Page 30 of Baja
My brothers gather around the sprawling table, their plates towering with golden eggs, fluffy pancakes, and crispy bacon. The air vibrates with laughter and quick-witted jabs, ricocheting off the arched ceiling, adding an energetic pulse to the room. It’s chaos in the best way.
I wrap an arm around my woman’s waist and pull her close, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her lips. It’s not rushed or casual, it is a statement—she ismine. When I finally pull back, the room’s gone quiet.
“About damn time!” Mystic shouts, grinning from his spot at the table. He has a plate in one hand and a coffee cup in the other, looking too pleased with himself.
I flip him off without missing a beat and guide Alice toward two empty seats at the end of the table. She lowers herself carefully, her wince so slight most wouldn’t notice. But I do. I slide into the chair beside her and drape an arm across her back. She leans into me, her body soft and warm against mine, and I let the room’s noise wash over us.
“Uncle Nash, Daddy says the birdie finger is mean!” Beside me, Mystic’s daughter looks up at me, her big eyes sparkling with innocence.
I kiss the top of her head. “Sorry, pumpkin.” Then I look at Alice, and she’s staring at me like I’ve grown two heads. “What?”
“Nothing.” She smiles.
Sukie is sitting beside Harlem, whose arm is slung protectively around her shoulders. “Mom, how are you feeling this morning?” Her voice is full of concern.
“I’m fine.” Alice’s voice is soft but steady. “Just… sore and tired.”
Sukie’s gaze flicks to me, sharp and assessing. She doesn’t say it, but I know what she’s thinking—is she telling the truth?I meet her eyes and give her a slight nod, easing her worry.
Ophelia enters the room with a plate of her famous cinnamon rolls and a spatula in one hand. She’s this place’s backbone, ensuring everyone is fed and cared for. She spots me and my woman and gives me a warm smile before hollering, “Hungry? They’re still warm.” She bustles over, setting it in front of us. “Eat up.” Ophelia looks at Alice. “You look like you could use some coffee.”
“Coffee sounds wonderful.” Alice sighs. Just as she rises from her seat, Ophelia gently presses her hand on Alice’s shoulder, urging her to stay put. “Eat first. I’ll fetch the coffee,” she says reassuringly before gliding to the kitchen. Moments later, she returns, carrying two steaming mugs. She sits them down in front of us, then slips back into her chair, ready to enjoy breakfast with the rest of us.
I pile a plate with bacon, eggs, toast, and a cinnamon roll, then place it in front of Alice. “Dig in, beautiful.” I wait for my woman to pick up her fork and take a bite before sinking my teeth into the gooey cinnamon roll in front of me and taking a swig of rich coffee to wash it all down. “Damn,” I exclaim, savoring the moment, and without hesitation, I dive in for another bite.
Breakfast is loud and lively. The gathering reminds me why this club isn’t just about the bikes or the runs—it’s family.
Across the table, Salem calls out, “Baja. Your family making it to the charity event this year?”
I nod, finishing off my coffee. “Yeah, they’ll be here. My mom wouldn’t miss it, and Dad’s already talking about trout fishin’ while he’s here.”
“Charity event?” my woman asks, glancing at me as she reaches for her coffee.
Sukie smiles. “You know the big fundraiser held every year at Salem Hospital? The club organizes to raise money for cancer research and the children’s wing. I’m so excited to be part of it this year.”
Prez’s woman, Sage, chimes in, her voice soft but full of admiration, “It’s a beautiful way to celebrate and honor your brother’s memory, Baja.”
My woman’s hand slides to my thigh, her touch grounding me. She looks up, her eyes searching mine. “You do this for your brother?”
I take a breath, the ache of the memory settling in my chest like it always does. “Yeah,” I say quietly. “It started because of him. I do whatever I can to keep his memory alive and make a difference for the kids still fighting.”
Her eyes soften. “Tell me about him. How old was he?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, and everyone at the table falls silent.
I lean back, letting the memories take over. “Elliot was the best little brother anyone could ask for. He was smart, funny as hell, and he loved superheroes. He could talk your ear off about ’em… Iron Man, Spider-Man, you name it.”
She glances down at the faded superhero logo on her shirt—one of mine. “That’s why you’re always in these shirts.”
I swallow hard, the lump in my throat threatening to choke me. “Yeah, babe. It’s my way of keeping him with me, always.” I rub my neck. “He fought like hell when he got sick, but…” The words stick in my throat, and for a moment, I can’t go on. Her hand tightens on my thigh, giving her silent support. “He’s whywe do this,” I finally say. “The charity runs, the fundraisers. It’s all for kids like him, to give them a chance he didn’t have.”
“He’d be proud of you, Nash,” Alice says, her voice layered with unspoken emotions. I nod, the weight of her words anchoring themselves deep within my chest. “I want to help however I can. I may not have much money, but I have my time to offer,” she declares, her gaze steady and sincere, as if her essence is pouring into the space between us.
I tug her chair closer. “You wanna help, baby?”
“Of course.” She studies me for a second. “That’s how this works, right? Us?”
I can’t help but fucking smile.
My woman is perfect.
