Page 38 of Grumpy

He snorted. “I’m not wearing a fucking tiara.”

“You will if Scotty hands you one,” Kelly countered, her smile not dimming in the slightest. And fuck him, because she was right.

“Fine, but I’m putting it under a tire and crushing it the second we get out of town.”

Kelly lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles before patting his hand much like a parent did a child. “No, you won’t. I promised them a picture at each of our stops, and you’ll break Scotty’s heart if you aren’t wearing it.”

Grumpy’s jaw ticked. “You’re enjoying my pain way too much, Kels.”

Kelly raised herself up on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. “I know. Now, remember, the longer you grouse and grumble and make a stink, the longer it’ll take to get through all the pictures and the longer it’ll be before it’s just you and me on the road. Also, I feel like this would be a great time to remind you that there’s no takebacks of my ol’ ladyship.” Taking a step back from him, she gestured up and down the length of her body with flat hands, smiling mischievously. “All yours. For the rest of our lives.”

Though she said it like a threat, Grumpy took it as a promise.

* * *

Kelly really shouldn’t have enjoyed that as much as she did. Grumpy was clearly uncomfortable being the center of attention, but she loved how he sat there and posed for every single picture with his nieces and nephews. Then the ol’ ladies. Then just Kelly, and then her and her mom. All while wearing a pink sash that proclaimed him to be a Passenger Princess and a cheap plastic tiara with pink rhinestones.

When his club brothers started to get in on the action was when Grumpy called it quits. He got himself to his feet, walked past everyone while still wearing the sash and tiara, and got into the passenger seat of the SUV.

Kelly covered her mouth. To counter the cool weather, the club had outdoor heaters going, and honestly, it was comfortable in the morning sun. Everyone had hats, coats, and gloves on anyway. Becks, who was extremely pregnant, was bundled up in so many blankets that she resembled the Michelin Man.

While Kelly was sure other women had had a hard time adjusting to being part of such a big group, Kelly felt right at home. More so than she had in a long time. It helped that she’d been on the outskirts of the club for so long, that she’d known most of them and their kids for years. Even Toni, who was the newest to the group, had more of a learning curve than Kelly did.

It was like the club had been holding a place in line for her, and now Kelly had stepped forward to join them. She really liked that. For herself, but also her mom. Many of the kids had gone into the clubhouse with “Bubbe Ruth” after getting their pictures taken with Uncle Grumpy.

Kelly turned to Ghost, ignoring Grumpy’s abrupt exit. It wasn’t like he was going anywhere when she had the keys. “Thank you, again, for looking after my mom while we’re away.”

Ghost nodded once and crooked a smile. “I consider it a fair trade. Plus, your mom’s a hell of a lot nicer to look at than that guy.” He threw a thumb towards Grumpy and the SUV.

Kelly’s lips twitched. “I don’t know. I’m kind of partial to mine.”

Chuckling, Ghost stepped forward to embrace Kelly. “Welcome to the family, Kelly. Take care of our boy and you call if you need anything.”

Kelly squeezed him back. “Thank you. You too.”

When he stepped back, Ghost let out a sharp whistle. Kelly turned in time to see the brown-haired prospect who had helped her mom from the car earlier step forward. “Kelly, this is Jackson. He’s your bitch for the foreseeable future. You need anything, big or small, day or night, he’s your man. Keys already programmed his number into your phone for you.” To Jackson, Ghost said, “I hear one word of complaint about you from her, you’re out. Is that understood?”

Kelly felt bad when the young man’s eyes widened at the declaration, but he straightened and squared his shoulders rather than cower. “Yes, sir.” Then he nodded to Kelly, “Ma’am.”

As he rushed over to get his bike, Kelly turned back to Ghost. “You didn’t have to scare the crap out of him. It’s bad enough Grumpy’s got him riding his bike instead of inside the warm car with us. The most he’s going to have to do is help me with the luggage.”

“That better not be the most he has to do,” Ghost warned her sternly. “I mean it, Kelly. He’s your bitch. Don’t let him just skate by on a free road trip. Anything means anything.”

Kelly scowled. “I’m not an invalid.”

Ghost’s green eyes softened. “I’m very aware of that. Sending him with you isn’t saying you are. It’s saying you’re worth helping, worth protecting. Grumpy’s pride will never let him admit it, but he needs that help, too, Kelly.”

Kelly scrunched up her nose. “Low blow, ginger.” The club president knew damn well that Kelly would not take any help away from Grumpy.

Ghost shrugged, unapologetic. Tipping his head towards the SUV, he urged, “Go on now. I think your man is trying to start the cage with his impatience.”

Laughing, Kelly raised herself up and kissed Ghost on the cheek. Others came forward to hug her and wish her well. Then Kelly had to run inside to let her mom know that they were finally leaving. But Bubbe Ruth was in her element, surrounded by so many toddlers and babies, and barely even registered that her own daughter was departing.

Shaking her head at her mom, Kelly headed back outside. Jackson was now on his bike next to the SUV. Kelly hoped the man was warm enough. Another round of hugs and well wishes ensued until Kelly was able to break away and make it to the SUV. It was silly, but Jackson got the door for her as she approached.

Grumpy still had the sash and tiara on, his face drawn down in a scowl.

Kelly smiled at him. “Ready?”