Chapter 49

Viper

Dinner last night went better than I expected. I have to give it to Mitchel. He refused to say his affair was a mistake because it gave him Sabine. He did admit he was wrong in doing it. And lying when I said I was glad he fucked around. He gave me my wife. I don’t condone cheating at all. Hell Merigold may have a different mom but my mom was long gone when dad fucked around. But this time it gave me my wife so I’m not going to hold it against Mitchel. And you could see how much he loves his daughter.

But Karen. What a bitch. She could love Sabine as a child because she wasn’t her flesh and blood and because Sabine was a reminder of Mitchel’s cheating. Get over yourself lady. Sabine was an innocent child. And it may transfer to any children Sabine and I may have. Fuck no. I feel Sabine did the right thing cutting that woman out of her life. And yes, Sabine got her dessert. Twice. It seems she was quite hungry last night. But I’m not going to complain. Ever.


Since that is settled time to focus on other things. Like claiming Sabine in the eyes of my club. Goof is working with Gretchen on the party. I offered him more help but he said he had it covered. He wanted everything to be perfect for his Pocket. I don’t like that Goof is calling Sabine his but I know it is in a brotherly way so I don’t say shit to him. It is clear by the way they act together that Goof has adopted Sabine as his little sister. I pulled up at the jewelry store in town Anna told me to meet her and Merigold at. They are helping me pick out new rings for Sabine thenI’m taking Merigold to lunch to go over Sabine’s mark and kutte designs.

There is no one I trust with those but Merigold. Over the years my baby sister has proven to be the best. And it had been too long since we had time to spend together. I wanted some time with my sister. I walked into the store to see Anna and Merigold waiting for me. It was a small store compared to what you would find in a mall. This place was a family owned operation. Had been for generations. Whenever we can we try to keep our money local. To give back to the community we call home.

The walls were plain wood paneling with pictures of the family who runs the place. They start from the day they opened the shop over fifty years ago to the present. I like that. I like seeing how the place has grown. There are four glass counters going around the room. One has necklaces. Another has bracelets and earrings. Merigold and Anna are standing in front of a case that has rings. The last case has multiple different items like class rings, zippo lighters and what looks like dog tags. I walk over to the girls and see what they are looking at. There are so many rings I’m overwhelmed.

An older woman in her sixties comes up to us from the other side of the counter. “ How can I help you guys today?” “ Maria, good to see you.” Anna said. Anna pointed to me and said “ He needs some rings.” Maria smiles, “ What kind of rings are you looking for?” “ I need an engagement ring and a set of wedding bands.” I told her. She leads me to the other half of the case we were standing in front of. She points to one section and says “ These are the engagement rings we offer.” She points to the other side “ and these are our wedding band sets.” I take a moment to look them over. I guess Marie sees my uncertainty. “ Let me help. Do you know what you are looking for? Any certain color or style?” she asks.

“ I want something unique. Price isn’t a problem although she would probably kill me if I spent too much.” I said. “ Describe the lady in question for me.” Marie said. I smile and think about Sabine. “ She is smart, sassy, funny, talented, loves her family dearly. She is the love of my life. I would be nothing without her. I want to wake up every morning with her face laying on my chest and her hair tangled in my fingers. Oh and she has a body that makes me want to get on my knees and thank the gods that created her.” I said. “ Viper, I didn’t need to hear the last part. But the rest I’m loving.” Merigold laughed.

“ I love the look on his face as he was talking. That is the look I want to see on every future groom. Pure joy and love.” Marie said. “ Marie, I'll make it easy on you. He is talking about Pixie.” Anna said. Marie’s jaw drops. “ You tamed the unattainable Pixie.” she asks. “ What do you mean?” I asked. “ Most people in town that know that kid didn’t think she would settle down until she retired. My granddaughter went to high school with Sabine. She said Sabine didn’t care about boys at all. Just school and training. Not that many boys could get past those brother’s of hers.” Marie laughed.

I can imagine Nixon and Casper scaring the guys away. “ She is still focused on training. But I wore her down.” I said. “ I have something that might be what you are looking for. Let me go get it.” Marie said and walked off. While she is gone the three of us look at bands. “ Viper, don’t you have your original bands?” Merigold asked. I pull Sabine’s ring from my pocket and show her. I always carry the ring with me. “ Why don’t you want to use these?” Anna asked. “ I wanted something new for our new start.” I said.

Anna nods “ I get that. But these mean something to Sabine. She told me you two picked them out together.” Sabine told me the same thing when I asked her how we got the rings. “ Instead of getting new, why don’t you see if Marie can just add a little something to these.” Merigold said. That’s not a bad idea. “ I’ll ask.” I said.

Marie came back and opened a ring box. “ This came in a year ago with some antiques we bought. It is different from what is usually asked for so I never put it out. But I think this one might be perfect for you.” she said. I picked the ring up to get a good look at it. It was antique rose gold. The top of it had an etching that looked like wings. Fairy wings. “ The sparkle you see in the wings is diamond and sapphire flakes.” Marie said. Merigold shoved into me to get a better look. “ Oh Viper. It is perfect. It is screaming Sabine.” Anna says. Merigold nods in agreement.

“ You are right. It belongs on Sabin’s finger. I’ll take it, Marie.” I said. “ Wonderful. I was hoping you would.” Marie said. Before I paid I showed Marie the bands and explained the idea I had. She and Merigold sketched something out and Marie promised to have the rings ready by Friday. The day before the party. It is perfect. I’m glad Anna and Mergiold brought me here. I found the perfect ring in one stop and the money goes to a local business instead of a corporation.

Anna heads out. She has a lunch date with Cormac she can’t wait to get to. I am happy for Anna. She finally has someone in her life that is completely devoted to her. I know she had a fling with my dad before dad met mom and after my mom took off. She has been with the club since the beginning. She was always the mother figure around. No, she was never a skank. BUt she did try to keep them in line in the beginning. She has given so much to me and all the guys it is nice to see someone give her something. We all have done little things over the years for her but none of us could give her the love she deserved. We gave her love from a child to a mother. She needed more.

Merigold and I decided to meet at the diner since we had to go our separate ways after lunch. We found a booth and ordered. Both of us were having burgers and loaded fries. The fries are good but not as good as when Merigold figured out how to make them. While we waited Merigold pulled three sketches out of her bag. “ I’m sure you know the drill. I can add something you want or take away what you don’t.” Merigold said. The only kutte and mark she didn’t make was hers. Since did the one for Tank all the guys have Merigold do them. She personalized them to each couple. And they always come out incredible.

I look at the three she drew up for me. They are all good but only one stands out from the rest. A motorcycle that looks exactly like mine with a pair of skates hanging off the handle. The skates look like the white ones Sabine wore for her long program in her singles competition. The bike looks like it is coming out of a circle. The words Reckless Renegades on top in blue and Property of Viper on bottom in purple like Sabine’s hair. I point to it “ This one. It is perfect.” Merigold smiles and says “ I figured you might pick that one.” I take a picture of it to send out the design to get the kutte made. I’ll talk to Tank at the party to set up a time for us to come in and get our marks done. Everything is falling into place. Now we just need to find this stalker.