with Mom, huh?”
This time, he was the one who muttered, “Dammit.”
“Uh-huh, I figured that might get you thinking.” I went up on my toes to give him a quick kiss, and then I darted back over to Garrison’s side.
Once I was settled against him with his arm around my back, Garrison focused on my dad. “I don’t expect you to like Alyssa and me being together, but she’s mine, and nothing’s gonna change that. And I will always do whatever is necessary to protect her, even from you if necessary.”
A muscle jumped in my dad’s jaw. “I would never do anything to hurt my daughter.”
“Then don’t ever come into our home again and say shit that’ll upset her,” Garrison ordered.
“Your home?” my dad echoed, his brows drawing together.
I bounced up and down on the balls of my feet and clapped my hands together. “Yeah, I just found out this morning that he bought the place for us because of how much I love it here. How awesome is that?”
“That true?” he asked.
“Yeah, the deal just went through yesterday,” Garrison confirmed. “She made it more than clear she loved the place. Got lucky ’cause it was a short sale, so I could afford it and didn’t have to search for somewhere else she’d like half as much.”
I beamed a smile at my dad, who heaved a deep sigh as some of the anger left his expression. We weren’t out of the clear with him yet, but I knew that Garrison buying my dream house went a long way with him.
“You didn’t even let the poor girl out of the bathroom?” Patch called as he walked into the house, making me wish yet again that I’d made it upstairs to the privacy of our en suite bathroom before my second round of puking for the day. When he came up behind my dad, he chuckled. “Ah, a confrontation with the dad and not a celebration of the good news. I guess I’m not sorry for interrupting then ’cause this might help.”
He moved to stand at my dad’s side and tossed a leather vest to Garrison. “Thanks, man.”
Patch jerked his chin up. “Figured since I was headed this way to check on Alyssa, I might as well do double duty and serve as the courier for the shit you needed too.”
“Damn glad that you did.” Garrison slipped the vest onto me and traced his finger over my back once it was in place. “Property of Bear. Looks fucking good on you, baby.”
“Aw, you had this made for me?” I sniffled, thrilled with my third surprise of the day. The perfect house, a baby on the way, and now Garrison was making me his old lady. I’d been looking forward to the day when he officially claimed me ever since he’d told me about how things worked in his motorcycle club.
“Property?” my dad sputtered, his reaction the opposite of mine. He looked as though his head was about to explode again.
“Yeah, I didn’t think making Alyssa my old lady would hold a fuck of a lot of weight with you. But I figured this would.”
Patch tossed a ring box at him this time, and I gasped, pressing trembling fingers against my lips. “You want to marry me?”
We both ignored my dad, who muttered, “He damn well better if he knocked you up.”
Garrison flipped the top of the jewelry box open with his thumb. “I don’t just want to marry you, baby. I’m gonna marry you.” He shot a glance at my dad. “No shotgun needed unless it’s what it takes to get you up the aisle.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks when he pulled the diamond solitaire out and slipped it on my finger. “My dad won’t need his shotgun. I’d run up the aisle to you if I had to.”
“Good, baby. Because I’m not leaving anything to chance. You’re mine.” He brushed his thumb over my knuckle. “With my ring on your finger, my property patch on your back, and my baby in your belly, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my whole damn life.”
“Me, too,” I whispered before looking at my dad. “The only thing that would make me happier is if we had your blessing.”
My dad sighed again, his shoulders slumping. “The only thing I want in this world is for you to be happy. I guess I’ll have to find a way to accept your relationship before you walk down the aisle.”
“You better figure it out damn quick.” Garrison tucked me against his side. “We’re not taking forever to plan our wedding. It’s gonna happen soon. Like next weekend soon.”
My dad’s eyes narrowed. “A week? You don’t have to rush into getting married just because you’re pregnant, pumpkin. You should take a little time. Make sure you get it right.”
I shook my head, smiling so big that my cheeks hurt. “As long as I have a pretty dress and some flowers, the only thing that matters to me is that I’m marrying Garrison with you and Mom there.”
“Alyssa carrying my baby isn’t why our wedding is gonna happen soon.” Garrison brushed a kiss against the top of my head.
I twisted my head to the side to look up at him. “It isn’t?”
“Nope.” He stroked a finger down my cheek. “Just don’t want to risk anything getting in the way of me marrying the woman I love.”
My eyes widened as I gasped, “You love me?”
“With every fiber of my being.”
Today truly was the best ever. “I love you, too.”
His lips curved into a satisfied smirk. “I know, baby.”
My dad muttered under his breath, but I caught his small smile before he lowered his head to look at the floor.
Patch let out a low whistle. “Damn that was beautiful. Don’t think I’ve ever heard Bear say so much. If he’s gonna put on shows like this now that he has you in his life, we might have to rethink his road name. Maybe change it to Circus Bear or something.”
Garrison quirked a brow. “Joke all you want, Patch. Your day will come soon enough.”
Epilogue
Bear
“She’s beautiful, honey,” Alyssa’s mom told her softly as she stared down at her first grandchild. “I knew you two would make gorgeous babies.”
Jana had been ecstatic when she found out her daughter was not only engaged but also pregnant. It had gone a long way in improving the sheriff’s attitude. Jensen still struggled with the fact that his son-in-law was in a motorcycle club who made their own rules for justice, but we had respect for each other. In order to have a good relationship, we just avoided that subject whenever possible.
“You did good, pumpkin,” he declared with a proud smile before kissing the top of Alyssa’s head.
My wife laughed. “It doesn’t appear that way. She looks just like her daddy.”
“There’s plenty of you in there, baby,” I assured her as I cuddled her closer and gazed at the little angel in her arms. “And you were amazing today.” I’d been a nervous wreck when Alyssa had gone into labor. Luckily, she’d remained calm and ordered me to get my shit together and take her to the hospital.
I hadn’t done a whole lot better in the hospital room while she was having the baby, and I had no doubt I’d never live that down because Patch dropped by to check on us. Alyssa asked him to help me through this, and he laughed for a good five minutes. He was on call, and his pager went off a half-hour later, calling him to the ER. He said he’d be back, but Alyssa had been settled in her room for half an hour now, and he’d yet to return.
“What are you going to name her?” Jana asked.
“Celia Anne.” Alyssa had picked the name, and when she told me, it was the only time other than our wedding day that I nearly cried.
My parents had passed away when I was ten, and I’d been raised by an uncle—a Silver Saint. I’d had a great childhood, but my parents had been incredible, and I missed them every day. My mother’s name was Celia, and my father’s mother was named Anne.
“Perfect.” Jana beamed at us before leaning down to coo and baby talk with CeCe.
“Amazing how perfect, considering her ugly-ass father,” Patch announced as he strolled into the room.
I rolled my eyes, not in the mood to engage. Not when I had everything I could have ever wanted safe and secure in my arms.
“Where’ve you been?” I asked idly, distracted by my daughter’s tiny fist wrapping around my finger.
“Dealing with a patient.”
Something in his tone made me look up and scrutinize him. He was trying to hide it, but he looked a little shell-shocked and a whole lot frustrated. I recognized that expression.
“I need to get back to her—”
“Later,” I interrupted, waving my hand toward the door. “Go take care of your woman.”
He didn’t bother to deny it, just lifted his chin and mumbled congratulations before beating a hasty retreat.
“Uh-oh.” Alyssa snickered. “He had the same look on his face that you did when I walked up to you in the parking lot at school.”
“It worked out for me,” I said with a shrug and a crooked smile.
“True.” She winked at me, and I couldn’t help capturing her lips in a sweet kiss.
“Ahem.” Jensen cleared his throat, but I ignored him.
I vowed to send Jana diamonds when she chuckled and dragged her husband from the room because we needed some private family time.
“I love you, baby,” I told Alyssa when I finally ended the kiss.
“I love you, too,” she answered, her expression soft as she stared up at me.
CeCe drew our attention when she began crying and rooting around for her next meal.
Alyssa lowered her hospital gown and brought our daughter to her breast to feed her. It was a tender moment, but as CeCe suckled at my wife’s tit, I couldn't help feeling a little jealous. I couldn’t wait to have my turn when I got Alyssa home and back in our bed. I couldn't take her for six or so weeks, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t satisfy each other.
After CeCe finished and had fallen back asleep, in my arms this time, I was marveling at how gorgeous she was when a terrifying thought struck me.
“We need to have a boy,” I croaked. “Lots of boys.”
Alyssa laughed and shook her head. “How about we enjoy our firstborn for a little while before we go making anymore. And we don’t get to pick the sex, babe. That’s not how this works. Are you sure you know how babies are made?”
I was too caught up in my nightmares about all the little shits that would be flocking around my beautiful daughter one day to catch onto Alyssa’s teasing tone. “Right away. We have to have boys, baby. Look at her. She’s too fucking gorgeous. I’m going to need help.”
“Teach her to take care of herself, and you won’t need to rely on her brothers,” Alyssa stated.
“I still want more protection for my precious girl,” I insisted.
Alyssa huffed, but there wasn’t anything in her eyes besides amusement and love. “Okay, if it will make you feel better, we can try again in a year.”
I didn’t agree or disagree, so she shouldn’t have been shocked when she was pregnant four months later. Nor should she have doubted my commitment to protecting my daughter. I was determined to give CeCe brothers who would protect her, and the next time Alyssa gave birth, it was to twin boys.
Epilogue
Alyssa
We’d lived in my dream home for seven years, but I was still awestruck at times that the place was actually ours. As I pulled into the driveway after making a quick run to the grocery store, I had one of those moments. The hour away had been exactly what I’d needed. Although, I’d had to talk Garrison into me being the one to go because I was desperate for a tiny bit of “me time” after we’d hosted ten six-year-old little girls all day yesterday for CeCe’s birthday party.
My lips stretched into a big grin as I murmured, “Home sweet home.”
My shopping list hadn’t been long, but I was still surprised that Garrison didn’t meet me in the garage to bring the bags inside the house. Normally, he’d smack my butt for daring to carry the bags myself. A sensual shiver raced down my spine at the possibility that I’d earn myself a punishment for not leaving the stuff in the car. Hopefully, the kids would go down early tonight, and I could get a little detention time.
I put the groceries away, and then I went in search of my husband and children. I didn’t have to go far. After we had the twins, we’d turned one of the extra bedrooms into a playroom for the kids. As I walked down the hallway, I heard the low murmur of voices drifting out from there. Curious about what they were doing, I tiptoed closer and pressed against the wall near the doorway.
“Do you want more tea, Daddy?” CeCe asked.
“I’d love some, pumpkin,” he quickly agreed.
Not wanting them to know I was eavesdropping yet, I held back a sniffle. Hearing Garrison use the same nickname for our little girl who my dad had for me always made me emotional. Seeing what a great dad he was to CeCe had finally been enough to make my dad fully accept Garrison into the family. He’d even gotten the boys 3-wheel toddler motorcycles for their second birthday.
