Chapter 32

Slate

I t took every ounce of willpower I could muster to stay away from the Sheriff’s Department knowing that Emma was being released today. It was a shitshow from the moment Massey showed up yesterday afternoon and knowing that Emma had been sitting inside a jail cell all this time pissed me off.

But Kira had ordered me to stay away, to stay home with Ash because in her words, “It wouldn’t look good to have her rush into the open arms of a local biker gang member.” I hated those fucking words and hated more that she was right. There were some people who thought we were a gang, not a motorcycle club—or they didn’t know the damn difference, so I took her advice.

It didn’t always matter what the truth was, just what the truth looked like. And with Massey determined to pin this on Emma, I had to make sure I wasn’t the reason it all got fucked up.

“Daddy, is Mommy really coming home today?” Ash asked as I got her ready. She had been hysterical last night, damn near inconsolable. I had to hold her in my arms for most of the night until she cried herself to sleep.

When I woke up this morning she was curled against my side. “Yep. Kira is going to bring her home.” She’d been texting updates every thirty minutes, probably to make sure I didn’t show up unexpectedly.

“We should make her breakfast. She loves breakfast.”

“That is a good idea, Ash.” But I had an even better one, at least I thought so. “How about if we plan a party for her at the clubhouse?” I wasn’t sure if Emma would want to be here, the place where she was arrested, as soon as she got back.

“Yes!” She jumped up and down excitedly, clapping her hands as she wrapped her arms around my legs. “That would be so good!”

I placed a call to Rocky, who picked up right away. “How you doin’ brother?”

“Been better. Kira is getting Emma out and I was thinking she needs a warm welcome.”

“We got you, brother. Anything specific?”

I stared at Ash and smiled. “She really loves breakfast.”

“All right. Give us a few hours and we’ll take care of the rest.” Rocky ended the call before I said anything else. “Looks like we’re having a welcome home party.”

“Mommy will love it. No one ever gets to do nice things for her.”

That was exactly why I wanted to do this for her. Emma didn’t deserve the pile of shit that had been heaped on her shoulders lately and I wanted to do whatever I could to make things a little better.

***

An hour later Emma walked inside with Kira on her heels. “Ash!” She dropped to her knees and wrapped our little girl in her arms, closing her eyes as she hugged her close.

“Mommy, you’re home!”

It was a sight to see, mother and daughter hugging each other so tight that neither of them could breathe. Their love for one another was so obvious, so on display, that the ache in my heart area returned. I turned my attention to Kira, who flashed a knowing smile in my direction. “Kira, thanks for your help.”

“No problem. You know I love putting those assholes in their place.”

Ash gasped. “You said a bad word.”

Kira’s grinned widened and she didn’t skip a beat. “Yeah, but it doesn’t count when you’re talking about bad people.”

“You brought Mommy home so it’s okay.”

“Thanks, kid.” Kira sighed and cleared her throat to get Emma’s attention. “This isn’t over. Call me if you need me and by if you need me , I mean if they show up, ask you a question, or even think about asking you a question. Call me. First. Got it?”

Emma nodded and gave Kira a tight hug. “Got it. And thank you for everything. It was badass watching you make Massey so angry.”

“That was my absolute pleasure, believe me.” She aimed a finger at Emma.

Emma nodded and smiled before Kira could say anything. “Don’t talk without you at my side. Period. Point blank. End of story.”

“Perfect. Love clients who listen so well. Later.” She gave Ash a finger wave and then she left us alone.

Emma turned towards me, her lips tucked between her teeth as she stared at me, uncertainty swam in her eyes. “Slate,” she sighed. “Thank you for Kira. She was incredible.”

“I told you Em, I got your back.”

She shook her head. “I know you said it, but you came through when I needed someone, and it means a lot to me.” Her voice was shaky, and I saw tears swelling in her eyes.

“Emma,” I whispered and pulled her flush against my chest. “You can count on me. Always. I kept our girl safe and sent Kira to do her thing.”

“Thank you,” she mumbled against my chest, the vibrations sent a line straight to my heart.

This woman was going to be my undoing, I knew it. The way I felt around her or when I thought about her was scary but thrilling. “Happy to help.”

She pulled back and swiped her fingers under both eyes. “I, uh, really need a shower.”

Ash giggled. “You do smell funny Mommy.”

Emma laughed. “Thanks, honey.”

I gripped her shoulders and turned her towards the stairs. “You go shower. Ash and I have a surprise for you.”

She turned with wide eyes. “What kind of surprise?”

I frowned. “That’s why it’s called a surprise. Because it’s a surprise.”

“You’ll love it Mommy, I swear. Go shower!” Ash gave her mom a little shove towards the stairs.

“Did you get bossier while I was gone?”

Ash nodded. “Daddy said I can boss him around whenever I want.”

“Did he?” She stared at me with amusement burning bright in her eyes. “You definitely won’t end up regretting that,” she said with a laugh before disappearing upstairs.

I wanted more than anything to join her but there would be plenty of time for that.

Later.