“I told him I was taking some annual leave… taking a trip to Hawaii.”
Kevlar exhales. “Ethan…”
Lou sits a little taller. “The main thing is… all our family is here under the one roof. We’re together and safe. We can protect each other.”
“They’re gonna think you’re switching, Eath. If you don’t tell them you’re here, your job will be on the line. Your career. Your image.”
Ethan groans. “Can we not deal with this tonight? I know how this comes across, Liam. I’m gonna look corrupt. They’re gonna presume I’ve turned like you. I’m gonna lose my job. We won’t make payments on our house, not on only Lou’s salary. We’ll have to move further out of the city, away from you and the kids. Don’t think I haven’t thought about this… I have. But we need to be here to help. And to keep us alive.”
Kevlar’s face scrunches. “You won’t lose your jo—”
“I will—”
“I’ll plead with them, tell them it was extenuating circumstances. You can’t move away, Eath, it will break the kids’ hearts. I’ll give you the mon—”
“I’m not taking dirty money from you, Liam, even if it’s given with good intentions. I still live by the code, even if it’s the code kicking my ass right now.”
I grip onto Kevlar’s knee to let him know I’m here for him. “We’ll find a way,” I tell them.
Lou smiles at me as Ethan turns to face the kids who are sitting quietly with Fox and Bub. “I don’t want to be a disappointment to them.”
“What the hell, man? You could never. Not to them, certainly not to me. You’ve gone above and beyond for us. You’re a fucking hero, Ethan.”
His eyes fall to the table between us as Lou wraps her arm around his shoulders. “Thanks for letting us take your room, Jovie. We really appreciate it.”
“It’s no trouble, honestly. I’ve been bunking in with Kevlar most nights anyway, so it’s not much of a change.”
“Having the kids in with you, though, that must be a mood kill.” Lou grins.
“Lou, you can’t say shit like that.” Ethan widens his eyes.
“We don’t mind. As long as the kids are happy, we’re happy. Plus, we’re resourceful. There’s plenty of people to watch the kids during the day.” I wink at Lou as Ethan smirks cheekily.
“Well, it’s good that your new relationship isn’t suffering under the weight of all… this,” Lou adds.
“We’re doing just fine, aren’t we, sunshine?” Kevlar pulls me closer, kissing the top of my head.
“Absolutely fine.”
“Speaking of the kids, they should be getting to bed. Do you guys need anything?” Kevlar asks.
“I’m gonna stay up a little longer and make sure everything’s okay out here. I think I got a handle on where everything is, but I know where your room is if I need you. If not, I’ll text you,” Ethan advises.
“Sure. Night, guys. I’m glad you’re here… we’ll sort out all the rest of the shit later, okay?”
“Sleep well,” Lou offers.
We stand, Kevlar grabs my hand, and we make our way over to the kids. “I can’t believe Ethan could be giving everything up to be here,” I whisper.
“He’s not giving up shit. I won’t let it happen. Not on my watch.”
We make our way over to Fox and Bub, their eyes lighting up when they spot us.
“It’s nice to see you two looking so cozy,” Bub states as we approach.
I smile, and Kevlar grins, tightening his hand in mine. “We’re just here to say good night—”
“Oh no, not so fast. We haven’t had a chance to properly talk to Jovie. So, pull up a seat,” Fox offers, and instantly I tense.
Fox and Bub are Emma’s parents, and I know I have a lot to live up to. I will always live in the shadow of Emma’s image in their eyes when it comes to Kevlar. I just hope they see me as worthy of him.
Kevlar hesitates, but I pull out a seat and sit. He exhales, taking the seat next to me.
“Actually, I’ve wanted to talk to you both, too. I know me being here, being in the kids’ lives, in Kevlar’s life must be… well, strange… but—”
“On the contrary, my sweet. We think it’s great. Seeing the way Kevlar lights up around you, the way the kids adore you, it’s all we could ever have hoped for.” My entire body clenches in excitement. “But…” Oh shit. “We know what’s coming is going to be terrifying for you. Lockdowns are the catalyst to something bigger, and I hope you’re prepared for the fight that’s inevitably headed the club’s way,” Bub states, but her tone is kind and caring.
“Bub!” Kevlar warns.
“No, it’s fine. I may not know what’s coming. I might not be fully prepared for it, but I promise you my sole priority will be looking after those two kids when the time comes. I wasn’t born into club life, but I know a thing or two about how the evil of this world works, and I don’t want them anywhere near Sadie or Lucas. I will take a bullet for them if I have to. If I have to take one for Kevlar, I will do that, too, so they keep their father in their lives.”
Kevlar’s eyes shoot to me, a longing expression on his face like he didn’t expect me to say that. He tightens his hand in mine.
I turn back to Fox and Bub. “I know we haven’t spent a lot of time together, but I’d love to get to know you more as the grandparents of the kids I love. As the parents-in-law of the man I adore. In this short time, I’ve grown to appreciate this club and everyone in it. I’m so glad I’m here, and honestly, I want to thank you for accepting me into your family.”
Fox relaxes back into his chair, folding his arms over his chest. Bub smiles as Kevlar remains completely silent.
“Well, that’s all I needed to hear. You got yourself a good one, Kevlar,” Fox chimes, now sporting a bright smile.
Bub rests her hand on my forearm. “You remind me of myself at your age. The fire in your eyes, the fight in your belly. And look at me, still an Old Lady all these years later.”
“Bub! Don’t go throwing Old Lady around like it’s a casual thing. Let the kids move at their own damn pace.”
Kevlar swallows hard, his eyes not meeting mine. The mood between us shifts slightly, and I can instantly tell that Kevlar is thinking about Emma. It doesn’t hurt me, just makes me sad. I wish I was able to take his pain away fully for him. Maybe one day, I will be able to help him, so he knows I have no problem with sharing his heart with Emma.
“Anyway, we should try to keep the kids in their routine,” I attempt to break the tension.
Bub weakly smiles and turns to face Sadie and Lucas. “Kids, I think it’s time for bed.”
“Aww,” they both whine.
I bend down to grab Lucas as he yawns. He clings to me, his little tired eyes giving him away.
Sadie, on the other hand, is still full of beans. “Daddy, just five more minutes with Grumps and Mimi?”
Kevlar exhales. “How about no more minutes… it’s already way past your bedtime.”