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“Her husband cheated on her and divorced her while she was pregnant?”
“More like she divorced him and the club made sure he didn’t contest it. The bastard knows not to show his face in Dublin Falls. If he did, Falcon would kill him if Soleil didn’t get to him first.”
“I don’t blame them. To cheat is bad enough but to do it while your wife is pregnant. That’s low and dirty. I’d love to meet her.”
He led me into the common room and over to a woman who was standing with Falcon, Soleil and their daughter, Lara. As we got closer, I was shocked at how much she looked like Soleil. In fact, they could almost be twins. Tonya was a tad taller and her shape a little curvier, but she was gorgeous. She had a toddler in her arms, a little boy, and an older boy and girl were standing with them, checking out the kids playing. Blade didn’t waste time introducing me. He gave Tonya a peck on the cheek. She gave him a shy smile.
“Hi Blade. How’re you?”
“I’m doing great. It’s wonderful to have you back in town. You’re planning to stay, right?”
“Yes, this is where we want to stay. I’ve had enough trying to live and work where there’s nothing but strangers. I thought it would be easier, but it isn’t. Who’s this?” She smiled at me.
“This is Cassia. She’s my old lady and we’re getting married soon. Baby, this is Tonya who I told you about. These are her rugrats. The big guy is Daniel and his twin sister is Dena. The little guy is Dylan. Man, they’ve grown a lot since the last time we saw them.”
“They have. It’s so nice to meet you, Cassia. I’m glad Blade found someone.” She said with a smile as she shook my hand.
“Thank you, it’s so nice to meet you too. Your children are beautiful.”
“Thank you for that. I think they are.”
Before she could say more, Daniel tugged on her shirt. She looked at him. “Can we go play with the other kids?”
“Sure, but stay where I can see you. No going outside unless I’m with you. You know the rules.”
“We won’t. Come on, Dena, let’s go.” He grabbed his sister’s hand and dragged her with him. That got all of us laughing. I spent the next several minutes getting to know Tonya. She was sweet and very likable. I even got my hands on Dylan. I shared our news about us having a baby. She congratulated us. Once we were done talking to her, Blade moved me on to meet some of the Hunters Creek crew. They came in while we were talking to Tonya.
Like the first time I met the Dublin Falls chapter, my head was whirling with all the names and trying to keep them straight. We spent well over an hour going around so I could meet all of them. Everyone was more than kind and welcomed me to the Warrior family, which made me feel so good. The single guys lightly flirted, but I knew it was more to tease Blade than them doing it to be serious. It was fun to watch.
I saw my brother and Heath wandering around talking to people. Over the last few days, they’d become more relaxed with Blade’s club and the club had eased back a little on their skepticism. I wasn’t sure what had caused that, but I was glad it had.
We were sitting down with a few others having a drink and chatting when I looked up and saw Ian enter. He wasn’t alone. Behind him was Erin, Babs, and Jan. I wanted to groan. Even though we invited the whole bakery, I never imagined she’d come. She and I hated each other. She went out of her way to stay away from me and vice versa. Why would she come here? She was looking around the clubhouse with avid interest. Blade saw them and stood up.
“Excuse us, but we have some late arrivals to greet. We’ll be back later,” Blade told our group. They all nodded. We hurried over to them. Ian gave me a relieved smile when he saw us. He hugged me then Erin and Babs did. Blade greeted him with a handshake.
“Ian, good to see you made it. I see the whole crew is here. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Drinks are at the bar. If there’s something we don’t have, just ask. The food will be coming out soon, so you got here in time. I warn you, these ladies cook like angels.”
“Thanks for inviting us. I’ll admit, I never turn down a home-cooked meal. And I’ve always been curious about this place. I had no idea you had so many members.”
“Well, this is our chapter and the one in Hunters Creek combined. They came over to meet Cassia, so she could match faces to names before our wedding.”
“I’ve been meaning to congratulate you. You got a fine woman. Lucky man.”
As he said that, Jan snorted quietly. Ian either didn’t hear her or just ignored her. Babs and Erin glared at her. I raised my eyebrow at her. If she had something to say, she should spit it out.
“So, when is the supposed wedding happening? What’s the rush? Oh, that’s right. You knocked her up, didn’t you? I heard her tell the others at work. You really should’ve been more careful, Blade. Don’t you know, you don’t have to marry a woman just because she was stupid enough to get pregnant. I bet she did it to trap you,” Jan said spitefully.
Erin and Babs gasped. I don’t know why. They should be used to Jan’s bitchy attitude. What surprised me wasn’t what she said. It was the fact she did it in front of Ian. She’d never done that before. Jan had always been careful not to let him see that side of her. He had been clueless and hadn’t seemed to believe anyone when they said she did or said hateful things. There was no way he could say that he didn’t know her now. His shocked expression immediately morphed into an outraged one.
“Jan, what in the world has gotten into you. Apologize. That’s uncalled for. Anyone who sees them can tell that Blade and Cassia are deeply in love. Just like I was with my wife. A baby is a blessing. I know she didn’t get pregnant to trap him.”
She looked like she didn’t know what to say. Blade was glaring at her. I knew if she wasn’t a woman, he would’ve punched her. She was lucky. A hand had me turning to find my brother and Heath standing there. By the looks on their faces, they’d heard what Jan said. Benedict verbally jumped her.
“Who the hell are you to talk like that to my sister? She’s one of the sweetest and genuinely good people I know. She’d never do what you said. Blade, I know this is your place and not mine, but I think this woman has outstayed her welcome.”
“She has. Sorry, Ian, the rest of you are more than welcome to stay, but Jan needs to leave. In the future, if you’re still working at the bakery, which I seriously doubt you will be, but if you are, don’t think an open invitation includes you. You and your hateful attitude aren’t welcome here. I’ll have you escorted out.”
“I’ll do it,” Heath volunteered. He took a hold of her arm. She sputtered and protested, but no one paid any attention to her. Heath moved her out the door.
