But the very idea of Steel without Jenna… It was unfathomable. Pumpkin didn’t have a partner, had never loved any woman so completely that he didn’t know where she started and he ended. But he understood the concept of a hopeless battle, and that sometimes, fate had other plans.
He could understand why Steel would want to spend as much time as possible with Jenna, not knowing what their future would hold. But to no longer be part of the club? To no longer be the head ofthisfamily?
Pumpkin knew the club’s bylaws. They all did. Unlike in other motorcycle clubs, the more ruthless and lawless ones, the VDMC actually had rules that prohibited a club member taking over an officer position via violence. There was no fight to the death or duel to determine who was President. At any time, any member could call for a vote to nominate another member—not themselves—into an officer position. The entire club would vote and the winning vote would decide who got to take or keep the officer position.
In the nearly nine years since the club was established, no such vote had ever taken place. When Scar had walked out of the club and turned in his cut, the position for Enforcer had been open. Bulldog, as SAA, had nominated Ghost. At the time, everyone had still been so shocked by Scar’s departure that no one had contested, and technically, no vote was held. Over a year later, no one had voiced an issue with Ghost as the club’s Enforcer, even after Scar had returned.
Pumpkin looked to Lucky. He was the VP. Would he take Steel’s position?
“This is not a decision I have made lightly, but one that I have considered over the past ten months, time and time again,” Steel continued. “Jenna’s diagnosis has changed some things, and I need to devote my time to her needs.” Steel gestured to his right. “Lucky has taken on a lot more responsibilities in the past few months, even with a new baby and his family. It’s not fair to him, and therefore, I have decided that it’s time for me to step down.”
“Will Lucky take the position?” Since Bear was the one who asked, Pumpkin had to assume that even the officers didn’t know Steel’sdecision. Likely, as second and third in the hierarchy, Lucky and Bulldog were the only ones who knew. And possibly Keys, because it was impossible to keep secrets around the Tech who had this place wired tighter than the White House, especially after the bomb scare they’d had last January.
“No,” Lucky spoke up before Steel could. “And frankly, I don’t want it. I’m comfortable where I am. However, we’re going to do this right and no one is casting a vote today.”
“Nor is this going to turn into a campaign,” Bulldog warned, his eyes stern. “We’re going to give everyone a few weeks to think about their decisions, but the President seat is a great responsibility. And while it is not technically in our bylaws, we are going to ask that you consider the fact that taking an officer position is not as easy as being handed a crown. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that a member might not think about or realize. Therefore, we feel it is best to cast a vote for a current officer to become President and then later we’ll cast another vote for a member to take over their position.”
“But it doesn’t have to be an officer?” Pirate clarified.
“No,” Steel declared. “Since it’s not in our bylaws, Bulldog is correct and technically anyone can be nominated. We just want everyone to think about how much responsibility it will be and not simply of the power that could be wielded.”
“As of right now,” Lucky continued, “everything is going to go on like normal. And if we even hear of some campaign or a member encouraging another member to nominate him, so help me God, I will throw you into the cellar myself and throw away the key.”
“Lucky’s right,” Bulldog said sternly. “We’re a family. Now is the time to remember that more than ever. Steel and Jenna need our support, not added stress. I will not hesitate to dish out punishments regarding this matter.”
Ranger stood up. “Seconded. I’m not an officer, but I’ll gladly help in this regard.” To Steel, he added, “I have no intention of being an officer. I like where I am at the bar, but if you or Jenna need anything, you know how to reach me.”
“To reach all of us,” Grumpy declared.
Steel nodded once, his face a blank mask.
Things were wrapping up when Bulldog got a text alert on his phone. Pumpkin saw immediately the way he stiffened at the message.
“What is it?” Lucky asked him.
Bulldog, though, looked to Steel. “Dixie Gilbert is at the front gate.”
Pumpkin wasn’t the only one who didn’t recognize the name. He was, however, the one who asked, “Who’s Dixie Gilbert?”
Steel’s nostrils flared as he growled, “Ollie’s biological mother.”
“No.”
“You’re going.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yeah, you actually are.”
Dosia stepped down from the ladder she was using to help her dust the upper shelves. Still holding the feather duster, she put her hands on her hips as she glared at her aunt. “Calliope, I don’t care what your reasoning is, I am not getting set up on a blind date. I haven’t even been here a week yet! Give me some time to get acclimated and thenmaybe,” she emphasized, “I’ll go on a date or think about going on a date. But just not right now, okay?”
Calliope wasn’t deterred in the slightest though. “Bart is special, Dosia. I canfeelit.” She put her hands up to signify something mystical or spooky was afoot.
“I. Don’t. Care,” Dosia said shortly. “I don’t even know this man. Why would you even think I’d want to go out with him?”
“I told you,” Calliope repeated, her smile not faltering in the slightest. “He’s special.”
“What, did he invent the wheel or something?”
