Chapter 75

Lug Nut

In two weeks I’m marrying the love of my life and I can’t wait. Part of me wishes we had just eloped and got it over with. I’m so ready to have Ailee carry my last name. But I know this ceremony is important to her and her family. And the wedding plans haven’t been that big of a deal. The wedding planned took care of most everything. I was worried what planning this wedding would do to Ailee. I didn’t want her stressing out. Or turning into a bridezilla horror story. But I should have had more faith in my girl. She was never going to turn into a bitch. But I’ll fill you in on the wedding when it gets here.

Today is another important day. More for Ailee than me. I’m at the club with Katrina. Ailee is at the doctor for her six month check up. I wanted to go with her but Cormac, Callen and Finn were going. Anna and I agreed to stay with Katrina. I was at the house waiting for Ailee but I was going crazy just sitting there. I know Anna wasn’t doing much better. So when Merigold called and said they were at the club letting the kids have fun in the playroom and said we should come down we didn’t waste any time backing a bag for Katrina and heading down.

When we walked in I noticed everyone was there. All the ol’e ladies, kids and my brothers. They knew what today was and most looked just as anxious as I felt. Speed comes over and takes Katrina from me. “ Have a beer with the boys. Try to relax. She can come play with the kids for a while.” she says. “ She has been fussy for the past hour. I think she is getting tired.” I said. Speed nods. “ We have a nap mat set up if Katrina wants to sleep. But Lug I have to tell you. I can feel your stress from here. So I’m sure she is feeling it too. Be with your brothers. Try to calm down a bit. I know you are worried we all are. You know we will watch after Katrina.” she says.

I know she is right. Just like all the ol’e ladies I know Katrina is safe and I’m wound up so tight I feel like I’m going to snap. That can’t be good for Katrina. I give Katrina a kiss on the forehead “ Go play with Aunty Speed for a little bit while daddy talks to you uncles.” I told her. I kiss Speed on the cheek “ Thanks.” She smiles, “ It is what we do.” When Speed takes Katrina off to play I walk towards the bar. Ratchet is behind the bar and slides me a beer without even asking. I sign thanks to him and he just nods and goes to help another brother. We have all learned how to sign even though Ratchet can read lips. I’m not as good as Speed, Merigold or hell even Jace and Jax but I can carry on a conversation with him.

When I first found out he wanted to prospect I’m ashamed that I was worried him being deaf was going to hold him back. I should have known better after watching him. He never lets that fact he can’t hear hold him back from doing anything. So far he has been one hell of a prospect. He never complains about the jobs he is given. He knows it is part of moving up and proving himself. I have no doubt he will make it to be patched in. He has my vote already.

Ace comes to sit next to me. He looks as bad as I feel. I clap my hand on his back “ We have to have faith brother. Ailee will be fine.” Ace nods but doesn’t look like he believes me. “ She has to be Lug. I can’t lose my daughter. I know you can lose her either.” he sighs.He is right. I did lose Ailee once even if it was just for a few minutes and it almost killed me. I don’t want to go through that again. And now I can understand him as a father. Katrina has only been in my life a short time but I can’t imagine anything happening to her. Ailee and Katrina are my whole world and I would be nothing without them.

Ace and I sit at the bar for thirty minutes just staring at the wall. All of my brothers have come by and offered support to which I appreciate. Anna is in the kitchen making snacks for the kids and us. Not that I have an appetite. I feel small hands wrap around my back. Since none of the skanks are around or are stupid enough to tough me after Ailee put the fear of the devil in them I can only assume it is one of the ol’e ladies. I feel a head lay on my back but they never say anything so I know it is Merigold. We have a special bond that even we can’t figure out. But we stopped questioning it a long time ago.

All I know is that the woman is my best friend. There are times I feel closer to her than my brothers. I’ll always have her back and if there ever comes a need I know she will have mine. I place my hands on hers but don’t say anything. I don’t need to. I just soak up the support Merigold gives. I look over and see Lilly is wrapped around Ace the same way. It is their way of letting us know they are here for us. “ How’s Katrina?” I ask after a few minutes. I should have gotten up to check on her by now. “ She is fine. Don't worry. She is playing with Alana. And Speed and Gretchen are watching over them. And so are Jace and Jax.” Merigold laughs.

I can’t help the smile that forms on my face thinking of Jace and Jax. They are big helpers when it comes to the little kids. But very protective of the girls. Which happens to out number the boys right now. They are going to be great protectors when they get older. They will keep all the boys away from our girls. Anna comes out with the snacks and Merigold and Lilly let go to go help her. It feels like time is ticking by at a snail's pace.

Finally the door opens and Finn comes in followed by Cormac, Callen and lastly Ailee. They all have smiles on their faces so it has to be good news. Right? I stand up as Ailee comes over to me. I wrap my arms around her waist, needing her close. “ How did it go?” I ask. I should have said ‘Hi’ or ‘Glad you are back’ something like that but I need to know how she is. I need to know what the doctors have to say. Ailee hands me a piece of paper “ You tell me.” she says. I look down at the report. I can’t make sense of most of it except what is written in large red print. Ace stands beside me as I look up at Ailee “ Really?” I asked with tears in my eyes. Ailee just nods. I drop the paper, pick her up and spin her around laughing. I may look like a fool but I don’t care.

“ Will someone tell me what is going on?” Viper asks. I didn’t even see him standing there. Before I can say anything I see Ace picking up the paper. “ According to this there are no traces of cancer in Ailee’s blood. Or any other place in her body. She is in complete remission.” I place Ailee down and Ace runs over and picks her back up yelling “ My daughter is healthy again.” A round of cheers went up from my brothers.

They are so loud it gets the ol’e ladies attention in the playroom. They come out with the kids to find out what is going on. We explain what happened and another round of cheers goes up and hugs. So many hugs.The kids don’t understand what is going on but we tell them Aunty Ailee won’t be so sick any more and they start in on the hugs as well. Ailee looks around “ Where is my baby?” In all the commotion I didn’t see her either. Anna laughs “ don’t worry momma. She is right here.” I look over and see Anna standing next to Cormac with Katrina on her hip. Ailee and I walk over. When Katrina sees Ailee she holds out her arms.

Ailee picks her up and holds her close “ I missed you lass.” Ailee kisses her forehead “ I am happy to say that I get to be your ma for a very long time.” Katrina laughs and babbles at Ailee like she just said the funniest thing. I know that was one of Ailee’s worries. That her cancer would come back and could take her away form Katrina and me. It seems seeing the results Ailee is able to breathe a little easier. I know I can.