Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
She moved up to Alfie’s side.
“I don’t know. What am I supposed to think? Are you guys planning on renovating it?”
The scent of mold was heavy in the air.
“You shouldn’t work at the diner. It’s not why you trained at a culinary school. Your mom was showing me all these food blogs, and the kind you can create your own show and stuff.”
“Yeah,” she said. “I know about them.”
“This is your chance to set one up. The guys will stay out of the way, and we’ll help you film and get set up. You’ve got complete design control.”
“You’re saying this place is mine?” Chloe asked, pointing at it.
“It’s not a lot, but it’s a start. We can get some cupboards installed, a pantry, stove, sink. Get everything hooked up, and you can go live within a month, I reckon. I’ve got several favors owed to me, and well, you can have this place.”
Chloe’s mouth was open. Shock filled her.
“You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
“I think it’s amazing, sweetie,” Lily said. “I can see you right now doing your thing. Singing and dancing as you cook.” Lily clapped her hands. “It will be wonderful.”
“I think it’s crazy,” Chloe said. “What do you want for it?”
Alfie tensed beside her, and even Lily looked uncomfortable.
“I don’t want anything, Chloe.”
“I wasn’t raised stupid, Eagle. You don’t just give this stuff to people for free.”
“Chloe!”
“No, it’s okay. I’m impressed you asked.” Eagle smiled. “Your delivery needs some work, but you’re right. I don’t give shit like this for free. There’s always a price.”
“What do you want for it?” Chloe asked.
“You to stay in town. To give Alfie a chance, the club a chance, and me and your mom a chance.”
“Eagle?”
“I told you Alfie already knew, and I know he got that little nugget of information from you,” Eagle said, nodding at her. “There are no terms and conditions with this, Chloe. I’m hoping we can all be a family and learn to get along without all the bullshit lies or sneaking around. I love your mom more than anything in the world, and I know my son loves you. I don’t know what you think or feel, but I’m willing to bet it’s pretty strong to move in with him. This is a second chance. That’s all.”
Chloe nodded. “I’m sorry. I’m … nervous. My dad always said the club didn’t do anything without payment.”
“You’re not just anyone, Chloe. You’re family, and from what I’ve tasted, you’re talented. I know we’ve all got a lot of history to work through, but I’m willing to do it, if you are,” Eagle said.
The space was amazing, and she could really put her touch to it.
“What do you think?” Alfie asked, coming toward her.
“I think … it’s everything I could ever want.” She let out a giggle and threw her arms around Alfie’s neck. “Thank you.”
“It was all Dad’s idea,” he said.
“Thank you both, and the club.”
“Technically, I’ve done this for selfish reasons,” Eagle said.
“How come?”
“You’ll be feeding us. Nothing will ever go to waste, unless it tastes like shit.”
She chuckled. “You and Mom, are you two going to be making this official?”
“If your mom will have me,” Eagle said, taking hold of Lily’s hand.
“Yeah, I’ll have you. We’ve wasted enough time as it is.”
Chloe rested her head against Alfie’s shoulder as she watched Eagle and Lily. They’d been apart for too long, and now it was just good to see them together.
Chapter Nineteen
One month later
Alfie was very much aware of how long it had passed since he and Chloe had been together. He also knew she hadn’t gotten her period. The test he’d bought was in his jacket pocket, but as she was getting hugs and words of encouragement from the club, he didn’t want to spoil her day.
They needed to know if she was pregnant or not.
The old warehouse had been converted into a cooking studio, one she could be more than proud of. He’d helped with the decorating and installing. They’d gotten electricians, gas men, and builders to make sure the structure was sound, and now, after four weeks of hard labor, she was finally able to get started cooking.
Eagle had even given her a thousand bucks to start her pantry, and Alfie saw the tears in her eyes as he moved past the guys and pulled her into his arms.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said.
“Hey, you. I can’t believe all of this has been done for me.”
“Why? You’re worth it.”
“I can’t believe it, in all honesty. This, coming back to town, you, us, it’s all a little surreal.”
He knew it hadn’t been easy. Several guys in town had tried to bring up the fair fuck, but he’d dealt with them, and seeing as his dad was currently her number one fan, he had a whole club at his back.
Ian and Riley, well, they were her fans as well. Her food did that to people. It made them want to protect her, not that he saw a problem with that. She was worth protecting and loving.