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“Jay’s leg…”

“Fuckin’ hell, Dad. We’ve had worser scratches. He’ll be fine.”

“If you say,” he says with a sigh.

I pick my son up as Holly lays him in his bassinette and she sighs. “I want him to sleep, babe.”

“I’m heading outta town. I’ll be gone about a week.”

“Why so long?” she frowns.

“It’s gonna be a three day ride there and the same back.”

She turns her back and fusses with the laundry. “Rayna’s with your dad. He’s teaching her how to fix up a bike.”

Confused, I ask, “Are you pissed?”

“No, I’m not. I’m just so tried I don’t even know what day of the week it is.”

“I know but the club…”

“Leo, you don’t have to remind me. I know who I married. I know the club comes first.”

I lay Roman in his bassinette and take Holly into our bedroom.

“The club doesn’t come before or after you. You’re both the same to me. I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to, not only to keep the club protected but you and our children too. You think I want a six-day ride, sleeping in shitty motels or on the side of the road? I’d rather be here with you, don’t forget that.”

A tear rolls down her cheek and I wipe it away with the pad of my thumb.

“I’m sorry. Like I said, I’m just tired. I don’t mind…”

“You don’t have to apologise, not to me.”

I claim her mouth like it’s going to be our last kiss. Even one night away from her kills me, but I do this, and it goes to plan, I won’t have to leave her often in the future.

“I’ll call every day,” I promise.

“I know you will.”

I kiss her one last time and fill a backpack with what I’ll need for the trip.

“Don’t come home shot or bleeding, please.”

I smirk. “I’ll do my best.”

Over in the garage, Rayna’s sat on the same wooden stool I remember sitting on growing up when I’d watch my dad and the other brothers working on their bikes.

“Hey, princess, come give me a hug.”

“Are you leaving us again?” she asks.

“Only for a few days.”

I pick her up into my arms and she asks, “Will Roman stop crying all the time by the time you get back?”

I laugh. “He doesn’t cry all the time, Ray.”

“Yes, he does. He wakes me up every night.”