Page 60 of Kiwi

My mom came down for a visit two weeks ago, and I am happy to say our relationship is getting stronger by the day.

"Crow had some business to handle two towns over, and we decided at the last minute to swing by. I hope that's okay."

"Of course. I'm happy you guys decided to visit." I hug her while Crow stands and offers Tai his hand. The two men shake and do that manly chin lift thing, then the four of us take a seat. I sit between my dad and Tai.

"How was your day, Bean?" My dad leans over and kisses my temple.

"It was great," I beam.

"Tell them your news, baby." Tai rests his arm on the back of my chair.

"What news?" dad asks.

"Umm…Dr. Channing has offered to be my mentor. And she asked if when I finish with my degree, would I be interested in taking over her practice when she retires."

"You're fuckin' kiddin' me?" Dad booms.

I shake my head. "No. Dr. Channing said that she and her husband talked about retirement, and the subject of her practice and what she was going to do came up. Dr. Channing said she wanted it to be me who took over. That she believes in me." I smile.

"Hell yeah, she does. We all believe in you, Bean." I blush at my dad's compliment.

"Wow, Piper. This is wonderful news," my mom boasts.

All the guys tip their bottles and express their congratulations.

"Thanks, guys. I mean, I know it's not for several years, and I have a long way to go, but I am thrilled at the thought of someday owning my own practice. I will have to work out the kinks, like how I am going to afford it. I'm sure I can apply for a loan at the bank or something. I have time to figure all that out later," I wave my hand.

"You know the club will help you out, Piper," Uncle Abel offers. My dad nods, agreeing with his brother.

"We got you, baby girl."

"That won't be necessary, Prez," Tai cuts in. "When the time comes, I'll take care of it." Tai looks at Uncle Abel, then at my dad. There is a brief unspoken conversation between the three. Both my dad and uncle tip their bottles and nod like the decision has been made.

"I appreciate you guys offering, but I can figure out how to pay on my own." I don't look at Tai when I say that, but he knows my comment was direct at him as well. I can feel his gaze burning a hole in the side of my head.

"I said when the time comes, I'll take care of it. End of story."

What?

Dad shakes his head, and Uncle Abel chuckles. My mom looks amused, and Crow sits silently, but I don't miss the smirk on his face.

Turning in my seat, I face Tai. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Piper." Tai stands his ground.

"I heard you, but you obviously didn't listen to me when I said I would figure it out."

Leaning in close, bringing his face an inch from mine, Tai gently but firmly grips the back of my neck. "You're my woman, Piper. Part of being my woman means I am going to take care of you. It's not because I don't think you have the ability to take care of yourself. I know you can. It means that I have the pleasure of providing for you—for us. Piper, you will be spending the next four years working on your bachelor's degree, then the next four years after in vet school. You will be working hard every day to make a life for you, for me, and our future children. While you are working hard to make your dreams come true, and mine by simply breathing; the least I can do is the same while supporting you in any way I can. Now, do you have a problem with that?"

I sit stunned with my mouth gaped open at the beautiful words that just came out of Tai's mouth.

"Fuckin' A, brother. Best goddamn man for my baby girl," my dad grunts. "Now, close your mouth and answer the man, Bean."

Doing as I'm told, I answer my man. "No, Tai. I don't have a problem with that."

"Didn't think so." He kisses me.

A couple of hours later,the bar is packed, booze is flowing, and Fender has taken the stage. Twisted Throttle always draws a massive crowd on the nights he sings.