Page 56 of Hell's Claim

The phone rang twice before Callie picked it up.

“Are you okay? How’s your mom? Clio called me,” Callie asked in a rush.

“Calm down, kitten, Mom’s going to be fine. I am sorry our plans this evening got messed up,” Sunny said.

“Don’t even worry about that. But I’m owed an explanation. Still, your mom comes first.” Callie’s tone was soothing.

“Come to mine tonight. I want you to meet Mom and Liv.”

Callie fell silent. Sunny waited.

“Are you sure?” Callie asked in a small voice.

“Definitely. She will be excited to meet you. Wait, shit, my house is off-limits as a crime scene,” Sunny said.

Cherry would actually be shocked as fuck to meet Callie because she’d no idea Callie existed. Sunny hadn’t told anyone about her, not wanting to jinx himself. Liv would also be surprised.

“Okay. Come to mine, we have a couple of spare bedrooms, and your mom and Liv can stay here. I’ll cook dinner,” Callie replied. Before Sunny could tell her not to worry, Callie hung up.

With a brief smile, Sunny made his way back into the waiting room. When he got there, he discovered Liv with Diaz on her heels, staring at Chance, Big Al, and Tati.

“Dad,” Liv cried, looking relieved.

“Baby girl,” Sunny murmured, laying an arm across her shoulders.

“Nana’s going to be okay. They’re releasing her and giving her some pain relief. The doctor said she might be stiff and sore in the morning. He suggested lots of Epsom salts and heated pads to ease her muscles,” Liv reported as she eyed the three in front of her.

Chance and Big Al were doing their best to seem non-threatening, but Tati had her head tilted and was studying Liv carefully.

“You’ve got Julie’s nose and eyes. But fuck, girl, you’re a beautiful version of your father,” Tati said.

“I’ve seen pictures of Mom. Dad says the same,” Liv replied.

“Well, kid, I’m your Aunt Tati. You might be a bit old for princess dresses and sparkling shoes, but there’s other shit we can do to bond,” Tati stated.

Liv looked at Sunny with wide eyes, and he nodded at her. “Tati is cool.”

“We will make a date. Pick something fun because Diaz hates shopping,” Liv said.

“Come to the clubhouse tomorrow. We’ll get to know each other,” Tati ordered.

Liv glanced at Sunny before nodding.

“Don’t be bossing my grandbaby about Tatianna,” Cherry announced from behind them.

Sunny turned and reached for Cherry, drawing her gently into his embrace. “You okay, Mom?”

“I’m fine, son. Tati, you seem well,” Cherry declared, turning to face Tati, Chance, and Big Al.

“Thank you, you look wonderful,” Tati replied with a genuine smile.

“I got old, but thanks. Chance, Big Al.” Cherry held their gazes.

“Can I?” Chance asked. Cherry cocked her head, and Chance reached out and hugged her. Big Al did the same.

“Is this bullshit going to end soon?” Cherry questioned as Sunny wrapped an arm around her waist and began leading her out.

“Hopefully,” Chance answered.

---