Page 114 of Road to Absolution

Having read many books and asked my OB/GYN many questions, I knew everything was okay. It was only days before my due date. My baby girl had strong lungs and was ready to meet the world.

Even though the contractions were mild, there would be no waiting before we left. We had a drive ahead of us. The plan was to deliver the baby in the same hospital Maverick had been in, in case she needed any major care. That hospital was equipped for more emergencies.

Once dried and dressed in a comfy moo-moo dress, I grabbed my pre-packed overnight bag and my baby’s packed diaper bag. The car seat was already strapped tightly in the backseat of the car on standby.

Walking down the side hallway, I could hear a major commotion taking place in the Cave. Turning the corner, I saw leather men running amuck but truly getting nothing accomplished.

Once in the Cave and waddling past them, since they had totally forgotten about me, I asked, “Has anyone called Maverick?”

Chains was at the bar, but not sitting. He was standing, slamming shots to calm his nerves as if he were the one going into labor. “That is the only thing I have done.”

“Besides drink?” Still headed for the hallway to the main door, I pointed at him. “You are no longer driving me.” I looked around. “You.” I pointed to Rogue. “Have keys?”

He was sweating and frantic. “Keys?”

I pulled out my cell phone. “Uh, yeah. Road Captain, you have some keys to get me to the hospital?” Then I started tapping the screen to call a special person.

He patted all his pockets. “I kill people. Why am I so terrified of a little baby?”

Chains took another shot. “Because it’s about to rip out of her vagina like that damn movie, ‘Aliens’.”

“What are you talking about?” In the hallway, a contraction hit me. With the pain starting to worsen, I snapped, “This is going to be a beautiful experience, you pusswahs! Let’s roll!” On my phone, I sweetly said, “Daddy? It’s time.”

As my dad cheered, swearing he’d beat me to the hospital, heavy boots clambered behind me. I assured him, “These boys are a hot mess, but I’m in good hands.” Even though, behind me, I heard things like:

“Did anyone grab a liquor bottle?”

“Got it!”

“I got extra smokes!”

Once through the door, I stopped and sighed in the sun. “What a wonderful day—”

Hands started pushing, grabbing my two bags and guiding me to the car, while many voices lectured:

“What are you doing?”

“Have you been smokin’ Mav’s whacky weed?”

“Can you please get a tan later?”

As the front passenger door was opened for me, two bikes pulled into the opening gates. I excitedly waved to Diesel and Knuckles. “It’s time!” I saw pink packages on the backs of their bikes. “Aww, guys. You too?”

Chains practically shoved me into the car. “We have no time. It’s coming!”

As the door slammed in my face, Chains tapped the top of the car, telling Rogue ‘good luck,’ and I asked, “It?”

Whimpering, “Why me?” Rogue got into the car.

Only one person can scare bikers. Viola!

Squinting at him, I sneered, “What did she tell you was going to happen?”

He turned the key. “Please don’t make me talk about it.”

Laughing, I buckled myself in. “Vixen. I’m going to kill her.”

Bikes roaring all around me, Diesel’s bike was at the very front. His hand twirled in the air above his head, and then we started to move as a unit.