Cash grimaced at his dusty clothes. “Sorry. Rachel had me helping plant some of her seeds.”

“I hope she didn’t get them from her brothers,” she wisecracked, as Cash parked his truck in her aunt’s driveway.

“Her brothers are too stingy to share their seeds. They are as much in demand as their pot.”

He walked her to the door. “If your aunt is doing better, Rachel and Holly will be over on Saturday. They’re going to bring Logan and Ema over to spend the afternoon, if that’s okay with you?”

“Yes.” Winter knew Aunt Shay would be excited about seeing Cash’s baby.

“Make sure you lock the door,” he ordered, waiting for her to go inside.

“I will,” she said, telling him goodbye as she closed the door, locking it.

Winter checked on her aunt, who was taking a nap, before changing into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

She wanted tonight to be one they would never forget. She made a salad, putting it in the fridge so all she would have to do is take it out. She texted Beth for her pie recipe, tempted to order one of Willa’s cakes. When Beth emailed her the recipe, she was relieved by how simple it was. She spent the next hour making two pies: one for Viper and one for Aunt Shay.

As the clock ticked by, Winter became more anxious about his reaction. She was so overwrought she almost burned the pies, and she forgot to lay out the steaks.

She made Aunt Shay an early dinner then started her a movie in her room. Then Winter changed into a sundress with shades of soft greens and yellows. She slipped on a pair of cream sandals before going downstairs to bring her aunt a piece of pie and a glass of milk.

“I’m going to go start the grill. If you need anything, just call out. I’ll leave the door open.”

“I’ll be fine. You two enjoy your dinner. I’m going to talk to Ton and see how his garden is doing. Then I’m going to watch my movie.”

“Tell Ton I said hi.”

“I will. I’m going to tell him I’m still waiting for my tomatoes.”

Winter laughed as she left the room. Maybe Rachel or the Porter brothers could give him some gardening tips.

She had started the grill, when she saw Viper coming through the sliding glass doors.

“Need some help? I’ll grab myself a beer. You want one?” he asked.

“No, thanks. I made some lemonade. If you want some, it’s in the fridge.”

Winter turned over the steaks, smiling over her shoulder when Viper came back to take over the job.

“I’ll go get the salad and some plates. I thought we could eat out here.”

“Sounds good.”

Winter set the table and even lit a candle before coming to stand behind Viper. As he put the steaks on the plate she had set to the side of the grill, she saw a dark purple bruise on the back of his hand.

“What happened to your hand?” she asked.

He shrugged. “I accidently hit it when I closed the trunk while helping Cash pack in Rachel’s plants.”

Winter took his hand, kissing the purple bruise. “Cash said he was planting them today. Where was he planting them?” She took the chair he held out for her.

Viper took the chair across from her before answering her question. “I don’t know. I just helped him pack them into the factory.”

“Oh.” Winter took a bite of her steak, deciding to wait until after dinner to tell him her news. She didn’t want him choking on his steak.

“So, I was thinking…” She lifted her eyes when he spoke between taking bites of his salad. “We should stay another week with Aunt Shay and use the opportunity to talk to her about the future.”

Winter paused, her fork poised over her food. “You want us to talk to her about her future?”

“Yes. I’m not happy with her staying here in this house by herself. When was the last time she went upstairs?”

“I imagine it’s been a while. Her knees make it impossible for her to go up there.”

He nodded, taking another bite of his food before continuing. “I’ve talked to her before about letting me build her a house on Last Riders’ property. I want us to try again. Maybe she’ll listen this time.”

She gave a sigh of relief. “I was afraid you were going to try to talk her into a retirement community.”

“She has family: us. I would just feel better if I could check on her every day, instead of having Beth doing it.”

“I agree. I think it’s a great idea. I’m enjoying spending time with her. I think she’s also enjoying having us in the house.” Winter moved her food around more than she ate.

Viper took the last few bites of his dinner, and she knew the time was nearing when she would have to break the news of their pregnancy.

“Cash told me that you said Dr. Matthews said everything was all right.”

Winter nodded, unable to speak. “I made you dessert. I’ll be right back.”

Feeling like a coward, she escaped to the kitchen. She cut herself a small slice of pie and then half the pie for Viper, practically smothering it in whipped cream, her hand shaking.

“I’m going to have a nervous breakdown before I can tell him,” she told herself.

Carrying the plate toward the sliding glass door, she paused when she heard Viper talking. Not wanting to interrupt his call, she tried to open the door quietly.

“I told you I want it done.” Viper had his back to her as he spoke on his phone. He was brushing down the grill, twisting the knobs to make sure the gas was off. “I want Raul found before someone else gets hurt. Shade, we can’t assume his targets are just Hennessy or the Predators. The whole club is at risk until that fucking murderer is found. It gives me nightmares to think about how John, Chance, Noah, and Ema could be his targets. He won’t give a fuck about hurting children to pay us back.” Viper shoved his hand into his back pocket. “Tell Rachel, if she doesn’t want to stay at the clubhouse, then move into the Porters’, but those are her only choices.

“Thank God I only have Winter and Aunt Shay to worry about. I’ve convinced Winter to stay here for another week. That way, I can keep an eye on Aunt Shay until you catch the fucker or I convince Aunt Shay to move.” Viper stopped to listen to whatever Shade was saying.

“Don’t jinx me by telling me that I need to have a kid to loosen me up. The last thing I need right now is a kid. Just tell Jackal to find the bastard so I can get some sleep.”

Winter saw Viper disconnect the call, turning to shove it angrily into his jeans pocket.

“I’m pregnant.”

13

Winter set the pie plates on the table, waiting for his reaction. One by one, she could see his emotions play out in his expression. Shock, concern, disbelief, none of the myriad of emotions included joy.

“Please tell me you’re joking.” His harsh voice had her jumping.

“No. I’m pregnant… I just found out today.” She spun around when Viper tried to pass her. “Wait…” She caught his arm as he brushed past.

“How long have you known?” He turned back with a furious expression when she wouldn’t let go of his arm.

“I told you… I just found out this morning. Wh-where are you going?” she stuttered.