Chapter 63

Axel
Merigold is pregnant with our baby. She is making us fathers again. I say again because we want to be fathers to Jace and Jax. Merigold is waiting for us to say something and is looking nervous. Of course, she is nervous. She just told us she is pregnant and we haven't said a word. I drop to my knees in front of her and gently take her face to be careful of her bruises. " You're having our baby!" " Well," she says and raises two fingers. " Twins?" She nods.
I reach in my pocket and pull out the surprise I have for her. Merigold gave us a surprise. We should give her one too. I was hoping to do this in a more romantic setting with just the three of us. But now seems like a perfect time. Rowdy sees what I'm doing and follows my lead. With both of us on our knees `` Marry us?" we ask and both hold up the rings we got her. Merigold's jaw drops. Not the best way to ask but everyone that matters to Merigold is here so why not.
Wait, we are missing two very important people. Rowdy knows what I'm thinking because he gets up " Don't say anything yet." and races off. Merigold gives me a confused look that I know everyone is sharing. Rowdy returns a minute later with Jace and Jax in tow. Viper and Alaric nod in understanding.
" Now everyone is here," Rowdy says. He has the boys stand on either side of Merigold so we can talk to the three of them. Rowdy gets back down on his knee. " Jace and Jax, we want to know if we can marry your momma? To be her Prince Charmings." I ask. Rowdy asks " And we want to know if you will let us be your dads?"
Jax and Jace look at each other doing their twin communication thing they do that I still don't understand. And honestly it is a little weird to me. But it is part of who they are so I deal with it. Jace rubs his chin like he has a beard and looks deep in thought. I have seen him do this before, it is really cute. Jace is the deep thinker of the two. If we can get him it's a done deal. But I want to know what they both think.
After what feels like forever Jace says " Yea that be ok." I try hard not to laugh, some others behind me giggle. Now we wait for Jax. Jax steps in front of us and looks us dead in the eye. I can see these wheels turning in his eyes. He is up to something. Then he crosses his arms across his chest trying to look intimidating. " You teach me ride bike no train wheels. And teach throw a ball we gots deal."
I start laughing and grab him for a hug. I look at Rowdy who is cracking up. I let Jax set back and compose myself the best I can. " You, my buddy, are a tough negotiator. But I agree to your terms." and shake his little hand like we just made a deal of a lifetime. I have know idea how I did it with a straight face but I did. Satisfied with the deal Jax goes back to Merigold's side. She has tears in her eyes and is holding her sides. She is trying not to laugh and I know it hurts her.
I put my hand on one knee and Rowdy does the same with the other. " Now Merigold Raider Stevens, will you marry us?" She looks at Rowdy. Then me. Then look at Viper. He nods. Tank. He nods. Brick. He nods. Ace. He nods. She is getting everyone's vote like we do in church. These men are her family and who she trusts the most in the world. Thor is next. He nods. Lug Nut. He nods. Tony. He nods. River. He nods. Andrew. He nods. Matt. He nods.
Alaric and Mac are next. These two have the biggest influence on her. Mac says " I know you're scared but he would want you to be happy. That’s all that matters." They must be talking about Jace. I know his memory still lingers in her mind. And I'm ok with it. He will always be a part of her. He was her first love. But so can Rowdy and me. Alaric says " He would approve. And so do we."
She is just sitting looking at us. She is killing me. Merigold answer us, please. She sits up and clears her throat. " By unanimous vote.......Yes." I let go of the breath I didn't realize I was holding and slid my ring on her finger. I kiss her gently and whisper in her ear " I love you, baby girl." She whispers back " I love you, Axel." I kiss her again then sit back to let Rowdy have his turn. He slides his ring on her finger and kisses her. I'm guessing she told him she loves him because when he pulls away he has the biggest smile on his face I've ever seen.
The club erupted in cheers and clapping. Tank yells " Just because Merigold is marrying you two jackasses doesn't mean I'm stopping coming over for dinner." Everyone laughs. Merigold smiles and stands. But when she gets to her feet she sways a little. I can’t have her fall. She is still recovering. She shouldn’t be on her feet at all. Rowdy and I reach for her and hold her steady. " Baby girl?" I ask. " I'm good. Just a little dizzy. It happens sometimes."
I'm not satisfied with that answer. She has only been awake a few days. " Come on, let's get you back to bed. I think this might be too much on you right now." Merigold pouts a little but she is still unsteady and so she agrees. Instead of letting her walk I pick her up carefully and carry her.
It feels good having her back in my arms again. For a time I wasn't sure if I would ever get to feel her again. I almost don't want to lay her on the bed. But I know she needs the rest. But that doesn't mean I'm leaving her side yet. Tony knocks on the door " I want to give Merigold a quick look over." When he gets close to me he offers me his hand " Welcome to the family." I shake it " Thanks."
He does the same to Rowdy and Rowdy thanks him. Tony takes her blood pressure and puts some kind of monitor on her stomach. " How far along are you?" Rowdy asks. Merigold blushes, " Umm, little over twelve weeks." I think for a second and start doing the math in my head. What a minute twelve weeks was. " Our first time together?" Merigold nods. " But we used condoms." " Condoms aren't 100%. And considering Snow wasn't supposed to be able to have any more kids I'd say these two are supposed to be here." Tony says.
" Do you know what they are?" Rowdy asks. " No to early to tell. But listen to this." Merigold says. " Doc will you?" and she points to a monitor behind him. He reaches over and turns a nob. I hear a whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh sound. I've never heard anything like it. " What is that?" Merigold smiles and I swear I see her face light up. " That's your babies heart beats." Our babies.
I lay my hand on Merigold's stomach. Our babies are growing in there waiting for the day they can meet us. My baby girl is growing two little humans for Rowdy and me. She is giving Jace and Jax siblings. She was beaten and battered. She was kidnapped for fuck sake but she kept the babies safe and alive. I always knew Merigold is an incredible woman but this takes it to a whole new level. How the fuck did asshole bikers like us get so lucky to have her?
I was going to spend every day of my life proving to her I was worthy of being her old man, her husband and father to her children. I was going to be the best father I could to Jax and Jace and the new babies. I was ready to make this step in my life. I didn't think this would happen to me. Especially with a girl like Merigold.
Merigold breaks me out of my head by laughing. Man, I love that sound. I'm going to make a point to make her laugh as much as possible. That and make her moan. It will have to wait until she heals up but I can't wait to have her under me again. Or on top. From behind. All the above and then some just to hear her moans again.
" What's so funny?" Merigold wipes what I hope are happy tears from her eyes. " I was thinking I apparently have a thing for pairs." I cock my head, not sure what she is talking about. I hear Tony laughing " I guess you do, don’t you." I look at Rowdy and he shrugs. He doesn't get it either. Tony explains it " Snow has Jace and Jax. She has you two and now she is having another set of twins. Hell, she has two pairs of cowboy boots."
It took me a second but then I started laughing and so did Rowdy. When you looked at it it was pretty funny. After everything that has happened, it felt good to laugh.