Steph was finally standing.
Josie couldn’t contain herself as she hugged Steph.
They both started to cry.
From the corner of Josie’s eye, she watched as Reese approached the headstone. He put his fingertips to the headstone and lowered his head.
Josie’s heart was twisted and breaking into pieces.
She broke away from Steph and touched her face. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”
“I won’t,” Steph said. “I didn’t know what else to do. I knew you were mad at me. I didn’t want you to get more upset.”
“That was my fault,” Josie said. “I shouldn’t have reacted that way. But… seventeen weeks?”
“I know,” Steph said. “I’m terrified.”
“We can be scared together.”
“I don’t want you to have to move,” Steph said.
“Don’t worry about that part of things,” Josie said. “One step at a time.”
“Listen to me, both of you,” Reese said. He stood there, tall, strong, commanding. “The club takes care of family. Lasz was by my side for a long time. He wore the cut. You’re family to me, Steph. Through him. Through everything. Which means you’re protected. The baby is protected. I’m not promising fucking rainbows here… but there’s no need to run.”
“I’m sorry,” Steph said. “I’m tired. I want to go home. And eat. And cry. And sleep.”
Josie nodded and rubbed a hand along Steph’s back. It was starting to get dark now. Being in a cemetery was scary enough, but at night? No way. Josie wanted nothing to do with that. Not to mention her father was buried not too far from where they were standing.
“So how does this work with a motorcycle?” Steph asked.
“I’ll take you, Steph,” Reese said. “We’ll leave Josie to herself here.”
“Shut up,” Josie said. “No way.”
Reese grinned. “Still afraid, huh?”
“I hate you,” Josie said.
She turned as Steph started to giggle.
Reese called the prospects and made them come and bring her car.
Of course Reese had a plan. He always had a plan. That’s what made him Reese.
Reese got Steph into the car and walked Josie to the driver’s side.
“Thank you, Reese,” she said, putting a hand to his chest. “I didn’t know where else to go.”
“I’m glad you came. I’m glad I could help.”
“I, uh, this is weird… but I have no way to contact you.”
“Are you asking me for my phone number, sweetheart?”
“Maybe I am.”
Reese grinned. “I’ve got something better for you.”