Chapter 23

Before any of us can respond to Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Ryans tells us about how to care for Lilly’s other injuries. “ Because Lilly’s knee fracture she is going to be on crutches. With her vision it is going to be harder for her to walk. Her ribs are still healing and walking on the crutches may cause her pain. So she needs to limit her walking to short trips. The bathroom, bed, couches. It is best if she avoids stairs if she can. I’m also sending a wheelchair for her to use. I would like her to alternate between the two. For her first week I want Lilly to use the wheelchair the most and gradually move to the crutches. I want Lilly in my office once a week to monitor her progress. She is going to be using a lot of energy while healing and trying to walk. She is going to need three high protein meals a day plus at least two snacks.” Ryans looks at Prez “ Viper. I have known you boys for a long time. I trust you. But this is a big undertaking. Even for you. I have to know that you can do this. As much as she wants, Lilly does not need to be on her own right now. She needs comfort. She needs family. She needs people she can count on. To hold her hand when she needs it and to let go when she doesn’t. I need your word, Viper.”

We answer in unison “ You have our word.” Viper says “ We will make sure she has everything she needs. She will have the entire club at her disposal. We will be there with her even when it gets rough. We won’t let her down again.” Ryans takes a minute. He has known most of us for years. He knows we can be trusted but on this he isn’t taking any chances. I have always had respect for the man. But right now he just earned it even more. Ryans finally nods “ Ok. We will get the paperwork together. Talk to the nurse to learn different things they have been doing to help Lilly. They can give you ideas on how to make Lilly transition easier for her. Meet us in Lilly’s room in ten minutes. And Viper. She can’t ride with her brace.”

When the doctors leave, Viper looks at Ace `` Call Anna. Have her get a room ready for Lilly at the club. Tell her about Lilly’s needs. It needs to be obstacle free and I want Lilly to have one with an attached bathroom. Move people around if she has to. I don’t care. Have her send a bunny out to get anything Lilly may need. I want her to have everything new. Sheets, blankets, pillows, tooth brush. And some of that girly shampoo Lilly likes. You get the idea. Have a prospect install one of those safety bars in the shower. I want it done in an hour.” Viper turns to me “ Tank, call Trina and see if she will go to the house and get all of Lilly’s belongings. Have her bring them to Lilly’s new room and put them away. One hour.” I pull out my phone as Viper pulls out his “ Brick, I need you to bring a cage to the hospital. Take my bike back to the clubhouse.” A pause. “ Yea, brother. She is coming home. Call everyone, including ol’e ladies. We need to have a meeting after I get Lilly settled. I want the main room of the clubhouse clear when I get there. I’ll explain later.” I hang up just before he does. I nod letting him know it is done. When Ace is done Viper says “ Time to bring our girl home.” Finally Lilly is coming home. While she is healing I’m going to win my girl. I’m going to make sure she is taken care of. I’ll make sure she feels safe again. I’ll make sure she feels comfortable again. And in the end she will know my love for her. Yea, I fucking love her. She is my whole world. I won’t live without her again. I can’t.