Clotille still couldn’t believe she’d lived with the man who’d conspired to kill the love of her life’s mother. And Armand… it was still unfathomable to her. She often wondered if her mother knew what Armand had done; she wouldn’t put it past her. She had no idea what her mother was doing; Clotille didn’t want anything to do with her anymore. When she’d turned Clotille over to Frederick, she’d known in that instant that her relationship with her mother was over forever. She hadn’t even attempted to contact her when she and Rock were in Lafayette for Frederick’s trial.
When their house was ready, Clotille promptly brought Stephan to live with her. At first he enjoyed being in her company, but then he began to feel sad about not having his roommate and friends around him. Rock had suggested she place him in a new home that had just been built in the valley. Each resident had a roommate and the facility looked like a large bed and breakfast.
She’d taken Stephan there, telling him that if he didn’t like it he could come home with her, but his face lit up when he saw the cats and dogs the staff brought with them to work. After a couple of weeks he had settled in nicely. At least twice a week, Clotille went to see him and take him out for ice cream, a long walk, or whatever he wanted to do. Every Sunday he spent it over at Clotille and Rock’s house. She was thrilled that Andrew was getting to know his uncle Stephan.
She placed the mugs and dishes in the dishwasher and turned to look at Rock, who was already on the small love seat next to the fireplace. She padded over to him. “You make a mean snowman,” she said softly.
Gathering her in his arms, he held her snugly. “I’m a mean sonofabitch. That’s the only kind of snowman I know how to make.”
She giggled and looked up; his eyes brimmed with tenderness and passion, and his smile was as intimate as a kiss. Reaching out, she softly brushed her fingers against his cheek. “I’m so lucky to see the gentle, loving side of you.”
“You’re everything to me,chouchou.” His last words were smothered on her lips, and his kiss sang through her veins.
As they sat by the fire, twisted together, they touched, kissed, and murmured loving words to each other. They had time to enjoy their time alone; Andrew and Jack would be engrossed in their video game until the gray skies turned inky.
And they’d planned to take full advantage of it.
***
A week later,Rock and Clotille’s house was bustling with people. It was the first formal party they’d thrown. Clotille wanted to make sure everything was perfect even though Rock kept telling her to “calm the fuck down.”
“Clotille, your crab and shrimp étoufée was fantastic. You’ve got to give me the recipe,” Cara said as she dried the pots and pans.
“I never cared much for Cajun food, but fuck, girl, you converted me.” Cherri sat at the island folding the desert napkins.
Clotlille laughed. “That’s a compliment, Cherri. When Rock and I left Lafayette after the trial, we went crazy and bought a bunch of spices, dried chiles, red beans, and other things. We had the back of the SUV filled. Andrew thought we were crazy as hell, but I still have some of the spices.”
“You can order those things online, can’t you?” Addie picked up a chocolate covered strawberry and popped it in her mouth.
“Yeah, but it’s not the same as the local neighborhood markets.”
“These are delicious.” Addie took another strawberry. “You should have these at your wedding, Cara.”
“I can’t believe you’re finally going to do it. I can’t wait to see Hawk walk down the aisle in a tux.” Belle laughed as she put the leftovers in tupperware that Clotille had given her.
“Hawk’s wearin’ a tux? No fuckin’ way.” Cherri clapped her hands while she laughed.
“Not so loud. If Hawk knows we’re laughing about him wearing a tux, all my hard work in convincing him will be gone in a minute. In a few weeks, I’m dragging him to a cake tasting. He doesn’t know it yet.” Cara’s bemused look made Clotille grin.
“I can’t believe you talked Hawk into a country club wedding,” Baylee said before taking a sip of her wine. “And he’s been so involved in picking the furniture for your house. When I told Axe that, he didn’t believe me. He thought I was exaggerating. These guys.” Baylee rolled her eyes, but her smile was soft and tender.
“I can’t picture Rock agreeing to a country club wedding.” Clotille commented.
All the women stopped talking and stared at her. “Are you hiding something from us?” Addie asked. “Are you guys going to get married?”
“Axe will totally not believethat,” Baylee said.
Clotille’s face turned red and her fingers touched her lips. “No. Oh no. I didn’t mean that. I just meant it’s funny to think of one of these guys dressed up and in a country club. Rock and I are taking it slow.”
“Taking it slow doesn’t exist in these guys’ vocabulary. When they want something they go for it no matter what.” Cara shook her head. “Hawk was a persistent one, that’s for sure.” The group of women laughed.
“How did you get Hawk to agree not to have a biker wedding?” Belle asked. “Banger wouldn’t even consider not having one.”
“Chas and I had a beautiful one. I loved every minute of it.” Addie leaned her chin on her hand.
“You had a fuckin’ awesome wedding, Addie. If Jax and I decided to get married, I want you to help me plan it. I loved what you did.” Cherri sat on one of the stools at the island.
“The compromise for Hawk indulging me and my parents was for me to agree to a biker wedding. So we’re having two. I’ll be dead before we go on our honeymoon.” Cara folded the dish towel over the towel rack.
