Page 121 of Down & Dirty: Reaper
Vi blinked. One thing Jewel never did was mince words. “I’m an asshole?”
“Why do you sound surprised? You have to be to deal with these pig-headed bikers, including the Shadows, and survive. You’re a take-no-shit type of woman and I’m extremely proud of you for that. Doormats get worn down easily and get tossed aside quickly because they can’t handle the life.”
Her mother was so damn right. “Do you really think I should become his ol’ lady?”
“That’s a decision only you can make. But if I have a vote, I say yes. Plus, I can’t wait to see Diesel with his girl grandbabies.”
“Jesus, Mom, you know I’m not in a rush to have children. But, damn, that would be hilarious if all his grandkids were girls.”
Jewel’s laugh was bordering on a cackle. “Having all girls was your father’s fault. I reminded him of that every time one of you broke free of my hoo-hah and landed in his arms.”
“Broke free?” Vi shuddered. “I feel nauseous. I’m never having kids.”
“I told you how big you babies were and—”
“Do you want grandchildren?”
“Of course, but not until you girls are ready.”
“Then shut up about what damage we did to your…your…hoo-hah!”
A soft snort filled Vi’s ears. But her mother sounded serious when she asked, “Do you love him?”
Was she going to finally admit it out loud? Once it escaped her mouth, there was no taking it back. She needed to be sure.
It was difficult to keep secrets in their world.
She pulled in a deep breath and on the exhale admitted, “I do, Mom.”
Jewel’s tone was cautious when she asked, “Have you told him?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Good question.
“Is it because you think becoming an ol’ lady will stifle your independence?”
“Did you think that with Dad?”
“I mean, I had to make some concessions, but so did your father,” Jewel answered.
“Did he, though?”
“He had no choice if he didn’t want to lose me.”
“Holy shit. You’re a badass bitch, Mom, you know that?”
She could hear her mother smile through the phone. “And we raised three badass bitches. You’re welcome.”
“Thanks. Love you.” She had the best mom in the world. Vi could go to her for absolutely anything.
“Love you, too. Now go tell the man you love him and see how he reacts. That’ll tell you everything you need to know.”
“I’ll tell him when I see him in the morning.”
Her mother huffed, “You think I don’t know you just left his bed to call me in the middle of the night?”
