Chapter 12 The Leap

Chapter 12

I do not own Twilight or SOA.

“Are you ready?” Ava questioned as she and Gemma looked towards the nursing home.

Gemma shook her head no and gazed upon her father who was sitting beside her.

“No.” She admitted and Ava nodded in understanding.

She reached over and placed a hand along the older woman’s shoulder.

“I’ll go with you.”

Ava stepped on out of the car and the boys were gathering Mr. Madock’s belongings from the trunk. They followed the women inside and Gemma headed into the office and got everything set up. Ava showed Chibs which room was to be Mr. Madock’s. The man looked to Ava in confusion.

“Why are we here?”

Ava peered back as she was hanging up a picture of his wife and daughter. Tig and Chibs looked to Ava as if wondering how she was going to answer that. The young woman drew back a breath and took Mr. Madock by the hand. She sat him down on the bed. Gemma entered the room and Ava nodded her direction.

“He wants to know why we’re here.”

Gemma nodded and sat on the other side. She took her father’s hand into her own. Chibs gestured for Tig to step on out and he followed. He figured it best if they weren’t in the room. They made him uncomfortable as it was.

“This is your new home now…” Gemma softly informed.

Mr. Madock looked to her, then the room, and shook his head.

“But I already have a home.”

“I know, dad. But they can take care of you here.”

“Take care of me?!” The man repeated with a touch of anger.

“I don’t need anyone taking care of me! I can take care of myself.”

He came to a stand and looked to Ava and Gemma.

“I want to go home!” He demanded.

The women shared the same look of gloom.

“You hear me?! Take me home! NOW!”

The women gasped out as he grabbed a nearby potted plant and chucked it at them.

“TAKE. ME. HOOOME!”

A couple of nurses entered the room and Ava sent Gemma this apologetic glance.

“It might be best if you two went on. We’ll get him sorted out in no time.”

Gemma shook her head and looked to Ava in desperation.

“They got this. They’ll take care of him. I promise.”

Mr. Madock continued with his rant as Ava escorted Gemma on out of the room. Just as soon they stepped outside; Gemma came to her knees and broke into literal sobs. The boys could see this from the parking lot and Tig started on over, only to have Chibs stop him.

“Ava’s got this…” He assured.

Ava made her way around so that she was facing Gemma. She squatted down and said nothing as she hugged her. Chibs nodded amongst himself as Gemma was hugging her in return. There were no words as Ava let her get it all out. Once she got her calmed down she helped her up and led her back to the car. Ava took the keys from Gemma’s hold and tossed them Tig’s direction. He caught them and made his way to the driver’s side gathering the hint. Ava got Gemma inside and just as she was to close the door, Gemma stopped it with her hand.

“Thank you.”

Ava froze and lifted her eyes upon Gemma.

“I should’ve said it that day.”

The young woman looked to the older one in bewilderment.

“When you finally got him to remember, even if only temporary. It meant the world to me.”
Ava smiled but said nothing as she went on to shut the door. She and Chibs watched as Tig pulled on out of the parking lot.

“Ye gonna be alright?” Chibs questioned and Ava nodded as she glanced back towards the nursing home.

“Yeah… Just one of those things.”

Chibs nodded in understanding. He handed Ava his helmet and climbed on.

“Charming awaits us, Ava darlin’.”

---

Later that night…

Ava had a genuine beam about her as they pulled into the lot of the clubhouse. Chibs parked his bike beside Jax’s and Ava climbed on down. She took off the helmet and handed it over.

“Finally.” She murmured and Chibs chuckled.

Tig and Gemma were already there and standing beside her car. Tig had this uncomfortable presence about him as he was eyeing the clubhouse.

“Ye scared?” Chibs taunted and Tig nodded.

“Ye should be… Yer aboot ta get a rude awakenin’. I wouldn’t go in there alone.” Chibs warned.

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

Ava looked to Chibs with concern. He took notice but didn’t comment. He wasn’t about to make any false promises. That was MC business now and Ava had no pull on what happened from here, not even that of Gemma. Chibs grabbed his and Ava’s things from the trunk of Gemma’s car and was heading inside. Gemma wrapped her arm around Tig’s shoulder and followed. Ava lingered back and was taking a few moments to herself. She felt rather emotional at the moment but she couldn’t quite pinpoint her reasoning. There was just so much going on and all at once. But the moment she saw that clubhouse, she felt a touch of relief. It truly was home to her now.

“Hey…”

Ava turned the direction of the voice and saw Bobby exiting the office. He nodded upon her and was walking on over.

“I was starting to wonder about you, girl.”

Ava smiled but was taken back as Bobby actually hugged her.

“Good to see you’re still standing. Not the same with you.”

He chuckled once he saw the stunned appearance on her face. He playfully slapped at her cheek.

“Don’t let it go to your head now. I just missed your pretty face, nothing more.”

Ava shook her head but laughed as he strutted off. When she entered the clubhouse, there was no one about. She narrowed her eyes wondering where everyone went. She figured everyone was in the chapel deciding on Tig’s ‘fate’ and hashing everything else out. She grabbed a beer and headed towards the backroom. She’d plans of taking a nice long shower, having a few beers, and her first smoke since Chibs lifted the ban. Ava opened the door and was heading towards the bathroom when she froze. She picked up something from the corner of her eye and gradually spun around. A hand flew over her mouth and she couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her.

Jax had Michaela Jones on all fours and was fucking the daylights out of her. Just as soon he heard the giggle he peered back with widened eyes. Ava shook her head and made the gesture for him to continue as Michaela was in her own world at the moment and hadn’t a clue Ava was in the room. Ava was quick to dart out. Jax smiled and shook his head as she quietly pulled the door to. The giggling continued as she grabbed another beer and sat at the bar. Chibs was exiting one of the rooms when overheard this. He regarded Ava in question and nodded upon her as he grabbed a beer as well.

“What’s with ye?”

“Let’s just say Jax might take the news better than expected…”

Chibs reared back on this.

“A bit dark, don’t ye think?” He whispered.

Ava pointed to the backroom with her beer.

“I’m sure it is… considering he’s balls deep in Michaela Jones at the moment.”

Chibs raised his brows and choked back on his beer. He glanced towards that area as well. The choking hadn’t anything to do with Michaela and Jax. No, it had to do with hearing his old lady say ‘balls deep’.

“What position?” He asked with a playful smirk.

“Doggy…”

He nodded.

“We should try that one.” He murmured with a wink.

“It’s a date!”

“Ava…” He uttered with a bit of a growl and ‘adjusted’ himself.

She smiled and held her hand out.

“What?”

“You promised…”

He sighed and took a cigarette out from his cut. He got it started then handed it over.

“No more than half a pack a day. I mean it! Yer still recoverin’.”

“Aye, Aye.” She taunted but had this heavenly look about her as she took that first drag.

“I should’ve never got ye on those.” He said as he grabbed another beer.

“Where’s Tig?” She whispered in response.

“Gemma’s got him hidden fur now.”

Ava nodded in understanding. Chibs poured them both a shot and Bobby plopped down beside her.

“Give me one of those, will ya?!”

Chibs poured him one as well and the three of them downed their shots. Bobby looked to Chibs afterward.

“Where were you?”

“I had somethin’s ta take care of.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Chibs lifted his eyes and shook his head Bobby’s direction.

“We gonna keep doin’ this?”

“That all depends on you.”

“I’m not gettin’ inta this with ye. Not right now. We’ll can hash it out durin’ the meetin’ tomorrow.”

“Oh so you’re callin’ forth meetings now?”

Ava cut Bobby a look of utter hell.

“Don’t even, sister. This is between me and your old man. He’s proven to be a bit shifty at times.”

Ava went to say something in Chibs’s defense, but Chibs cut her a look and gave her a simple nod. She frowned and flicked her ashes into a nearby ashtray.

“I was right about you. We dodged a bullet on that one.”

Jax exited the backroom, but Ava sort of grimaced as he was putting on his cut and it had the president patch on it. He walked on over and pecked her on the cheek.

“It’s good to see you’re alive and kickin’, darlin’.”

She smiled and hugged him in return. Jax made his way around and hugged Chibs as well.

“So you managed to save the girl?” Jax uttered with a grin.

“Aye and yer gettin’ laid from what I hear…”

Ava blushed and Jax chuckled.

“Sorry about that by the way…” He said as he was looking Ava’s direction.

“Just wash the sheets and we’re good.”

Jax had a good laugh at this. He and Bobby exchanged glances however and looked to be in some sort of silent conversation. Jax cleared his throat and lit up a smoke. He got this serious mien about him.

“I’m holding a meeting first thing tomorrow morning, before open. I want everyone there. No excuses.”

Ava grimaced and had this apologetic mien about her as she looked to Chibs. Chibs took notice but didn’t comment.

“Aye…” He said and Jax nodded.

It was then that Chibs took notice of the VP patch on Bobby’s cut. He said nothing on it and headed outside. Ava looked to Jax and Bobby.

“It’s my fault. So please don’t take it out on him.”

“Chibs knew what he was getting into. He has a responsibility to this club. He left without so much as a notice and didn’t call to check in. I was the one that reached out to him. He knows better. And with all due respect, this isn’t old lady business. It’s an MC matter. So that’s the last of this conversation.”

Ava’s jaw dropped as Jax tossed his empty beer bottle into the trashcan and headed back to the room. The young woman pinched her eyes shut. Bobby narrowed his eyes, but didn’t comment as he heard her whisper an apology to Chibs.

---

The following morning:

“Hey…”

Ava woke to find Chibs hunched over her. He brushed a strand of hair from her eyes.

“Time fur church but I got somethin’ I wanna show ye later.”

The young woman nodded but had this gloomy attendance about her.

“Aye now… none of that.”

“Chibs, I…”

Chibs caressed her cheek and smiled.

“It is what it is, lass. I haven’t ANY regrets. Understood?”

Ava leaned into the palm of his hand. Chibs kissed her forehead then headed into the chapel. Ava sat up and it was then she realized she’d fallen asleep on the couch. Chibs had his SAMCRO hoodie wrapped around her. She breathed it in and smiled as it still carried his scent. She placed her arms into the sleeves, but jumped once she realized she had an ‘audience’.

“Jesus…” She hissed and the other young woman laughed.

“At least I know I’m not the only one that does that.”

Ava narrowed her eyes and saw that she was in one of Jax’s hoodies.

“Coffee?”

“Um sure… thanks.”

Michaela nodded and headed to the bar.

“Sugar? Cream?”

“Two and one.”

“You got it.”

Ava grabbed her pack of cigarettes but frowned once she realized Chibs had taken over half of them out.

“Dammit…” She groaned as he left a little note inside.

That’s right… these have to last you throughout the day. Don’t you even think about sneaking around either.

She grumbled under her breath as she lit up. Michaela had made her way back and handed Ava that cup of coffee.

“So it seems as if we both had one hell of an adventure.”

Ava nodded as she sipped at her coffee.

“That’s an understatement if I ever heard one.”

“Right?”

“I suppose we’ll have to exchange stories… perhaps over that drink I owe you?”

Michaela smiled on this.

“It’s a date!”

Ava narrowed her eyes on this.

“What?” Michaela questioned.

“Just the way you talk sometimes…”

“What about it?” Michaela asked sounding almost offended.

“I don’t mean anything bad by it. Just reminds me of myself.”

“Well from what I hear… I suppose I should take that as a compliment.”

“What you hear?”

The young woman nodded and sat beside her.

“Badass with a heart of gold… Is what I’m told anyhow.”

Ava snorted on this.

“ME?!”

“That’s what Jax says. The bigger fella called you a crazy ass bitch. But the way he said it was almost with pride.”

Ava laughed but wasn’t sure what to say on that.

“So you and Jax?”

Michaela nodded in reponse.

“How long has that been going on?”

“Not long… I think we’re toying around with the idea. Just seeing how it goes from here. Neither of us have any real expectations.”

“So fuck buddies?”

Michaela choked back on her coffee and Ava giggled.

“Sorry.”

“I think I had that one coming. But yeah I suppose it’s just fucking, for now.”

“That’s a shame.”

“And how’s that?”

“I suppose I was hoping for something a little deeper.”

“Are we talking relationships or sex?” Michaela taunted.

“A touch of both…” Ava replied with a mischievous smile.

“Did we just become best friends?!”

Ava had a good laugh at this.

“I believe so!”

“Good! I could use one of those about now.”

“Me and you both.”

“I thought I was your best friend!” They heard someone call out and Ava looked that direction.

She came to her feet and dash on over. Cherry was tearing up a bit as she hugged her.

“Do you have any idea just how worried I was? I thought I’d never see you again!”

Ava froze however as Half-Sack entered the clubhouse. He stopped in his tracks and looked upon Ava as if she were a ghost. He gave a simple nod but looked a little choked up himself. Ava nodded in return.

“How you doin’, sweetness?”

“Better now that I’m home.”

He smiled and pecked her on the cheek.

“Glad you’re back. Don’t you go and scare us like that again.”

“Oh my god… is that?”

Cherry nodded and showed off her engagement ring. Ava gasped back and got a better look.

“Well Kip, it looks like you got that other ball back after all!”

“Hey!” Half-Sack scolded and Ava laughed.

“This is great! I’m so happy for you guys and awesome job on the ring!”

“Right?” Cherry said and looked to Half-Sack admirably.

He sent her a wink and kissed her. The door to the chapel opened however and this had the four of them looking over. Jax had this stern presence about him.

“I’m gonna need you in here so get to steppin’.”

Half-Sack nodded and headed that way. Ava frowned as Jax smacked him on the back of the head directly after. But it was the playful wink Jax sent her after that threw her off. He had this offbeat look about him as he shut the door behind him.

“Okay…” Ava uttered in confusion.

“Boys will be boys.” Michaela murmured.

“You got that right…” Ava said with a frown.

Ava looked to Cherry however as she was staring Michaela down.

“What’s with you?” Ava asked taking notice.

“She called you her best friend!”

Ava had a good laugh at this.

“You’ll have to excuse Cherry here. She’s a little territorial.”

“So I’ve noticed. Not to worry, hun. I’m not stealing your girl, just thought we could share.”

Ava raised her brows and glanced towards the chapel.

“What they wouldn’t give to be hearing this.”

Cherry and Michaela laughed.

“Fine. I’ll share but just know that she loves me more.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“Could you be less gay?”

“When it comes to you? No. Deal with it.”

“Sooo glad they can’t hear this.”

---

SAMCRO Meeting:

Chibs leaned back as Jax forced Half-Sack into a chair across the way. Jax remained on his feet and paced the room. It wasn’t long before he had that finger of his pointed Chibs’s direction.

“I was counting on you. We all were, brother. Yet you up and vanished, without so much as word as to why or where you’re going. And for whatever reason, you dragged my mother into it as well.”

Chibs nodded and twirled his rings about. The rest of the room was dead silent as the two stared one another down.

“First of all, ye know me. I had my reasons. Ones I wouldn’t mind sharin’ with this room, if ye weren’t actin’ like a pack of wolves out fur blood. Ye wanna be mad?! That’s fine. Ye wanna come up with some sort of punishment, go right ahead. But it won’t change what took place and if I had ta go back; I’d do it all over again. I’m sorry I let ye down, Jackie. But don’t ye go and question my loyalty ta this club. It’s as thick as blood and it’ll continue ta be!”

“Are you sure about that?!”

Chibs gritted his teeth on this.

“I love ye, kid. But president or not… I’m not aboot ta drop ta my knees and become yer next Trager. Yer shite out of luck if ye think that’s how this is gonna go. I’ll have yer back just as I always do and I’d die fur each and every one of ye. But I’m not aboot to sit here and be treated like I’ve gone and betrayed ye. Ye knew damn well that I would choose HER over that fuckin’ patch. Just as ye would fur yer family! So don’t ye go and make me the villain here. I’m not bitin’!”

“Is that all you have to say?”

Chibs reared back in disbelief.

“Oh yeah… Believe me I’m done.”

“See?! I told you he wasn’t ready!” Bobby barked.

Jax nodded and made a motion towards Opie and Bobby. They hopped up and forced Chibs out of his seat. They took off his cut and Opie slammed it down on the table.

“You leave me no choice!” Jax snapped as he ripped off the president patch to his own cut.

Chibs regarded Jax in confusion as it wasn’t stitched on but had a Velcro backing. Behind it was the VP patch. Jax dropped the president patch down on Chibs’s cut and shoved it on over. Bobby chuckled as Chibs had this stupefied look about him. Bobby took the fake VP patch off and tossed it onto the table. Opie had the Sergeant in Arms patch already on.

“What in the…” Chibs uttered.

Jax made a gesture towards the gavel and with this genuine beam about him.

“It’s all yours, brother.”

“You fuckin’ Sons of Bitches!” Chibs shouted causing the entire room to die of laughter.

Chibs put a hand over the area of his heart and shook his head.

“You were voted in the day Ava went missin’, brother. The patch was yours from the beginning.”

The new president looked to the patch then back to the gavel.

“Well… go on. The Sons need their president.”

Chibs put his cut back on and took his rightful seat at the gavel. The Sons banged on the table and went on to congratulate him. Chibs cleared his throat doing his best to keep his shit together. But he hadn’t expected this at all. He ran his fingers over that president patch.

“You gonna begin the meeting, or not?” Jax probed as he signaled towards the gavel once again.

Chibs reached over and picked it up. He looked each of the Son in the eye, before slamming it down.

“Now we’re in business…” Jax said with a smile.

The Scot hadn’t a clue where to begin. There was so much to cover and so much to talk about. He gazed upon Jax knowing he had to come clean about Tara, eventually. But now wasn’t the time or place. He needed to get him one on one and AFTER things settled down a bit. He didn’t want his first call as president to be revealing the truth behind Tara Knowles. But after the dirty trick they pulled, he’d something else in mind. The president nodded the VP’s direction.

“I’m gonna get some shite sorted out then you and I are gonna hash things out in the ring.”

Jax raised his brows but covered his mouth in laughter.

“You wanna beat me up, old man?”

“After all that bs… Ye bet yer sweet arse I do.”

This had the other Sons dying of laughter.

“Well alright then… If you think you can keep up.”

“Ye’ve seen my old lady, right?”

“Oh yeah…” Jax uttered with a cunning grin.

“‘Nough said.”

“I’m afraid he’s got you there.” Opie said with a chuckle.

“We’ll just see about that.” Jax replied with a challenging smirk.

“By the way, you might wanna let her know that I had to fool her as well, in order to pull this off. She didn’t take kindly to what I had to say last night.”
“Oh I can imagine…”

Chibs lit up a cigarette and retrieved his cellphone from his pocket. The Sons looked to him in question, but said nothing as he dialed and put the phone to his ear.

“It’s time…” He said and hung up directly after.

The Scot sat in silence and simply gawked upon the chapel door. It wasn’t long before Tig stepped inside. Each of the Sons, aside from Chibs himself shot to their feet. Chibs picked up the gavel and called forth everyone’s attention.

“Aye now! Everyone settle down and have a seat.”

Tig went to sit down and Chibs held up a hand.

“Everyone but ye. Ye can stand.”

Chibs ran his fingers along his goatee in thought. He leaned back and went on to tell the Sons about what happened the day Ava came up missing and how Tig was involved etc… In fact, he pretty much told them everything, aside from Tara’s involvement.

“We’re gonna need some proof as to Juice’s betrayal…” Jax uttered behind gritted teeth.

Tig nodded.

“I’m on it. Just give me a few days.”

“Nah, ye got 48 hours and ye had better not even think about leavin’ town. Yer on my radar now. Ye try ANYTHIN’ and I’ll make ye regret the day ye put that cut on.”

Tig sighed but nodded in agreement. He went to exit the room, only to have Chibs clear his throat.

“Not so fast… You and I have a score ta settle.”

He lowered his hand and looked to Chibs with full on desperation.

“Ye put yer hands on my girl and I done warned ye aboot that, now didn’t I?”

“Come on, man. I…”

Chibs punched at the table and came to a stand.

“Ye what?! Give me one good excuse. Just one.”

Tig swallowed back and shook his head.

“That’s aboot what I thought. Ye got her just where ye want. She’s got ye painted as the victim in all this and that couldn’t be further from the truth. It was ye that doted on Clay’s every word and ye were just so eager ta please. Now ye remember what I said back on the road, right?”
Tig nodded and Chibs smiled.

“Ye think Clay was bad… Ye haven’t a fuckin’ clue what yer in fur. So ye had better get over here and drop ta yer knees. Ye won’t have a chair at this table and from now on yer nothin’ more than a lowly prospect. I WILL BE THE ONE DECIDIN’ YER FATE ON BECOMIN’ A SON AGAIN! And from where I’m sittin’ , it’s not lookin’ so good. As to that hand of yers… It belongs ta me now. Ye can say goodbyes ta yer riddin’ days. The only riddin’ ye’ll be doin’ is BITCH SEAT! Right where ye belong. And that’s if any of us even allow ye ta do so. I know I sure as hell won’t. Ye can fuckin’ walk fur all I care.”

Tig tilted his head in slight misperception and Chibs got this rather demonic smile about him. He waved him over and just as soon as he was within reach, the president brought him to his knees. He patted him on the head then leaned into his ear.

“When I say that hand is mine. I don’t mean figuratively. Now the old lady and I have plans tanight so I will be takin’ care of that once ye get that evidence. If ye don’t get the proof ye need, then I’m gonna take both yer hands and ye had better pray ye can get laid after that, or yer gonna be shite out of luck! Now get out of my face and get ta work!” Chibs kicked him on the way out and adjusted his cut after.
The Sons regarded the Scot in absolute surprise. Chibs nodded taking notice.

“I done told ye… Things are gonna change.”

“Hear. Hear.” Jax called out with a nod of approval.

---

“Pink? Seriously?!”

“What’s wrong with pink?” Cherry questioned as she was flipping through a bridal magazine.

“It’s pink. That’s what’s wrong with it.”

“Why you hatin’ on pink?!”

“Well for starters I’m marrying a biker! You think he’s going to show up to a wedding where the Pink Panther marked his territory?”

“She’s got a point.” Michaela said as she was flipping through one of the others.

“Fine. So what colors?”

Ava leaned back in thought. She thought about Chibs’s tattoo and smiled.

“Black and white.”

“But that’s so cliché!”

“And pink isn’t? Besides you can have pink at YOUR wedding.”

Cherry frowned on this.

“But I don’t want a pink wedding.”

This had Michaela and Ava looking to Cherry in disbelief.

“Say what now?”

“I just wanted to wear the bride’s maid dress.” Cherry went on to show her a picture and Michaela covered her mouth in laughter.

The look on Ava’s face said it all. She jerked the magazine out of her hold and ripped that particular page out. She balled it up and threw it into a nearby trashcan.

“Keep it up and I’ll have your wedding blood red and did I actually ask you to be one of my bride’s maids?”

“Well no. But you’re going to be one of mine so…”

Ava looked to Cherry in surprise.

“Wait… really?”

“Well of course!”

Ava smiled.

“But I’ll be married by then.”

“So…?” Cherry said with a shrug.

“Don’t want anyone else by my side, that’s for damn sure.”

Ava reached over and hugged her.

“I love you too. Even if you are awkward as fuck.”

“Uh oh…” Michaela murmured as the guys were exiting the chapel now.

Ava peered back and was quick to her feet as Chibs and Jax were taking their cuts and shirts off and were heading outside.

“…shit…” Ava whispered and was quick to follow them out.

Cherry and Michaela shrugged and headed that way as well. Ava grimaced as Chibs and Jax hopped into the ring and were sizing one another up.

“Twenty bucks on the ‘eight’.”

Ava looked back and Michaela sent her a playful wink.

“You’re kidding?”

“Not even a little.”

She took out a twenty and Ava laughed in disbelief. She looked to Chibs and Jax then nodded.

“Make it 30. I know that look. Your eight doesn’t stand a chance.”

“You can’t be serious…” Cherry chimed in from behind.

She let out a shameful sigh however and handed over some money as well.

“Sorry Ava… But Jax all the way.”

Ava smiled on this.

“All good, I need the money towards the wedding anyhow.”

“What are you three up to?” Half-Sack called as he made his way over.

Cherry went on to tell him but came to a halt.

“Oh my god….”

Half-Sack smiled and nodded.

“You’re official!” She said as ran her hands along his ‘Sons’ cut.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“That’s awesome, congrats!” Ava called out but was looking towards the ring with concern.

“I knew you could do it and talk about sexy…” Cherry murmured and the two went on to sucking face.

Ava grimaced as Jax gave the first punch. Michaela sent her this taunting look and Ava shook her head.

“He’s just getting warmed up, you’ll see.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“Easy now, sister… I might have to challenge you next.” Ava teased as Chibs returned the blow and it became a full on brawl.

“And give into their wildest dreams?!”

Ava snorted on this.

“You have a point.”

Both women recoiled off and on as the two didn’t hold back. Ava reared back however and leaned into Michaela’s ear.

“Are they smiling?!”

“Sure looks like it.”

“Men…” Ava said with a scowl.

The rest of the Sons were hooting and hollering. The women had sealed in their bets and were looking on from a safer distance.

“Hell, this could turn out to be a draw.” Michaela murmured looking somewhat impressed by the Scot.

“I told you… It’s that temper, does it every time.”

“DUDE!” Michaela hollered as the fight ended with Chibs having Jax by the hair and up against him; he had his arm in a snapping position.

“Ye might be younger, but I can still kick yer arse, Jackie boy. Ye’d do good ta remember that.”

Jax shook his head but laughed.

“Alright, old man. You made your point.”

“Good.” Chibs said as he shoved him on out of the ring.

Bobby tossed Chibs a towel and he wiped the sweat of his face. He nodded upon Ava and she nodded in return but cut him this chiding look as well. He smiled and rolled on out from under the rope.

“Sorry, ladies. No hard feelings, right?” She whispered as she pocketed the winnings.

“Bitch…” Michaela muttered and Ava giggled.

“You better believe it.”

“What was that about?” Jax questioned as he pecked Michaela on the lips.

“You were supposed to win!”

Jax reared back on this.

“Guess this makes us even on that fifty I owe you…” Ava added with a sly grin.

Jax narrowed his eyes as he was piecing it altogether. Just as Chibs was about to let Ava in on the ‘news’… “You took fucking bets?” Jax called out in disbelief.

“Hey, you’re the ones acting like barbarians. Figured we might as well get some sort of entertainment out of it…”

Chibs reared back on Ava’s words.

“I should be thanking you really. I’m 60 bucks richer than I was!”

Jax shook his head and reached into Ava’s pocket. He took the money out and took out the fifty she owed him. He handed the rest back and sent her wink after.

“You dick…”

“An ‘eight’ inch one apparently.”

Ava’s jaw dropped and Michaela died of laughter. “I’m afraid he’s got you there. Believe me I would know…” Jax nodded upon Ava and took Michaela by the hand as he strutted off. Chibs chuckled as Ava turned to him with this pouty expression.

“Yer somethin’ else, ye know that?” He said as he was buttoning his shirt.

Ava went to say something on that, but the moment he put his cut on, she staggered back. He nodded taking notice. The young woman reached over and ran her hand along the president patch. She took him by surprise as she hugged the daylights out of him. He said nothing as he hugged her in return.

“You’re very sweaty by the way.” He chuckled on this.

“So what was that about anyhow?”

“Just a couple ‘barbarians’ lettin’ loose.”

Ava lifted her head off his chest.

“I can’t believe ye went and took bets.”

“It was Michaela’s idea.”

“So ye just had ta go with it?”

“Well yeah… She was voting against you!”

“Was she now?”

“Yep.”

“Well then… I imagine she’s fairly disappointed.”

The young woman nodded but found herself a bit choked up. Chibs was quick to lead her into the garage.

“Sorry…” She uttered looking somewhat embarrassed.

He smiled and wiped a tear off her cheek.

“Believe me… I’m right there with ye.”

“I thought I ruined your chances.”

“Ava, I really need ye ta quit doin’ that. The decisions I make are that of my own and not yers. Now I love my boys, but I’m not aboot ta turn my back ta ye. Not ever… Now I I’m gonna go clean up and I want ye ta get ready as well. I want ye in one of them skirts of yers. Get yerself all dolled up, darlin’.”

“Are you going to tell me what you’re up to?” She questioned whilst wiping a drop of blood off his busted lip.

He gave a mere chuckle and exited the garage.

---

Chibs lowered his shades once he stepped outside. He whistled amongst himself and shook his head as he gawked upon Ava. She was leaning against his Harley and dressed to kill. The impact alone made him feel as if he’d fall over. He cleared his throat and pushed his shades back up. The Scot walked on over and took her hand in a gentleman like mannerism.

“We’re takin’ Jackie’s truck. Thought we could visit Juice on the way back.” He remarked as he led her to the passenger side door and opened it for her. Once she was inside, he shut the door.

Chibs walked around and hopped on in.

“Somethin’ on yer mind?” He questioned when he spotted the look on Ava’s face.

“I was so horrible to him.”

The man tilted his head in misunderstanding.

“Horrible ta who?”

“Juice…” Ava murmured.

“Jesus… I gave him hell, Chibs. But he was so patient and sweet and I was a total bitch!”

“Aye now, ye had yer reasons and I’m sure Juice knew it hadn’t anythin’ ta do with him. I remember that day. Now I wasn’t there, but I know ye were cross with me and rightfully so. We all have our moments, so don’t ye go and put that on yerself. Juice wouldn’t want ye ta. I know that much.”

He said nothing else on it and headed on out. Ava regarded the man in question as he stopped just a little over five blocks from the shop itself. He pulled into the drive of a bricked home and killed the engine. Ava sent him this baffled look as he gestured for her to step on out. Chibs walked on up to the front door and used one of his keys to open it. He pushed the door opened and signaled for her to go on in. Ava entered the empty house and peered back with perplexity as Chibs shut the door and locked it behind him.

“What is this?” Ava questioned as she looked around.

“I was hopin’ ta have it all set up before ye saw it. But it’s been one thang after another. Maybe we can get ta it this weekend.”

“Get to what exactly?”

Chibs twirled his keys about and leaned against the living room wall.

“It’s not by one of them private schools. But it’s the school Abel will be goin’ ta, once he old enough. I figured we’d want our kids goin’ ta the same school.”

Ava clamped a hand over her mouth and staggered back in downright shock. Chibs gave a mere nod.

“This was intended ta be a birthday surprise… Sorry it’s late and I didn’t get near the shite I wanted done. Ye’ll just hafta use yer imagination. Now I’m not good with things like furniture and all that nonsense. So I’m leavin’ that up ta ye. Ye decorate however ye want. I opened up an account with both our names.” He took his wallet out from his pocket and handed her a debit card.

“The money’s clean by the way. So don’t ye spend yer time frettin’, ye just get whatever ye want. This is what I saved up from my hours at the shop and some of it is from my time back in Forks. Ye got a little over nine grand ta play with. There would’ve been ten but I had ta dive inta that with the hospital bills.”
Ava cut him a certain ‘look’ and he nodded.

“I keep my wits aboot me when it comes ta things like that. We might deal dirty at times, but I’m not gonna put that money inta anything ‘detectable’. And just so ye know… that ring yer wearin’, same ordeal. I’m only sayin’ this because it’s somethin’ I know yer gonna worry about with the future we’re plannin’. I just want ye ta know I got it all covered. I won’t be keepin’ anythin’ like that here. It stays at the club or at the other house. I wish I’d have thought aboot things like that durin’ my first marriage. But I was young and a lot more arrogant. I suppose it was a lesson learned type of ordeal what Fi and I went through. And even though she had her fair share of shite that went down, I know I didn’t help matters. I don’t want that ta be the case this time round. I want ye ta trust me and the only way of goin’ aboot that is ta show ye I mean business.”

Ava hadn’t any words. She just stood there looking to be in shock still.

“Well go on… Have yerself a look. It’s three bedroom, two bath. So get them ideas of yers rollin’.”

The young woman did a complete walkthrough and had this awe like appearance the entire time. She couldn’t believe that Chibs Telford went and bought a house; a nice one at that. It even had a backyard with a small patio. There was a fireplace in the living room and a nice dining area.

“Chibs…” Ava murmured as she leaned against the kitchen counter.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad ye like it.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

He reared back on the way she said this.

“What do ye mean?”

Ava waved her hands about and shook her head.

“This doesn’t seem like you and I don’t want to take away from who you are.”

Chibs nodded in understanding. He walked on over and cupped her chin.

“Yer right… This isn’t me and it won’t be until my wife has put her spin on things and makes it feel more at ‘home’. When I enter that door and see ye sittin’ there or puttin’ supper on the table. That’s when it’ll finally click for me. Just give me time, lass. I’m just waitin’ fur it ta sink in. Somethin’ aboot this doesn’t seem real yet. I suppose I’m waitin’ fur ye ta up and vanish on me.”

“You’ve been burned before, Filip. That’s to be expected. But this time’s different and I need you to see that I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m not worried aboot ye up and runnin’. What I’m worried about is somethin’ a little more permanent. I might be strong where it counts and that’s enough ta get these boys in line and where they need ta be. But I can’t lose ye along the way.”

“You won’t… Look at everything we’ve been through. I’m still here. I’m not one to give up so easily.”

Chibs smiled on this.

“Aye, I’ve noticed and it’s a good thang considerin’ yet got Death visitin’ ye constantly. If I didn’t know better I’d say he’s flirtin’ with ye. But ye belong ta this here reaper and I don’t plan on lettin’ ye go. So he can suck it up.”

“Thank you.”

“Fur?”

“The house and everything else; it’s starting to feel more legit.”

“That’s the point. I want ye ta see that I mean business. I gonna take care of ye and our children – when that day comes.”

“Children, as in multiple?”

He raised his brows on this.

“If ye want…”

“Umm… Why don’t we just stick to one for now?”

Chibs couldn’t help but to laugh.

“Ye don’t want the baker’s dozen? I am Catholic ye know!”

“I’m good.”

“They could become future Sons! We’ll name them after the boys!”

“Chibs…”

“Yeah.”

“Shut it.”

“Fine, ye just hafta go and ruin my dreams.”

Ava laughed but looked around the house once again.

“So we have a house.”

“Just needs yer touch. Whatever furniture ye get, the boys and I can handle. But everythin’ else is up ta ye. Just do me a favor and don’t go crazy with flowers or some sort of shite like that; oh and no painting the walls purple.”

“Are you ever going to let me live that one down?”

“Nah…” He said with a smirk.

“And that was my dad, not me!”

“So ye claim…” he further taunted and Ava snapped him a look of hell.

He walked on over and ran his hand along her skirt.

“Sorry I don’t have ye a cake or anythin’.”

Ava snorted on this.

“You get us a house, yet you apologize for not having a cake?”

He nodded.

“Yer supposed ta blow out yer candles and make a wish.”

“I’m good. Besides, I got what I want.”

“Do ye now?”

Ava nodded and wrapped her arms around him. Chibs let out a bit of a moan as she kissed him.

She giggled he backed her up against the wall. Just as he went to hike her leg up, his cellphone rang. He held up a finger and answered.

“Yeah?”

“We’ve got a bit of an issue back at the clubhouse.”

Chibs lifted his eyes upon Ava.

“On my way…” the Scot uttered and hung up.

“Sorry darlin’, looks like this is to be continued.”

He took her by the hand and headed on out.

---

When Chibs pulled into the lot Ava reared back as she took notice of all the bikes, Gemma and Donna’s vehicles were there as well. Chibs parked beside his bike and they hopped on out of the truck.

“Um, should we be concerned?!”

He didn’t comment as they headed inside.

“There here!” Jax hollered.

Ava regarded everyone in a stupor. Gemma, Donna and the kids, Abel, Cherry, Michaela, Jax, Opie, Half-Sack, Piney, Bobby, and a few people she’d never met before were there. The guys were dressed nice but in their cuts. The women were all done up and in dresses. Ava looked to Chibs and he gave a mere nod and whispered into her ear.

“I done told the boys ‘our weddin’ plans’ and they’re game. But I wanted ta give ye somethin’ ta look back on and I’d prefer it if our actual vows weren’t said over bloodshed. Ye deserve better than that. But that bein’ said we won’t exchange rings until that day, fur obvious reasons.”

Chibs looked to everyone else.

“Just so ye know this is ta be kept under wraps, but yer all here because yer family and family means the world ta me and Ava.”

Chibs wrapped his arm around her then kissed her forehead.

“Ava and I lost whatever blood we had left, but it’s like Jackie boy says…” the Scot nodded towards him and Jax smiled.

“Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.” (Quote taking from SOA) Jax called out.

“That’s right and that alone can go a long ways. So whattya say, Ava darlin’? Ye ready ta make it ‘official’?”

The young woman looked to Chibs with slight misunderstanding. This had a few of the Sons chuckling.

“Like right here? Now?” She said behind a quivery voice.

“Aye, if ye’ll have me.”

Ava looked around the room.

“But who’s going to do the ceremony?!”

Bobby raised a hand and Ava choked back in laughter.

“Right…”

“Come on now… You know you always wanted an Elvis wedding!” He witted and made his way over.

“Yeah in Vegas!” She smarted in return.

“Are you even licensed?” She whispered and he nodded and went on to show her his certification.

Ava covered her mouth in laughter.

“You’re fucking kidding me…” She looked to Donna and the kids apologetically.

Donna laughed.

“They’ve heard a lot worse from that one…” She pointed to Opie.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a fucking saint.” He replied with a smirk.

“Sure, dad!” Kenny called out and Ava snorted.

“Keep it down, son. This is a wedding.”

Ava chewed on her bottom lip then looked to Chibs.

“What if I say no?”

Chibs rolled his eyes and popped her on the rear. He nodded upon Bobby.

“Just get on with it. She’s a righteous pain in me arse.”

“So she’s wife material already!” Gemma stated causing everyone to laugh.

“Hell, that means she has been since day one!” Chibs added.

“Hey!”

“Alright you two, don’t make me counsel you first.”

“You?” Ava smarted back and Bobby shook his head.

“You want to get married or not?”

“I guess…”

Bobby cocked a brow Chibs’s direction.

“That means aye! Ye haven’t got her vocabulary down yet.”

“You might wanna say her part of the vows then.”

“I’ll do both if I hafta. Might change hers up a bit.”

“Hey take what you can while you can.” Bobby retorted.

“I’m right here!”

Bobby and Chibs cut her a look and she sighed.

“Are you going to marry us or not?!”

“Imma thinking, just hold your horses!”

Bobby put on his glasses and looked to the script he was supposed to read from. He lifted his eyes upon Chibs and Ava and shook his head. He balled up the piece of paper and threw it across the room.

“I’m not saying that bullshit. Hell, it doesn’t even sound like the two of you. You’re both insane is what you are!” Bobby gathered this serious mien however and took his glasses off.

He pocketed them and stood up straight. He took Ava’s hand and placed it into Chibs’s.

“Insane… but for each other. I know I gave you both a little bit of hell.”

Chibs raised his brows on this.

“Okay so more than a little but still… You were to become president and she’s to become the wife of a president. Someone had to test the two of you. I figured it might as well be me.”

Chibs shook his head upon Bobby.

“Ye think NOW is a good time ta be admittin’ ta that?”

Ava swallowed back as she heard a low growl escape him.

“Through all the shite…”

Bobby held up a hand stopping him.

“Let me finish…” Bobby pointed to Ava. “This girl… let me tell something about this girl. She might look soft and sweet on the outside. But I’ve seen her in action and she’s got some hella claws. It’s not everyday you see a woman flip off her capturers and jump off the roof of a building.”

Chibs narrowed his eyes and looked to Ava in question. She blushed and Bobby nodded.

“You know what came to mind though?”

Chibs shook his head but had that baffled look about him.

“You. I’ve seen you pull the same shit. You’ve had a gun to your head and still you managed to put those sons of bitches in your place. You’ve spit right in their faces and laughed about it after.”

Ava tilted her head on this and this had the room laughing.

“And everyone here already knows you fight and fuck like a married couple, so you might as well stop living in sin and do it the right way. So I’m just going to get this over with.”

Bobby looked to Chibs.

“Do you take this woman to …”

“Wait…” Ava said and this had everyone’s attention.

“I got something I would like to say first.”

Bobby nodded giving her the go ahead. Ava gave Chibs’s hand a slight squeeze.

“I know I’m not as vocal about my feelings and you already know why.”

He nodded knowing it had to do with her history with Edward and how the Cullens treated her in the end.

“I have a hard time expressing myself, but it’s not because I don’t have those feelings. I…”

Ava closed her eyes for a moment and drew back a breath then opened them once again.

“You’re the one that taught me that it was okay to jump as long as you knew where you were going. And I mean that in the metaphorical and literal sense.” She said with a smile.

“Before I met you I hadn’t a clue what I wanted in my life and I never took chances. Not the ones that truly mattered anyway. I stayed in my own comfort zone because I didn’t want to get hurt. After losing my mother and various other things that happened; I was afraid of getting too close. So I got into this habit of pushing everyone away, even that of my father and friends. I’d stay in my room day and night. But the very day I decided to venture out was the day I met you.”

Ava looked to everyone else.

“And yes, he totally perved on me that first day.”

Chibs shook his head in disagreement.

“All lies!” He said with a smirk.

“Sure…”

Ava glanced back over.

“Filip, it was you that brought me out of that darkness and taught me that it was okay to be afraid. That you had to face your fears in order to get anywhere in life. Because of you I put myself out there and started taking more chances. You… being one of those. Like you, I never stated how I felt when we parted ways, but I loved you. And I honestly thought I’d never see you again. But that’s how I knew the difference… I remember how much it hurt, yet I was able to smile still. I suppose it’s true what they say. It’s better to have loved then to have never loved at all. At that point I just felt lucky to have experienced it, even if I had to say goodbye.”

Ava brought out the necklace he’d given her.

“I kept it on me as a constant reminder that you were somewhere out there and that’s what got me by… But now here I am. Standing here, about to take another chance. And I’m not just marrying you… No. The moment I say I do that means I accept everyone here as my family as well and I can’t think of a better honor.”

Ava looked to Bobby.

“That’s my vow so don’t you even think about making me say a whole bunch of other shit.”

Bobby smiled on this. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He looked to Chibs afterward.

“You got anything to top that off?”

“Fraid I’ve done said whatever I had ta say, just in order ta get her here, but I will say this much…”

Chibs turned to Ava and took both hands into his own.

“If anyone was brought out of the darkness it was me with ye. And Jackie boy over there can certainly attest ta that. So I’m just gonna go on with this now. Ava Rhiannon Fey aka my little Swan, I love ye and I only hope ta be given the privilege ta show ye that each and every day. By no means am I perfect and I know I’m gonna mess up from time ta time and downright piss ye off, but know that ye have my love, devotion, faithfulness, and honor, no matter what we go through. And I’d go on about the sickness and health bit, but I do believe we’ve more than proved that already. Other than that… I promise ta treat ye as good as my leather and RIDE ye as much as my Harley!” (The rest of the Sons chorused towards the end)

Ava snorted on this and Chibs sent her a wink.

Bobby nodded then looked to Ava.

“I promise all that stuff too, even the Harley bit!”

Chibs had a good laugh at this.

“Well ye heard her. Wrap it up so she can get ta the ridin’ part!”

“Alright husband, wife… There you have it. Now kiss your damn bride.”

Everyone clapped as Chibs grabbed ahold her, dipped her back, and kissed her. The kissing continued however as he brought her back up.

“Easy there… There are children present!” Jax called out and Chibs shooed him away.

“Speak for yourself!” Kenny snapped and Opie sent him a ‘look’.”

“What?!”

Chibs leaned into her ear afterward.

“Gotcha right where I wantcha now. Not lettin’ ye go.” He uttered in a seductive manner.

“Don’t want you to.”

---

(Be a good sport by leaving your comment/review or a simple ‘like’, if you dug the chapter. Thanks! I will be doing a chapter to Set You Free then a couple to Days Past Future Lost. I will come back to this one after.)

 

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