Chapter 4

Gideon

I n the morning, I get dressed in a pair of jeans and black shirt. Ivy and Lilly are still sleeping. I feel like checking their pulse since they've been out for so long, but I can clearly see that they're both breathing.

I go ahead and drive to my mother's place in the Dodge Charger Scat. I'm anticipating seeing her lovely face as much as I know she wants to see me. We haven't always seen eye to eye, but we're in a good place now. I think…

I pull up in the yard and shut off the motor. Stepping up on the porch, I knock on the door and wait for her to answer. She opens the door and places a hand over her heart. My mother is shorter than her children. Even in her fifties, she's a sight to behold. She has her ash blonde hair cut. The last time I saw her, it was longer. She's wearing a white dress – looks like she was about to head out.

"Oh my word," she says, bringing her hands to her trembling lips.

"Hey, there, beautiful lady," I say, "And don't you start that crying nonsense." I pull her into my arms. "How have you been, Mother?"

"I'm good now," she says. "I'm real good. It's so good to see you, Gideon."

"You as well, Ma."

After she releases me, she sits down in one of the rocking chairs on her porch and invites me to take the other.

"I don't know what's wrong with your brother. Gage ain't been nothing but trouble. I keep hoping, wishing and praying that he will get some kind of common sense, but so far, he ain't got nothing. It always fall back to the company you keep, I reckon. And speaking of…you're in that bike club nonsense…y'all trying to send me to an early grave, aren't you?'

"Of course not. And, for the record, Gage was the reason I was locked up. It had nothing to do with the motorcycle club."

"Yeah, but look at your affiliations, Gideon. I'm not so far removed that I don't know some of what goes on in that club."

"What do you think you know?"

"I know there's some criminal activity."

I grin and say, "I won't confirm or deny that."

"I also know y'all handle things."

"I won't confirm or deny that either. Listen—just be happy that I'm home. Are you happy that I'm home?"

"You know I am. Hey, I'm not trying to get all in your business, but do you have any plans to get back with Ivy because I thought you two were so good together. And she really loved you, Gideon."

"Well, it's interesting that you brought her up because she's currently at my house as we speak."

Her eyes lit up like the high beams on my car. "So, you're back together?"

"I wouldn't say that. She's in trouble and needed a place to stay."

"Oh, my. What's happening?"

"Nothing I can't take care of. I won't worry you with the details. Oh, and fyi, I have a daughter."

"What!" she asks, sitting up in her chair.

"I have a daughter. Apparently, Ivy was pregnant when I got locked up. She— we —have a little girl. Her name is Lilly."

"And you're sure she's yours?"

"You sound like Brandon."

"It's a valid question. I mean, you were gone for two years. How old is this so-called daughter?"

"She's a year and three months—I think that's what Ivy said."

"Ah, so nine months pregnant, plus a year and three…that's about right. Oh my God! I have a grandbaby!"

"You do. I'll bring her by here soon, but first I need to make sure they stay protected."

"Tell me what's going on, Gideon?"

I sigh and respond, "She was with someone after I got locked up and now she's on the run from the guy."

She places a hand on her heart and then says, "You can bring them over here."

"No. I don't want to put you in any danger, Ma."

"Son, as long as I got that rifle under my bed, I'm not in any danger."

I grin, though I know she's serious. She's a good shot, too. She used to take us to the range when we were teenagers. That's how I got the nickname ‘Hawk'. I never miss.

"Well, you make sure you protect her, and my granddaughter. When are you bringing her by here?"

"Soon, Ma. Be patient."

She sighs. "Okay. I guess I'll just have to wait. It's so good to see you."

"You, too Ma." I get up, walk over and kiss her on the temple. "I have to run, but I'll be back in a few days."

"I'll be here waitin' for ya…and my grandbaby."

I jump on the bike and head back home. When I get there, I immediately notice that Ivy's car is missing. I run into the house to confirm that she's gone and she is. She and Lilly are nowhere to be found. She's left clothes and baby items in the room, so I take it she's coming back, but my specific instructions to her were to never leave the house. If this dude is really stalking her, every time she's out in public, she's a target.

Now, I'm pissed.

I have no way of knowing where she is. I can't call her. I have a new cell phone with no contacts programmed, so I don't know her number and have no way of contacting her.

I kick the wall and hold my head out of frustration. Ivy has always been strong-willed and stubborn which is why I couldn't understand why she ran to me for help with this in the first place. Yet, when I ask her to stay put, she won't even listen. What gives?

I can't do a thing but wait for her to return, so to pass the time, I step out into the garage and try to organize my tools. I rip a paper bag and scribble the items I need to buy to get my shop back up and running. I need oil, steering fluids, antifreeze, drain pans, gloves, shop towels, and a new rubber mat. My tools are all intact.

I stand here and slide my hands into the pocket of my jeans as I envision opening a legit garage and not operating out of my home garage where my car is supposed to be parked. I was well on my way and—

I digress…

At any rate, I'm eager to get my shop up and running again. It will surely put me back in a place of peace, but so will getting my girl back.

Yeah, I still love her. I can't help but love her. How can I hate the woman who gave birth to my child?

I sigh again. "Ivy, where are you?"

I look up when I hear a car pulling into the driveway.

It's her.

I immediately walk to the car. She's taking Lilly out the back. I take deep breaths to temper my frustration right now because Lilly is around. I don't want her to develop that sort of impression of me. Ever. My father was hard on me and my brothers like that. I want to treat my children better.

I tell Ivy, "Come back outside after you take her in the house."

"Okay."

I stand by the car and wait, noticing bags in the back seat. She quickly returns back outside and when she gets near the car, I snap.

"What the heck were you thinking!"

"What are you upset about?" she asks.

"What am I upset about? I told you not to step a foot out of this house!"

"There was no food in there, Gideon, and when I woke up, you were gone. What exactly did you expect me to do? I have no way to contact you. Jeez, I—" After a brief pause, she says, "It's not like I don't have enough to deal with. I just ran out for food. I'm sorry."

I turn away from her, open the back door to get the bags and carry them all inside. I must be a changed man because I'm not one for pointless arguments at this stage in my life. I simply want to be left alone.