“Babe, you may say you’re bad with words, but you are a lot wiser than you know.” Instead of an answer, light snoring fills the air. Only my man would say something so philosophical one moment and be asleep the next second. I guess maybe I should try to nap since they say I should try to nap when Grace does if possible.
CHAPTER 14
Shane
We’ve been home from the hospital for almost three weeks now. Thankfully, after the first week, Grace decided that being up all hours of the night was for the birds and she’s slept at least four hours in a row every night since. She’s good to her daddy. I need all the sleep I can get to try and maneuver the hormonal up and downs that Kierstie’s been having. I don’t hold them against her at all since I know her body’s been through the ringer. I just wish there was a manual to help me know what to say or do at any given moment.
Yesterday, for example, I went and got her the food from the diner she wanted and when I walked in the door and said hi, she burst out crying saying she was asking too much of me. Pa, Grant, Wyatt, and Jackson all have told me I just gotta ride it out and be there for her as much as I can. Ma assured me that this doesn’t last forever and that each day should get a little easier. I’m glad to see she’s physically feeling a bit better and moving around more. Her cast doesn’t seem to stop her from doing things either. Right now, she’s taking a nap while my Gracie and I are doing our daily ritual of laundry, folding clothes, and having a cup of coffee and bottle on the back porch. It’s our time to chat and discuss world affairs. Kierstie pumps often so I can get up and do some of the nighttime feedings and let her sleep. Luckily, our girl isn’t fussy about whether her meal comes from her mom or a bottle.
I’m about to take her out of her bouncy seat to go out to the porch and sit in the rocking chair, where we discuss the most important things, when my phone dings with an incoming text.
Pres: I know you’ve missed the last few weeks of church and that’s fine, but you need to come tonight. Before you argue, I’ve got Ma, Mads, Nicky, and Jane coming over with dinner and to visit.
Fucker knew I would argue about leaving Kierstie alone that long.
Me: Fine, but you get to tell her that. She might react better to you sayin’ it today. I said hi yesterday and it brought out the tears.
Pres: LOL! Are you scared of my sister?
Me: With her hormonal surges going on? Abso-fucking-lutely I am. You just wait, my friend. Your time is coming up almost any day now.
Pres: I know it and can’t wait. Fine. I’ll text her and tell her Ma is bringing some of Anna’s lasagna and garlic bread. Before you ask, she’s made some for us after church too.
Me: You must want every brother there if you’re pulling out the big guns of her lasagna.
Pres: For once, she offered and I’m smart enough to never turn that shit down.
Me: LOL, you can be smart like that sometimes. See you tonight.
Pres: Yep
I put my phone in my pocket, pour my coffee, and grab Grace’s bottle out of the warmer. Fuck, I’m still not great at remembering I’ve only got two hands and am not going to carry Grace in the same hand as my cup of coffee. Looking outside, I see it’s about to storm so she shouldn’t be outside anyway. I put my coffee and her bottle on the coffee table in the living room before I get her out of her bouncy chair. I get her out and situated on my lap with her bottle.
“Now, my Gracie girl, I know this isn’t our normal afternoon spot, but needs must, so we’ll just chat here today on the couch. You see this couch we’re sitting on? It’s comfortable and a great napping couch. I thought so when I bought it. It’s been a good couch, but like the rest of this place, it never quite felt like home. Then when your mama moved in, she added these blankets and other little things around the house that made it a home. She did that. Your mama is an amazing woman, and she loves us both which makes us both so very lucky. Hopefully, someday, we can expand that love with a brother or sister for you, but for now, you’ll rule the roost. Now, I was tryin’ to decide what today’s topic would be, but I was thinking I would tell you a little about your grandma Gretta. She may not have been the best mom, but I know she tried her best. Hell, maybe that was the greatest lesson she taught me. Always try your best. You might not win or be the best, but if you tried your hardest, you can be proud of what you did. I think your grandma Gretta wanted to give us more, but looking back, I think she was trapped by some lies she told and didn’t know how to undo them. It really makes what my grandpa said ring true. He said that you should always tell the truth, but you needn’t always be telling it. That means you shouldn’t lie, but also that sometimes, you don’t share everything you know. I know your mama gets that too.” I add that part in since I can tell she’s standing in the doorway. I move Grace to burp her as she just finished her bottle.
“It’s a good thing I love you and that you’re the sexiest man when you’re taking care of our girl, otherwise, I might be pissed at your insinuation.” She walks over, gives me a kiss, and grabs the empty bottle and my mug to take to the kitchen.
“I hear we don’t have to worry about dinner tonight and that you’ve been summoned to church. I think being with Jane has made my brother a little smarter. He led with the food and people coming over and then told me he was taking you away for the night.”
Grace lets out a good burp and once again I’m thankful Ma insisted we have a crap ton of burp cloths. Kierstie comes and gets her from me.
“It’s not the whole night, gorgeous. I plan to be back shortly after church is over.” She looks at me over Grace’s head.
“No. You’re going to have a few beers and enjoy dinner and the evening with your brothers ’cause we’re going to be watching a girls’ movie here and figuring out a plan for Brandy’s homecoming. Ma is going to get Shandy to come with her so she can join in. Her ribs are still hurting, but we’re hoping she can come for at least a little bit.”
I kiss Grace’s head. “When Mama speaks, we listen, right, my girl?” Kierstie rolls her eyes at me and heads into the nursery to change our girl’s diaper.
**********
The storm cleared, so I was able to ride my bike to church tonight. It’s a cold ride, but I know in the next month or so I’ll be lucky to be able to ride at all with the weather. I take the long way to church to enjoy just a couple of minutes to myself. I can’t wait to get Kierstie on the back of my bike. Maybe on our first date night I can get her to come out on.
I pull into the parking lot and park next to the row of bikes already lined up. I can see it looks like a good chunk of the brothers are already here. I head on into the clubhouse. Maybe I can snag a beer before church starts.
I walk inside and am greeted by a good amount of brothers scattered around the room. At the bar, already with a beer in their hands as I walk up, are Jameson, Saxon, Juan, Asher, and Ry. Behind the bar is Mayson, who’s a prospect, serving the beers. Before I can ask, he’s opening one and handing it over. I nod my thanks and lean against the bar.
I look around and I notice Jameson looking all grumpy at the end of the bar, peeling the label off his beer.
“What’s got that look on your face, brother?” He sighs like the world is on his shoulders.
