Page 49 of Striker

“Good Lord, Mama! Did you buy out the whole store?” She laughed as she opened the first box.

“No, silly girl. I got a few different brands and different tests. Just to make sure it’s one hundred percent!”

I grabbed the first test and sat on the toilet, aiming for that little stick that would change my life. I was so nervous I almost missed. This was a life changing event and I wasn’t sure how Striker would feel. I knew he wanted kids, but we hadn’t had this conversation since we were kids ourselves. Part of me was hoping the test was positive; I knew I was ready to be a mother. The other part of me hoped it was negative; I wanted to make sure Striker and I’s relationship was solid before bringing a new baby into the picture. Placing the test on the counter, we sat on the floor waiting for the results. After five minutes, my Mama got up and peaked at it.

“LILAH ROSE, YOU GOT A LITTLE BUN IN THE OVEN!” We both burst into tears as my Mama hugged and kissed me. We opened up all the other tests and I quickly forced myself to pee on every single one. Over the next ten minutes, each test showed positive. My Mama and I couldn’t stop crying, we were so happy. “You need to go tell him right now!”

We rushed into my bedroom as Mama grabbed my cowboy boots from the closet. I sat down at my vanity and quickly swiped some makeup on my face and threw on a cozy sweater. “Oh, this is the best day of my life! Lilah, I’m so glad you came home.” She hugged me tight again and slapped my butt. “Well, get going, girl!”

I laughed as I ran down the stairs and out the door. I jumped in my truck and took off down the driveway. Things were happening so fast, but I couldn’t be happier. My life had gone from emptiness and sadness to overfilled with love and joy. While I missed my Daddy more than anything, I knew he had a hand in all of this. I brought my hand to the necklace and glanced up to the sky. “Thanks for everything, Daddy.”

As I pulled up to the gates, I could see Billy standing around the three other Prospects. It looked like he was bossing them around and I chuckled to myself. He came strutting up to the truck and leaned in my window. “Hey there, Lilah! What can I help you with today?” The three other Prospects came up on the other side of the trunk and said hello.

“Well, Billy, I’m here to see Striker. Got some news to tell him.” Billy looked sheepishly down at his feet.

“Uh, Lilah, it’s uh..it’s Moonshine now.” I opened the truck door and hopped out, wrapping my arms around him.

“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” I twirled my finger as I stepped back. “Come on now, spin and show me your patches!” Billy laughed as he spun around with his hands on his waist, jutting his hip out. “Check you out, Moonshine! Full patched member of The Devil’s Highwaymen now.” I got back in my truck as the Prospects ran to open the gate.

“Thanks for always believin’ in me, Lilah. Glad to have you back home.” He stepped back as I pulled through the gates and parked next to Striker’s bike.

As I walked through the clubhouse, my hands automatically went to my stomach. I slowly walked through, saying my hellos to the other members. Maverick and Goose came out from behind the bar when they saw me.

“Hey, baby sis! What’s going on? Everything okay?” I gave them both a big hug as I sat on the barstool.

“Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. Just wanted to see Striker. Do you mind getting me a small glass of ginger ale?” Goose grabbed a glass while Maverick came around and sat beside me.

“Stomach still bothering you?” I nodded my head as I chugged the ginger ale. “You know, what you did is a big deal, Lilah. We’re always here to talk if you need it.” I stood up and kissed them both on the cheek.

“It’s seriously not bothering me guys. He got what was coming to him, but thank you. I’m glad I came home.” They patted me on the back and got up with me.

“Striker is in his office, we’ll walk you there. Heading that direction anyways. Got some club business to deal with. You sure you’re okay?”

I nodded my head again and laughed. “I’m fine, I promise. You’ll see soon enough.” They both looked at me with puzzled expressions.

“Whatever you say, weirdo.” I hugged them again before we started our way up to the offices.

We made our way down the hall and up the brick stairs. Pictures were hung everywhere of our town, the club, and motorcycles. This club truly cared about their own and I was foolish to think otherwise. I was certainly glad I was back and saw the truth. As we neared the offices, my brother branched off and headed toward Maverick’s office.

“See you later, baby sis. Love you.” I blew them both a kiss as I headed toward Striker’s office door. Slowly opening it, I saw him sitting in his chair, looking at some paperwork. He looked up when he heard the door creak open.

“Lilah! Is everything okay?” He jumped up and rushed over to me, helping me sit down in a plush chair in the corner. I laughed as I sat down and grabbed his hands. He kneeled down and I pulled his hands into my lap.

“Striker, baby, everything is fine. I just wanted to come see you.” He leaned over and kissed me gently before pulling back. I put my hand into my sweater pocket and fumbled around. “Well that and uh...well I have something to tell you.”

His face turned down and his blue eyes turned dark. “What is it, Lilah? What’s going on?”

I took out the first pregnancy test and slowly handed it to him. “We’re having a baby, Levi.” He looked down at the test in his hands, then back up at me.

“Like a baby baby?” I laughed and bent down to kiss him.

“Yes babe, like a real life baby.” He looked back at the test before looking back up at me. He jumped up, pulling me with him in the process.

“We’re havin’ a baby!” Striker wrapped me in a huge hug before kissing me over and over. “A baby, Lilah! We’re having a baby!” He threw me over his shoulder as he ripped open the office door. He ran down the hallway, banging on all the doors.

“Let’s go, brothers! Church at the bar right motherfucking now!” Everybody came running down the stairs behind us, brothers at the bar looked up, confused, as Striker ran down the steps with me. He plopped me on the bar and stood up on a barstool.

“Jesus Christ, Striker easy!” I tried to steady myself on the bartop. I could feel another wave of morning sickness coming and tried to swallow it back down. Striker grabbed my hand and looked toward the club members.

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