Page 166 of 12 Months of Mayhem

As we talk she, as usual, calms me down—well—until I see Spitfire leaning against the wall by the door, watching us. I know it’s coming and she doesn’t make me wait for it too long.

“Oh my God, you got a bun in the oven, Emmie? Are ya fixin’ to have a little one? Come on, you can tell me, won’t say a thing. Cross my heart hope to die, sugah.”

Watching our little Spitfire bouncing on her toes, I just know my secret is about to come out. Grace is barely holding it together, so I elbow her in the side, which just makes her laugh even harder. Spitfire is waiting and I don’t know what to do. It’s at that moment, thank God, Bullet comes out looking for her. She turns and I clear my throat. Spitfire looks my way and I shake my head. I motion her closer and whisper, “I’ve not told Mike yet.” She jerks up, looking at me in shock.

“Dang, Emmie, don’t sugarcoat it, just tell Brick like it is. I mean, he was there too, so it shouldn’t be a surprise, right?”

Bullet is watching both of us, and I see it like a light bulb goes off in his head when his eyes land at my tummy. Great, everyone is going to know before Mike if it keeps going like this. It’s like Bullet is in my head because he pulls Spitfire into him, whispering in her ear before he looks at me. “Don’t worry, Emmie, I’ll make sure she don’t say a thing. This is your news to tell, right, Flame? Time to keep those lips shut. I mean, what would your grammy say if she knew you were trying to bust Emmie’s moment?”

Both Grace and I jerk back at what Bullet just said. He’s the only one who calls her Flame, but it was the Grammy comment. Hearing that, I know he’ll protect my secret a bit longer. Spitfire looks my way with huge eyes.

“I’m so beyond sorry, Emmie. I’ll keep my tongue still and won’t gossip a word.”

She turns into Bullet, who hugs her, then they head in. Grace leans into me while I try to stop panicking. As she waits, I try to find the words but can’t, so I wing it.

“What if Mike doesn’t want any more? My God, Gracie, we have three already, all the same age. I thought I couldn’t get pregnant, that’s why we did that in vitro. How did this happen?”

Grace smirks at me, then puts her hand on my belly.

“If I have to explain that, sister, you have bigger problems. Hey, enough with the elbow. And I warned you that after in vitro, sometimes it’s enough to kick the body into normal functions. You’ve got this, you were born to be a momma. Now quit worrying, we got people to feed. Come on, let me help your pregnant ass up.”

We both start laughing as she gives me a hand up. As we walk to the door, I turn and see Calum, Karma’s little guy, watching me strangely. Grace notices and we watch him watching us. Then out of the clear blue sky, he walks toward me and puts his little arms around my legs. I let out a gasp because he doesn’t touch anyone, ever. He’s autistic and barely puts his hands on his dad. Grace pulls her camera out and takes a few pictures before the little guy pulls back.

“I’m happy for you, Auntie Emmie. Hoping someday Daddy finds a wife and I get a brother or sister. Is it time to eat yet?”

I put my hand out and again, surprisingly, he grabs it and the three of us walk in. As people see Calum and I walking hand in hand, mouths drop and gasps can be heard. When Stitch stops Karma from talking by pointing our way, he turns and almost passes out when he sees Calum and I connected by our hands. He slowly makes his way to us as Grace moves toward Stitch. Karma scrunches down, asking his son if he’s okay. Calum nods as he looks at my belly again, then smiles up at me. Oh my God, I’m going to cry. Karma stands up and asks me if everything is okay. I just nod as Calum lets my hand go, grabbing his dad’s. Karma’s eyes instantly look down as wet rolls down his cheeks. Dang it, I want him to find the best woman out there for him and Calum. As I make my way into the room, I notice everything is just about ready. I walk to where Abby is standing with Fury and ask him to get everyone’s attention. He gives one of his wicked whistles and the room instantly goes quiet, all eyes on us. He motions toward me and I step forward a bit, looking for Mike, when I feel his strong hands from behind me, pulling my back to his front. I take a quick second to lean into his hard chest, trying to grab some of his strength. I clear my throat and look around the room at my family and thank God for each and every one of them.

“Okay, before we eat, Mike and I—along with the Grimm Wolves family—want to welcome everyone to our Thanksgiving buffet feast. Huge thanks to everyone who helped with pulling this off. To our neighbors, we are grateful you are here, as well as the townsfolk. Also, a heartfelt welcome to Thoran, Martha, and their kids for joining us. Everyone make sure to introduce yourself to this awesome family. Now, before we get the food out, I had asked everyone to think about something they are truly grateful or thankful for, so we can share with each other. I know some of you aren’t really fond of this idea, but I think it’s so important in our lives to make sure those in it know how much they mean to us. Or if you have a job that gives you purpose, or a hobby that feeds your soul. Whatever it is, today is a good day to remind yourself of how very lucky you are. I saw something, of course, on social media and should have taken a picture, but it was about how you never know what someone is going through, so be kind. You might wish you had a bigger house, better car, or more money, but remember there are folks out there who don’t have a home or car or any money. Find your gratitude in the small things and always try to pass it forward. Now, since we have a full house, instead of going around the room shouting out what we are grateful for, how about if as the day and evening goes by, we share with each other during dinner or after playing games or having a smoke outside or sharing a drink. Does that sound better for our shy or grumpy folks who don’t feel like sharing?”

I hear some moans and gasps, so I guess they agree. When Mike gives me a squeeze, I assume it’s because he likes the idea until he pulls me to his side, arm around my shoulders.

“Well, for a change, I’m gonna disagree with my ol’ lady. I have something to say and gonna put it out there. Emmie worked—kids, don’t use this word—her ass off for all of us, and I want to let her know how much it means to me personally and as the president of this club. I truly am blessed to have her at my side as my ol’ lady and the mother of our children. Sugar, never doubt how much I love ya and, if at all possible, I’ll always protect and take care of you. I’ll give you whatever you want and will keep ya at my side to my last breath. Thanks for listening, that’s it.”

I look up to him with tears in my eyes as he crushes my lips with his. I hear the hoots and hollers, but all I care about is this man in my arms. Well, until Fury whistles again. Turning, I see Bad Dog standing next to him, looking my way. I nod so he turns, walks to Beast, leans over, and whispers in his ear. I can see Beast’s face turning a slight pink before he whispers something then grabs Bad Dog, giving him a man hug. Bad Dog then walks to Odina, who’s watching him closely. Beast is behind Bad Dog, which I didn’t get until the older guy tries to kneel. Thank God Beast is there, otherwise, he would have face-planted. Odina’s hands shoot to her face as Bad Dog reaches into his pocket, pulling out a Tiffany Blue box. Every woman in the room gasps as Odina looks around shocked. Bad Dog grabs her hand, kisses the top of it, then shocks everyone.

“Odina, woman, I’m askin’ ya to marry this old, ornery, bullheaded man and make my last days happy ones. Since we found you, each day has been better than the last. Don’t have much to offer but this old body and heart but, woman, it’s yours ‘til I take my last breath. Oh shit, bought you this too.”

He flips the box open and I’m blinded by the sparkle. He pulls it out and slowly puts it on Odina’s finger before she even says yes. Beast helps him up and Bad Dog waits for Odina. She looks at his face, then the ring, and back at his face. Then she burst into tears saying, “Yes, yes, yes,” over and over. Beast turns around smiling widely as Odina and Bad Dog have a very intense, intimate kiss.

One by one, everyone takes a minute or two to say kind things about another or lets a loved one know their feelings and thoughts. When Thoran steps forward, everyone looks his way as no one knows him. He looks to Stitch and Grace before pulling in his family.

“Francis and Grace, my family owes you a huge and humble thank you for your kindness and generosity. To this group of people who opened their doors to strangers also. Brick, thank you for a place to lay our heads and giving me work for my hands. Today I was taught a very hard lesson. Pride cannot stand in the way of living one’s life and providing for one’s family. There are good folks out there and never give up. Again, you all have our humble thanks.”

My heart is beyond filled as people continue until, to my utter shock, Karma raises his hand. When he has everyone’s attention, he says Calum has something to say. The room goes completely quiet. The little boy walks toward Brick and me, which has me holding my breath. When he cautiously grabs my hand, I feel Brick tense up beside me. Calum looks up at me and smiles.

“Auntie Emmie, just want to thank you for always being kind to me, even though I’m different. No, I am, and for today, trusting me. All you did for us, never thinking about yourself. I love you, Auntie Emmie.”

He lets my hand go, turns, and runs to his father, who picks him up, kissing him on the face. Everyone is looking between Calum and me as tears pour down my face. That kid is stronger than I am, I think to myself. Turning, I look at the man who holds my heart, who changed his ways and his club for me and fathered our three children. I motion for him to lean down so I can whisper in his ear. He jerks back then leans forward again as I finish. He pulls me close and I can feel his body shaking. When he gets close to my ear, he shocks me so much I feel like my heart is going to burst through my chest.

“Sugar, it’s about time you tell me. Damn, do you think I don’t know your body by memory. Thank you for givin’ me another miracle. All I ask is, please tell me it’s only one this time.”

We both start to laugh as everyone waits. Mike looks to me and I nod, so he turns us first, takes a deep breath, and lets loose.

“Emmie and I are gonna have another baby.”

The room erupts as I watch all of his brothers rush toward him, as all the women come my way. Except Grace, who watches me from a distance, a huge smile on her face as she laughs and cries at the same time. Then I hear it and know who started it by their voices. Little brats. Talon and Rogue are chanting, and it reminds me of when Beast and Cathy got back together all those years ago on Christmas. And knowing they are going to get their asses handed to them by their mom, I can’t help but laugh when I hear the words out loud”

“HAPPY MOTHERFUCKING THANKSGIVING, Y’ALL!!!”

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