He pulls me into a hug. "I'm proud of you, you know that?"
"For what?"
"For choosing your own life, for standing your ground when I pushed back. That took guts."
"Thanks, Dad."
"But if he ever?—"
"I know. You'll destroy him. Everyone knows."
He almost smiles. "Good."
That evening, there's a barbecue at the clubhouse. The whole South Carolina chapter is here, families included. There are kids running around, music playing, and the smell of grilled meat filling the air. I stand beside Rush and watch him navigate it all. He's polite but guarded, clearly aware he's being watched. Phantom appears with beers, hands one to Rush.
"Relax," Phantom says. "Nobody's going to bite."
"They're all judging me."
"Of course they are. You're with Everly. But that doesn't mean they hate you."
"Feels like it."
"That's just protective energy. Give them time."
Crowe walks over. "Pyro tells us you've been solid in Dublin."
"I try," Rush says.
"That's all anyone can ask. You treating Everly right?"
"Yeah."
"You excited about the baby?"
"Terrified but excited."
Crowe grins. "That's the right answer."
I watch the tension in Rush's shoulders ease slightly. He's starting to realize these men aren't his enemies. They're just protective of family.
Later, my dad pulls Rush aside and I watch from across the yard. I can't hear what they're saying but I see the body language. My dad's posture is still guarded but less hostile, while Rush is standing his ground without posturing. They talk for a few minutes, then my dad claps Rush on the shoulder. When Rush comes back to me he looks relieved.
"What did he say?" I ask.
"That he's watching me, but he respects that I haven't run."
"That's high praise from him."
"Yeah, I figured."
Later that night, Rush and I are in my old room at my dad's house. It's strange being here, surrounded by remnants of who I used to be. Posters on the walls, books from high school, photos of me with friends I haven't talked to in years.
"This is weird," Rush says, looking around.
"What is?"
"Seeing where you grew up. It's so different from Dublin."