Karma sure is a bitch and if Piper grows up to be anything like her mother, I’m in for some major trouble. I have to fight my every instinct to keep my mouth shut and not tell the kid that we’re about to have a talk about wrapping his dick. I’ll just lay that shit on him later tonight so when he’s all grossed out and pissed off he can do it in his room alone and not let his grouch fuck up his sister’s party.
“I can’t believe you had everybody sing ‘“Happy Birthday’” to Z,” Amber says. Her body shakes with laughter in my arms. I hold her tighter and place a soft kiss to her cheek.
“Did you see Pip’s face?” I ask, laughing at the memory of our daughter realizing that she had to share her birthday. She’s only just turned two yesterday, but we spent the entire week telling her that today was going to be her day. I guess she didn’t appreciate us throwing some celebrations in there for her brother. She shook her little fist at Z and said, “Not you.”
“She’s been like that since the day she was born. Bossy and defiant.” Amber’s voice is wistful, but her message is clear— it’s a clear warning for what’s to come.
“We need another boy to help keep an eye on her,” I say sagely. Last month, after Amber promised we could have another baby if I take he to New York, it’s all I’ve been able to think about. When she was pregnant with Zander, I couldn’t keep my hands off her belly. Maybe I’m just a sappy fuck, but seeing her body grow and change with our son was fucking precious. I love Clara— my adopted mom— she was the only family I had until Amber. But it’s different. I don’t see myself in her features. I don’t know where I got my temper from or my size. As far as parents go, my mom is pretty freaking awesome. Even the shit I do with the club doesn’t faze her. She still looks at me the same way she did the day she brought me home— with love and respect. But with my kids, I see their eyes and know they belong to me. I see their tempers and know that’s on me, too. Except when Piper flys off the wall into a total batshit meltdown— that’s her momma. But these two incredible people are mine. I know it in my blood and bones. If they get sick and need blood, I can give it. If they ever find themselves scared or worried, they know their daddy will be there. I’m doing my fucking best to give them every goddamn thing I never had.
“Oh, right. Because she doesn’t have enough cousins and uncles,” Amber says with a laugh. “We both know she’ll always have the club.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t want another boy,” I say. My hands travel down to her belly and rub the empty space with soft circles. Across the park, I catch sight of my mom who’s heading toward us. Things have been chilly between her and Amber so far— and for good reason— but I’m hoping the two women can keep their shit silent for at least today. Amber tenses when she spots my mom. I can practically feel her narrowed eyes.
“I liked the cakes— especially Zander’s,” Mom says as she approaches. She has a smile plastered on her face, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I get that she’s still not over missing out on fourteen years of grandbabies, but she seems to completely ignore my fault in the situation. I fucking hate being stuck between the two of them. Even Amber understands her frustrations, but there’s only so much attitude someone can take before they lose their shit, whether it’s deserved or not.
“My man did good,” Amber says with a nod. The jab is subtle, but it’s there. Mom’s eye twitches in response. I give Amber a little squeeze to remind her that I’m here and it’s okay. And if I’m being honest, it’s also a silent plea to keep her mouth shut. Caving to my request, she softens her voice and says with a genuineness that she was previously lacking, “I’m really glad you’re here, Clara.”
“I’m glad I was invited.” Now Mom’s eyes are narrowed on me. “I don’t get enough time with my grandkids.”
“Lay off, Ma. I need a solid bond with my kids and that takes time. You of all people know that.”
Mom’s lips turn up into a gentle smile as she appraises me with a nod.
“All issues aside, I wouldn’t be opposed to another grandbaby. One I can spoil from birth this time.”
“All issues aside, you’re a great grandma and our kids are lucky to have you,” Amber says, her voice on the edge of an insult. Shit. I thought dealing with Thumper’s anger over all this shit was bad, but it’s nothing compared to two momma bears fighting it out over their cubs.