Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

Dallas

TWO WEEKS HAVE passed since the day Cammie stole me from the middle of Main Street and took me to the man who has been stalking me and waiting to get his hands on me. I've been cleared by Doc and Dr. Morris. Other than some stitches in my leg, I don't need any further medical care. Doc did put me on antibiotics in order to prevent any kind of infection. Dr. Morris and Doc agreed in order to protect the baby and myself from anything happening because of Cammie and Norbert. They are truly concerned given the state of the trailer we were in. Adam is too. He doesn't want me to get hurt more than I already have a horrible infection that will certainly hurt me. So, he's been keeping a close eye on me and checking my wound every single day in order to prevent an infection from starting and then spreading.

Adam has been true to his word and not left my side for anything other than attending church and dealing with Norbert. All I know is that we no longer have to worry about him coming for me. That's more than enough information and I'm okay with not knowing any details. It's bad enough that I'm having nightmares about killing Cammie in cold blood. Yes, I know I was protecting myself and our unborn baby. It doesn't make it any easier to deal with though. In most of my nightmares, I dream of killing Cammie but Norbert killing me before Adam or anyone else could get to me. Tripp is the one who pulled the trigger that day in the trailer. He stood behind his best friend and knew from my training that I'd be able to move out of the way for him to shoot Norbert in a way that would keep him alive but get me away from the gun he was pressing against me. He's never in my nightmares and that's okay with me. I don't want him to be part of the nightmare because he was only doing what is necessary to protect me.

Adam has tried to assure me that I did what I had to do in order to protect myself and the baby much like I've given grace to Tripp for firing the gun and hitting Norbert. The difference is that Tripp didn't kill someone that day and I did. I took Cammie's life and didn't hesitate to pull the trigger. In my nightmares when Norbert does not kill me, I still kill Cammie and then him. I turn into a monster and enjoy the bloodshed because it means ridding the world of two evil people who won't stop from hurting innocent people around them because they choose to be monsters of their own.

My heart hurts at the monster I became in order to get rid of Cammie from our lives and knowing that she might have been able to get the help she was in desperate need of. Now, she'll never get that chance and it's all my fault. I took her life before she could make a different decision and change her ways. Maybe then the club would have let her back in. I can't say for sure because she was put out bad, but maybe another club would've taken her in. Or she could have done something else differently with her life.

"Sweet Girl, are you ready to go?" Adam asks, walking in the room we share at the clubhouse.

"Yes. I was just sitting here thinking about everything. I'm sorry I wasn't down in the common room," I tell him, standing from the edge of the bed and wrapping me in his arms when he pulls me into his body.

"What has you so lost in your head, Dallas? I can't help you if you don't talk to me," he says, his voice a whisper in our room.

"Do you," I begin, my throat feeling as if it's closing with the thought of Adam hating me for what I've done. "Do you think I'm a monster for killing Cammie? She could've gotten help for whatever was going on in her life and I took that chance away from her. If I'd been a better shot, I could have hurt her somewhere else instead of killing her."

"No, Sweet Girl. I don't think you're a monster at all. In the heat of the moment, you can't truly understand what you'll do or how you'll react to any given situation. Tripp was able to hurt Norbert and not kill him because he's been doin' this kind of shit for years. You don't know that he was actually in the military for a few years until he was medically discharged. He got hurt because of someone else's negligence and his military career ended. The man trains daily whether he's alone or with a group of us. Sometimes him and I go out alone to practice. That's why I'd only let him help me train you because he knows what the fuck he's talkin' about and could put it into words you'd understand.

"Tripp, myself, and most of the men in the club have taken lives before in various situations we've found ourselves in. We will die to protect the members of our family and those we love. Dallas, I would kill to protect you and not think twice about doin' so. If I didn't get you back that day," Adam pauses, his voice catching as his breath halts in his chest. "If I hadn't gotten you back that day, I would have taken out every single person who has ever hurt you, Dallas. That's not a promise I make lightly. I will always choose you and our children over anyone else. If it means killin' and maimin' others to ensure your safety, then I will do it without hesitation or thinkin' about it for even a second. No, you're not a monster. You're a person who chose to live her life and move forward. Do you think I'm a monster because I killed Norbert after torturin' him for hours in the cells?"

"No, Adam, I don't think you're a monster. You did what you had to do in order to protect me and our baby. In order to get what information the club needed, you did your job as the Enforcer. I might now know much about what that entails, but I can say with certainty, that I know the man you are. You're protective, loyal, and one of the best men I've ever met in my life. You might torture and kill those who have done you wrong, but it's only when you absolutely need to," I tell him, my voice strong and sure as I look at my husband and realize what he's trying to tell me.

We all do what we have to in order to ensure our safety. I might not be a mom yet, but I am pregnant. I know without a doubt that I will do everything necessary to take care of our children and protect them with every fiber of my being. If that means giving my life so that they may continue to live and thrive, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. I would kill to protect Adam if it were ever needed. Now, I need to rely on his strength when I can't protect myself from the thoughts overtaking me and trying to destroy me from the inside out. When Adam gets lost in his head and can't separate what he's had to do for the club after he's done with a job, I'll be the soft he needs. The light that pulls him back from the darkness threatening to overtake his soul. We will save one another every day of our lives because that's how much we love one another.

"I get it, Adam. You'll be my salvation when I need it after protectin' our family from the evils of the world. I'll be your soft and light when you need me to pull you back from the darkness. At the end of the day, I will do whatever it takes to protect everyone I care about. While a part of me hopes that Cammie could've gotten the help to save her, she didn't want to get it or she would have. Instead she chose to take the side of a stalker who sold me to the highest bidder. What is going to happen about that?" I ask, suddenly remembering that some man bought me and he will no longer get what he purchased.

"We've been in contact with the buyer. Norbert didn't hesitate to give him up when we questioned him. One of our contacts personally knows the man who purchased you. Honestly, I believe him when he told us that he truly had no nefarious intentions with you. He has been wantin' a woman and is a recluse. Instead of findin' one through conventional means, he chose to go about things this way. He's very sorry for the ordeal and was happy to hear that you and I are happily married," Adam assures me, leaning back and pressing a kiss against my lips before leading me from our bedroom. "I think it's about time for us to think about movin' back to our home. I want to move the rest of your things in and truly make it our home."

"Okay. I don't see any further reason to stay here. Are you sure the ol' ladies won't need my help today in cleaning and cooking for the celebration?" I ask him, my voice a whisper as Jay passes us in the hallway.

"No. They've got everythin' under control. Today is certainly a day of celebration with everythin' we have goin' on. And we're only goin' to add to it," he responds, his voice equally as low as we walk through the common room amidst men and women walking and doing various things to get ready for today.

I plan on helping everyone as soon as we get back. Adam is certainly correct in the fact that today is a day of celebration. Not only are we celebrating our marriage finally, but there's so much more that's been going on behind the scenes. I honestly can't wait to get back here and share the news of our baby before everything else happening today takes place. It's going to be one of the best days we've had in a very long time and it's definitely needed after all the bullshit. My dad is even coming to spend time with us today. He asked if he could and Adam was quick to tell him yes. He knows the club members and ol' ladies won't care because he's my dad and has a great working relationship with the club.

My doctor's appointment left Adam and I in complete shock. We weren't expecting the news we got today. We've even got the pictures to prove that Dr. Morris was telling us the truth of what was happening. I was honestly expecting Adam to pass out when we got the news, but he stayed strong and held my hand through the entire meeting with the doctor. When I felt as if I were going to pass out, Adam held me close and didn't let me fade away to nothing. By the time we got back to the clubhouse, we were both trying to break out of the shock that had overtaken us.

Adam helps me out of the truck and holds my hand as we make our way into the clubhouse where everyone is gathered in the common room waiting for us. He sent them a message when we left the doctor's office in order to make sure they were all waiting for us so we could get the rest of the day started. My dad is sitting with Reaper at a table in the back. We stop in the middle of the common room and wait for everyone to quiet down before I look around the room. Since Emmie is here and I've been keeping this secret from her, Adam told me I could make the announcement to everyone.

"We've just gotten back from the doctor. Not only am I pregnant," I state, pausing as a wild cheer breaks out before Adam can hold up his hand for everyone to quiet down once again. "Not only am I pregnant and everything is going great after everything that's happened, but Adam and I are having twins!"

For several minutes there's nothing but complete silence in the room. Emmie is the first one to break the silence as she squeals so loud and jumps up from her seat at a table with Tripp, leaving two seats empty for Adam and me to join them. My best friend rushes to my side and pulls me out of Adam's arms and into hers. She holds me close before pulling back and pressing a hand against the small bump that's started to show.

"Are you serious right now? You've been keeping this from me?" she finally questions, her voice full of excitement as I look at her.

"I'm sorry. It was my choice to make when we found out because of everything going on. I wanted to tell you so bad. In fact, I almost slipped up so many times since the fire at the safehouse. Emmie you're my best friend and there's no way in hell I was going to keep this secret from you for longer than I needed to," I promise her as a wide smile breaks out on her face.

I look over Emmie's shoulder and my eyes widen as Tripp stands behind her with a large box in his hands. When I don't pay attention to Emmie, she finally turns around and looks at what's distracted me. I watch as my best friend's body goes rigid before her shoulders start to shake with the tears she's trying to hold in. Adam and I know what's about to happen because Tripp actually came to talk to me about everything. Emmie doesn't have any family left that she actually talks to. They don't approve of our friendship and her decision to become a vet technician instead of a career that would make her rich or becoming a trophy wife. Emmie has always lived her life on her terms and today is no different.

"Emmie, I wasn't expectin' to ever meet anyone like you. For most of my life, I was content to simply exist in the world and only feel alive when I was in the clubhouse with my brothers and their families. The day I met you, my world went from cold and gray to warm and filled with colors. You make me laugh, think about things I wouldn't normally consider, and have lightened up every corner of my life. I refuse to go the rest of my days without havin' you at my side. Emmie, I love you and will spend my days makin' sure you know exactly how loved and special you are. Will you do me the honor of bein' my ol' lady?" Tripp asks, dropping his eyes as nerves fill him.

Despite me telling him that Emmie would never turn him away, Tripp is still so nervous about her rejecting him. Adam said that he's never seen his best friend like he's been over the last week and a half as it all became real to him. He got her rag in and picked out a ring that he'll use to propose to her at a later date.

"Yes, Tripp. It would be my honor to be your ol' lady. I love you so much," she finally says, her voice wavering with tears.

Tripp holds the box and lets my friend open it and then remove the tissue paper from the rag resting inside. Before she can lift it out, Tripp does while handing the box to Jay who's standing next to them. Turning to face me, Emmie moves her body as Tripp slides the rag on her and stares at his name covering her back. I've seen the look in Adam's eyes when we've been in our room and I've been using the mirror to finish getting ready for any outing we go on. When Tripp gets nudged by Adam, he finally pulls out of the desire filling him and turns Emmie to face him. He leans down and kisses her deeply as the rest of us cheer and clap for them.

"Um, this is a surprise to say the least," Emmie begins as we all go silent at her words. "I have a surprise of my own. Tripp, I'm pregnant. I went to the doctor last week after taking a home test. We're gonna have a baby!"

Tripp doesn't hesitate to pull Emmie into his arms and hold her close as he whispers to her. The rest of us erupt once again and congratulate the couple. Emmie and I always talked about having our kids together and raising them as close together as possible. It appears as if our dreams are going to come true. We've both found the love of our lives, are happier than we've ever been, and are now expanding our family. Our babies will hopefully be born close together so we can go through the beginning stages of motherhood as we always dreamed of doing. It helps that our men are best friends like we are and remain close. Moving forward, I see us spending most of our time together.

The second Tripp releases my best friend, I notice the tears in his eyes. Tripp is going to make such an amazing dad. The same that Adam will. Both men are hard as fuck when they need to be, but they will melt for their children and make sure they're absolutely loved, protected, adored, and taught everything there is to know about the world around us. Emmie and I got fucking lucky when we found our men and no one else will ever tell me anything differently.

Pulling Emmie into my arms, we both start crying and laughing together. For the first time in our lives, we're exactly where we want to be and there's nowhere else I'd rather be. I've got my dad, my best friend, and a man I've fallen madly in love with. I honestly don't know what else there is to have in life that could make it any better than it currently is.

"I love you, Emmie. You've always been a sister to me and now we get to live out our dreams together," I tell her, wiping the tears from my eyes as I pull back from her.

"I love you, Dallas. You've been there with me through everything and have never once wavered in your friendship with me. None of this would be possible without your devotion and support," Emmie returns, our men hovering around us as Reaper and Eagle stand in the center of the common room just past us and look around the room with pure happiness filling their faces.

"Can I have your attention!" Reaper calls out, his voice loud as we all quiet down and turn to face him. "Since today is a day of celebrations and learnin' that our family will be expandin', it's only right that we continue on with the theme for the day and introduce one more member to our family. Jay, come up here."

I watch as Jay makes his way through the crowd with a red face as his hands shake at his sides. He stops in front of Reaper and Eagle as the men from the club gather around them. We're not pushed to the side, but the men need to be close to their President right now. I already know what's about to happen, but not everyone else does.

"Jay, you have been with us for a while now. Every single day you show up and prove yourself to every man and woman in the club. You've earned the respect and loyalty of every full patch member and have given nothin' but respect and shown your loyalty in return. Every job we've given you has been done without complaint and you've anticipated the needs of everyone in this club before you're asked to do things or lend a hand. Our Enforcer, Titan, has pushed for you to get your patch because of the support, friendship, and how you've stepped up for his ol' lady, Dallas. Even when you didn't have to, you chose to protect her and make sure that she would always be protected even when he wasn't around. So, Jay, as of today you will be known as Shield. You're always where you're needed and will protect the members, ol' ladies, and kids of this club without hesitation. You'll be the shield that stands between everyone and danger as you've done for so long now," Reaper says as everyone cheers once again.

My friend stands in front of them in complete shock. I know this is his dream and he's getting to live it. Not many people know, but he was honestly afraid that he wasn't going to get his patch. I'm not sure why he felt that way, but he talked to me about it shortly after the fire at the safehouse. I took Danger outside and he went with me. Jay broke down because he thought he'd be patched in closer to when Rubber was because they started Prospecting at the same time. I know the club has been dealing with a lot of shit and it made him feel as if no one was seeing him or the hard work he was consistently doing. All along, the men of this club saw him and made a note of every action he made. I'm so happy for Jay and him finally getting everything he always wanted in his life.

"Thank you," Jay finally manages to say, his voice full of happiness and the other emotions he's feeling. "You have no idea what this means to me. I've longed for this every day since I walked in this clubhouse and saw what you were always about."

"We know, Shield. I'm sorry it's taken so long for this day to come to you. That's on me and the guys. We will make it up to you," Reaper promises his newest brother before Eagle holds out his hand for Jay's Prospect cut.

Jay quickly removes the Prospect cut and hands it over without hesitation. Eagle hands over his new cut with all the patches sewn on. Jay turns around so Eagle can slide it up his arms. The second it's covering his back, Eagle slaps his back and pulls him into one of those man hugs. Every member of the club takes their turn doing the same thing before they lead him up to the bar where Rebel already has a line of shots waiting for them. The rest of us cheer and watch them welcome Shield into their ranks as Rubber stands close to him. They've always been close and now they're back on equal footing within the club. Not that Rubber ever treated his friend any differently once he got his patch.

We move the party out back where the grills are filled with all kinds of meat and the ol' ladies have brought out the rest of the food we'll have to eat today. There's so much food, drinks, desserts, and anything else we could ever want at this massive celebration for so many reasons. Jay is in his glory as he's continually handed a drink the second one of his hands is empty. He's going to feel like shit tomorrow, but he's happy today and that's all that matters.

Adam, my dad, Emmie, and Tripp all remain close to me as we spend the rest of the day and night talking, laughing, and making plans. Emmie and I talk about the nurseries we want to have in our homes and Tripp almost demands that she moves in with him here on the compound. He has a house over where Kendell and Hawk live with their children now. Emmie has been there multiple times and she loves the house. It's not a huge decision for her to move in with Tripp because she lives in an apartment and her lease is up in a week. Seeing Emmie and everyone around me so completely happy is how I want the rest of my life to go.

"Are you happy, Sweet Girl?" Adam asks me, wrapping his arms tighter around me from his seat behind me and resting his hands on my stomach.

"I've never been happier. I love you so much, Adam," I tell him, my voice strong as I turn to press my lips against his in a quick kiss. "Are you happy? No regrets about anything?"

"No regrets, Sweet Girl. I've got the woman I'm in love with at my side, our babies safe in your stomach, my name on your back and ring on your finger, and we're surrounded by everyone we love and care about. What more could I ever want in life? The only regret I can honestly say I have is that we lost all those months because of a simple misunderstandin'," he tells me, kissing me again and lingering longer than normal in front of everyone.

When I can no longer stay awake, Adam carries me to the house and up to our room. He spends half the night worshiping my body before helping me shower and then climbing into bed. It doesn't take me long to fall into a deep sleep with a smile on my face. My life is turning out better than I ever expected it would and there's nothing that can rip my happiness from me unless Adam decides to leave me. But, I don't see that happening because he's just as much in love with me as I am with him. Our lives were missing vital parts until we found one another. Now, there's no way in hell we'd ever give that up.