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“That’s what the brotherhood’s supposed to be. What it was always meant to be. We live hard, the way we want, and accept the consequences because we know our brothers will take care of us.”
“Amen.” A sense of peace settles over me. It’s a relief to finally get some of this stuff off my chest. “Thanks, Rock. Appreciate talking this out with you.”
“Anytime you need to talk, I’m here to listen.” He hesitates for a second. “I know you’re worried about burdening Serena while she’s going through this, but she’s a smart woman. She can handle it.”
“I’m sure she can. But I don’t want her to worry about anything else. I’m trying to make things easier on her, not harder.”
“Believe me, I understand. But one way or another, you two are in this together for a long time, so don’t shut her out.”
“I’ll try. I’d really rather not keep reminding her of the age difference if I can help it.”
He bites his lip, as if he’s trying not to laugh. “Like I said, she’s a smart woman. I’m sure she’s noticed by now.”
“Don’t be a jackass.”
“It’s only a problem if you make it a problem.”
“Yeah,” I grumble. “Hey, thank Hope for me. Appreciate her talking to Serena. She’s been a little down that she doesn’t have a lot of female relatives and stuff to help her out. I’m trying to support her as much as I can but…”
“Of course.” He cocks his head toward the door, listening for a second. “Can’t have a strong brotherhood without a strong sisterhood. Took a while for that to sink in.”
“Well, you all seem to have chosen well.” I drain the last of my scotch and set the glass down.
“Better go find her or Hope will be loading her up with more baby stuff than you’re prepared to take home tonight.” He stops and frowns. “Where are you planning to call home?”
“Don’t know yet. She’s still at her friend’s place. I was hoping to get off parole, then figure out the living situation, but I might need to figure it out sooner.”
“If you need…assistance with anything, come talk to me.”
“I ain’t borrowing money from you, Rock.” I force a wry smile. “Besides, didn’t I tell you about the consolation cash Priest gave me?”
He grunts in acknowledgment. “I’m not saying borrow money from me.” His gaze slides to the door again. “Club’s done well with some investments that we’ve kept…close to home.”
“So, not reported to National.”
He lifts one shoulder but doesn’t confirm or deny. “Teller’s the one who did the hard work. He’s the investment genius. But you would’ve been a member upstate if you’d been out, so you should—”
“You’ve given me more than enough, Rock.”
“Listen, if you want to be stubborn, that’s fine. Go sleep in the woods for all I care. But you’re gonna have an ol’ lady and baby to think about soon. I’m not saying pick out a million-dollar mansion and I’ll finance it for you. I’m saying, you might have trouble getting credit, a mortgage, or whatever. And if that’s the case, let me know. Teller and I can help you sort it out.”
“No wonder you’re such an effective president. Got all the right words at your disposal to bend me to your will.”
“It’s my superpower.”
I slap my hand on the table and stand. “At least you’re humble.”
Laughing, he stands too, then pulls me in for a hug. “Congrats, brother. You two gonna find out what you’re having or wait?”
“Shit, I don’t know. I didn’t ask Serena what she wants to do yet.”
“You’ve got time. I know Z’s itching for another boy to come into the family.”
“Fuck, I don’t even care, as long as the baby’s healthy.” I eye him closer. “You two gonna have another? Try for a boy?”
“Nope. Didn’t think we’d be able to have one, so we don’t want to press our luck.” He glances around the war room. “Always said I didn’t want kids because I already felt like I was raising a bunch of ’em.”
“Shit, if that’s not fucking accurate.”
“But Grace is something else.” His usually hard face softens. “Well, you’re going to find out soon enough.”
“You got any other advice for me?” My how the tables have turned. Me coming to Rock for life tips.
“Have you gone to her doctor appointments?”
“Yeah, we had the first ultrasound the other day. Things looked good.”
His mouth curves. “Hearing that heartbeat the first time...” He shakes off whatever memory came back to him and turns serious again. “Keep going with her if you can. You’ll learn a lot.”
“Yeah, been real enlightening so far.”
“You’ll be fine. No doubt.” He slaps me on the back and walks with me to the door.
Lilly is waiting outside of the war room. She tosses an anxious glance over her shoulder. “Grinder, can I talk to you for a sec?”
