Leader: Book Three (Princes of Prophecy 3) (15 page)

“I’m taking them to see Anita and Deirdre today. Anita has been busy and needs some signatures. I can do that while I’m there.”

“You should sign up for some help Brother. Lily got it up and running for people to use when they need it.”

I look at him. “If I need help I ask. I don’t need the list.”

“You haven’t asked anyone for anything.”

“I don’t need anything Jessie. Alex comes every night to help. My mom, Jess, Jeremy and Brenda show at least once a week. I’m doing okay with my little guys and don’t need any more than what I have.”

He looks at Lily and hopes she wakes up soon. I do too. I kiss her lips and tell her we’ll be back soon. He kisses her cheek, making me smile, then takes Teller and carries him out. This is why I don’t need help. Him, Dakota, Taylor and Darren are always lending a hand. It’s the way Brotherhood should be. They don’t ask they just show up.

At the truck he clips Teller in and sits in the passenger seat. “Don’t you have shit to do today?”

“I’m doing it. With everyone working and you being home more I don’t see you. I’m taking a day a month and spending it with my Brothers. Taylor’s next.”

I smile. “I’m at Security six hours a day, but I’ll take it. I love the fuckin’ Brotherhood.”

He laughs. “It’s good to see you smile Brother.”

I think about that. I smile all the time with Lily and the boys. With everything on my mind I guess it’s not showing anywhere else. “I didn’t realize I wasn’t smiling anywhere but at home. I’m good Brother.”

He’s thinking he didn’t mean to make it sound bad. I’ve been intense. I guess I am, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. I have a job that people depend on me doing. I need to be focused to keep everyone safe. I’ll take intense.

Anita runs out opening the door as soon as I pull up. “Everything is on her desk. Let me at my boys. They’re getting big without me. Oh look at you child, you’ve grown an inch.” She’s got Phoenix and Jessie takes Teller. I walk in front of them opening the door. No one says hi anymore, they surround the babies and ignore me. I’m laughing walking into Lily’s office. I stop short slammed by the memory of her smiling from that desk. She needs to be at her desk. I take a deep breath and swallow the lump in my throat. I need to do this for her today. I sit and read through everything before I sign it. Anita is applying for a grant and the paperwork is like a fuckin’ book. It’s for money for an aftercare program that will help set women up in the event that they don’t have families they can stay with when their need for the shelter is over. I thought we already did this.

I go find Anita. She’s got Teller now, Jessie is talking to Deirdre and a caseworker that has Phoenix. “I have some questions Anita.” She nods and hands Teller to Deirdre. “I might have some answers. Let’s go find out my handsome Prince.” I shake my head following her.

“Why the grant for aftercare?”

She sits smiling. “Lily got someone at the college to research and write it. I brought it to Kate and she said it was good. She’s putting in for one too. It will free up money for other programs.”

“The businesses we set up are covering the budget and Princes will cover the difference if anything is needed.”

She laughs. “Sometimes the smartest people I know are clueless. You think the MC doesn’t find a way to get Kate everything her heart desires? She doesn’t want money handed to her. She spent years working to know she brought good to her community. It’s not just the men that are proud of the Brotherhood. The women need to feel like they’re part of it too. They work just as hard, but in a different way. Give her this. Let her help in the ways she can.”

I look down and swallow that lump again. She didn’t use past tense. “I will, thank you.” I sign off on the grant and hand her the file standing up. “Call me if you need anything.”

“You know I will. Even if it’s just to see that pretty face.” I laugh and she hugs me. “We all believe child. You make it easy for us to. Go get your boys and tell their mamma that we miss her.”

“Yeah,” is all I can manage. She walks out and I take a minute to breathe. Nothing is written.

I take the boys to Security and everyone has them again. I can’t help smiling. I bet this is why women get depressed. They’re forgotten as soon as a baby is seen. I’ll make sure Lily doesn’t feel that. Jessie calls for lunch and Taylor takes a break with us. It feels good. We get the boys fed and changed and head back to the Compound. The guard gives me the mail as we pass through. At the house Jessie goes right upstairs. I drop the mail in the office on the way.

“Little Ben!”

I run. Jessie doesn’t do panic. I come through the door and stop, he’s staring at her. What the fuck? I look again and her eyes are open, but she’s not moving. I put the baby on the bed and bend over her. The monitor shows everything the same. “It took you long enough babe. Your boys can’t wait to hear your voice.”

She blinks and smiles. I feel the tears roll down my face and don’t give a fuck because I got my smile. She puts her hand on my face and it’s all I can do to keep standing.

“I’ll call Dakota.” Jessie walks out.

“I’ve missed you Lily.” I kiss her lips.

She looks confused. “What happened?” Her voice sounds funny, but I don’t want to let her go.

“You’ve been in a coma. A piece of the wind turbine hit you in the head. Our boys are here. Teller and Phoenix.”

She cries. “My babies are here. I didn’t feel them; I thought it was a dream.”

I lift her up watching out for her tubes and the bag on the side of the bed. “No Little Mamma. They’re here. Healthy and waiting to meet you.”

“Now. Can I see them now?”

I laugh putting her down. “Anything.” I get water and open it. She has trouble holding it so I don’t let it go. “I’m so fuckin’ happy to see you sitting up.”

“What’s wrong with my hands?” She has tears again.

“Let’s meet your boys. We’ll deal with that later.” I wipe her tears and get Phoenix out of his seat.

“My baby.”

“Yes. This is Phoenix. He likes laying against you. The first time he smiled was against your side.”

She cries, but I think it’s a good one. I put him in her left arm and she kisses him. “I’m so happy Phoenix. I love your name.”

“Jeremy named him.” I watch to make sure she can hold him before I get Teller. He makes his noise and I laugh. “If they’re separated they do that.” Phoenix answers making her laugh.

I pick up Teller and she smiles. “He’s going to look just like you.” He has a shock of dark straight hair. Phoenix is a little lighter and not as straight but they have the same face. “Thank God I can tell them apart.”

I laugh. I thought the same thing. Dakota and Jessie laugh from the doorway. “I didn’t know you were here.” I smile at them.

“Always Brother,” Jessie says and I swallow the lump in my throat. Fuck.

“Yeah.”

“Is it okay for me to come in? I would like to make sure you are doing well Lily.”

“Please. There’s something wrong with my hands.” She has the tears again.

“Amanda is on her way,” Jessie tells us and I nod glad that she’s here. “I asked the nurse to wait for her. They went for some ice cream with the kids, it won’t be long.”

Dakota is holding Lily’s arm like he’s done every day. I wipe my face and watch. She’s still got Phoenix in her arm. I am so fuckin’ relieved. I have adrenaline running through me and feel like my skin is too tight. Dakota looks at Jessie. “Bring our Brother a drink to calm him down. He is fighting the urge to jump for joy.” I crack up. I’m so happy to see Lily laugh. Maybe a drink would be good.

“How long was I in a coma?”

I stop laughing. “Thirty-two days.”

She cries and holds Phoenix against her. “My babies have been here all this time. They’re so small. I wasn’t here for them.”

I move Dakota over and bend to kiss her. “They are healthy and happy. Nick checks on them almost every day and you’ve held them every day. You just don’t remember.”

She calms down and Dakota steps away. “I have seen you holding your babies Lily. Prez has made sure they know you. You have always felt them, now you get to see them.”

She smiles at him. “Yes.”

“I am happy you are back with us. The ancestors are smiling today. Our great leader has his princess back. This is a day to celebrate all that is.”

Lily laughs and I’m smiling. I love that sound. Someone is running up the stairs and I freeze wondering if I need my gun. No one else is moving. Amanda and Jeremy come running in the door. Jesus. I let my breath out.

Jeremy laughs and hugs me then goes right to Lily. “Hi.” I laugh.

“Thank you for naming my boy. I love it.”

He kisses her cheek. “It’s perfect.”

Lily gives me a shy look. “I need to use the bathroom.”

Amanda kicks us out. Jeremy takes Phoenix and we all wait in the hall. I get my drink in me and relish the burn going down. Everything is better now that she’s awake.

“I need to tell you this, but hope it does not take away the happiness you are feeling.” Fuck. I take a breath and nod, I’m ready. “She has some damage. It is on her right side. She will overcome it, but it will take some time. I will ask Mitch to come right away so it is not a concern. She
will
overcome it. Today celebrate with her. She is happy and healthy just like your sons.”

I say his words over again. “Her story wasn’t written. It is now. We’ll get through whatever we need to.”

He smiles. “You will and yes it is now my Brother.”

I’m so relieved to hear that. Jeremy laughs. Dakota walks away pulling his phone. He’s calling Mitch. I dial my dad and tell him. He surprises me yelling, “Thank fuck!” I just laugh. I tell Jessie to call Brantley and let everyone know but we need some time. He’ll text everyone.

Amanda lets us back in. Jeremy puts Phoenix right back in her arm and kisses her cheek. I put Teller on her other side and Amanda motions me to the hall. “I took her IV and catheter out. She has some other issues that will need...” I put my hand up.

“Dakota told me about her right side. He’s on with Mitch right now.”

She nods and pulls me down kissing my cheek. “I’m glad you never give up. You’re a good man Little Ben. She deserves a good man.” I have no idea what to say so I throw her chin. She laughs and goes to talk to the nurse.

Everything goes by too fast. I can’t take in her every move and smile while people come in and out talking to me. They’ve all been here showing support for us so I don’t stop it, but wish for night to get here so I can spend time with her and our boys.

I put Teller on her right arm and give her his bottle to feed him. She’s so fuckin’ happy she has tears again. I smile because I actually got that from her.

Pres comes in and goes right to her. “I am so fuckin’ happy to see you smile. It’s been too long Lily.” I laugh.

“It has apparently. My poor husband has been left with two babies.” She’s smiling up at him, but I see hurt in her eyes.

I shake my head no, but Pres answers for me. “He did everything as if you were right beside him showing him how Lily. He never missed a beat, never regretted the time you were sleeping. Everyone will tell you how he demanded you be by his side and your boys stay with you. That’s how you ended up here and not at the rehabilitation center. He wouldn’t allow you to be away from him for even one night. He showed everyone what all in means.”

She looks at me with tears. “Thank you. I love you too.”

I just nod. Mitch comes bouncing in with a smile. Pres takes Teller and the bottle and moves away so Mitch can talk to her. “Jeremy, get Phoenix and follow me. We’ll be in their room Little Ben.” I smile at his order and watch them go. He just wanted to hold the baby.

While Mitch is talking to her about some kind of brace-glove and boot, Lily tells her about her eye. Dakota didn’t say anything about her eye so I pay closer attention. She didn’t see the boys on the bed earlier and she doesn’t see when someone is on her side. Mitch does a finger thing and tells her it’s peripheral. She doesn’t seem concerned, but I note it so I don’t do anything to make that feel like a bigger problem for her. I agree to take Lily in for some scans and Mitch bounces with her little clap. Lily is smiling when she leaves. I’m glad Dakota thought to call right away.

I bend and kiss her, happy to get a kiss back. “I’ve missed you Little Mamma.”

“It feels surreal. I feel like I just woke up and a whole month has passed. It was just yesterday that I saw you last.” I don’t know what to say so I kiss her lips again.

“That will never get old,” Uncle Danny says walking in. Brenda squeals and runs to Lily. I hug Uncle Danny and follow him out. “I’ll see her when it calms down. Everyone is happy for you LB and so fuckin’ proud of how you handled everything.”

I don’t know what to say. No one is in the boys’ room so I start down the stairs. “How did you know? Did you see it?”

I stop and look at him. “No. Her story wasn’t written. I just held on hoping it was long enough that the ancestors had to write something.”

He laughs as if I’m kidding and slaps my back.