It was late when I woke but I knew I wasn’t alone. My head was against his chest, and I was wrapped around him like a vine.
“You’ll get sick”. I whispered already knowing he was awake.
“Don’t care baby. How you feeling?”.
“Please tell me you didn’t come back because I was sick”.
Hearing him chuckle he pulled me closer his hand resting against my hip bone. “Babe you’ve been out it for 2 days and by the looks of it you’re still sick”.
2 days? What?
“What? Where’s Everleigh”. As I scrambled about the bed, he pinned me beneath him. “Blaze let me-..”.
“Babe Everleigh is fine she’s been staying with your mum. You’re going nowhere until you’re feeling better got it?”. His tone told me not to argue.
“Yes”. I sighed “Now get off me you’re to hot”. As he rolled over to his side of the bed I pushed the covers off and sat up my back leaning against the headboard. “When did you get back?”. I asked.
“About noonish. I took Everleigh for lunch and then you’re mom took her so I could get some sleep. Didn’t get much when I was away”.
“I feel horrible”. I moaned pulling the covers up and over my body. I suddenly wasn’t feeling the heat anymore. “I haven’t been sick in a long time”.
“You’re doing to much Ava and you’re always putting everyone before yourself. You need to look after number one baby. Give yourself time to get better”. Pulling me closer I rested my head against his chest. I had missed him and he’d only been gone a few days.
He was right but I couldn’t help it. I always put everyone before myself it was in my nature. The reason I became a doctor was so I could help people.
“Why’s it so loud?”. I could hear music and the loud chatter.
“We came home safe darling so they’re all celebrating”.
Sitting up I leaned over and turned the lamp on. “So why aren’t you out there celebrating?”. He was only going to get sick being cooped up in here with me.
“Haven’t seen you in 2 days I’m right where I need to be now come here”. He smirked patting the space beside him.
“You’ll get sick”. I grinned already making my way across the bed. Placing my lips against his his arms circled my body pulling me down on top of him. “You need a bath”. Placing another kiss on the side of his mouth I pulled myself back “And a hair cut but don’t shave”. Pulling on his beard I moved closer “I like this”.
Before I knew it I was on my back him resting between my legs. “Marry me baby”.
Everything stopped.
“I’m serious babe it’s time I made an honest woman out of you”. Moving across the bed he pulled open the bedside drawer producing his moms ring. “I’m not good at this shit Ava but you baby. I made the biggest mistake by leaving you and for that I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I can make you happy Ava, I can make Everleigh happy”.
This was it. This is what it all came down to. In the end I knew I couldn’t live without him. I did it for years but part of me was always missing. He was that part. He was my love, my light, he owned my heart.
“So darling what do you say? Want to be my wife?” He smirked.
Sinking my teeth into my bottom lip I glanced at the ring he was holding. The only part of his mom he had left. The ring that I had already refused because we weren’t ready for this. But now everything was different.
“Babe?”.
Looking at him the smirk had disappeared, fear. I could see it in his eyes. Waiting patiently for me to give him my answer.
Shaking my head I couldn’t stop myself from grinning. “Yes, yes”. I laughed as he pulled me too him squeezing me tight.
Pulling back he took my left hand placing a kiss over my fingers. “I’ve told you a thousand times over how much I love you, how a pretty little thing like you is too good for me but you make me a better man and you’ll make me a better dad. I love you sweets”. As he slipped the ring on my finger the bedroom door burst open.
My dad stood inside the door way but he couldn’t look at me and instantly I knew something was wrong.
“Ally’s been in an accident”.
The smile dropped from my face.
Ally was hurt.
I couldn’t process it. My mind was thinking a million things.
What if the people that hurt me had got to her? I know the leader of Vago’s was still alive. What if this was his way of sending a message to the club?
What if he was back?
But then again what if it really was just an accident and I was thinking the worst yet again.
I was quick to get to my feet pushing Blaze’s hand away. “I have to go to the hospital; I need to make sure she’s okay”. But Blaze had other ideas.
“You’re going nowhere Ava. The club is going into lockdown until we know exactly what happened. I’m sorry but I need you here where I know you’ll be safe”.
“Blaze I can’t just-…”
“You’re staying here”. Cutting me off I stepped back as he tried to grab me. I knew he was doing it to keep me safe, but Ally was my best friend. I couldn’t be locked up here when she was hurt. “Don’t give me that look sweetheart. I need you and Everleigh safe. I’m begging you not to leave here Ava”.
As soon as he said Everleigh’s name everything changed. He was right. I had to stay here and wait, I had to think of her.
“Okay” I whispered following him out into the bar area.
The music had stopped, families were starting to arrive, but I couldn’t see my mom which meant Everleigh wasn’t here.
“Where’s Everleigh?” I questioned as I reached out my hand and grabbed his arm. If she wasn’t here, I wasn’t staying. If this was what I thought, it was then I wanted her with me.
“She’ll be here”.
“When Blaze? I’m not staying here if she’s not here”.
His eyes grew dark.
“You don’t leave this clubhouse Ava, I’m warning you”.
“I just want Everleigh. I just want my baby”. His eyes softened, his hands reaching up cupping my face. Instantly my eyes closed. I was worried. What happened to me will live with me until the day I die. I couldn’t get through tonight if she wasn’t with me. I had to know she was safe.
“Baby” He whispered my eyes opening connecting with his. “I won’t let anything happen to you ever again. I will protect you and Everleigh with my life. Please try and stay strong until I get back. Promise me you’ll stay here”.
“Just bring me-…”
“Mommy”.
Oh, thank god.
Lifting her into my arms I held her tight. She was here and she was safe. The people that attacked me were dead, Blaze made sure of it. But if the president was back then what’s to say he hasn’t formed a new MC? Those men were ruthless. They didn’t care who they hurt. They left me for dead and it was all his orders.
“I know what you’re thinking baby, but we don’t know much yet. Jared will stay with you and Everleigh. I trust him with my life, so I trust him with yours”. Placing a kiss on my lips Everleigh made a noise.
“Daddy kisses mommy” She giggled.
“Does daddy get a kiss from Everleigh before he goes?”. Shaking her head yes, she leaned over placing a kiss on his cheek. “Now remember Everleigh listen to mommy and be good until I come back, okay?”.
“Kay I will”.
“Blaze lets go”. My dad grunted as he walked by us heading for the front door. My mom was stood behind the bar trying to hide her fear. I knew how she felt every time my dad set foot outside. He was a well-known man, people wanted to be him, and people wanted to kill him.
“I’ll see you soon”. Kissing the side of my head I stood and watched him as he left. I continued to stare at the door until Everleigh started wriggling in my arms.
“I go see Uncle Ared mommy?”.
“Sure baby”. Jared was already making his way towards us. Watching as he lifted her into his arms I smiled. He was good with her, and I was grateful she had him to protect her.
“Congratulations Mrs Thomas” He smirked glancing down at my ring.
“Shh, I haven’t told my mom, and I don’t think it’s a good idea they find out just now”. Removing my ring I slipped it into my jean pocket. Tonight, we were meant to be celebrating, sharing the news that I had finally said yes.