“Well, shit, as her god-uncles, we better learn, too,” Saxon throws in.
“God-uncles?” Jackson asks just as I wonder the same thing myself. Saxon looks at us all like the answer is obvious.
“If Dad’s gonna be her godfather, which is kinda like another grandpa like Pa, then Delilah and I are gonna be god-uncles. We gotta be prepared in case we need to help watch her sometime.” Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. He still surprises me sometimes. Samson glares at him for the nickname but picks up a doll and starts to figure out how to do it as well.
Mick looks at the dolls and barely above a whisper comments, “I’d give anything to have to learn how to change a diaper.” The man is so far gone for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, it ain’t even funny. I can tell Pa heard Mick as well, and he just shakes his head.
About thirty minutes later, we all head over to the clubhouse for the barbecue that’s serving as a joint bachelor/bachelorette party for me and Kierstie. Neither of us wanted a traditional one with strippers and all, and since Kierstie can’t drink right now, we agreed to this and a bonfire. It’s really more our speed anyway. I don’t like spending a whole night away from her if I can help it.
We pull up to the clubhouse and park along all the cars that are already there. I can see that all the women have made their way outside and are enjoying the afternoon sun around a fire that the prospects must’ve got going. It’s sunny out, but not that warm—a typical fall day in the PNW. I’m happy it’s not raining. All of us get off our bikes, and Pa gets off his new trike.
We all head over to the women and I hear Jameson and Saxon at the same time ask, “Who the hell is that?” Both of them are looking over to the women and the mysterious gal standing next to Kierstie in boots, tight jeans, and a hoodie. She has long brown hair cascading down her back. Even I can notice a good-looking woman, but she doesn’t hold a candle to my woman. Pa calls out a greeting and the women all turn to look at him. Holy shit. The gal talkin’ to Kierstie is Mads.
Jameson lets out what I’m sure most of the guys are thinking. “Holy fuck. Is that Mads?”
Mick growls next to him.
“She ain’t fucking available for any of you. She’smine.”
Saxon, ever the shit stirrer, walks past him and pats him on the shoulder.
“Might want to run that past her, brother. She’s looking single and ready to mingle.”
I leave them to their shit as I have the need to touch my woman. I walk up behind her and slide my arms around her, resting them on our daughter. I kiss under her ear and ask her, “Have a good time, gorgeous?”
I can tell she smiles, then turns her head for a kiss, which I of course provide.
“I did, yeah. I’m even better now that you’re here.” I squeeze her. I can tell she’s about to ask me something when raised voices interrupt us.
“I’m wearing what I want to wear! I’m not dressed like a whore or anything! I’m single and I can talk to anyone who I want. It’s not like you’ve shown any interest besides being my friend!” Mads shouts at Mick and storms into the clubhouse. Mick looks beyond pissed off.
Kierstie whispers she’s going to go after her and heads inside.
Mick is yanking at his hair and looks like he’s about two seconds from storming into the clubhouse.
“How the fuck can she say I’ve not shown any interest? I’m with her all the time!” His mom, Romona, walks up to him and smacks him on the arm. “Ow, Mom. What the hell?”
She shakes her head at him. “Son, I love you, but sometimes you’re not any smarter than a box of rocks. Use your head for a second. Have you actually asked her out on a date,ever?”
“Well, I… but I… well, fuck. I haven’t specifically said it was for a romantic type date before. But I mean, wouldn’t she know—”
Pa interrupts Mick. “Son. My girls are both smart as whips. They have brains and looks, but they’re like their Ma and can’t grasp the idea that a guy would actually flirt with them. It’s great once they’re yours ’cause they’ll never catch on if someone else tries to flirt with them. I’ll give you the same advice I gave my boys when they were tryin’ to start things with Jane. Open your mouth and say the exact words. No flirtin’ or suggesting. Tell her you want to date, tell her you want her to be yours. Use your grown-up words. Everyone and their mother can see you two have feelings for each other, but it looks like she’s decided to get herself back. Don’t lose her ’cause you were bein’ too subtle.”
I’m once again thankful that I straight up asked Kierstie that first night to come back to my room. I didn’t know it would lead to me standing here a week before my wedding, but I thank the gods every day that it has.
Kierstie
I walk into the clubhouse and head to the kitchen, thinking that’s where Mads went. I hear pans crashing together so I must be right. I’m about to walk into the kitchen when I hear another voice in the kitchen. I lean against the opposite wall to listen. Maybe someone else can get these two on the same path.
“Hey, hey. What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you upset like this before. What’s the matter?”
Mads answers the voice. “I just don’t get why he’s so upset. I dressed this way ’cause I finally feel like myself and want to dress like it. I bought these clothes over a month ago and finally felt ready to wear them. I wasn’t flirting with Jameson or anything. I was just saying hi. It’s not like he wants to date me or anything. I’m a great wing woman, that’s it.”
“Listen, I know I’ve only been here a couple of months, but, sweetheart, that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Logan states. Oh, maybe he can get through to her since he’s new around here.
“He’s all about you. When you walk in here, he watches wherever you go. He’s very interested in you. He ain’t the only one either.”
What?I know I should either give them their privacy or interrupt, but I can’t help but continue to be a fly on the wall.
