We spent many summer nights in the pool and grilling on the back patio, hosting members of both the Riders and Knights fairly often.
But it was inside that was arguably the biggest change. Cash, his pop, and nearly every member of the club had worked for months to fully gut the kitchen, tearing down walls and replacing old cabinetry, appliances, and flooring. It had completely changed the house for the better.
Nan’s old sofas had long since been replaced, though Cash had saved a square of floral fabric and framed it. It now hung prominently in the living room, and I smiled every time I walked past it.
Every surface had been repainted, windows replaced, and furniture updated. But the feel of the house remained the same. It was love that had welcomed us and love that kept us.
My nan would have been proud of her home and of me.
I made a quick lunch for myself, settling in my office to complete my latest project. I’d gained a reputation in the area and had steady work with local businesses in Hawthorne. Bigger jobs took me to Reno and even Vegas, but I didn’t want to travel farther than that. When the girls were older perhaps, but for now I was fulfilled with my work, and my priority was to spend time with my family.
When the doorbell rang, I looked up in confusion. I’d been lost in my work and was surprised that it was almost time for Margo to get up from her nap and to get Riley from school. I hadn’t been expecting anyone, and though the kidnapping had happened years ago, unexpected guests still put me on edge.
A look at the security camera Cash had installed didn’t make me feel any better. An unfamiliar man stood on the stoop, a ball cap pulled low over his face. My heart rate quickened in response, and I reached for the phone just as I saw Cash’s black truck pull to the curb.
I sighed in relief, moving to the front door, curious now. When I opened the door, I was shocked by who stood on the other side.
Charlie.
When my brother turned to face me, his face aged well beyond his years, for a moment I was stunned speechless.
“Go back inside, Layla,” Cash growled, his eyes narrowed on Charlie as he moved to stand in front of me, guarding me and the house.
“I want to see her,” Charlie demanded, his eyes bloodshot, nose red. “I’m her father.”
“I’m her father, asshole,” Cash snarled, stepping in to his space. “This is my family, and I will not allow you to come here and disrupt any part of that. Now, I’ll give you two choices. Either you leave here now and never come back, or you figure out what kind of justice I’ll dole out if you ever step foot on my doorstep again.”
In all my time with him, I’d never seen him as fierce as he was right now.
Charlie took an unsteady step back, holding up his hands. “I just wanted to see her,” he repeated.
Though I’d dreaded the thought of this moment, of Charlie reemerging into our lives, I hadn’t realized that on some level I needed it. I stepped out from behind Cash, earning a growl of warning from my man. I shot him a look that I knew he’d understand. This wasn’t an opportunity for Charlie; this was closure for me.
“Years ago, you left me and Riley,” I began quietly, looking him square in the eye. Though of course I recognized him, it was as though I was looking into a stranger’s eyes as I continued. “And that little girl became mine. I’m her mama. And this man,” I gestured to Cash, “from minute one he accepted us, took care of us, and protected us. He’s her father, my husband, and the man that will kill you if you ever so much as threaten the beautiful life we have. You don’t get to make the choices you did and decide on a whim to change them. I’d never put Riley through it. And besides, you don’t deserve it. So, before my man does something I know he wants to and may only potentially regret later, I’d advise you to get gone and forget our address.”
Charlie stared at me as though shocked I’d responded so harshly.
Cash grabbed him by the collar. “You don’t get to see my daughter. Hell, you don’t get to breathe the same air. And you don’t get to utter another word to my wife. You gave up that right. Now, get your ass off my property.” He shoved him back roughly with one hand, his other arm curled toward me protectively.
I put my hands to his shoulders, feeling the tension there as we both watched Charlie stumble over to his car. After a few false starts, he eventually drove away and out of sight.
For a moment I stared after him, feeling an odd peace come over me. To some extent, I’d always known he’d show up. It hadn’t felt over, not really. After all these years, I’d finally been able to say my piece. It had lifted a weight I didn’t know I carried. And somehow I knew he was really gone this time.
“I need to check on Margo,” I murmured.
He nodded, watching me go, still standing sentry on our front porch as I went back inside.
****
Grandpa! Grandma!” Riley hollered, racing for Thorn and Roxy as they walked through our door that evening.
“Baby, slow down.” I chuckled as I balanced Margo on my hip.
“Give me that sweet baby.” Roxy beamed, reaching out to take her granddaughter. Roxy was the definition of a doting grandmother and came up often to visit and to help with the girls.
The girls and I made the drive to Vegas when we could to visit them, though Cash traveled there much more frequently, helping Thorn with club business when he needed it.
I handed her over, smiling as she deftly balanced Margo while listening to Riley fire off details about her day. “Thank you for coming,” I murmured. Getting out for a date night was something we tried to do when we could.
“Are you kidding?” Thorn snorted affectionately. “This one’s been looking forward to it all month.” He hooked a finger toward his wife.
“And you weren’t up at five wanting to get on the road?” Roxy fired back with a grin.
“Only five?” Cash lifted a brow as he walked in to the room, looking delicious in black Levi’s and a white tee.
Roxy smacked him on the arm as he wrapped an arm around her, kissing the side of her head.
His eyes turned to mine, taking in the leather jacket and tight pants I wore with obvious appreciation. “You ready?”
I nodded, momentarily at loss for words at the hungry rasp of his voice as he wrapped his hand around mine and towed me out to the bike.
“Where’s your head at?” he asked quietly. It was hours later, after a delicious meal in town, and we’d ridden to one of the beautiful overlooks on the outskirts of town.
I turned to him as we sat side by side next to his bike. “About my brother? I’m good.” At his skeptical look, I continued. “I didn’t realize I needed that closure until today. I needed to say those things to him. And on some level, regardless of if he cares or not, I needed him to see that we’re good. That Riley has the family she deserves. She has the father she deserves,” I finished as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer. “And I’m not worried about him coming back. Somehow I know that won’t happen.” I shrugged.
“He’s not coming back.” Cash’s reply was final. At my questioning look, he sighed and continued. “I have strings, you know this. I just hadn’t pulled them until he overstepped. Soon as he left, he had the Highway Patrol on his ass within a mile of our house. Between the DUI and what they found in his car, he’s locked up and he’ll likely stay that way. If he doesn’t, I’ll take other measures. Either way, it’s dealt with.”