Running out of the house, Simon caught Tabby running toward him. She threw herself into his arms, and he spun her around. It had been too damn long since he held her in his arms.
Sinking his fingers into her hair, he kissed her lips, hard.
She moaned, and he slid his tongue inside, meeting her halfway. Slowly, he lowered her to her feet, still kissing her.
Someone cleared their throat.
So did someone else.
Still, he couldn’t stop.
She tasted good. Like breathing and fresh air. She was his life and he loved her. He didn’t want to let her go.
Again, another throat clear, and this time, he pulled away. His dad and Tiny were close, glaring at them.
“Hi, Devil,” Tabby said.
“Hello, Tiny,” he said, looking at her father.
“I think it would be best if we went to a motel,” Tiny said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. They’re only kids and they know the rules. They won’t break them. Will you?” Lexie said, laughing.
“Nope,” Tabby said.
He had every intention of breaking them. He crossed his fingers behind his back as he agreed to be good, while already planning to fall asleep with her in his arms.
“Hi, Tabitha,” Josh asked.
Simon watched his younger brother as he came closer. The redness of his face gave away his embarrassment.
“Hey, Josh, you’re sure growing up fast.” She ruffled his head.
His brother ran away and Simon winced.
“What did I do?” Tabby asked.
“He’s got a crush,” Elizabeth said.
“Elizabeth!” Lexie snapped her name.
“What? He does. Tabitha should know. Ugh, what is the big deal with everyone?”
“This coming from the girl who has a thing for Drew?”
This time, Elizabeth stomped away.
“She does?” Tabby asked.
“She does. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”
Tiny cleared his throat. “I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m sure she knows the way to the bedroom.”
“Dad, please, trust me. We’re not going to be having crazy sex or anything,” Tabby said.
“Honey, we have kids who don’t need to be repeating words,” Lexie said.
Tabby winced. “Sorry. Trust me, Dad. I won’t disappoint you.”
“It’s not you that I’m worried about,” Tiny said, looking at him.
“It will stay in my pants, sir.”
Devil clipped him around the back of the head. “No grandbabies are being made in this house, Tiny. Believe me.”
Simon laughed as he finally got to take Tabitha away from the driveway and showed her where she would be staying. What he didn’t expect was Miles to be hot on the heels.
“Go away,” Simon said.
“No can do. I’m sharing a room with Tabs,” he said.
“No,” Simon said.
“Can’t change it, I’m afraid. Dad is much happier with this arrangement. There are two beds, and don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans that she’s going to be sneaking into your bedroom like you do every sleepover,” Miles said. “Now, are there any decent chicks in this town?”
They entered Tabitha’s room, and of course there was now a second bed. Simon hadn’t even realized a second one had been put into this room. He was going to kill his dad. There was going to be murder.
She dropped her bag onto the bed.
“I figure me being all nice and everything, Tabs, you’ll unpack for me. I’ve got some hunting to do and besides, laundry is woman’s work.”
“I’m going to kick your ass,” Tabby said.
Miles was already long gone.
“Woman’s work. Remind me the next time I see him to knee him in the nuts. I’m going to stop him from ever fathering children.”
“Consider it done.” He moved over to Miles’s bag and tipped out all of his clothes. “Your brother’s a slob.”
“And you’re much better?” Tabby asked.
“Hell, yeah, I mean, look at this. At least when I pack, I fold shit neatly.”
Tabby chuckled. “You sound so posh when you say stuff like that. Especially because I know your mom packs everything for you. You’re just trying to get in my good books because of the whole woman’s work.” She moved to him, putting her hands on his chest. “Do you think this is all woman’s work?”
“No, and you’re wrong.” He put his hands at her waist. “I do the laundry. I’ve been packing my brothers’ and sisters’ stuff, as well as mine for a long time now.”
Her eyes went wide. “You have?”
“Yeah, I have. I’m damn good at doing women’s work.” He kissed her lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” She kissed him, patting his chest. “Come on, I’ve got to do this. Dad will come and check and when he sees nothing done, he will want to castrate you.”
“I don’t even think he would trust me if I castrate myself. When he’s going to realize we’re not going to start screwing each other?” Simon asked.
“He’s never going to believe it. Devil’s still hung up on being granddad, isn’t he?”
“Yep. I think it’s his complex of getting older.” He shrugged. “Who knows.”
“Can you imagine him being a granddad?”
“He keeps saying grandpa as if it’s some kind of disease.” He hung up all of Miles’s clothes, dumping his boxers and socks into the drawer.
Next, he helped Tabby, liking some of the dresses.
They had just finished as Tiny entered the room.
“Don’t worry, Dad, we kept our hands and body parts to ourselves as we unpacked. Miles is a slob, though.”
“Miles should stay here.”
“You trust him,” she said.
Simon decided to not say anything. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Tiny. The man was huge. Even though he was old, he knew for a fact the man could still wipe him clean out if he wanted to, and he certainly wasn’t going to test the man’s skills when it came to fighting.
Tiny glared at them.
“Daisy and Anthony are waiting downstairs,” he said.
“Yay,” she said. “I figured you could show me around.”
“You’ve been to Piston County all the time.”
“I know, but you can like, introduce me to your friends,” she said. “You always keep me to yourself, now you get to show me off. I’m no longer the phantom, imaginary girlfriend. I’m real.” She took his hand and he followed her.
Anthony and Daisy were waiting. They stood close together. Daisy offered him a smile, which he returned.
“I hear condolences are in order,” Simon said.
“No, they’re not. Believe me. My parents want to put me into counseling, I’m sure of it.”
Considering Whizz and Lacey were her parents and the rumors he’d heard about the two of them, that was a shock.
“Why?”
“They told me and I danced. I was so happy.” She giggled. “I know, it’s awful. I’m a horrible person, but I can’t help it. I’m free.”
“Yeah, imagine that. You’re free,” Tabitha said.
Simon looked at his girl, who was staring at Anthony. The two were having a stare-off, and he chuckled. “Okay, now that everything is awkward, let’s go and show you guys off to my boys.”
“You actually have friends that are not us?” Daisy asked.
“Yeah, of course. You think I live my life here wondering about you guys? I can socialize without you.”
Daisy pressed a hand to her heart. “Now you’re killing me.”
Her father’s death hadn’t hurt her at all. She looked happier than he could ever recall seeing her.
Wrapping his arm around Tabby’s waist, he kissed her cheek, her neck, as they headed out. It was cold as fuck, but he didn’t mind. Daisy fell into step with Anthony.
“Are you okay?” he asked, whispering the words against her ear so only she would hear them.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It was a tough trip down is all. Do you have any idea what it was like listening to Mom and Miles argue about who cooks the best turkey? I think I’d had enough.”
“I’m thinking of giving up all kinds of meats this coming year,” Daisy said, suddenly joining the conversation and taking hold of Tabby’s arm.
“Really?”
“Yeah, why not? It’ll be nice to do something different for a change. You want to do it with me?” Daisy asked.
Simon responded with a hell no.
Anthony chuckled.
Tabby didn’t say anything. “Really?”
“Why not?”
“You know it’s going to piss your mom off?”
“Actually, it won’t. Mom’s giving it a try. She’s also getting my dad to eat healthy as well. She’s told him he can be buff all he wants to but she’s now in charge of everything he eats. I think he’s taking puddings from the club, but whatever. It looks like a lot of fun and it will help me lose weight.” Daisy patted her stomach.
“You don’t need to lose weight,” Anthony said.
Simon’s brows rose. The guy could actually speak. He knew he was more than capable but even still, it was a fucking shock to hear him.
Daisy stopped, which made them all stop.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re fine the way you are and beautiful. Don’t change that.”
Silence rang out.
Tabby tilted her head back and gave him the biggest smile which he couldn’t help but reward.
“Okay.”
They started walking again.
“I’m still going to give it a go. It looks like fun.”
“Doesn’t your mom suck at cooking?”
“Pretty much. I think she’s trying, you know. What does she have to lose ruining a bunch of vegetables?”
Simon laughed. “You’d be surprised.”
“She’s determined and I support her.”
“Then you know what, I will support her as well. It could be a lot of fun.”
“You’re going to starve,” Simon said.
“You’ll get to come to my rescue.”
“I always knew there was a good deal in it for me.” He pulled her close again, kissing her head, breathing her in.
She always smelled amazing. Like fresh air and hope.
“What do you do for fun around here?” Daisy asked.
“Not a whole lot. At the moment, I tend to stick close to home. Something’s going on with my mom and it’s not pregnancy.”
“There is?” Tabby asked. “You didn’t tell me.”
“I don’t know what to tell. She’s pale, tired, and Dad’s sticking close to home. I don’t think he’s stayed at the clubhouse once. I tend to babysit so they can have a day or two together.”
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Daisy said.
“Me too.” He loved his parents. Unlike Dean, his friend, his family supported him and Simon knew without a doubt they would never lie to him or force him to be someone he didn’t want to be. They were constant rocks in his world. They took a few shortcuts he’d learned through his time and arrived in town.
It was busy. Shoppers trying to get all the last-minute preparations for Thanksgiving. The library was closed. They made their way around the building, and sure enough, Dean and Eddie were sat there smoking.
“Really, this is your hideout spot?”
“Not all of us have the luxury of the Quad back at home.” He held his hand out, shaking Dean’s and then Eddie’s hands. “My boys, I’d like you to meet my girl in the flesh.”
Tabby rolled her eyes. She held her hands out and gave a little twirl. “Not a ghost, guys. Very much living and breathing.” She even gave a curtsy.
“Wow,” Dean said, getting to his feet. “I thought you were some made-up chick.”
Daisy laughed. “You think Simon’s capable of making stuff up?”
“Harsh, girl, harsh,” he said.
“So you’re The Skulls?” Eddie asked. He was on his feet, approaching them. He went to touch Daisy’s shoulder but Anthony grabbed his hand.
“Don’t touch.”
Simon watched as Anthony applied enough pressure for Eddie to back off.
“This isn’t all of us,” Daisy said, stepping back against Anthony.
“Yeah, my evil twin brother probably has his tongue down someone’s throat right about now,” Tabby said. “You’re my guy’s friends.”
“Yeah.”
“You have his back?”
Simon touched hers. He had to put his hands on her, to feel her against him. It had been too long since they’d last been together.
“Always,” Eddie said.
“You two know how to fight? I hate to say it, but you look like two rich boys who have everything done for you.”
Dean tensed up.
“They are two rich boys but believe me, they’ve got my back.” He kissed her neck. “I love that you worry about me.”
“I don’t like leaving my boy behind. You have his back, I’ve got no problem with you. You let anything happen to him, and you’re going to have to deal with me.”
Dean whistled. “Are you going to have a talk with Amber about that?”
“Amber?” Tabby asked.
“Viperous bitch who wants in my pants. Trust me, I’ve got her covered.”
“Do I need to have a word with her?”
Simon cupped her face. “Not to spoil our Thanksgiving weekend. I don’t want your parents having to take you away from me.”
“Are they always like this?” Dean asked.
“This is tame,” Daisy said. “Believe me. We’re getting conversation out of them. That’s a good thing.”
“We’re not that bad,” Tabby said.
“Not right now, but give it a little time. They will be smacking on each other. It’s gross,” Daisy said.
“This coming from the girl who has never been kissed before.”
“I am saving myself for the right guy. You of all people should know that. It’s not my fault the right guy came to you when we were still in diapers.” Daisy folded her arms. “Besides, it was a pleasure to meet you.” She held her hand up and gave a little wave.
“What are you two losers doing back here?” Simon asked.
“Aw, and we thought you were sneaking out to find us,” Eddie said, taking his seat back on the wall.
“I was, didn’t actually think you boys would be here.”
“My parents are … being giant pains in the ass. I needed a break and so I came here.”
“Shit, I’ll talk to my dad. Is this about the whole marriage thing?” Simon asked.
“You got it. They’ve got my intended staying with me now. They’ve even put her in the same room. The sooner I get her pregnant, the quicker the wedding, and you guessed it.” Dean shook his head. “I would have called you but you said you got this thing going.”
“Am I missing something?” Tabby asked.
Simon looked to his friend.
For the next five minutes, Dean told them what was going on in his life.
“Wow, that is kind of fucked up,” she said.
“Kind of fucked up? Nah, it is fucked up. It’s not good.” He shrugged. “I’m dealing with it.”
“And Devil hasn’t done anything yet?” Tabby asked.
“He’s got shit going on with my mom. I promise. I’ll talk to him tonight, and I’m going to say our door is always open if you need it.”
“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”
Thunder rolled through the air.
“Looks like we’re heading back,” Eddie said, jumping off the wall. “You want me to give you guys a ride?”
“Nah, we can walk,” Simon said.
“Pleasure meeting the two of you.”
“Damn, I hope I’m there when you meet Amber. I’ve got a feeling she’s not going to like you.”
Eddie and Dean left and Tabby turned to him. “This Amber girl sounds pretty interesting. Should I be worried?”
“Not at all.” He kissed her lips.
“Let’s head back,” Anthony said.
Taking Tabby’s hand, they walked back to his home. Daisy stood close to Anthony the entire time. When the heavens opened up, Anthony removed his jacket, placing it over her shoulders, and she sank into it, thanking him.
“I told you,” Tabby said, whispering.
“Are they together?”
“No. She doesn’t believe he sees her that way.”
“Do you think she wants to be with him?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
When they arrived at his home, Lash waited to take Anthony and Daisy to the motel where they were staying. Tabby hugged her friend close and then Anthony before they got into the car.
Entering his home, he took the jacket from her.
“I’m going to go and take a quick shower. Warm up. Go and talk to your dad. Your friend clearly needs something. The fact he’d rather hang out around the back of a library speaks for itself.” She cupped his cheek, kissed him, and rushed off.
When The Skulls were in their home, they had always been told to treat it like their own. They rarely visited Piston County. Watching Tabby walk away, smelling her on his skin, damn, he felt at peace, which was the first time in a long time.
His mom and Eva were in the kitchen, cooking and baking. Kids were everywhere. He checked the games rooms, the office, and the living room. Finally, he went outside onto the back porch. His dad had a thing for storms. He loved to watch the thunder and lightning as it lit up the sky and made so much noise.
Sure enough, that was where he found his dad with Tiny.
“Hey, Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?”
Tiny got to his feet. “I’m going to go and take a leak. Think about what I’ve said.”
Devil laughed.
“Do I want to know what he said?” Simon asked.
“If you think boarding school is a good idea.”
“It’s not.” Simon looked back at Tabby’s dad, shaking his head.
“I won’t send you to boarding school. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of being a grandpa scares the shit out of me, but I won’t send you away.”
“Good to know you’ve got my back.”
“You’re my son. You can always come to me.”
“Right, I want to talk to you about Dean. The emancipation. Have you had a chance to talk to a lawyer?”
Devil cursed, running a hand down his face. “Not recently, with everything going on. I’ve just, you know, I’ll talk to him.”
“Could you? It’s getting worse for him.”
“I’ll handle it. I promise.”
Simon nodded, thankful. “He’s a good guy, you know, Dean. He wants to prospect for the club.”
“Have you told him what that kind of shit means?” Devil asked.
“Not completely. I know I’ve got to get your permission to be able to talk about club stuff. He wants in. I think he wants to be part of a family, especially after his own has let him down.”
“Prospecting isn’t going to be easy, not even for you. The guys are going to want to test you. To put you through your paces.”
“I’m ready for it.”
“I know, but you can’t come crying to me. When you’re a prospect for the club, it’s the club that rules you. You will always be my son.”
“I don’t expect you to hold back. I know I can hold my own.”
Devil smiled. “I know you can.”
“Dad, what is going on with mom? If it’s not pregnancy, then what?” Simon asked.
His father’s smile dropped. Sadness filled his face and Simon didn’t know how much silence he could take. Devil blew out a breath and for a split second, he was sure he saw tears glistening in his eyes. “I … we don’t know for sure. We’re waiting for a couple more tests.”
“But it’s serious?”
“It could be.”
“Is that why she’s tired all the time? Pale?”
“Son, I don’t want to spoil your Thanksgiving, and I don’t want you to worry too much, but it could be serious. It’s why I’m being careful with her. Why I’m taking my time.”
Devil looked at his dad and said a word he hoped to never say.
“Cancer?”
Devil’s lips thinned. The grip he had on the glass tightened until he put it down. The anger and rage simmering beneath the surface of his dad were very much real. “Possibly.”
Simon gasped. “But you don’t know for sure?”
“They’re running tests. We’re waiting for more results. Don’t say anything, okay?”
Simon nodded.
“I’m doing the best I can, son.”
He knew. Simon knew that if anything happened to his mother, something bad was going to happen, no doubt about it. He looked at his father and couldn’t help but hug him. “It’s going to be okay.”
Devil patted him on the back. “I know. I refuse to believe anything different.”
Tiny came out, and the mask was back in place on his father.
“Dean,” he said.
“I’ll go call the lawyer now,” Devil said.
Simon didn’t wait around to see. He made his way upstairs but before he did, he stopped at the kitchen.
His mom’s head was thrown back and laughter filled the air. Eva was right with her as the two clearly had something fun to talk about.
Stepping back, he didn’t go to his room, but to Tabby’s. She still wasn’t out of the shower, and he sat down on her bed. After kicking off his shoes, he slid back and stared at his socks. They were white but had some staining on them from his boots. Miles wasn’t back yet, but he’d turn up when he wanted to.
Cancer.
It seemed … wrong.
He took a deep breath, rubbing at his chest.
Seconds passed, maybe even minutes and Tabby arrived.
Her smile vanished when she looked at him. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
He licked his lips. “Close the door.”
She closed the door.
Even in a towel, with her hair wet, cascading around her, she was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen.
“What is it?”
“What I’m about to tell you can’t leave this room. Not to your parents, Daisy, anyone.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“My mom may have cancer.”
Tabby went to him. She wrapped her arms around him and held on to him. He took her comfort and couldn’t let go. She ran her fingers through his hair. “What do you mean she may have cancer?”
“They’re waiting on some tests.”
“It might not be so bad,” she said.
“I don’t know. I’ve got a feeling it could be.”
“You could be wrong,” Tabby said, leaning back and cupping his face. “Look at me, they could be wrong.”
He nodded and shook his head. “No, I don’t think they have. Fuck, what am I going to do if anything happens to her?”
“Don’t,” Tabby said. “Don’t ever think like that, okay?”
“My dad,” he said.
“Nothing is going to happen.” Tears were in her eyes. “You can’t do that. I know this is scary, believe me, but I’m here. I’m always going to be here. I won’t leave you.”
“You’re going back to Fort Wills.”
“I know. That I can’t control, but you know I’m just a phone call away when you need me. Always.”
He nodded and pressed his face against her neck, breathing her in. “Fuck, I don’t want to cry.”
“Anthony killed Daisy’s dad.”
This made him pull away. Tabby bit her lip.
“For real?”
“Yeah, for real.”
“Fuck. Does anyone know?”
“No. I wasn’t supposed to tell you and it has been killing me. No one can know. This is between you and me.”
He took her hand and agreed. “Always. We don’t ever lie to each other. Ever.”
“Of course not. We’re the two people we can trust, forever.” She put her hand on top of his. “I will always have your back, Simon, always.”
He held her hand even tighter, wanting her comfort, needing it more than he liked to admit.
So long as he had Tabby, he could get through whatever life had to throw at him. Anything.