Vince's Place

by Sandra R Neeley

  “Then that’s what we’ll do,” Kaid promised, kissing her softly on the lips.

  Delilah smiled.

  Kaid smiled.

  And Bane came back into the waiting area, handing Janie a Sprite. “Hey, has anybody ever heard of the name Bant?”

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  The bedroom door opened and Bam’s version of whispering filled the room. “Natalie? You awake?”

  Natalie slid out of the bed and hurried to the door. “Yeah, I’m awake, Bam.”

  “Vince was feeling much stronger the last time I tried to heal him. And unless you think you need me, or he’s not strong enough yet, I was thinking of heading over to the hospital. Everly is there with everybody, and I want to be there, too.”

  “Of course, Bam. Go ahead. Vince is resting much more comfortably. And if he needs to go to the bathroom again, Goldy can help us.”

  “You sure?”

  “I am. And you can let Valerie know that Vince is much better now.”

  “I will. Thanks, Doc.”

  “Doc?” Natalie asked smiling.

  “Yeah. The way you took care of Vince, you shoulda’ been a doctor, not a nurse.”

  “You’re sweet,” Natalie said, patting Bam’s shoulder.

  Bam smiled at her. “The next time Vince wakes up, Ms. Sadie made ya’ll some chicken and dumplins, if he’s hungry.”

  “That sounds really good.”

  “They were, I had two big bowls,” Bam said. “Alright then, I’m gonna take my truck, so if you need me, just call me and I’ll be right back here.”

  “Thanks, Bam.”

  Natalie closed the door quietly and went to lie back down beside Vince. She snuggled in beside him and pressed her face to his arm, kissing his bicep.

  “Chicken and dumplins sounds awesome about now.”

  “You’re awake!” Natalie said.

  “I am. Bam has never been really good at being quiet. He just doesn’t get whispering,”

  “No, he doesn’t. But I’ll take it. He’s amazing,” Natalie said. “I can’t believe how quickly you’ve already begun to heal. Without Bam, you’d still be unconscious, and I’d have likely insisted you get to the hospital.”

  “But I’m a shifter, too. We heal very quickly.”

  “Still, I could actually see the difference in you each time Bam would work on you. It’s amazing.”

  “He is pretty special.”

  Valerie heard his stomach growling. “Want to eat? I’ll go get us some food,” Natalie offered.

  “Yes, please. And then you can explain why you didn’t tell me that Valerie was already at the hospital having the babies,” Vince said teasingly.

  “Because. You’re obviously a stubborn man, given to fits of impulsiveness, and the last thing you need right now is to be traipsing all over the damned town trying to be there for your sister. You’d certainly open your wound again, and you can’t afford to lose more blood.”

  Vince grinned at her, though she couldn’t see it in the dark. “But, I’m trying to reform. I’m trying to be less impulsive.”

  “That would be a good thing. I’m going to get your food.”

  “Can you bring my phone in from the truck, too? It needs to be charged, and I want to call Valerie later.”

  “Sure. You can use mine in the meantime. Hold on, let me get it for you.” Natalie turned on the lamp again and handed Vince her phone. “Here you go. I’ll be back.”

  “Thank you, Natalie, for everything,” Vince said on a yawn.

  “You don’t need to thank me. It’s what we do, take care of each other. Just don’t get shot again. I’m not sure my heart can stand it.”

  “I’ll do my best,” he promised.

  Chapter 27

  Bam jogged down the steps of the front porch, a smile on his face and feeling good. He’d managed to help Vince, and now he was on his way to greet Maverik’s babies. Life was good.

  The door to Vince’s truck was open, and he could see someone leaning inside it. He walked over. “What cha doin’, Jobe?” he asked.

  “Hi, Bam. I’m cleaning out the truck. It’s got blood everywhere, and the longer you let it sit, the harder it is to get out,” Jobe explained.

  Bam peeked over Jobe’s head. “I don’t see any.”

  “I cleaned it up already. Ms. Sadie told me she was going to clean it up later, and I didn’t want her to have to do that, so I did it.”

  Bam smiled. This boy was making a fine addition to the family. “You got much more to do? Want to go to the hospital and wait for Maverik’s babies?”

  “That’s Maia’s dad, right?” Jobe asked.

  “Yep. And the babies are Maia’s brother and sister.”

  “Do you think he’d mind?” Jobe asked.

  “Nah! You’re family. Why would he mind?” Bam asked.

  Jobe shrugged. “Okay. Yeah, I’d like to go.”

  “Alright. I’m going to get my truck, I’ll be back to get you in a few minutes.”

  “I’m gonna go change real quick. I’ll be waiting,” Jobe answered.

  “Don’t forget to tell Ms. Sadie where you’re going. She’ll be worried if you don’t,” Bam said.

  “I’ll tell her.”

  Bam got halfway across the yard and turned back to Jobe where he was just walking up the stairs. “Hey, you ain’t ever dated Maia have you?”

  Jobe hesitated. “No. We was always just friends.”

  “You won’t have no problems, then. Maverik will be fine,” Bam said, grinning and heading off through the trees to get his truck.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Maria grabbed the phone mounted on the wall behind the bar. “Vince’s Place! What can I do ya for?” she asked.

  “Somebody sounds happy,” Vince said into the phone.

  “Boss man! It’s good to hear from you. You coming back any time soon?”

  “Few days I might pass by. Feeling under the weather, but I’m alright.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “Anything I need to know about?” Vince asked.

  “Yeah, actually, there is. I hired Eustace. Figured you wouldn’t mind since you told me about him and all. He’s a really great guy, trying to get his life on track.”

  “Sounds like you’re fond of him.”

  “I am. I feel bad for all he’s been through. And I admire him for wanting to provide for himself rather than expecting a handout.”

  “I’m guessing he’s working out then.”

  “Well, he just started really. But he’s willing. And he’s a fast learner. Everything I showed him, he’s got already. I think it’ll be a good fit. And I know for a fact that he’ll be here and on time every day.”

  “How’s that?” Vince asked.

  “I bring him to work and home. His place is right near mine, I just pick him up and drop him off on my way.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “You feeling sick?” Maria asked.

  “Nah, not exactly. I managed to get myself injured. But I’m healing fast. Bam helped and my Natalie is here nursing me. I’ll be fine in a couple days.”

  “Ya’ll need something, let me know.”

  “I will, thanks for everything, Maria.”

  “You’re welcome, Boss man. Feel better!”

  Maria ended the call and peeked back into the kitchen, where Eustace was busy chopping onion and making hamburger patties for that evening. He was humming along to the songs coming out of the jukebox they’d programmed when they first arrived to work. He felt her watching him and looked up, a smile on his face.

  Her belly did a little flip, and her beast sat up and purred. This man was more than a friend to her. He had a lot of healing to do. And she and her Lynx would walk beside him every step of the way. But when he was ready, she and her Lynx were going to tell him what she’d already figured out. He was hers. And she’d be damned if she’d take no for an answer.

  Eustace felt like someone was watching him. He glanced up and saw Maria smiling at him. H
e offered her a smile in turn. His belly flopped a bit, and he took a deep breath. This woman was his. He and his Fox both knew it. But he was in no condition to claim her. He needed to be able to provide for her, protect her. Hell, he needed to be able to love her well. And the condition he was in right now was not enough to offer any woman, much less the one he’d hoped for all his life. Maria winked at him and turned back to cleaning the bar, getting it ready for tonight. Soon, his Fox whispered. Oh, yeah, he answered. We’re gonna work hard, heal up and get stronger. Then we’re gonna tell her that she’s ours, and we’re hers, and we won’t take no for an answer.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Bam and Jobe strode down the hallway. They came around the corner of the waiting room, and Everly tried her best to jump up. “Bam!” she cried.

  “My Ever,” he said, hurrying to her side to help her stand. “Missed you,” he whispered right before he kissed her.

  “Missed you, too,” she answered.

  “How you feeling, Ever?” he asked, taking her seat and pulling her gently down on his lap.

  “Back hurts. But so excited for Maverik and Valerie. I can’t wait to see the babies.”

  “Me, too.” Bam looked at Jobe, still standing there. “Jobe, have a seat. We could be waiting for a while.”

  Jobe nodded and sat down.

  “Boy, you got to relax. We accepted you. That’s all there is to it,” Kaid said.

  “Yes, sir. I’m getting better,” Jobe said smiling.

  “Alright, then, I expect to see it,” Kaid answered, smiling back at him. “How’s Vince” Kaid asked, switching his attention to Bam. “I’m guessing if you’re here, he’s stronger.”

  “He is. He’s woken up twice since Natalie drugged him with that pain medication. His Lion just keeps burning through it. He don’t want to be knocked out. So now she’s giving him half doses to keep the pain under control and he can wake up as he pleases now.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “He’ll be up and round after he eats and has a day or two of rest,” Bam reported.

  “Man, I’m glad to hear that. I was worried,” Daniel said. “I knew you wouldn’t let him die, but still, that was pretty scary.”

  “He should have gone to the hospital long before he got back here. He’d not have lost as much blood, and he wouldn’t have been so weak,” Avaleigh complained.

  “You’re right,” Bane answered. “But I understand why he didn’t.”

  “Me, too,” Kaid agreed.

  The doors at the end of the hallway opened, and Maverik appeared, pushing a large plexiglass bassinet. It was much larger than the one Kaid had pushed Barron in.

  The clan stood up and walked halfway down to meet him.

  “Ya’ll,” Maverik said, a frog in his throat from trying to hold back his emotions. “This is my daughter, Hellen, and my son, Havoc.”

  Bam was there before anyone else. He dropped to his knees beside the bassinet and gently stroked both their faces with his pinkie finger. “Hi, babies! I’m Uncle Bam. I’m your Dad’s best friend!” he said, grinning as both babies tried to find the source of the voice that was speaking to them.

  “They are so beautiful, Mav,” Avaleigh said, standing right beside Bam.

  Maverik just nodded and looked down at his babies while the clan became acquainted with them.

  “They’ve got beautiful eyes, Maverik,” Delilah said, not using his nickname in front of his children.

  “They do, don’t they?” he asked. He looked down and smiled lovingly at his babies. They both had deep auburn hair like Maia did, and their eyes were a swirling, pale golden color, with rings of blue around the gold center.

  “They’re perfect, Maverik. And I love their names,” Kaid said.

  “Yeah, Valerie wouldn’t let me name her Hellion, but she agreed to Hellen. And Havoc is a really cool, badass name, so she said Havoc was a good one. Hellen is older, by the way, she came out first.”

  “Of course she did!” Delilah said. “Strong little female!”

  Maverik smiled at Delilah, then back down at his children. His world was complete now.

  “Mr. McCullen?” the nurse waiting for him at the end of the hallway called.

  “I gotta get them back to Valerie’s room,” he said. Before he walked away, he looked at Bam. “Vince?” he asked.

  “Is gonna be fine. He’s awake and probably eating chicken and dumplins by now.”

  “Thank you, Bam. I didn’t want to have to go back in there and tell Valerie he was in danger or worse.”

  “No need, I stayed until I knew he was good,” Bam promised.

  “Thank you, my brother.”

  Bam smiled at Maverik, and Maverik smiled at Bam as he got up off his knees.

  “Oh, hey, Maverik, wait a minute. Let me get a picture to send to Maia and Matty!” Janie called out.

  “Yes!” Maverik answered. “Thank you, Janie.” Maverik turned the bassinet sideways and leaned down over it with a huge grin on his face while Janie snapped the picture.

  “I’ll see ya’ll soon? Later, or tomorrow?” he said, walking away, pushing the bassinet in front of him, looking over his shoulder.

  “You will!” they all called.

  “Hey! Who are you?” he yelled back at Jobe.

  “I’m Jobe. I’m uh, Mr. Goldy and Ms. Sadie, uh…”

  “Goldy and Sadie adopted him. So we did, as well,” Delilah said.

  “Cool!” Maverik said. Just before he disappeared behind the doors beginning to swing closed behind him, his voice could be heard. “Welcome to the family, Jobe.”

  “Hellen and Havoc. I like the names a lot,” Janie said. “I’m really glad Valerie didn’t let Maverik name that precious girl Hellion.”

  “Names can definitely make or break ya,” Daniel agreed.

  “Like Bant. What the hell kind of name is Bant?” Bane asked again.

  “Bant?” Kaid asked.

  “Yeah. You ever heard of it?” Bane asked.

  “Let it go. It’s not that big a deal, we can figure out another one,” Janie said quietly to Bane.

  “Another one for what?” Delilah seized on the comment.

  Bane and Janie looked at each other. Then smiled and gave up the idea of trying to wait to tell everyone. “Janie is pregnant again.”

  Avaleigh squealed and ran to hug Janie. Kaid and Daniel high-fived Bane. Delilah hugged Janie and kissed her cheek. Then she kissed Avaleigh’s, too, to show that she forgave her for teasing her with Valerie.

  “Where’d you hear the name Bant?” Bam asked, scratching his head.

  “Daisy says his name is Bant,” Janie explained.

  “No. It’s not Bant. She’s saying Brandt,” Bam said.

  “How do you know that?” Bane asked.

  “The last time I was over, she was trying to tell me she had a brother. And then she told me his name.”

  “Is that the name he told her?” Janie asked.

  “Naw. It’s just the name she picked,” Bam said, smiling.

  “Brandt. I kinda like it,” Janie said, following everyone down the hallway.

  “So, wait — you knew Janie was pregnant again and you didn’t tell me?” Bane asked, looking at Bam accusatorily.

  “I figured you’d figure it out whenever you figured it out. Or maybe you knew and didn't want everybody else to know yet,” Bam answered.

  “Where are we going first, grab a bite to eat or gift shop?” Avaleigh asked.

  “Gift shop,” Janie exclaimed.

  “Eat,” Delilah exclaimed. “Do you think they have pie?”

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  A week later Vince stood outside a very neatly kept little house. It was covered in Christmas lights, and the lawn was almost unable to be seen beneath all the inflatable Christmas decorations. He smiled at Natalie standing at his side, holding his hand. “Are you sure they’re ready to meet me?” he asked.

  “I’m sure. I already told you I called to tell them that we’d have to put off dinner b
ecause we’d already met and were busy falling in love. My mother was very happy.”

  “I know, but it’s important to me that they approve of me. I want everything to be just right for you.”

  “It will be. Ring the bell,” Natalie encouraged.

  Vince took a deep breath and pressed his finger to the doorbell. Moments later the door opened, and there stood Angie, smiling broadly from ear to ear. “My baby!” she exclaimed, holding her arms out so that Natalie would hug her.

  “And you, too, Vince. I need a hug from you, too,” she said, holding her arms out.

  Vince smiled and stepped in to hug her.

  “Angie, leave the man alone,” Nick called from inside.

  “Hush, Nick!” Angie said. “So, ya’ll come on in, tell me all about what’s happening.”

  Vince handed her the box of pastries he’d brought, and Natalie handed her the Italian red dessert wine they’d bought to go with the pastries.

  Natalie followed her mother inside, and Vince brought up the rear, pulling the door closed and locking it behind himself.

  Natalie had a seat on the couch and indicated that Vince should join her. He took a seat beside her, but left a respectful amount of distance between them. All he knew was that if someone came with his daughter to meet him, and they were all over his daughter, he’d probably throw the bastard out. So, he was going to be sure to be as respectful to Natalie and her parents, as he’d demand a man be with his own daughter — not that he had one yet.

  “We met when Vince’s friend and his wife had their baby at the hospital here in town,” Natalie said.

  “So, it was my Natalie you met!” Angie exclaimed.

  “Yes, ma’am. It was,” Vince answered.

  “You two have been spending a lot of time together, haven’t you?” Nick asked.

  “Yes, sir. We have. But I want you to know that I have the best of intentions. I only want the best for Natalie,” Vince answered.

  “Is that so. And I suppose you are the best for Natalie?” Nick asked.

  Vince paused for a moment, not wanting to offend either of them, but refusing to allow anyone, not even her parents, to tell him he wasn’t enough. He sat forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked Natalie’s father in the eye. “Yes, sir. I am. I love her. She is my world. I will provide for her. I will protect her, and I will love her like no other woman on this planet has ever been loved. She will smile every day, and if there are tears, they will be tears of happiness; otherwise, Lord help the bastard who causes her tears. He may not live to see the next day. And I want to marry her.” Vince looked at Natalie to find her sitting there, staring at him with her mouth hanging open. “If she’ll have me. And I want babies. I’ve already placed a bid on a home around the corner from here, because I know she’s close to you both, and I want her near you when we have our babies, so you can both be there as often as you like.” Vince looked down at his hands, then up at Nick again. “I may as well tell you now, I own a bar. It’s on the outskirts of town, and it’s made me very comfortable financially. But it’s a good place to go. There is nothing shady going on there. Just people unwinding after work in a place that they know is safe. Nothing bad is going to happen there because I won’t tolerate it. I’ve already taken steps to reduce my time there. I’ve waited all my life for Natalie. I won’t have her lying in bed at home while I’m at work. The only nights I’ll be there will be the nights she’s at work at the hospital. I’m a good man. Natalie is everything to me, and that will only grow stronger with time. I hope to have your blessing, so that there will be no shadow over our marriage. It is important not only to Natalie, but to me as well.”