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“Yup. Willow’s helping, so it should go quick.”
“No…other plans?” He snaps his mouth shut and nods. “That’s good. If you run into any issues, reach out to Z.”
“I have. He stopped by and helped me with a few things not that long ago.”
“Good.”
Outside the war room, Hope’s waiting for Rock in her usual spot on the corner couch. Grace is on the floor at her mom’s feet, busy playing with some sort of board with little animals attached by Velcro. By her big grin and happy squeals, ripping the toys off the board is the best part of the game.
“Where’s your partner in crime, Gracie?” I ask.
She whips her head around and grins up at me. Then her eyes land on Rock and she forgets all about me.
“Daddy!” She lifts her arms in the air and Rock bends over to grab her.
“Uncle Wrath was telling her how tasty the deer are.” Hope flicks the tiny stuffed deer on Grace’s toy board and rolls her eyes.
Rock chuckles.
Hope stands and leans up to kiss Rock. She fusses with the bow in Grace’s little red-gold ringlets before settling her inquisitive eyes on me.
“How are you, Dex?”
“Not too bad.” I nod at Grace. “She’s getting bigger every time I see her.”
She shines a soft smile on her daughter and husband. “Don’t I know it.”
“Gracie! Come on!” a little boy’s voice shouts.
The three of us turn to see Z’s son peeking around the end of the hallway, frantically waving his hand.
“Pancakes!” he yells.
Grace squirms and wiggles until Rock sets her down.
“Easy,” Hope warns.
Even in his excitement, Chance is gentle with Grace. He takes her hand and hurries her down the hallway toward the kitchen. We follow them part of the way. Rock watches them like a hawk until he spots Lilly waiting for them outside of the dining room.
“It’s good they all have each other to play with,” I say to Hope.
“It is,” she agrees. “Although, Ravage keeps insisting Chance needs another little boy to play with so he doesn’t turn outtoo girly.” She rolls her eyes.
“I’ve been trying to talk Juliet into bringing Atlas up here so he can hang out with the kids.”
“Oh?” She lifts her eyebrows. “That would be nice. Why do I sense an issue?”
“Vapor’s fine with it.” I shrug. “The club concerns her, though.”
“She’s a young mom. I’m sure she’s cautious. Does she have any other mom friends?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
“Maybe Heidi and I could meet her somewhere away from the club?” she suggests. “Then the little guys could hang out, but it won’t feel too club-related?”
There’s that tightening in my throat again. It’s a sweet offer. Fuck knows Hope has enough to keep her busy without acting as our Lost Kings MC outreach counselor. And this isn’t even about trying to bring Vapor into the club so he’ll patch-in. It’s about bringing family into the fold.
“Thanks, Hope. I’ll keep that in mind.”
