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“Well, Esther had a pipe bomb thrown through her front window,” Heather said in amusement. “So.”
“No shit?” Rose asked, looking at me. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“She also crashed the Mustang.”
“Otto’s baby?” Rose’s eyes widened as she laughed. “Okay, tell me everything.”
The door was wide open so women and children flowed in and out, visiting and making sure I was okay for the next half an hour. Most of them I’d met, but there was a surprising amount that I hadn’t. It didn’t matter. Every single one asked if we were alright and told me to let them know if they could help in any way.
“They’re a good group,” Heather said, sitting on the floor, her legs stretched out in front of her with her legs crossed at the ankles. Rhett was driving tiny motorcycles over her knees like they were ramps.
“None of them can actually do shit,” Otto’s cousin Charlie said wryly. “But we can. I’m sure Bishop has already talked to Otto about fixing the house. Don’t stress. He’ll make it a priority.”
“How’s business?” Heather asked.
“His or mine?” Charlie asked, smiling. “Both are phenomenal. People always need coffee and homes.”
I tuned them out and rubbed absentmindedly at my back. Now that I was relaxing on Heather’s bed, my muscles were beginning to protest from the little accident I’d been in. My lower back, shoulders, arms, and legs were all starting to ache.
While I was thankful for the warm welcome I’d gotten, I was really worried about Otto. There were many women and children inside the clubhouse, but I didn’t see any of the men. I had a very strong suspicion that staying safe inside the gates didn’t apply to everyone.
About forty minutes after Otto left, he was back with his dad and brothers. As the family crowded into the little room, each man went to their spouse.
“Headin’ out, baby,” he told me, cupping my face as he gently rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip. I slid my hands beneath his leather, gripping his sweatshirt in both fists.
“Where are you going?”
“To make sure that from now on you and baby are safe.”
“All of you?” I asked quietly, looking at each of the men, their faces close as they spoke quietly to their women.
“There’ll be some that stay behind,” Otto assured me. “They’ll make sure you guys are covered here.”
“You’re going to find my dad?” I knew the answer before I spoke, but I still needed verification.
I could see the indecision in Otto’s eyes clearly and I wondered if he’d actually lie to me before he finally nodded.
“Please be careful.” I took in the soot on his cheeks that he’d missed when he cleaned up, the strong jaw, the lips that looked firm but were so soft when he kissed me. It had only been weeks since we’d found each other again, but I couldn’t imagine life without him anymore. How in the world had that happened?
“I’ll be home soon,” he promised. “Hang with my mom. Get somethin’ to eat. Take a nap. Maybe I’ll crawl in with you when I get back.”
He leaned forward and kissed me carefully, setting his hand on my belly for just a moment.
“I love you,” I murmured against his lips.
“I love you, too,” he whispered back, pressing his forehead against mine. “Be back soon.” He rose to his feet.
All the men were moving away from their families, and my stomach twisted with fear. No one else seemed scared. My sisters-in-law were stoic. Heather was already playing with Rhett again.
“Otto,” I called when he’d almost reached the door.
“What’s up?”
I knew it wasn’t fair. I knew that whatever he was doing was dangerous. I was embarrassed and ashamed, but I couldn’t hold back the words. “Don’t kill my dad.”
Otto held my eyes for a moment before nodding.
