by L. Ann Marie
She takes my hand. “I know everyone always does bikes, tree houses and trucks for the boys, but I think a castle would be cool. A boy castle for the little Knight Princes.”
“Can they have bikes instead of horses?”
She giggles. “Of course.”
“I like little Knight Princes. I think a castle can work. If they’re like the other twins they need to be together. Only Ally and Alex were separated. All the rest stay together or they make weird noises and cry.”
She looks at me surprised. “I didn’t know that. I don’t know anything but how to change diapers and feed them. You’ll have to teach me.”
I nod and sit pulling the paper to me. Nothing is written. We spend an hour on the drawing and another on a list of shit that we need. I know the Brothers will have everything loaded in a trailer, because they’re fuckin’ nuts, but I’ll only need to pull the stuff from the list.
I ask about names and she wants something like Justice and Aquyà. I cut up some fruit and bag it. “Let’s take a walk.” I bring her to the rocks and sit her on my lap.
“It’s all too much right now. I can’t think of names with everything else swirling around in my head. I think Anita is going to move here.” She pops an apple piece in her mouth.
I hold my breath. Fuck no. Nothing is written.
“She’s seeing that guy Trapper. The blind one that works at the shop with Jax.”
“Yeah.”
“She’s awesome with the women, but her thing is the budget and programs. If she moves I’m going to offer her the job.”
She’s been looking for an assistant and Anita would fit in well. “That will be good babe.”
She turns and looks at me. “I thought you’d be happy. I won’t have so much paperwork to do at home. With the babies coming I’ll need some time off and someone to keep everything running.”
I smile for her. “I’m happy you’ll have help, but you have the place running like a well-oiled machine. You could take a month off and everything would still be running right when you got back.” She giggles and I kiss her.
We talk about what happened yesterday and the new homeless houses outside the shelter’s back gate. She likes that they’ve been adding little things making them homes. I love them. Uncle Danny had them painted like the Mass compound. The people like them so I guess that’s all that matters. Once they were built the church filled them and has been keeping an eye on the residents. They even got them post office boxes.
“Where did you go?” she asks looking up at me.
“I was just thinking of the homeless houses. I guess they’re not homeless anymore.”
“It’s sad, but good. Most of those people have some form of mental illness. I’m glad the Pastor places them. He only puts the harmless or people like Trapper.”
“I didn’t know that. Trapper has a place now right down the road from the garage. Jax helped him get it.”
She giggles. “Anita told us about it, in detail.”
Anita is a trip. I’m glad she’s not sharing the detail. There’s only so much I need to know about Trapper. Since we’re not picking names I want to send the drawing to Uncle Danny. I need to call my dad and mom too. “Come on so you can get your paperwork done and we can take a ride tonight.”
She stands ready to go, making me smile. She likes night riding.
Chapter Eight
One month
Little Ben
“Thanks for coming down Uncle Danny. I’m sure you’d rather spend your vacation somewhere else. I appreciate you spending it here.”
He laughs. “I’d rather be working. Fuckin’ Pres let your mom go nuts with the accrued time off. Who the fuck needs six weeks a year? Sorry LB, but my sister is as crazy as the Brothers.”
I laugh because he’s one of the crazier ones. My dad and Bob come around the corner. “Thanks for helping Brothers.”
“Fuckin’ vacation,” my father says and Bob laughs.
“Lily has the kids on the beach,” Alex says walking in.
I nod and thank him for helping. Last weekend we got the room gutted so today it’s time to build. While Uncle Danny, my dad and Bob get started Alex pulls me to the door.
“I’m a good Brother and ride good. I work and have money saved like you.” He’s nervous so I smile and give him a nod. I know what he’s going to ask and already talked to Uncle Danny, but I let him do this without interrupting. “I like the computer, but I’m good with the bikes too right?” I nod. “I already did the computer job. Dad said I have to ask for the job I want. That’s right, right?”
“It is Alex.”
“So can I have a bike job with Jax? I’ll do good work for you and keep saving money to pay all my bills.” He’s so cute, but nervous as fuck.
I smile at him. “I think we could talk to Jax or Jared. Jax runs the shop, but Jared does all the new technology. I think Jared could use someone with computer experience to help in the lab on the bikes. Do you want to talk to Jax or Jared?”
His eyes are huge. I’m stepping on my foot to keep from laughing. “Jared could use me?”
“Yeah Brother. You’re good with building, but really good on the computer. I think you’d be a big help with what you can already do.” He jumps on me and I laugh. I look for Jared in my head. He’s at home. Looking back, Uncle Danny throws me chin. “Let’s go talk to Jared. We can settle this so I can build my boys their castle.”
He lets me go and holds my hand. “I’m going to work hard for Jared. You will be proud of me Little Ben.”
I stop him and turn him to look at me. “For years you have worked hard every day. We are all proud of you Alex. Just like you’re proud of us. It’s the same.”
He hugs me. “I’m proud of you a lot Little Ben.”
“Me too Brother. Let’s go see Jared.” He doesn’t let my hand go as we walk across the street and up to Jared’s house.
The door opens before we get to it. “Hey Kaleb. It’s good to see you.”
Alex squeezes my hand. “We have to see Jared for a job.”
Kaleb laughs. “He’s in the kitchen. Come on in little man.”
We walk in and Alex turns toward me. “I can ask for a job alone right? But can you stay here in case he says no?” I clench my jaw and nod. He looks at Kaleb. “You’re nice; can you stay with Little Ben?” Kaleb nods and we watch him walk down the hall.
“Oh my fuckin’ God he’s cute,” Kaleb says.
Since I was thinking it I nod. “How have you been?”
He smiles. “Good. I finished the wiring for Alex and just stopped in to see what Jared’s been working on. He’s got the skin for the bikes almost done. He’s like my mom with this shit.”
“He is. HS loves the bikes with the hologram boards and silent exhaust. They’ll be happy with bullet proof anything.”
Alex calls me to the kitchen. Kaleb follows. “I have to have a place to live, so I can tell Jared when I can start to work hard for him.” He looks at Jared who’s clenching his jaw. “Right?” Jared nods. “I saved my money good and can buy a house like you. Can I have a house?” Kaleb laughs and Alex looks at him. “I have to ask for what I want. Jared can use me ‘cause I showed him on the computer, but I need a house. It’s too far to drive he said.”
I nod. “We just happen to have a house here for you. There is a room for Ally to stay in when she comes to visit you.”
He runs and jumps on me. “Ally will be happy too Little Ben!”
“She will Brother. Are you all set with the job?” I ask letting him go.
He looks at Jared. “I can come to work next Monday. I have to clear my desk for Ricky. That’s what Brothers do.” He looks at me and I nod.
Jared stands up and walks to him. “Sounds like I have a new employee next Monday Alex. I’ll meet you at the Lab at eight.” He puts his hand out and Alex shakes it then hugs him. Jared smiles at me. He loves Alex already.
“Alex my mom asked me to drop something in your new house for Ally. You wan
t to come with me?” Kaleb says.
Alex looks at me. “Go ahead Brother. You know where I live. Come over when you’re done checking out your new place.”
“I will. When I’m done I’ll come help build a castle for your boys. I’m a good builder.”
I nod and smile when he takes Kaleb’s hand. When they leave Jared laughs. “I love that fuckin’ kid.”
“Thanks for taking him on.”
He waves his hand reminding me of Mitch. “He’s a wiz on the computer and knows the new technology inside and out. I think I should be thanking you.”
“If you have any problems let me know,” I tell him turning toward the door.
“I will Prez.”
Back at the house they’ve already got the platform done. I jump in and we’re close to adding on the front walls when Tiny yells food is ready. When the hell did he get here? I smile following everyone out. The kids are sitting at one table with Jess, Amanda and Lily. I make my girl a plate and set it in front of her kissing her head. Bob does the same thing to Amanda and they laugh. I shrug and get a plate for Jess and she laughs.
Whatever. I sit with the men and we talk about the waterpark. I want to add some pieces closer for the little guys to play on and make it to the big pieces. During high tide it’s a hell of a swim for the little ones.
When we’re done eating everyone heads to the water. I take Lily up to the room and show her how far we got. My boys are growing; I hold her from behind with my hands on them. I feel our connection already and feel them move against my hands. She giggles. “They always move as soon as your hands are close.”
“They do?” I thought they always moved.
“Yes. When you put your hands on me it’s like they move to touch you right where your hands are.”
Maybe that’s their way of connecting with me. “I love feeling them.”
She nods putting her hands over mine. “Me too. It’s a crazy feeling just like this. Almost like they’re touching me through you.”
Fuck. Nothing is written. I blink like crazy and keep her right where she is, asking for strength and guidance here. I breathe and feel calmer before I move. “Did you want to go swimming?”
She moans and I smile. “Too many people for anything but swimming. It does sound good though.” She looks like she’s contemplating water without sex.
Fuckin’ Lily. “Later babe. I’ll bring you to a new room. Let’s swim with everyone for now.”
“That is just cold, but okay.” She’s serious and I clamp my jaw shut.
I pull her away to change.
Chapter Nine
Two month
Lily
I move to get up and he’s sitting up. I can’t do anything but laugh. He comes around and carries me to the bathroom. “I can manage this you know.”
He doesn’t say anything but sets me down and walks out. He doesn’t close the door all the way anymore. As soon as I turn the faucet on he’s back in holding the towel for me. I smile and wipe my hands. I’m not sure he’s even awake when he does this. He carries me back to bed and kisses my head. It’s always the same. I mouth the words as he says them. “Love you my Little Mamma.” I smile and settle my head on his chest. I love him too. I’ve spent years dreaming about my life with Little Ben. This is more than I ever dreamed. He carries me to the bathroom. I giggle snuggling closer.
***
“Babe where are you at today? Your schedule doesn’t have anything. How did I miss this?” He sounds like he’s baffled and I laugh. He watches my schedule that close?
“I took the day off to get some things I wanted done, done.” I smile at his expression.
He doesn’t say anything for a minute. Something’s weighing on his mind. “I have a Security meeting at the MC. Do you want to go up and see Brenda and Aubrey?”
Oh man. “I would love to, but I have too much to do. I only took one day to get it all done. Next one I will.”
“What do you need to get done? I can help.”
I laugh. “I’m running out of clothes. The only thing that fits me is panties my husband has delivered special for me. They have the cutest preggo panties I’ve ever seen, but I need clothes to cover them. I’m getting my hair trimmed and a pedicure because I can’t see my feet anymore to polish them. I have to go by the hospital and register for Lamaze classes and fill out their forms then pick up the pictures from the post office that Amanda sent for the boys’ room.”
He makes a noise that I think is a growl. “The hospital is done, the classes are a waste of time because you’re having a C-section, and a Prospect is getting the mail with the slip that came in. You should have told me about taking the day.”
I laugh. He’s not happy, but he’s cute. “Thanks for the paperwork, the Prospect and the news about classes. I didn’t think I needed them, but the speaker that came to the Center said I should take them just in case.”
He’s shaking his head no. “They’re going to be too big for you to have naturally.”
I can’t help smiling even though I know it’s pissing him off. “Okay no classes. Still getting clothes, a trim and my toes painted.”
“I’ll let Jessie know.” He walks away pulling his phone.
I love him to death and love that he spends so much time with me, but getting pissed about me having a day is a little out of character for him. I wonder if I should be worried. He’s always touching my stomach; I hope the boys are okay. He sees so much and we have freaky kids. Maybe they see my boys better than the doctor. Oh shit that’s not a good thought. I need to call Brenda. Shit.
Jeremy runs down the stairs. I forgot he was even here. “Jeremy can you tell me if my boys are good? If you can’t I understand.” Damn, my eyes are burning.
He nods then smiles. “Boys are good.” He touches my stomach and I feel them move toward his hands. He laughs making me smile.
I’m so relieved I kiss his cheek. “Thank you. Little Ben is a little stressed today. I was getting worked up for nothing.”
He nods and looks at my stomach still with his hands on me. “Strong, like Dakota.”
I’ve seen what he does for people. I’m not moving him until he’s finished. The babies seem to like him too. Little Ben comes in and stops short. I smile at him. “He says they’re strong like Dakota.”
He looks relieved and puts his hands over Jeremy’s. Holy shit that feels weird, but in a good way. I look at Little Ben. I see so much love in his eyes. He kisses me and Jeremy laughs. “Love you my Little Mamma.”
“Love you too Honey.” Jeremy lets me go and walks out the door. I look at Little Ben; he’s looking at the door. “Think he doesn’t like my breakfast?”
He laughs. “I made scrambled eggs and a bowl of fruit.”
He pulls me to the kitchen. “Eliza is with you today. I’m at the MC this morning then at the office. Call if you need me.”
“I will.” I’m looking at my plate. He always gets the eggs so fluffy. “Jeremy is missing out. Your eggs are better than mine.” He laughs handing me a glass of milk.
***
Little Ben
Geek finally has the information we need. Jason has been coming up for-fuckin’-ever. It will take the constant threat off the table. It’s not even the threat – it’s trying to keep ahead of the threat and how much money someone is willing to spend to end us. We’re just starting to build our money again after the hit from the satellite. It was worth every penny, but with the constant threat there’s a time limit on that relief. They’ll find a way into that one too if they have enough time. Pres comes in with Geek and my dad.
Jamie, Kevin and Jake are already sitting. “The head of NSA is our puppet master,” Pres says before Geek’s even sitting. Holy fuck. I knew it was someone high, but he’s supposed to be a friend of the Baxters.
“No fuckin’ way. He’s helped us for years,” Kevin says and I see he doesn’t believe it.
I look at my dad. He’s watching Jamie. Jake wants more information, but I watch Jamie t
oo. He’s looking at Pres and finally nods. “Tell me how you got him.” Kevin’s mouth falls open and Jamie looks at him. “Why would he go out of his way to help us? Especially the last couple of years. He’s been MIA when we’ve actually needed him, but finds time for us after a big hit. He couldn’t help with the FAA, the ship offshore. Nothing he’s done has actually helped. The hologram was returned by John and he was reprimanded for bringing it back to us. It was under not following orders, but it was a reprimand that caused him to quit.”
Kevin closes his mouth and looks at Pres. “How did you get him?” I smile.
We get through all the shit that Geek, Mitch, my father and Jason did then Jamie starts planning. When everything is said and done, I have a chopper for transport, Jessie, Darren and Taylor committed to working to shut him down and expose all the shit he’s been doing – right down to financing human trafficking. It’s a huge operation, but one that needs to be done. Dakota will handle their reader and Chin right away. Everything else will be put on a timetable and I’ll get it at the next meeting. Dakota has been silent the whole meeting. I ask him if everything is okay in his head and he nods.
My dad looks at Pres. “We done?”
Pres nods. “It’s taken us years to get here. It feels good to have a name, direction and plan to end it.” We all agree. “Let’s start the end Brothers. Let me know when the reader and Chin are out of the way.”
I throw him chin and stand. Dakota follows me out. “Pres is right; it feels good to start the end.”
“It does Prez. Jamie and your father are diabolical in their planning.”
I laugh. “Yeah. They’re both a little crazy. I like using the holograms for sightings. It’s worked well the last couple of Ops with them.”
“Will they ever build one of me?”
I laugh. “You’re not easy Brother. No one ever knows when you’re kidding or serious and you still use the analogies.” I see he’s going to argue it. “Not like you were and only in conversations with family, but you use them. Building a hologram of you will take years.”
