Chapter Twelve

Laurel

“I’m so sorry.” Josephine sighed, shaking her head. Josephine was a beautiful woman, with shoulder-length golden hair and bright green eyes. She had an ethereal look about her, almost as if she lived in some fairy wonderland. She was shy too. “I will pay for the doctor’s visit and anything else Cameron needs.”

“Oh please,” Bailey scoffed. “That brat doesn’t need anything but a swift kick in the pants. I’m just sorry I missed the show.”

“You didn’t. I have it recorded on the security feed.” I grinned, taking a seat next to the women.

“I need a copy.”

Sugar leaned forward and asked, “So, how long have you lived in Rosewood? I’ve never seen you around.”

“Actually, I was born in Rosewood.”

Sugar frowned. “So was I. How come I’ve never seen you before?”

“My father owns the Rosewood Ski Resort up on Wheeler Mountain. When I was old enough, my father sent me away to school. I only returned because my dad isn’t well and needed my help with the Resort.”

“Oh my God,” Sugar gasped. “You are Jack Orlean’s daughter. Your dad is the richest man in Rosewood. I’ve heard of you.”

“It’s Hennessy now.”

“So, you’re married?” I asked, as the pretty woman shook her head.

“Kind of.”

Confused, I looked at Bailey, who frowned. “What does kind of mean?”

“I’m not sure. Well, I recently learned my husband, Freddie, is a con artist and that my marriage might not be legal. He’s wanted in three different states on a slew of charges and he may or may not have two other wives. It’s a big mess and no one really knows anything.”

Bailey threw her head back and laughed before she looked at Sugar. “Oh, she’s perfect. She will fit right in with us.”

“I’m sorry?” Josephine questioned, confused.

“I meant no disrespect.” Bailey smiled. “You see, we’re all wives or future wives of the Sons of Hell Motorcycle Club. We all have interesting pasts and, girl, you would fit in perfectly with us.”

“I don’t understand.”

Sugar shook her head and sighed. “What Bailey is talking about is she is married to King. Bailey was hunted down by a former club brother who was sleeping with King’s then wife. Sarah, the daughter of the sheriff, got knocked up with triplets by Gunner, then Sarah’s former boyfriend sold her online to some British asshole. Skylar’s house blew up, then she damn near died when Pyro’s former brother-in-law tried to run her off Rosewood Mountain. Henley was an online sex-reader before Scribe killed her stalker. Claudia, the town doctor, did the mattress mambo with Frank, then found a baby in the alley, which they both adopted. There is me, a survivor of an abusive marriage, who then married my best friend, Enigma. Then there is Phoebe, who survived a serial killer. She’s married to Priest.”

“Finally, there’s me.” I smiled, looking over at Banks, who was holding court with all the kids. “I got pregnant at fifteen by that idiot over there, who took off, leaving me holding the proverbial diaper bag.”

“What we’re trying to say is that we would like to be your friend.” Skylar beamed. “I know Jasper is part of the boys’ Quartet for the fall talent show. I’ve seen him rehearsing with the boys at Martha Cohen’s house on Tuesdays. Your son is really good.”

Josephine grinned. “Jasper loves to sing when he’s not bird watching. He’s such a shy boy. I worried when we moved back here that he wouldn’t find any friends. Martha has been a big help in that regard. Jasmine is the complete opposite. She’s very opinionated and doesn’t hold back.”

“Well, she put Cam in his place. That’s for sure.” Sky chuckled. “Cam likes to think his word is law. It’s not everyday someone challenges him.”

“Babe,” Banks said, interrupting us. “King’s blowing up my phone. I have to take the brats back to the clubhouse. You want me to take Kai?”

“Only if he wants to go.”

“I do!” my son shouted, as he, Cameron, and Benny all headed for the door.

“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Banks assured, quickly kissing my forehead, before following when I heard Kai shout, “Hi, Nana!”

“Hello, my darling boy.”

I looked up just as Banks leaned over to kiss my mom’s cheek while he was holding the door open for her. My mother walked over, looking haggard.

“There you are.” My mom sighed, fanning her face. “I’ve been looking all over for you. I’ve got a mitigated disaster on my hands. The Country Club isn’t big enough. I need your help to find another venue.”

Groaning, I hung my head. “Mom, today is the Grand Opening of my store. I can’t leave and help you right now. Call Leigha or Lilly.”

“Those ungrateful girls are ignoring my calls. I need your help or this wedding won’t happen, and you know what that means.”

Gulping, I nodded.

It meant she would be sleeping in my guest room longer.

“The Country Club is plenty big. You don’t need to change venues.”

“That was before my cousin, Loretta May, told the entire family. Now they all want to come.”

Rolling my eyes, I sighed. “How many more?”

“One hundred and thirty-seven.”

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” I gasped. “That’s the whole fucking town of Rickett Creek!”

“And then some,” my mom huffed as she sat next to me. “Your uncle Billy and his wife are coming too. It’s going to be a McDonald family reunion.”

“How many people in total?” Josephine asked politely.

“Counting the town of Rosewood, over two-fifty,” I sneered, looking at my mom. “Apparently, my mom can’t say no to anyone.”

“The resort is big enough and there are plenty of rooms for the guests to stay there.”

“Resort?” My mom perked up, sitting up straighter. “What resort?”

“The Rosewood Ski Resort up on Wheeler Mountain,” Bailey spoke up. “It’s really fancy too. I’ve seen it, but never been. All the rich and famous people stay there during the winter ski season.”

My mom’s smile got bigger, and I groaned.

Shit. This was not good.

“Don’t toy with me, Peaches. I’m a desperate Southern woman willing to commit murder. When you say rich and famous. What do you mean?”

“Let me put it this way.” Bailey grinned. “You remember that big movie that came out a few years ago with that famous British actor, William DeVine?”

“Oh!” My mom preened. “I love his movies and more importantly, he’s single.”

Shaking my head, I groaned, “Mom.”

“No man that good looking should be single,” my mom snipped, before turning back to Bailey. “Go on, Peaches. I’m all ears.”

“Well…”

It was late by the time I made it to the clubhouse to pick up Kai. After cleaning up the store, counting the register, and making my first deposit, I was dead on my feet. All I wanted was to soak in a hot bath and to drink a cold beer in silence.

Walking into the clubhouse, I saw Nash sitting with Priest. They were talking. Well, Priest was talking to Nash, who just stared at the floor. He didn’t even look up when I walked by.

Not that I thought he would. My mom was right. Ever since we moved here, Nash’s temperament had taken a nosedive. Whatever was bothering him weighed heavily on him, and until he was ready to talk, I couldn’t do anything. As a mom, that was a hard pill to swallow, when all I wanted to do was fix the problem so I could have my boy back.

Sometimes it really sucked being a mom.

Heading over to the bar where Nikoli and several of his club brothers were sitting, Nikoli greeted me warmly, pulling me closer to him. “Hey, babe. How did it go?”

Yawning, I muttered, “Good. Everything’s locked up tight and the deposits been made.”

“I need to swing by and check the place out,” Gunner said. “I haven’t read a comic book since I was a kid. I need to catch up with the Fantastic Four.”

“Come by anytime,” I replied, then asked, “Where is Kai? I need to get him home.”

“Asleep with the others in the rec room. They crashed about an hour ago. Frank wore them out on the obstacle course, after dinner,” Enigma said, handing me a beer.

Taking it, I took a drink and sighed. “Why were they on the obstacle course?”

“It’s something King started with Cameron and Benny after the paintball incident. King decided Cameron needed an outlet to expel some of his energy. That kid goes balls to the wall, twenty-four seven. Exercise is good for them, plus, it wears them out and gives all of us a break.”

Looking over my shoulder, I muttered, “And Nash?”

“Been quiet today. He’s been with Priest all afternoon,” Pyro explained.

“Babe, you look dead on your feet.” Nikoli sighed. “Why don’t you stay here tonight? Tomorrow is Sunday and the store is closed. You can sleep in and relax.”

“I wish I could, but my mom is dragging me to the Rosewood Ski Resort tomorrow to meet with Josephine about using the resort as the venue for the wedding. I need to be ready bright and early, or the South will rise again, and it won’t be pretty.”

“Banks. Take your woman home,” King instructed, walking over. “Leave the brats here. They will be fine.”

“I can’t do that, King,” I argued. “You already have Nash. I can’t saddle you with Kai, too.”

“You are not doing anything, woman. I’m offering. Take it and run.”

“Come on, babe,” Nikoli said, getting to his feet. “Let’s get you home.”