Page 79 of Gotta Dig Deep
The plate was gone out of her hands, followed by a clunk from near the coffee table, then Horse’s arms were around her, his mouth at her ear with a soft, “Shhhhh.” He pulled her into his lap, positioning her across his thighs so she was close to his body.
She leaned against the warm hardness of his chest and wept, still managing to force out the question that was so important. “You won’t ever leave?”
“No, darlin’. I’m not leavin’. Not ever. And of course I’m movin’ in here with you. Hell, I’m already here, darlin’.” He kissed her ear, then nuzzled at the side of her head. “Of course I am. You didn’t think you’d get rid of me, did you? I’m a stage-five clinger with you. Me and Shammy, we’re tied for first clinger spot where it comes to you.”
Glenna laughed through her tears, swiping at her cheeks with the backs of her hands. Then she grasped the sides of Horse’s head and turned his face towards hers. Their lips met with a groan from him and a soft cry from her, and the tacos were forgotten on the table as he lifted her, walking quickly towards the bedroom.
***
Shammy
He watched his person and her person walk away, the light resonation of the door latch sounding loud as thunder.
Lifting his head higher, he sniffed the edge of the flat wood they used to hold food and feet.
With a glance towards the sleeping den, he heard the first sounds from his person that told him they’d be in there a while. Maybe forever. Like they’d done yesterday. It had been forever.
He stood and wedged his chest against the flat wood and stretched his neck out so he could easily reach the food holder. His person wasn’t here to chide him. It was her loss. Within minutes, each holder was emptied and tongue-swiped clean with an intense focus. No flavor was wasted.
Then he walked to the door of the sleeping den and thudded down, sprawling out across the opening.
And he did what he did best.
He guarded his person. And her person.
And sighed heavily as he accepted his new spot in the pack.
His lip lifted as he snarled silently.
Grudgingly.
Chapter Twenty-One
Horse
He parked the ATV near the back of the sprawling ranch-style house, taking in the number of motorcycles and cages already there.
Horse definitely approved the idea Duane’d had to put in a narrow road and fence-crossing cattle guard between the two ranches, making it infinitely easier to make a direct trip between home and the clubhouse.
Home.That knowledge would never get old.
Walking inside felt very much like entering the Longview clubhouse. FRMC club memorabilia was mounted proudly on the walls, making ownership of the place clear to any visitors.No mistake there.There were a dozen men standing around the kitchen, most with IRMC patches on their backs.
That shit changes tonight.He grinned at the knowledge they were moving forward with many things, and this, in his opinion, was the most important.
He strode through the house to the den, which had been turned into a meeting room with the addition of a large table. They’d found one at an auction, scarred from use in a mechanic shop, and perfect for club church.
The plan was to bring Blackie in via video tonight. He was sticking close to home with Peaches entering the last few weeks of her pregnancy. But it was important that the club’s international president be present at major changes for any chapter. This night certainly qualified.
“The pool out back needs a little work, but it’ll make a nice addition for family parties.” Duane looked up and gave Horse a nod as he walked into the room, then eased over to make space in the circle of men chatting before church began. “This whole setup is gonna be the envy of chapters all over. I bet Blackie uses it for big officer meetings, because with all the new chapters, the room in Longview is a little bit small.”
“Mother’s important, though.” One of the IRMC members spoke up, and Horse nodded but left it to Duane to answer. The man was Horse’s VP now, after all; it should be in his job description to take the teaching moments.
“It is, and that house in Longview will always be a special place for all members. But just for ease of coordination, this property isn’t far and is a good fit for us all.” Duane wrapped an arm around the man’s shoulders. “Good question, though. Real good. I like that.”
“We about ready?” Horse glanced around, seeing the faces he’d expected to find already present. “It’ll be an open-door meeting, because every man has to make the jump. This isn’t something that we can force down the pipe and hope they’re all on board.”
“What happens if someone isn’t willing to go from small time to the big dogs?” The man next to Duane was frowning. “I’m not part of this chapter, but can they go to another IRMC if they want? That’s what Nolan said.”
