Unless Shade found his mother first.
Unfortunately, he doubted Jude’s mother would ever be found.
Shade lifted his head and watched a curvy blonde break away from Stella and Red and head in his direction. The woman had hips and an ass that moved in a way that made it just about impossible for anyone with a dick to not stop and appreciate.
Most of his brothers tried to hide the fact they were watching, since Cassie’s ol’ man wasn’t one to appreciate all of them doing that appreciating.
She stopped in front of him and smiled.
That smile was trouble.
Even so, he’d go along with whatever game she was playing. “Know I love you, right?”
She bumped her shoulder with his. “Doesn’t mean I’m still not mad at you.”
“Been weeks,” he reminded her.
Cassie had broken down in tears the first time she saw him after he got back from Georgia. She had squeezed him so tightly, he thought she would break his ribs.
She plucked at a strand of her long, blonde hair. “I can’t forgive you since you caused a streak of gray. And you drove Chelle out of her mind with worry. We all freaked out. But, yes, I know you love me. Just don’t let my ol’ man hear you say that. I’d give you another bone-crushing hug but I’m sure Judge is watchin us.”
Shade found the club’s enforcer. Of fucking course he was watching. “Good reason to do it, then.”
He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. The first time Cassie ever hugged him, it had made him stiffen and feel uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to someone being so openly warm and touchy-feely.
But since working with her at the crematorium for so long, he was now used to the way she was. He no longer fought her hugs. He tolerated them.
Right.
He more than tolerated them. He just didn’t tell her that.
When she gave him her signature Cassie-hug, he put his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Know you know.”
She pushed him away, trying to hide her surprise. She failed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied and pointed to her head. “I’m blonde. I forget things very easily.”
He shot her a look. That was complete bullshit. “Thanks for keepin’ that shit to yourself.”
“Again, I don’t know what you’re talking about, Shade.” She shrugged. “See? I’ve even already forgotten this conversation.” She leaned toward him and whispered, “You could’ve told me. I would’ve helped. Still can, if you want.”
“Got it covered with Chelle and the girls.”
“They’re great,” she said with a big, easy smile. “Seeing how responsible and mature Josie and Maddie are gives me hope for Daisy.”
“Wouldn’t go that far,” he teased. Daisy would always be a handful. She would drive some man crazy when she was old enough.
Thank fuck it wasn’t him.
Cassie bumped his shoulder playfully again. “When are you claiming Chelle at the table?”
This wasn’t the first time Cassie bugged him about it, but he gave her the same answer he always did. “Don’t know.”
“Have you asked her yet?”
Why was she pushing this today? “No, but she mentioned it earlier. ”
A sly smile crossed her face. “Just so you know, we already got her a ‘Property of’ cut so don’t make us rip her name patch off the front and give it to someone else.”
Jesus fuck. The women were taking matters into their own hands. Meddling, what they did best.
“What did you get her for Christmas?” When he didn’t answer, she breathed, “Shade.”
Now he felt like a total fucking piece of shit since Chelle had found his mother and got him her ashes. Gifts and holidays were new to him. He didn’t know what was expected. “Not good with that shit,” he muttered.
“Then good thing we ladies are. Give her the cut tomorrow morning for Christmas. We already have it boxed and wrapped in Christmas paper with a big bow. When you give it to her, ask her if she’ll accept being your ol’ lady and when she says yes—and she’ll say yes—take it to the table.”
Boxed and wrapped? Chelle would know he didn’t do any of that shit.
“That wasn’t a suggestion,” Cassie said in a low warning.
He snorted. “Yes, boss.”
She winked at him. “Now, if I could only make that tall, bearded grumpy-looking guy over there—the one scowling at us—call me boss, my Christmas would be made.”
“Hold out ‘til he does.”
Cassie bugged out her pretty brown eyes at him. “I’m not holding out from all that giant goodness!”
Shade barked out a laugh.
“Good to hear you laugh, Shade. Seriously. I’m going to go hug Chelle and thank her.”
“Don’t you fuckin’ dare.”
She wiggled her eyebrows and walked away.
Fuck.
He quickly scanned the floor again, searching for Chelle’s girls. He found Josie now leaning against one of the pool tables, a cue stick in her hand, a flirty smile on her face as she gazed up at a much taller Ry.