Teller
After our supernovaafternoon at Charlotte’s office, we head home and I’m able to finally sleep in my own bed.
The next morning, I head to the clubhouse. Hope’s the first person I run into.
“Teller! Rock said you were sent home.” She reaches up and hugs me.
“For good.” I glance over her shoulder, my gaze landing on Grace in her bouncy seat. “Can I say hi to Grace?”
“Of course.” She squeezes my arm. “Actually, would you mind watching her for a few seconds? I need to run out to the garage.”
“Sure.” I’m actually relieved to have a few seconds alone with my baby sister.
“Thanks. I’ll be right back.”
“No hurry. We’ll be fine.” I unbuckle Grace and gently lift her up. “I missed you, little nugget. Look how big you’ve gotten.” I brush the tip of my index finger against her cheek.
All the shit that happened while I was downstate gave me plenty to think about when it comes to my life. The mistakes I’ve made. The desire to do better going forward.
“I’ll do a better job protecting you, little sister,” I whisper. “You can always come to me if you need something. Even if you’re afraid to tell your mom and dad. I promise to listen.”
“You always listened to me.” Heidi’s soft voice breaks the quiet in the room.
My heart jumps. How long has she been here? I tip my head up and find her at the bottom of the staircase watching us. “Where’d you come from?”
“Upstairs.”
“Where’s Alexa?”
“In the kitchen with Auntie Trinity.”
I shift Grace into the crook of my right arm and move into the corner of the couch. “Join us.”
“Hi, baby,” she coos, leaning over and running her index finger over Grace’s arm. She smiles at me. “Did I interrupt an important conversation?”
It’s too uncomfortable to hold her gaze. “Not at all.”
She settles next to me and leans against my arm. “You always listened to me, Marcel.”
I should’ve known she wouldn’t let that go. “No, I didn’t. I listened through my own filter. Inever heard what you were really saying.”
She rests her hand on my knee and squeezes. “I’m older now than when you patched in to the club, Marcel. And I have a better understanding of how hard things must’ve been for you after Mom skipped out and Grams made you leave.” Her voice falters. “Nothing you or anyone else can say will ever, ever convince me that you’re not the best brother who’s ever walked this Earth.”
I almost choke on the weight of all the ways I’ve failed her and all the things I’m hiding from her. Would she still feel the same way if she knew the truth?
“Thanks.” I force a smug big brother smirk onto my face. “You’re pretty cool too…for a little sister.”
She rolls her eyes. “Are you home for good now?”
“Looks that way. Blake won’t be down there too much longer,” I assure her.
She nods. “He’s helping the guys renovate the clubhouse. Can I hold her?” She sticks her arms out, and I pass Grace over.
“Oh,” Heidi sighs. “She’s the sweetest when she’s sleeping. Those six a.m. alarm calls are murder, though.” She laughs and kisses Grace’s forehead.
Should I tell Heidi about Rock and me now? The words try to line up on my tongue but I bite them back. “You’re not upset Alexa isn’t the baby of the club anymore? She held the title for a while.”
Heidi lifts her head to scowl at me. “Of course not.” She rocks Grace gently. “I love her too much. Besides, Alexa’s literally being spoiled by Trinity right now.” A wicked smile curves her lips. “And I’ll be honest, spending time with Grace makes me want another baby so badly.”