Letting go

Chapter 91

Feb 19, 2026 91 / 105

Molly

"Are you ready to party!" Tom sings as he twirls himself inside my room like he's auditioning for the Julliard Academy. He follows me into the bathroom and immediately starts tweaking his hair in the mirror. He looks casual but smart and perfect for tonight. His jeans are slim fitting while his cowboy boots come halfway up his calves, his black and white check shirt is tight showing off all his muscles and he's got it tucked into his jeans where his chunky belt buckle is gleaming, and of course, his cowboy hat and Texan twang make him the perfect cowboy.

"You look hot baby girl. My brother will be drooling when he sees you!" I smile at his words as I turn to face the mirror double checking that my hair and makeup are still good. "Which brother are you on about?" I look behind me in the mirror to see Jack walking into the bathroom pretending to wipe drool from his mouth. "Fuck of a pervert!" Tom shouts causing both Jack and I to burst out laughing. "All jokes aside Molly dolly you are looking hot tonight. My brother is one lucky guy although I still don't understand why you choose him over me!"

"Let's go, Jack before you get yourself into trouble." He gives me a pout before holding out his arm to me. "Fine, I'll behave... for now, even if it is boring." The three of us head downstairs where Zack is waiting for us so that we can head to the bar. It's finally the reopening tonight and everyone's excited about it although I think both Tom and I are more excited about the cowboys and cowgirls theme that is happening.

I've never been to one but I'm excited too. Of course, for Tom, it was a great excuse to go shopping but I'm glad I did as I feel pretty good in my denim shorts, knee-high cowboy boots, my red check shirt over a white tank top and I've circled my hair and left it down while a huge cowboy hat sits on my head.

"you guys ready? Chris has already called me three times and Callum has texted more times than I care to count." Everyone was down at the bar today getting all of the finishing touches done then Chris and Callum went down ahead of everyone else to get ready for opening but we still need to be there before the doors open and we are starting to cut it close.

"Molly you petty." Sophie runs up to me and jumps into my arms laughing her little head off while I spin her around. "Not as pretty as you Sophie baby."She giggles as she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my head. "You make sure you're good for Grandad and Grandma tonight sweetheart." Ruby and John are looking after the kids tonight for us and their even having a sleepover in their room. "I will, I promise Momma." My whole body freezes as she kisses my cheek once more then starts to climb back down me like she hasn't just blown my mind.

I look around me to see that everyone else in the room is just as shocked as me but while I properly look like a ghost right now they are all smiling at me. I thought for a moment there that I had imagined it but everyone's faces say differently. Jesus Christ on a motorbike this little girl is going to be the death of me. I come back to my senses when I feel arms around my legs and find Brody holding onto me.

"You make sure you're good too ok mister? Help Grandma and Grandad with the girls, yes?" He gives me a nod and smiles before running off towards John. I walk over to Ruby and kiss a sleeping Katie's head before heading towards the door stopping to wave at the kids one more time before I leave. "Call if you need anything." Ruby shoos me off laughing while I'm still trying to get my bearings.

Less than twenty minutes later we arrive at the bar and already there's a huge line of people waiting to enter and I'm insanely relieved, I know that Christian has been worried about re-opening and I get it, the place has been closed for just under two weeks due to damage from the storm and everything that's been going on with Amy and he was starting to worry about customers going else were but from what I can see already he's got nothing to be worried about.

All the way here Sophie's voice and words kept running around my head. I know she properly didn't mean anything by it, she's two and more than likely confused with Amy disappearing and me here all time but still, that word out of her mouth tugged at my heart and blew my fucking mind and now... well, now I do not know what I'm thinking but I think I'm still in shock.

Zack parks up the truck in one of the private parking spaces that are reserved for family members only and we quickly head inside the back door and through the narrow corridor that leads to the main bar area. "Well, thank fuck for that!! Callum grunts when he spots us coming in while Jack's response is to show him the middle finger. "Where's Chris?" Tom asks as he heads behind the bar and starts pouring some drinks. things are going to get messy tonight I can feel it and I don't care, I'm just going to enjoy the night.

Four days after Christian and I forgot a condom I got my period and I'll be honest a small part of me was sad that I got it but the bigger part of me was relieved. things are crazy right now and I'm working to build my bond with the kids that are already in our lives, we're ok as we are, well, for now at least but maybe one day we can add to the tribe.

I jump when arms wrap around my waist from behind then laugh when I realize it's Chris. "You're an ass!" He laughs before kissing my cheek and spinning me around so that I'm now facing him. "You ok sweetheart?" I nod happy to see him and soon get swept up in a mouthwatering kiss. "Put her down will you!" Tom comes over and hands me some kind of cocktail and a shot. "What's this?" I take the drinks eyeing him suspiciously as I know what he's like when it comes to drinks and usually, we end up assholed. "Cocktail is sex on the beach and shot is jagger." Oh, fuck, yep I was right, we're gonna be assholed.

"Fuck it!" We both throw back our shots and then get straight into the cocktail. "I'm gonna go double-check everything, I'll be back soon. Oh, and Molly. you look fucking beautiful!" Chris taps my ass and then leans down to whisper in my ear this time. "One day." He shoots me a wink before walking away and laughs when he sees that I've realized what he means. Sex on the beach, yep, that's what he meant.

Soon enough the bar is full to the max, the music is pumping and I'm completely and utterly assholed! Christian and Zack are working the bar tonight along with two other barmen that I have been introduced to several times but for the life of me I can't remember their names and Callum is helping out when it's needed, however, I, Tom and Jack are way too drunk to be working and were having an incredible night. I did offer to help before I got too drunk but was told to drink up and enjoy and who am I to refuse?

Too soon the night starts drawing to an end and it's been one of the best nights that I have ever had. We have laughed way too much, danced way too much and drunk way more than any human should in one month alone never mind one night. "Molly dolly I love you, baby girl!" Tom screams over the music as he sways on his feet while I'm sat at a table in the corner finishing drink number... Well, fuck knows!. "I love you too Tom!" Some guy walks up behind him and wraps his arms around his stomach, he towers over Tom and looks familiar and he's been with Tom for the last few hours but for the life of me, I can't think where I know him from.

Tom staggers over to the table pulling the guy along with him then they both plonk themselves down in two of the chairs across from me. "Tom, where do I know him from?" I ask as quietly as my drunk mouth will let me "Molly this is Lucas we saw him at the bank... that day. That's right, that's where I know him from. "It is nice to meet you, Lucas." He gives me a cheesy smile showing just how drunk he is but we don't get to talk any more than that as Tom pulls us both up and drags us onto the dance floor and that's where we stay for the next five songs.

Soon the night is over and I'm kind of sad about it until I remember that this is me and Tom and a pub closing has never stopped us before. "Tom let's go outside while they clean up." He gives me a mysterious smile then heads outside dragging Lucas behind him and were soon dancing on the outside tables while Tom blares out music on his phone and we all pray that the tables will hold us as we bellow out every song that comes on. I hope no one lives too close to the bar.

Of course, soon enough we are all out of puff and sprawled out on the tables silently catching our breaths. "Molly dolly, are you ok if we head back to Lucas's house? We can stay longer if you want." No way am I getting in the way of those two having a great night together, no way! "Of course, go, I'll be fine here." They walk over to me and both give me a hug. "Are you sure baby girl? We don't mind staying." I wave them off wishing them a good night and laugh as Lucas almost falls head-first into the bushes. I like him, maybe something will come of those two.

"Hey, you." I turn my head to find Chris walking over to me. Tom and Lucas are long gone and I'm guessing I've been out here a while now as the guys are all making their way out of the bar so they must be finished up. "Hi." He comes over and climbs up onto the table sitting next to me. "All finished up?" He nods smiling and I can't help but feel happy for him and how the night went. "You seemed miles away when I came out just now, what's on your mind? And remember no lining?" Dam that no lying rule. No, I don't want lies in our relationship but fuck me that promise just keeps biting me in the ass!

"Before we left the house tonight, Sophie... she... ahh!" He now looks concerned but I don't want him worrying. "She's fine, don't worry." He nods before shifting himself closer to me. "Ok, so what is it?" I let out a slow breath as I brace myself for... Well, I don't know what. "She huh... She called me Momma. I doubt she even realized that she had done it but it just threw me you know?" His shock soon seems to turn to something else as he gently smiles my way. "I'm sorry if she made you feel awkward babe, I'll have a chat with her."

"No! thats not what I'm saying, I'm not really sure how I feel about it plus the alcohol in my system isn't helping right now but she didn't make me feel awkward or anything bad for that matter." His smile gets a little bigger as he stands and pulls me up with him. "How about we talk about it tomorrow then?" I nod happy to let it drop for now then I follow him to his truck as Jack catches up to use and hooks his arm around my neck. Without a doubt one of the best nights ever!