After a week in the hospital, Cassie was finally allowed to go home with the baby. Since she had delivered almost a month early and Callum's vitals were a little low, the doctors wanted to make sure and keep them under surveillance. But, as expected, Callum was a pretty strong little boy and after three days his levels were back to normal. All tests came back good and the doctors discharged Cassie and the little one this morning.

Happy was the week that the two were in the hospital there everyday, visiting them as often as possible and making sure that Cassie got enough good food during that time. Every day when he came to visit at lunchtime, he would drive by a diner before and get her favorite meal from the menu⸺ which Cassie appreciated immensely. The food in the hospital was okay, but nothing compared to her favorite meals from the their favorite diner.

It was rare to find a man like Happy these days, and no matter how tough and cold the biker seemed, she knew that he would burn the world down for her and their son. When she saw him with their son for the first time, how carefully but still skilfully he took Callum in his arms, she was completely overcome by her emotions and could hardly believe how lucky she was. It was also the first time she'd seen Happy cry⸺ although he'd always tried to wipe away the tears quickly before anyone could see them. It was only in this intimate moment that she realized how glad she was not to have aborted Callum at the time. She probably would have regretted it for the rest of her life.

Even if she was still insecure and afraid, the moment her son lay on her chest for the first time, sucking on his little hand, she knew that she would do anything for the little one. The first two nights were exhausting and she was still weak from the birth, but luckily Happy was able to stay in the hospital for the first three nights. Which was a great help to her because she had yet to recover herself and was still in pain.

Lyla would drop by every morning after taking the kids to school and in the evenings James would drop by with Benny and Lily to support his sister as well. He couldn't be prouder. The eldest Connor hadn't counted on ever being an uncle since Cassie never wanted children and he wasn't so sure about Benny either. That's why he was all the more happy to have a nephew after all, whom he absolutely adored.

Benny was also thrilled to have become an uncle again. His sometimes rebellious nature, which was normal as a teenager, completely disappeared when he was with Lily or the baby and Cassie knew that the now sixteen year old would be just as great as an uncle as James. Lily was absolutely thrilled too with the baby and how small Callum was. Whenever she was there, she had paid close attention to his little fingers and giggled when Callum's hand closed around her own little finger.

With her family and friends by her side, but especially Happy by her side, Cassie knew nothing could go wrong.

“I'm glad we're finally home!” Cassie kicked off her sneakers and went straight to the kitchen to get them both something to drink out of the fridge before she walked into the living room where Happy now was, a smile on his face as he got Callum out of the infant carrier.

Cassie awed at the newborn scrunch. That was something she couldn't get enough of. Callum was a tiny baby but in Happy's hands that boy really looked more like a doll.

“Come here”, Happy's raspy voice ordered, nodding her over to him before he sat down and placed the newborn on his chest.

The brunette sat down next to him, while she pushed Happy's kutte to the side so that she could look at Callum's face. With the tip of her manicured fingernail, she gently poked the baby's nose and rested her head on Happy's shoulder with a smile, snuggling into him comfortably.

“He looks so much like you, especially with the dark hair”, Cassie gushed. But the truth was, Callum was his father's spitting image. The facial features, the black hair, the light tan. And Cassie couldn't be happier about that.

A proud smirk took over Happy's face, her words definitely pushing his ego. He was so proud to be a father, but it made him even more proud that his boy looked so much like him. Even though he would've also loved if their Son inherited Cassie's looks.

“Let's hope he gets your personality and not mine”, he chuckled, yet he meant what he said.

For his son, he hoped that he would learn how to properly manage his feelings. Something Happy hasn't been able to do properly to this day. He wanted his son to be confident and do anything for his family when he was older, but he just hoped that he would inherit more of Cassie's traits.

“You got a great personality, Hap. You just don't show it to everyone, which is fine”, she mumbled, followed by a yawn. “Can I ask you something?”

“Why don't you get some sleep before Gemma comes over, hm?” He draped his free arm over her, his other arm made sure Callum wouldn't roll off his chest. He then nodded at her, wondering what she wants to ask.

“Did you, uh, take care of those guys?” Her voice was soft, almost meekly. She didn't want to spoil the mood, but she needed to know if these guys were still walking around.

“I promised you I'd take care of them before you'd give birth”, Happy grunted softly, running his fingertips up and down her arm making her sigh softly. “They're dead and buried, little girl.”

With the birth coming sooner than expected, Happy and James had to act quickly. Two of the men had already been killed before Callum was born. Only the last one, who had also hurt Cassie, they couldn't get hold of at first. But after Happy held his son in his arms for the first time, it gave him the motivation to look everywhere for Preston Malarkey's brother.

The day before yesterday Happy was lucky and saw Malarkey alone on his way home. Since James was with Cassie at the hospital, he had to do this alone. It was riskier since he was alone in a forbidden territory, but Happy certainly wasn't afraid of another biker. Not that he was afraid of anyone at all, except maybe Gemma and his own mother. The SAA made sure to make Malarkey suffer for what he had done and he had taken extra time to do that. He then buried the lifeless body in one of the woods near Charming so no one would find him, just like the other two guys.

“Thank you”, she whispered, lifting her head to get a good look at Happy, his facial expression honest and serious. A small smile formed on her plump lips that she gently pressed against the corner of his mouth. “I love you, I hope you know that.”

“I love you too”, he grumbled, pulling her in for a proper kiss that left them breathless after a minute. “Now get some sleep, little girl.”

“No, I wanna stay awake with you guys”, she said sternly and yet five minutes later she drifted off in Happy's arm making him shake his head with a slight smirk.

⸺

Gemma gushed over the baby in her arms after she brought over some dinner that Happy and Cassie could warm up whenever they got hungry. She figured bringing them dinner would be more helpful than some other stuff they didn't even need.

“Finally I see him in person. When are you coming to the club with him? I'm sure the other's can't wait to meet this little man.” Gemma looked at the couple sitting together on the sofa, Cassie leaning against Happy with her feet on the small table in front of the couch. She looked really good for giving birth just a week ago. Although tired and in joggers with her hair in a messy bun and no make up, she radiated a joy that made her look incredibly beautiful.

“They have to get to know each other properly first. Give them some time, Gem.” Nero, with an amused look on his face, set a beer for Happy and him and two sodas for the women down on the coffee table.

“Nah, it's fine”, Cassie chuckled. It was sweet how excited everyone was and she was glad her son would grow up with a big family. Just like she and her siblings did. “I think I'll drop by tomorrow with Callum after he woke up and got fed.”

“You sure?”, Happy asked, his forehead wrinkled. “You don't have to if you think it's too early.”

Even though he was proud and couldn't wait to show his son to everyone he cared about, he would do just that if Cassie needed some more rest and time.

“I am”, she hummed softly, letting her fingertips ghost over his forearm. “I want them to meet him.”

“Good idea. I prepare enough food and let everyone know you're coming tomorrow”, Gemma nodded eagerly.

“Don't turn this into a party, Gemma, please.” A chuckle escaped the younger woman's throat as she saw the playful disappointment cross the matriarch's face. “I just want them to get to know Callum, maybe I'll stay for a few hours until Happy's done working in the garage.”

“Okay, baby”, Gemma smiled briefly. “Is there anything else we can do for you guys?”

Cassie shook her head slightly, looking back and forth between Gemma and Nero. “No, you guys already help out enough.” She then looked at Nero only, gratefulness in her eyes. “Thanks for giving Benny something to do. Otherwise he would only get bored and maybe come up with stupid ideas.”

Nero somehow became like a father figure to Benny over the past few months. During summer break Nero asked if the teenager wanted to work on his car with him. Nero knew Benny never had it easy as a child or teenager, not until he was finally allowed to live with his brother when they moved to Charming. And since Benny and Lily were at Gemma's house often anyway, he already knew the boy and wanted to give him a task they could do together. This only strengthened the bond between them and Nero saw real potential in the boy, which is why he let Benny continue to work on his car even after the summer break.

“He's a good boy. If he keeps working hard and graduates well, he can do a lot with his life”, Nero told her with a sincere smile.

“I know, he's a smart one. Sometimes he just loses himself for a moment.” Cassie didn't blame her brother, she wasn't any different. Maybe now that she was a mother and had to function. But before that her life had been pure chaos and besides partying and working there wasn't much more.

“He'll choose the right path, I'm sure”, Happy rasped, giving her side a soft squeeze.

“Probably”, she agreed with a slight nod, hoping that Happy was right about this. But she had a feeling Benny already had certain plans for his future and those consisted of following in the footsteps of his father and brother. Which would mean he would wear a kutte as well once he was old enough and could start as prospect for the club. It didn't bother her, after all she had grown up with the club life, but she still hoped that Benny would at least graduate.

“You heard anything from Tara?”, Gemma suddenly asked.

“Me?”, Cassie raised a brow and shook her head. “No, nothing. And I don't think she'll give me a call anytime soon since our last encounter. Why?”

“Because she doesn't answer any of Jax or my calls. Haven't heard from her or the boys in days.” Gemma sighed, looking down at the fussing baby in her arms that she handed over to Happy who stood up and walked around the room with his little boy in his arms.

“That bitch won't be back”, Happy grunted. That's what Cassie, he and everyone else had told Jax but the blonde still had trusted Tara enough and thought it was safer for his boys to stay out of town for a while.

“I'm afraid that's true”, Gemma scoffed.

“Well, I could see if she's still registered as a doctor at the hospital. Although I'm on leave at the moment, I don't think anyone will mind if I stop by”, Cassie suggested as she saw the conflict and concern in Gemma's eyes.

“That would be great, baby. Thank you”, the older woman said, her voice sincere and grateful.

Cassie just waved it off. “No problem. Oh, about Lily. You said you can watch her on Friday, right? If you want I can pick her up from your place after I was at the follow-up check up.”

“Sure, if you want. You sure you don't mind having her overnight?”, Gemma questioned cautiously earning a confused look from Cassie.

“Why not?”, Cassie asked.

“Well, a toddler and a baby aren't easy to handle”, Gemma retorted, not meaning this offensive in any way. She knew Cassie was a strong one, but Gemma also remembered how amazing but also hard the first few weeks with a newborn were.

“If anyone can handle it, it's her”, Happy chimed in after he rocked his soon back to sleep, giving his Ol' Lady the slightest smile after she gave him one.

“It's really not a problem. Lily is the sweetest toddler and I'm sure she can't wait to help me out with her cousin”, the brunette smirked, already knowing how excited Lily will be about helping out like a big girl.

And even if it wouldn't be easy, it would be enough distraction for Cassie. As promised, Happy filled her in on everything and the reason why Lily had to stay at Gemma's or her house on Friday was because the guys had a meeting with the Rivals and Lyla was at work. Their Pres wanted to have a chat about the current situation and it worried the Connor woman greatly, yet she knew it had to happen.

Happy saw the mixed feelings in her eyes and noticed how tense she was since he told her about it but she handled it pretty well. The SAA just hoped this shit would be over soon so they could fully enjoy the time with their son without being worried or on alert all the time.

⸺

In the middle of the night, Happy slipped out of bed when he heard his son's crying through the baby monitor that stood on the nightstand next to him. Since Cassie didn't get enough sleep in the past few days he decided to get up and fed his son before getting him back to sleep. Right now it was convenient that Cassie had decided to bottle feed Callum.

Once in the nursery, he scooped the little boy up in his arms and headed to the kitchen. He turned on the light and prepared the bottle as good as possible with one hand, balancing the baby in his other arm. It was a challenge, he had to admit that. But after five minutes he was all done and went back to Callum's room where he sat down in the nursing chair, positioned the baby properly before he let him drink.

The little boy looked up at his father with wide, curious eyes as he hurriedly sucked on the bottle as if he hadn't eaten in two days, causing Happy let out a raspy laugh. His little fingers explored Happy's face before he finished his bottle.

When Callum was done, Happy let him burp and then placed him on his bare chest, his large hand covering Callum's entire back. He listened to the soft noises his son made and no matter how tired Happy was, he was absolutely happy and grateful that Cassie had given him a son.

“I'm not good at this but, I want you to know that I'm always there for you and your mom. And if I can't be there, you have to be strong for her and always treat her with respect”, he whispered to the little one, who found peace in Happy's low and raspy voice and slowly fell asleep again.

“I love you and your mother, boy, more than anything else”, he added as the soft snores coming from Callum already filled the room, making Happy smile to himself.