~𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙴~

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕪-𝕖𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥

Tig paced back and forth in their bedroom, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew he had to go on the run lined up by Clay, but the thought of leaving Bellatrix alone so close to her due date gnawed at him.

Bellatrix watched him from the bed, her heart aching for him. She knew how much he wanted to be there for the birth of their child, but she also understood the importance of the run. She wished there was something she could do to ease his worry, but she was feeling the weight of the situation herself. The thought of him being away for two weeks, possibly missing the birth, brought tears to her eyes.

"Tig," she called softly, beckoning him to come sit beside her. He joined her on the bed, taking her hand in his. "I know you have to go on this run, and I understand why. But I want you to know that I'll be okay. We'll be okay. The baby will wait for you," she said, trying to reassure him.

Tig squeezed her hand, his eyes filled with love and concern. "I know, baby. I just wish I could be here for you, for the birth," he replied, his voice filled with emotion.

Bellatrix leaned in and kissed him gently. "You'll be here in spirit, and that's what matters. We'll get through this together," she said, trying to stay strong for both of them.

Tig nodded, his resolve firming. "I'll make sure everything is ready before I leave. I'll take care of everything so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and the baby," he said, determination in his voice.

Bellatrix smiled, grateful for his support. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she also knew that they were a team, and together, they could face anything.

*

Bellatrix was visibly upset as she waddled past her father, her emotions swirling inside her. Tig parked the Tahoe and hurried to her side, concern etched on his face. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, placing a comforting hand on her arm.

Bellatrix shook her head, trying to compose herself. "I just... I can't believe you're leaving for two weeks, Tig. What if something happens while you're gone? What if the baby comes early?" Her voice trembled with worry.

.

Tig's hands were gentle yet firm as he held Bellatrix's face, his eyes locked onto hers. "Lil' mama, you will be fine, I will be fine, everything will be fine, okay? I need you to be brave for me, for us, for Stetson," he said, his voice filled with sincerity and love.

Bellatrix nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She knew Tig was trying to be strong for her, and she wanted to do the same for him. "I'll try, Tig. I just... I'll miss you so much," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Tig brushed his thumb gently across her cheek, wiping away a tear. "I'll miss you too, more than you know. But we'll stay in touch every day, and before you know it, I'll be back home with you and our little man," he said, trying to offer her some comfort.

Bellatrix managed a small smile, feeling a bit more reassured by his words. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she also knew they would get through it together. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the weeks ahead. "Okay, Big Daddy. I'll be brave. For us," she said, determination shining in her eyes.

The couple stood there in a tight embrace, Bellatrix's face buried in Tig's chest as tears streamed steadily down her cheeks. She clung to him as if she never wanted to let go, her whole body trembling with the weight of their impending separation.

Tig held her close, his arms wrapped protectively around her, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. He wanted to stay strong for her, but seeing her like this tore at his heart. He gently stroked her hair, whispering soothing words in her ear, trying to offer her some comfort in their moment of despair.

"It's okay, Bellie. It's going to be okay," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring. "I'll be back before you know it, I promise. Just stay strong for me, for Stetson."

Bellatrix nodded against his chest, trying to find solace in his words. She knew Tig had to go, but it didn't make it any easier. She held onto him a little tighter, as if she could somehow make time stand still.

"I love you, Tig," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I love you too, Bellie," Tig replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "More than anything in this world."

The sound of bikes firing up around them finally registered with the couple, breaking the fragile bubble of their embrace. Bellatrix looked up, her eyes meeting Tig's for a brief moment before reality crashed back in.

"Sarge! It's go time, we're gonna be late," Clay's voice cut through the air, snapping them back to the present. Tig reluctantly released Bellatrix, stepping back to look at her.

"I have to go," he said softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I'll call you as soon as I can. I promise."

Bellatrix nodded, her eyes still filled with tears. She watched as Tig mounted his bike, the engine rumbling to life beneath him. She stood there, rooted to the spot, as he pulled away from her, joining the rest of the group as they headed out of the clubhouse.

As the sound of the bikes faded into the distance, Bellatrix was left standing alone in the parking lot, her heart heavy with sorrow. She knew this was part of their life, part of being with Tig, but that didn't make it any easier. She wiped away her tears, steeling herself for the days ahead.

*

Bellatrix arrived home after seeing Tig off, her heart heavy with his absence. As she stepped through the door, the emptiness of the house enveloped her, and a wave of loneliness washed over her. But instead of succumbing to the sadness, she felt a surge of energy and determination.

She knew that she needed to stay busy, to keep her mind occupied and focused on something other than missing Tig. So, she went into full-on nesting mode. She started by cleaning the house, scrubbing every surface until it gleamed. Then, she moved on to organizing, sorting through closets and drawers, getting rid of clutter, and making space for the new life that would soon be joining her.

Next, she turned her attention to the nursery. She had already set it up months ago, but now she wanted everything to be perfect. She washed and folded tiny clothes, arranged stuffed animals and toys, and made sure that everything was ready for her baby's arrival.

As she worked, she felt a sense of purpose and anticipation building within her. She imagined Tig coming home to a clean, organized house, and she hoped that it would bring him some comfort knowing that she was taking care of things while he was away.

By the time she was finished, the house felt different. It no longer felt empty and lonely; instead, it felt warm and inviting, filled with the promise of new life. Bellatrix smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that the next two weeks would be hard, but she also knew that she was strong enough to get through them. And when Tig returned, he would find her waiting for him, ready to start their new life together as a family