Page 2 of Heart Mended

After telling Marc what we’re doing, it’s only a few minutes later when I step outside the house, Amy and Grunt bouncing along beside me. Grunt sniffs at every bush on the way, then stops to take a dump, just when Peg, the sergeant-at-arms, is walking up. As I take out a black plastic bag and crouch down, the sergeant-at-arms laughs.

“Fuckin’ dog.”

Standing, I tie the handles together, wincing as a whiff of shit reaches my nostrils.

“Come on, you love him, Peg,” I chuckle.

Peg doesn’t look convinced, but instead of his usual scowl, his lips curve up. He’s a happier bastard now that he’s married and has a young son. His isn’t the only new kid on the compound either. Rock and Becca’s baby was born last month, and Slick and Ella’s shortly before that. With Joker and Lady’s toddler, and Prez and VP’s second children, the club’s become overrun with kids. Even Mouse has gained one, though his is older. When Drew had first come to the compound he’d been on his best behaviour, now he’s found his place, he can be a sulky sixteen-year-old.

My mouth quirks. I guess I’ve got the dreaded teenage phase coming sooner or later. I can’t complain about the influx of children, not when three of them belong to me. However, it’s certainly changing the dynamic of the Satan’s Devils MC. Not that it’s made us weak, the opposite in fact. We’ve got more to live for and protect. Heaven help anyone who fucks with us.

“Daddy! It’s Drew!” Amy leaves my side and goes bounding over, stopping shyly just short of the boy/man.

“Squirt. How you doing?”

I grin, watching the pair interact. While there is ten years between them, it’s clear Amy already looks up to him. If she were older, perhaps I’d be worrying. I laugh at myself. Plenty of time for her to enjoy her childhood, I won’t be getting out my shotgun just yet.

Drew raises his chin toward me.

“You’re here early.” I state. Mouse and his family live off the compound now.

“Mouse wanted to check out some data. I came in with him.”

Which isn’t unusual nowadays, Drew seems entranced watching Mouse work his magic with computers.

“Can you play with me, Drew?”

“Not now, squirt. Maybe later?” Touching her shoulder briefly, he gives me a mock salute, then walks off.

“Hey, Heart.” Blade, the enforcer, appears out of the blue and slaps my back hard, almost making me drop the bag full of shit. Swinging around, I threaten to throw it at him. He laughs and jumps back. As I go to throw the offending item into a nearby trash can Amy tugs at his sleeve,

Blade bends down, listening intently to something Amy says to him, then shakes his head as he stands up. When he walks off chuckling, Amy stares wistfully after him.

“What’s up?” Amy’s pout makes me wonder what their conversation had been about.

“I asked if I could be his bridesmaid.”

I sigh deeply. “Thought we’d been through that. Blade and Tash are getting married quietly, they don’t want any fuss.”

Clearly it’s hard to explain to a six-year-old girl.

“Daddy?”

“Sweetheart?”

“I can be your bridesmaid when you marry Mommy, can’t I?”

“Amy, darlin’, I know it’s hard for you to understand, but Marc and I aren’t getting married. We’re happy, just as we are, aren’t we?” There’s only room for one wife in my heart, and Crystal owns that place. Amy can’t comprehend it. Blade and Tash’s plans to get hitched seem to have planted weddings in her mind. I saw her last night watching television, some soppy film with a princess bride, and of course her attendants all dressed up. Amy takes after her birth mom, a very girly girl. Wearing frills and lace would certainly appeal to her. Marc, my biker old lady? Nah, not so much.

As Grunt waters the flowers, Amy skips alongside.

Marc gets it though, doesn’t she?

My old lady knows the reasons why I don’t want to say ‘I do’ again. I’ve given her my property patch, that’s enough for her. I’ve shown my commitment without the need for all the legal stuff. She’s got everything she needs, hasn’t she? My love, my children.

A small hand touches mine, wrapping fingers around it, tugging. I stop walking and look down. Seeing my daughter frowning, I sink to my haunches.

“What’s up, little one?”

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