Chapter 22

Lug Nut
I have spent every day with Ailee since I told her she was mine. I even showed up at the cancer center while she was getting chemo. It took a lot of convincing to get the guards to let me in but they finally let me through. To say she was surprised is an understatement. And she wasn’t the only one. Callen and Finn were surprised I was there as well. They even tried to tell me I didn’t need to sit with Ailee. That Callen and Finn were used to being there if I wanted to go.
I just sat down beside Ailee while they hooked her up to the machine that would deliver the chemo medicine. I asked the nurse questions the whole time. I wanted to know everything I could about the process and what effects it could have. They told me that from beginning to end Ailee has to sit there for two hours while they pump what amounts to poison into her body.
I got to tell you it was hard to watch her do this. I know it is for the best in the long run. But to see her hooked up to tubes and wires. I did my best to make the most of it for Ailee. We talked, we played poker which Ailee whooped my ass at. When Ailee got thirsty I offered to go get us all something, but Callen insisted I stay and he would go get us something.
As time went on I could see the effects of the chemo wearing on Ailee. She was getting tired which Finn told me was normal for her and oftentimes they would have to carry her out of there. Ailee's complexion is naturally pale as it is but I watched it get even paler before we were done. But you know what really got me, it was through the whole thing Ailee never once complained. She smiled at and chatted with every nurse that came by to check on her.
At first I thought she was putting up a brave front for me. But as I put Ailee in the car Callen told me that is something she would do. If she is hurting or miserable she would let us know. She just takes all that is happening to her with grace. Everything I learn about makes me fall for her anymore and just solidifies my resolve to claim her. If she can go through the battle for her life with a smile on her face. I know that no matter what we face we can make it through.
And that is the attitude I took with me when I went to church. And that is where I’m sitting now trying to pay attention. But my head is with Ailee. Callen and Finn took her home to rest where I should be. I know they will take good care of her since they have been doing it for years. But I want to be there to take care of her. No, I need to be there to take care of her. It is my job now that she is my girl. I should be the one carrying her to bed. Getting her drinks when she is thirsty. Even holding her hair while she vomits. I should be there for all of it.

“ You good Lug Nut?” Viper asks. Shit, I hope I didn’t miss anything important. “ Sorry, Prez. Something is on my mind. What did you say?” “ I was just telling the brothers that Merigold tossed Ellie out on her ass. She is no longer under club protection and not allowed on any properties.” I’m not at all surprised by this. “ No problem.” I say. I could give a shit less what happens to Ellie or any other skank. “ Where is your mind brother? It sure isn’t here.” Tank grunts. I look to Viper before I answer. He knows what I’m fixing to do but I need his go ahead before I can say anything.
When he gives his nod I look across the table at Ace. I am speaking to all the brothers but I need to look in his eyes as we talk. I need to see his reaction if he has any. “ Your right Tank, my mind isn’t here. And I apologize for that. Before I came to church I was at the cancer center while Ailee was getting chemo.” I watch Ace raise his eyebrows but nothing more. “ I have to tell you. That was some scary ass shit. To watch toxins that are supposed to help her be pumped into her body through a tube in her chest for two hours. Then to have her be so tired that I had to carry her to the car. So yea sorry my mind isn’t here. If I had known what I was facing I wouldn’t have gone there right before church.”
I see Ace closes his eyes and takes a deep breath like he is trying to compose himself. This is getting to you fucker. Good, you deserve it. “ But sitting with her made it easier for me to do this. I have already spoken to Ailee. She is my girl. I will be right by her side through all of this.” I stare Ace down and dare him to say something. “ I want your vote to claim AIlee as my old lady. I know it seems rushed but right now time is not on our side.” I see Ace ball up his fists and it looks like he is fighting to launch himself across the table to throw a punch at me. Go ahead and try fucker. I will beat your ass. I still have no respect for the man. He hasn’t called, texted or visited Ailee. Made no effort to be there for her. His own daughter. His very sick daughter.
“ Before you vote I’m also asking that we delay marking her. I checked with Ryans and Callen. They say Ailee getting a tattoo right now is not wise. She may not heal right from it. She could get an infection that could be deadly to her. It could add more toxins to her body that she doesn’t need right now. Or it is possible it wouldn’t take. I don’t want to put Ailee’s body under any more stress than it already is. Ryans says it is best to wait until she has been in remission for at least six months.” I told them.
I don’t think what I’m asking is unreasonable but I don’t know how these guys are gonna vote. “ Alright let’s put it to a vote.” Viper says. The vote has to be unanimous so Viper goes around the table starting with Thor “ Yay.” Next is Axel “ Yay.” Rowdy “ Yay” When Brick’s turn is up he leans back “ Are you sure about this Lug? You do this, you're getting into bed with the O’Sullivan’s.” ‘No Brick. I’m getting into bed with Ailee. Before I claim her she is going to have to agree. When I do make the claim I will be doing it with Ailee’s grandfather's blessing. This is for Ailee and me. Not the mafia, not the club. Ailee isn’t asking me to join her family business and I’m not asking her to join mine. This is about Ailee’s happiness for the rest of her life however long that may be. I may only have a few months with her or a few years but I’m going to take what I can get. I’m not going in blind brother. I’ve done the research. I’ve talked to Callen and Finn. I know it is a rough road ahead. But I want to take the ride.” I told him. “ Alright then. You got my vote as well as my support.” Brick says.
The last two to cast their vote, Ace and Viper. Ace is first “ Right now the only thing I want to do is kick your ass for even thinking of touching my daughter. I know you came to me and told me you were going to claim her. I didn’t think you were serious and I didn’t think you were going to do it so soon. I know you said you don’t need my blessing or want it.” Ace takes a deep breath then says “ I fucked up as her father but I just want Ailee to be happy. Can you make her happy, Lug?”
Without a second thought I say “ Yea Ace I'm and I’m not going to stop. And not to get all sappy and shit but Ace you still have some time. You might want to use it. I get the idea Ailee would give you a second chance.” Ace grunts but I can see he is thinking about it. “ Alright Lug. You promise to do good by her and you have my blessing and my vote.” I just need Viper’s vote and I’m good.
“ Lug you were a hell of a prospect. Getting your ass beat protecting Merigold I gained a lot of respect for you. I have never once questioned your loyalty” I’m not sure I like where this is going. Is Viper really questioning my loyalty because of who Ailee is? Viper continues “ That being said I have gained a higher level of respect for you. You want to claim Ailee despite who her family is. And regardless of the fact you may only have a few months with her. I’m man enough to say if I were in your shoes I don’t know if I could do it. So hell yea you got my vote.”
With the slam of the gavel on the table I got clearance to claim Ailee. Fuck yes! Viper says “ The next vote. I think it is common sense. Ailee’s mark. Lug has already said it is too dangerous to Ailee’s health to do. And he has Ryans to back him up. So I have no problem with delaying it until her body is fully healed. Any objections?” Of course no one does so the vote passes and Viper calls an end to church.
We leave the room and all the old ladies are in the hall blocking our path to the bar. Speed asks “ So did you vote to let Lug Nut claim Ailee?” Brick answers “ Yea honey we did.” The old ladies jump up and squeal “ Yes!” then jump into the arms of their old men. Merigold kisses Viper on the cheek and thanks him before going to Axel and Rowdy. Speed and Gretchen almost tackle Brick. Trina kisses Thor so hard I worry about his breathing.Lilly jumps into Tank’s arms thanking him. These girls are good crazy sometimes but who cares they are family and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. And to know I have their support means more than the vote did. Viper may run the club but we wouldn’t be anything without these ladies.