Chapter 21

Lug Nut
Ignoring Ellie, Merigold asks me “ So how did it go?” I laugh. Of course she would want to know about my afternoon with Ailee. “ It went good. She knows where we stand. She had reasons why it wouldn't work but I shot down everyone until she decided to give us a chance.” Merigold does her little happy dance she does when she gets excited. “ Good so what is your next step?” Anne asks.
“ I got to talk to Viper about getting a kutte made for her. Something that represents both of us. Actually, could you help with the design, Merigold?” “ Sure. I can work something up.” she says.” Then I need to talk to Ace. Ailee may not acknowledge him as her father yet but out of respect for him as a brother an d her father I’m going to tell him what’s going on.” “ That’s a good start. What are you going to do about the O’Sullivan’s” Merigold asks.
“ The only thing I can do. These men don’t go by just words. They require action. So I’m going to back up my words with action and show them I’m the man for Ailee. Callen and Finn report straight to the big man. So if I prove to them I’m also proving to the man himself. That way when we finally talk I’ll have the groundwork laid. And the most important thing is Ailee. If she is happy and well cared for her grandfather will be pleased.”
“ It’s a good plan. Just don’t hurt Ailee. I would hate to lose you.” Merigold says. “ I won’t. You have my word.” I say. “ Good. Now don’t forget dinner at my house next Sunday. I’ve already invited the Irish crew and after I explained it would be neutral territory they have agreed.” Another step in the right direction to getting the club back in Ailee’s good graces. The skanks have all piled in the clubhouse at this point. I leave Merigold to deal with them and go in search of Viper.
I check his office first, knocking on his door, he yells to come in. I go in, shut the door and take a seat. “ What’s up, brother?” he asks. “ I'm going to bring my claim of Ailee up at the next church.” Viper asks “ Have you told Ace about this?” “ I haven’t yet. But I’m going to before then.” Viper leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest “ He is going to have something to say about it. I don’t think he is going to be happy about it.”
“ I’m sure he will have something to say. But it's not going to matter. What matters is if Ailee and I are happy about it. It is going to happen whether he likes it or not. I’m telling him I’m claiming Ailee out of respect. But I don't need his blessing. I know Ailee doesn’t need it or want it. As far as I know he has made no moves to fix his relationship with her so I don’t see where he has much he can say.”
“ I can’t say that you are wrong. None of us have made an effort as far as Ailee is concerned. I’ve been trying to fix shit with my sister. And the brothers have been working on shit with their old ladies.” Viper says. I feel bad for the guy. It looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. In a way he does. Managing the club, fixing his relationship with Merigold, dealing with the prospects and skanks. It has to be weighing on him.
“ Don’t worry about Ailee for right now. The old ladies and I are working on her. But just stopping by and checking on her wouldn’t hurt. On to the other reason I’m here.” Viper holds up his hand “ You need a kutte for Ailee.” “ Yea, Merigold is going to work on the design for it. But I need to know if we can delay marking Ailee. I know we did with Merigold because she was pregnant at the time Axel and Rowdy claimed her. I prepared to take it to the table if you want.”
“ I know you have your reasons for asking, Lug. But that isn’t a decision I can make myself. Bring it to the table when you lay your claim.” Viper says. That is more than fair. I stand to leave when Viper comes around his desk and claps me on the shoulder “ Congrats brother. I hope all the best for you. And you are going to need it. I have seen the brothers have to deal with one battle or another when claiming their old ladies. You, I worry it will be harder than the rest. But we got your back.” I know he is talking about Ailee’s health, Ace and the O’Sullivans. Yea it is going to be a rough road but the prize at the end, Ailee, will be worth it. “ Thanks brother.”
“ Oh, you might want to go check on Merigold out in the bar. Ellie was running her mouth about turning the club against Merigold. And how she wasn’t afraid of the O’Sullivan’s. That us brothers wouldn’t let anyone touch her. And Merigold was doing that eerie calm thing.” Viper runs out the door yelling. “ Snow, dammit don’t kill her yet.” I laugh as I follow him out to see what Merigold has gotten up to.