The Strongest Hit.

Chapter 24: Guts over Fear

Justin's POV:

Kenny had fallen asleep in my lap on the way back to the gym. Just thinking about my girl being locked up sent chills down my spine. I didn't like it one bit, but it's all that consumed my mind.
I ran my fingers through her soft hair and silently vowed to myself that I would figure out a way to give her a normal life.
It's what she deserved after everything she's been through. Losing her mother, the abuse from Asher, and having to deal with my crazy ass all the time...my girl deserved a normal and happy life.
My thoughts drifted to seeing her sitting on a swing, her blonde hair blowing in the country breeze. The swing was hanging from the porch of a beautiful home...our home. Her smile was held pure happiness as she watched 3 blonde headed babies playing in the front yard. Our babies.
I took in a deep, shocking breath as I opened my eyes.
Did I really just imagine having a family with her? Being her husband? Seeing our children? I've never entertained thoughts like that before...EVER. But for her? With her? Anything was possible and now I wanted it so bad. To be normal...with her.

"What you daydreaming about back there, felon?"
Charlie's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror.
"If you only knew, old man."
I whispered more to myself than him.
But apparently he'd heard me, both him and Joey gave each other a pointed look.
"If either of you two knuckleheads have something to say...then say it.
I screwed up...Kenny screwed up.
What's done is done. I need to just figure out a way to keep that rat bastard out of our lives."
I looked down at my girl, making sure she was still asleep. My arms instinctively wrapping around her more tightly.
She was my Queen. And even though she surprised me with her strength, I was still her fucking King. And I'd always protect her, even though she showed how strong she is.
It was in my DNA to keep her safe.
I looked up to find Charlie and Joey having a silent conversation with their eyes.
Their faces were strained and I could see the hesitation between them.
"Fucking what now?"
Turning straight ahead, they both remained silent.
I didn't want to wake my girl, but I wasn't gonna be left in the dark.
I brought my leg up and kicked the back of their seats as forcefully as I could without waking her.
Their bodies both swung forward with my warning.
"Whatever your hiding from me...just spit it out. I can take it."
Joey's hand tightened on the steering wheel.
Charlie turned around and gave me a cold ass glare and then looked down at his daughter's sleeping form.
"But can she?" he whispered.
I knew whatever it was, wasn't going to be good. But I also knew I was done underestimating her. Kenny could handle it.
"She's stronger than you think, Charlie.
Stronger than me, than you...stronger than all of us.
I've underestimated her for too long, not anymore."
His eyes remained on her as he spoke again.
"You see her so clearly, boy.
I've come to realize that when it comes to the two of you...you work as one.
She's stronger because of you, your stronger because of her."
He gave me a smile, but it fell with his next words.
"Theirs been some complications.
Your boys are meeting us at the gym.
We have alot to tell the two of you.
Decisions have to be made, and fast."
My chest rose with a deep breath.
Complications? Could we ever catch a break?
"Are we talking Asher complications?"
He nodded. I nodded.
"You may want to wake her up, since she needs to decide too."
I shook my head in warning.
"Let her sleep. Our girl needs it.
The meeting will start when she's ready."
He nodded and turned around.
It felt like a thousand pound weight was about to be dropped on us.
I'd give my girl these last few minutes of rest before she had to feel the weight.

Charlie's POV:

The rest of the ride was silent.
Justin had finally fallen asleep.
I didn't want to wake them as we got closer to the gym.
These two kids needed to rest, they had no idea what was coming next.
The father in me wanted to protect them both.
They were both my kid's now.
I'd protect them both...I had to.
"Keep driving for a bit, Joey.
Let them rest some more.
Stop at the grocery store on 73rd and I'll pick up some food and booze.
Tonight is gonna be a long one."
Joey nodded in understanding.
We made the stop and drove around for another hour.
I looked back at them as we pulled into the back parking lot of the gym.
My kid's were sound asleep.
My daughter wrapped safely in the arms of my son.
Their only peace coming from each other.
I knew that one wouldn't survive without the other.
And I wouldn't survive without them.
We needed to survive.
I said a silent prayer to my Hailey and to Jeremy and Pattie.
"I'm gonna need your help my love.
Keep watch over our children, over me.
They've lost enough already. Losing you was enough. No more loss. Our kid's deserve to be happy.
Jeremy, my brother...you'd be proud of the man your son is becoming.
He reminds me of you and Pattie so much.
I need you all to guide me...help me.
I'm not gonna lose them too."
Joey shook my shoulder and brought me back to the present.
"I'm going inside. Kelia has been texting me non-stop. I need to see my girl.
Wake up the sleeping beauties when your ready, but make it fast.
Kelia and Fredo made us all dinner.
My girl doesn't like when food goes cold."