AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do not let anyone change who you are or what you do. Together we can get through anything,” I say confidently.
I hold her tightly against me until I hear her breathing even out and she is sound asleep. I lay awake looking at her, knowing that she is safe in my arms.
Twenty-Four
Celebrate New Beginnings
Maddie
The club room is beautiful. The pink plush chair for Ava is in the centre of the room with a warm blanket and pillow for back support. Of course, they are all pink with leather borders.
Vi is coming straight from the hospital and I want to ensure she is comfortable. I had a turquoise blue recliner purchased and placed next to Ava’s chair. Thank the Gods for express delivery and pushy bikers. Vi’s blanket and pillows are peach and raspberry colours.
Balloons in a variety of blues with silver are placed throughout the room. I have tall vases with blue and white peonies on the tables with the crystal and silverware arranged in an elegant setting. The old ladies all came over early to help me. They are wonderful. It is a great way to get to know them better and discovered how much they all love and respect Ava and Vi. The dessert table has an assortment of white and blue desserts from the bakery. They look amazing and in the centre of the table, is a two-tier baby boy biker cake. It is exceptional. The tiers have been placed off centre in an artistic manner. The mini biker jacket has the Satan’s Pride insignia on the back and beneath it is written “Baby Pride”. The mini motorcycle is a perfect replica of Guard’s bike in tiny form. The cake is covered in black fondant with zipper half open and blue writing that says, “Welcome to Our Pride Family”.
War wraps his arms around me as I’m placing the napkins on the tables. I instinctively lean back into him as I feel his tongue nip behind my ear. “Hey, Honey,” I say breathlessly. It’s been several days since our ordeal and we are finally settling into calm.
“Kitten, you look incredible,” he whispers in my ear. I’m pretty pleased in my soft pink dress with cap sleeves and above the knee length flowy skirt. It’s sweet and soft and makes me feel pretty. Even better that War thinks so too. He lets me go and turns me to him. “Vi’s here, Baby. I want to remind you that though she looks really good, she still has to be careful and Orion has made it clear that she does nothing but sits and enjoys the company.”
“I wouldn’t dream of having her do anything,” I reply with great indignation.
“I know but she will try. If she thinks of moving, Orion is going to lose his mind. So, I am asking that you all keep your eyes on her and make sure she doesn’t. I’m not sure where Orion’s head is at. He isn’t saying much. It’s almost like he has closed himself off. He is careful as hell with Vi but hasn’t spoken about the day itself or how we found her,” War shares.
“I promise you she won’t even get the opportunity to move before what needs to be done gets done. You will have to help her to the table for lunch though,” I inform him.
“Orion won’t let anyone near her. He’s on it,” War says.
The hustle of Orion coming through the room carrying Vi pulls our attention. “Orion, I can walk,” Vi announces.
“Woman, don’t even think about it. You are out of the hospital against the doctor’s judgement. I agreed to bring you here as long as you stay put. So, no lip,” Orion says gruffly.
“Okay, big man,” Vi drawls as Orion places her in her assigned blue chair. I wriggle out of War’s arms and hug her gently.
“Thank you, Vi.” I whisper as my eyes glisten with tears, threatening to unleash themselves. Vi pulls back and looks at me with a sly smile.
“Maddie, you saved me, remember?” she says, holding my hands.
“No Vi, I was hiding, afraid and terrified of what would happen if he found me. You challenged him and protected me. Your selflessness and strength reminded me that I have people who are willing to fight for me. It was time for me to fight for myself,” I tell her.
I drape the blanket over her legs and adjust the pillows around her. “Can I get you some coffee or something?”
“I’m taking medication, that eliminates all the stuff I’d normally have,” she giggles, “I’ll have some coffee, though. One milk, please, if you will.”
The room is filled with our guests and Vi is staying in her chair with everyone dropping by to chat with her. Orion leans against the wall, keeping his eyes on Vi. Paul and my Smoking Guns family have also joined us for the day. Paul hugs me close to him the moment he saunters into our place. He just holds me and thanks War and his brothers repeatedly for making sure I stayed safe. War invites him to stay with us in the spare room. Along with Risk, they’ll overhaul the studio and bring it back to the state it was in before tragedy struck. That is next week’s project; for now, Paul and the group have setup the instruments and we are going to sing the song I put together for Ava, Guard, and the baby.
Cris pops his head in the doorway. “Yo, heads up—Guard’s getting her out of the truck.” And as quickly as he pops in, he pops back out.
Ava steps in the room and everyone yelled “Surprise!”.
Guard guides her to her princess throne where she receives hugs and kisses from everyone along the way. Ava dips down to Vi and the two women exchange a glance and hold hands as Ava settles into her chair. Her other hand reaches for me and I immediately take her hand. “This is the most perfect party I could have ever hoped for,” Ava says, smiling up at me.
“Well wait for it, sister,” I tell her, “We have the most amazing food for the occasion and I can’t wait for you to open your gifts.”
“Maddie, I have the best gifts already. I am holding the hands of the most precious gifts in my life. This is perfect. My two best friends are here and safe and healing.” She smiles brightly.
“Let the party begin!” I say loudly, and everyone cheers.
The food is amazing, especially the baby sliders and the baby fries are a huge hit. Of course, we have biker-sized food for the guys, which they appreciate. The most authentic smiles erupts when Ava and Guard see the cake for the first time. Ava gushes about how beautiful it is. the first slice is cut for her and she takes a bite and give a forkful to Guard, who moans over how good it is.
