“Oh.Hmm.Ugh,” Scorch stumbles, trying to find a kid-friendly way to explain the fact that her husband got his road name because he enjoys munching on pussy.
Well, specifically hers.Now, anyway.
Just as she got her name because she goes scorched earth when she’s wronged.This woman gives zero fucks and it’s been beautiful the few times I’ve been witness to it.
I choose to step in to save her as much as I can.“He got his name because he’s always hungry, love bug.”
“Oh.It’s nice to meet you,” she says to Scorch as she gives her a hug.
After Legend shakes their hands, we all stand around staring at each other.I’m trying to ignore the heavy stares from everyone else in the room.My anxiety must show on my face because Coco smiles at me.
“Pope is in the chapel.They’re holding church.”
“That’s okay.These nuggets were getting hungry.”
“Well, let’s go see what we can sneak into then,” Scorch says.
The kids and I follow them into the kitchen.They keep up commentary with the kids, pulling laughs from them which I’m grateful for.Anything to keep their minds off the things they witnessed yesterday.
“How are you holding up?”Scorch asks me quietly as we keep our eyes on the kids.
“I’m scared.I’m worried about what it’s going to do to them.Children shouldn’t have to experience violence.Not what we went through with my ex or the gunfight they were caught in yesterday.Sometimes, I feel as if I’m failing them.”
Scorch places a soft hand on my arm.“You’re not failing them.Look at them, Bird.Really look at them.Even with what they saw yesterday, they’re happy.Kids are pretty resilient.You removed them from your ex as soon as it was safe to do so and you protected them yesterday.You’re doing everything right, mama.”
I do what she tells me.I really look at my kids.They’re thriving here in a way they never had when we were with Frankie.People have cautiously converged to where we’re at in the kitchen, all of them interested in getting to know the two little people who are so much like me and Pope.
The twins are basking in all the attention.
A pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind.Before I have a chance to panic, his familiar masculine scent reaches me and I relax into his hold.
“I can tell you’ve considered running, little mama.We’re not going to let that happen.You have this whole club at your back.There’s not a person in here who wouldn’t protect you with their lives.”
“I can think of two,” I mutter, eyeing Dimples and Spunky through the kitchen doorway.
Pope chuckles.“That’s one reason I was coming to find you.We just took some votes in church, and I think you’ll want to be present for this.”He removes his arms and grabs my hand.“Is it okay if Scorch and Coco stay with the kids?They can take them upstairs to our room if that’ll be comfortable for you.”
Tucking my bottom lip between my teeth, I consider his words.It’s getting easier to trust them out of my sight, and as I watch everyone in the kitchen interact with them, I realize Pope is right.These people would give their lives before letting harm come to my kids.
I blow out a breath and nod.“Yeah, okay.They can take them back to the room until we do whatever it is you need me for.”
Pope waits until they have the kids back upstairs before he pulls me into the common room with the rest of the club members at our backs.
Dimples and Spunky straighten in their seats, eyeing the group of members warily.
Pope nods to Butcher and Manic, who take up position behind the women, then he turns to me.“Do you mind telling the club what you told me?About when you called to inform me about my kids.If you’re not comfortable doing that, I’ll stand for you.”
Spunky doesn’t really look threatened enough.Her eyes are worried, but they’re not scared, and for some reason that doesn’t sit right with me.Would Pope have come to us if she had just relayed my message back then?If she had told him to come to the phone, would my children have had their father all these years?
It’s time I stand up for myself and my children.
I straighten my shoulders and step away from Pope, turning so that I have Spunky and the rest of the club in my sight.Then I begin the same story I told Pope, watching the faces of the people standing before me.Most of them accept my truths while others struggle to believe someone who’s a part of this club could do something so devious.
When I’m finished, quiet settles in the room for a second before Spunky’s furious denials echo through the space.
“Liar.She’s a liar, Pope.I never did that.”
“Spunky,” I start.“You’re the only person in this club I’ve heard never pronounce their l’s properly when you speak.”
