Page 37 of Slice

“You mean after you had a baby and then did everything you could to get back to him and check on him? I’m amazed at how strong you are,” Slice said.

“Deborah, I’m sorry you went through what you did. And if you don’t want to stay here because it’s too hard having LB here, then we’ll help to find you a good foster care family that will let you have the life you want,” Faith said.

“It’s not that I don’t want to stay…” Deborah said softly.

“Then what is it, honey?” Faith asked.

“I’m not perfect. I’ve had a baby and haven’t gone to school.”

“Hmm, well no perfect people live here. I can’t birth children, and I fight my weight all the time. I’m seriously grumpy if I don’t get that first cup of coffee, and sometimes I’m just sad. But perfection is overrated and boring.”

“I’m definitely not perfect. I can’t hear out of one ear, and I can’t father children. I’m also overprotective to a fault and sometimes try to solve everyone’s problems when I need to let them help make decisions for themselves. Though I’m sorry about the way LB came into the world because it was so hard on you. I’m grateful we’ve all found our way to each other,” Slice said.

“Ambush said something about maybe there was a reason I’d found my way to Bluff Creek, but I didn’t understand,” Deborah said.

Ambush grinned, then laughed a little. “I was trying to figure out the odds how Faith, Gabriel, Isaiah, Micah, and Deborah would all end up together. It’s interesting, don’t you think?”

“I don’t understand,” Deborah said.

“Your names are all Bible names. Gabriel brought the good news to Mary. Isaiah and Micah were prophets foretelling in the Old Testament. Deborah was a strong woman and the only female judge in the Old Testament. And all of them had to have Faith to walk the path they did,” Ambush said.

“I didn’t know you read the Bible, Ambush,” Slice said.

“My parents were missionaries. I grew up overseas where they shared the gospel with people,” Ambush replied.

“In my head, I always thought that if I got to name him before he was taken, I’d name him Michael. There was a really nice boy in fifth grade named Michael,” Deborah said softly.

Ambush patted Deborah’s shoulder. “Michael would fit right in. He’s an archangel in the Bible. It sounds like a perfect name for him. Do you want to think about if you’ll stay here, or do you want to decide right away? I thought I’d stay awhile to make sure you were comfortable.”

“I’d like to sleep on it. Where will I stay?”

“We have an extra bedroom, and Ambush can stay on the couch either here or in the basement. I bet one of the ladies has some clothes to fit you. Do you want to snack on something?” Faith asked. She was concerned because Deborah was so skinny.

“Maybe in a minute. I just want to hold him if that’s okay.”

“He’s due for a bottle. Do you want to help me change his diaper and then feed him?” Faith asked.

“Yes.”

Faith looked over at Slice and could tell he was almost vibrating with rage about what had happened to Deborah.

“Slice, since Ambush is here with Deborah and me, why don’t you go check on clothes for her and head toward the clubhouse for a little bit?” Faith said.

Slice nodded. He looked at Ambush and Deborah. “Let me talk to Faith before I leave.”

He tugged her toward the front door. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to leave?”

Faith leaned up close to his ear. “I know this is so upsetting. Go get your anger out. Beat on something, then come back here ready to be a dad. I’ll hold it together, but I reserve the right to have you hold me while I cry in the shower,” Faith said softly, kissing his cheek.

He nodded and walked out the door.

“Shall we get his bottle? It’s going to be nice to be able to call him a name. I love the name Michael,” Faith said, leading Deborah into the kitchen.

Slice walked out of his house and met a wall of men. Locks, Bear, War, and Cannon were standing there.

“I need to get clothes for Deborah. She only has the clothes she’s wearing. And I need to beat on something because I’m so angry.”

Cannon motioned toward Jesse’s garage.

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