Page 23 of Whiskey

Pit allowed the room to quiet. “We, at the Saint’s, have been brainstorming, but we figured this group would have a lot more ideas. And let’s face it, we’re stronger together.”

Whiskey dropped a kiss on the top of her head and stood up. “Back in a sec.”

His dad and Hennessy seamlessly took his place, each placing a hand on her arm. Whiskey stood by Pit.

“I appreciate all of you having Vivi’s back, but Vivi has just gotten to start making decisions for herself. Although I’d like to make sure they never breathe the air my wife does, it’s not how fierce women live. Vivi, what do you want to do?”

Vivi fought tears because, even when her man wanted to take control, he asked for her opinion. She didn’t care if she never saw her father-in-law and his son ever again. She didn’t need a triumphant moment. She had a husband who adored her and showed her that every day. He was the dad she’d always wanted for Ezra. He came with a huge family who gave her all those wonderful moments she’d watched other families have on TV.

Peck’s hand patted her wrist. “If you don’t want to talk, tell me what you want to say,” Peck whispered. She grasped Peck’s hand as she stood. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“You’re the dad I always dreamed I’d have. I love you wanting to protect me, but with all of you, I can be strong.”

His smile and the tears in his eyes had her turning and heading to Whiskey. When she’d taken a chance and drove away from Kansas City, she hadn’t known she was running toward love. She took his hand and stood beside him. The room quieted again. The Bluff Creek Beauties were giving her thumbs up and gestures of encouragement. She knew what she wanted.

“I want to thank you all for coming today. Justice and his club gave me a gift when they offered me a way out. When Whiskey, his family, and friends showed my son and me that there were good people who helped others, I had hope for the first time. Despite the threat of Bailey and me being on a horrible website, I know you all can beat them. I want my children to grow up without threats hanging over them. I want my life here in the bar with Whiskey to continue. I plan on helping all his brothers and cousins find the love we have.”

She giggled at the yells from Hennessy and the other men of the family. Even at this scary time, they helped her.

“You let me know and we’ll help you. It’s time these boys found their partners,” Peck’s brothers Burt and Bill yelled.

“Oh, I included you all in that too. Didn’t you know sixty is the new forty?”

Vivi waited for the laughter to calm down. “Whatever you all need to plan and do to make sure they can never hurt anyone else again is fine with me. I don’t care.”

A loud clatter from the kitchen had her turning. Ezra came running out of the kitchen.

“Mom, Dad,” he yelled as he slid to a stop in front of them.

“What’s going on, son?” Whiskey questioned, pulling Ezra closer.

“I saw Grandfather and Uncle in the parking lot getting out of a car.”

At his words, men and women started getting up and moving toward the door.

“How’d you get down here?”

“Phoebe caused a distraction, and I came down the dumbwaiter.”

“Hennessy, can you take him upstairs?” Whiskey asked.

“No, Hennessy can protect him, but I want him to see how cowards crumple when family stands together.”

Whiskey nodded at Vivi, and Hennessy pulled Ezra behind him toward the back of the room. Justice was by the front door as the men who terrorized her and her son walked in. Her former father-in-law spotted her and motioned to his son, who strode toward her. He reached toward her to grab her, but Remi was there, smacking his hand away.

“Uh, uh, uh. No touching.”

He glared at her but turned to Vivi. “Your vacation is over. You and Ambrose and your daughter will be coming with us.”

Months ago, his words would have struck fear into her, but not today.

“You mean because you have to have us back to sell us?”

He pulled back, obviously surprised she knew. His eyes slid around the room, and for the first time ever, she saw fear on his face. He paused then turned around and looked toward his father. They had obviously realized they didn’t have the upper hand, but her former father-in-law still thought he was the biggest threat in the room. She was going to enjoy watching him learn he wasn’t even close.

“Onessa, you will take your place now. If you want your children to live, you’ll get your sloppy, ugly butt out to the car along with the children. Do so and we’ll leave your friends in peace.” The father-in-law she’d feared walked toward her as he gave the ultimatum. He shook his finger in her face to make his point.

Vivi stood waiting because Whiskey was vibrating beside her.

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