Tiny's Sweet Obsession

53: Beauty in Pain

Lily POV

Atlanta was a whirlwind, especially the shopping trip. Gears' comment shocked me, and seeing Tiny's anger had me hiding out in the dressing room, hiding my tears.

A light knock came from the dressing room door, and I heard Tiger's small voice on the other side. Opening the door, she gave me a small smile before stepping in and wrapping me in a hug.

"Ignore them. Gears doesn't know shit about love," Tiger said, shaking her head.

Love? I don't love...

"It's okay. You don't have to admit it out loud, but I see it. You look at Tiny the same way I look at Ace," Tiger said, pulling away.

I wiped away the last of my tears and forced a smile. "I just thought Tiny was going to kiss me, but he didn't, and now I'm embarrassed," I admitted.

"Girl, that boy has been staring at your lips since we found you! If Gears wasn't an asshole, then you wouldn't be standing here with tears in your eyes. Don't give up on Tiny. Just be yourself and show them you belong here. Fuck everyone else," she said, waving towards the others.

"Now, what outfit is your favorite?" she asked, glancing around the dressing room.

A yellow knee-length sundress stood out, and I pointed to it. Tiger nodded and helped me into it, and we stepped out to show the others. Ignoring the voices in my head and the others, I waited for Tiny's approval, and his massive smile told me he loved it.

I told the owner I just wanted the dress, not wanting a gift, and Tiger pulled me towards the shoes. However, my heart dropped when I overheard the price of the dress. Walking over to Tiny, I saw several large bags on the counter and tried to object, but he pulled me into him and kissed me.

It took my mind and body to register what was happening before I melted into his strong arms. His lips moved against mine, and I timidly moved mine too, hoping I was doing it right.

My heart pounded against my chest as I pulled away. Looking into Tiny's beautiful green eyes stared at me with security and love, and for the first time, I understood what it felt like to feel loved. Pure love.

Maybe Tiger was right. I am in love with Tiny.

*****

Hawk pulled into the hospital parking lot and led us straight toward Kayla's room. As we neared her room, I could hear Kayla yelling from the hallway. We all looked at each other and took a breath before walking in.

Kayla sat bent over on the edge of the bed while holding Whiskey's arms, and both looked in pain. I looked at his arms and understood why. Kayla's nails dug into his arms, drawing blood, as she apparently had done a few times before. Whiskey saw us, and he seemed relieved before Kayla screamed and tore up his arm again. I hid behind Tiny, scared of everything going on.

After Kayla breathed a few times, Whiskey whispered, "Hey love, they're here."

Tiger squatted in front of Kayla and smiled. "Hey girl, how are you feeling? Think we can wait another week for this baby to come?"

"Where is Lily? I'm not doing this without her!" she screamed, bending over again.

Tiger motioned for me, and I hesitantly stood next to Whiskey. "She's having contractions, and if she doesn't calm down, the baby will come early. It's not ideal, but if we can get Kayla emotionally stable, it might slow things down," she whispered.

I nodded and waited for Kayla's soul to return to her body. Kayla's eyes met mine, and she became a crying mess.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm okay. Please, don't cry," I begged, crouching down. "Tiny found me, and I promise I will tell you everything after you deliver the baby...in a week. Besides, I haven't had time to make the baby a birthday cake yet."

"Thank fuck you're okay. Someone call the doctor!" she yelled, and everyone jumped into action.

We all waited in the waiting area, but the image of Kayla and Whiskey in pain seared into my brain. Out of all the Rider women, I am closest to Kayla, but I had no idea I meant that much to her. Tiny and the others said I was a part of their family, but seeing Kayla put herself through this pain for me put everything into perspective.

As we waited, we all made our final bets on the baby's gender. Whiskey and Kayla kept it a secret, but everyone was hoping for a boy. It would give Ellie a built-in brother and protector when she's older. I, however, want another girl. Ellie can grow up with a sister to talk to and share her secrets with because she already has a multitude of overprotective men to keep her safe.

A few hours later, Whiskey returned, and we all held our breath.

"It's a girl," he beamed, and the waiting room erupted in cheers.

"She is beautiful and tiny, but the doctor said she is perfectly healthy," Whiskey continued. "Would you like to come meet her?"

We all nodded and followed Whiskey back to the room. Kayla gave a sleepy smile before staring back at the incubator. A box with wires and beeping noises to see the tiniest bundle of joy I had ever seen inside. I didn't touch the glass, afraid to mess something up, but I stared at her in awe. Tiny wrapped his arms around me, and I leaned into him, holding back my tears.

Kayla did it! She will be an amazing mom, and her little girl has already stolen our hearts. Just as her sister, Ellie, has done.

Moving my hair, he whispered, "You wanted a girl all along, didn't you?"

A giggle escaped me. "Maybe," I smirked.

"She's cute, but not as cute as you," Tiny smiled, gently kissing my lips.

"Holy shit!" Kayla whispered. "When did this happen?!"

Tiny laughed and teased, "Oh, like you haven't told me to kiss her since you got here."

"Girl! We have a LOT to talk about, but maybe when I'm not so tired," Kayla yawned.

"We will be patiently waiting back at the clubhouse once the doctors have cleared you," Tiger assured her.

"Wait, what is her name?" I asked Kayla, missing that detail.

"Callie," Kayla proudly stated.

"If we had a boy, we would name him Caleb, after my late brother. But we are blessed with a beautiful girl, so we came up with something similar," Kayla said, wiping away tears.

Tiger grabbed Kayla's hand and smiled. "It's perfect. Ellie and Callie. They are going to be the best of friends."

Kayla's eyes drifted shut, and Tiger's stomach growled, telling us it was time to go. It was dark when we left, and Hawk said it was a thirty-minute drive back to the clubhouse. Leaning against Tiny, I could feel my adrenaline wearing off and my eyes getting heavy, and we still weren't home.

Home. A concept I never thought I would understand. But Tiny and the other Riders have built a home for me with them. Home doesn't have to be with parents, siblings, or the perfect picture you painted in your head. Instead, home can be people and a place that welcomes you with open arms, and I found mine.