Samantha Teller || A Tig Trager Love Story

4 Welcome Home

When we got to the apartment, Ava was yawning a bit.

"Mama, la sieste(a nap)," she said.

"Oui(yes)," I said and laid her down on the couch with her blanket. She passed out almost instantly.

"It's great to have you home," Tig said, watching Ava almost protectively as she slept.

"It's good to be home. It's going to be an adjustment though," I said. "She doesn't know the first thing about Charming or America in general."

"She's young. She will learn," he said, moving to sit down beside me on the couch. I was thankful that I'd been able to order most my stuff ahead although it cost me an arm and a leg.

"I know," I said. "It's just a lot. Her dad only left a few months ago so she still asks about him sometimes. It's hard to have to continually break her heart. When he left he said he never wanted to see either of us again."

"I'm so sorry," Tig said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and hugging me.

"Thanks Tiggy," I said. He kissed my temple and I leaned into his side some.

"There's something I've got to tell you," he said softly after a while.

"What's up Tig?" I asked.

"I um, I really really like you and when you left for France I figured I'd never have to face any of these feelings and it'd all be okay. You were what, twenty-two, and I was a bit older than-."

"Tig," I said. "I've always liked you. Maybe my running away to France was a way for me to avoid having to tell you."

"Do you maybe want to go out sometime?" He asked. "It's been a while but I think you're supposed to start with dates."

"Dates are a good start," I said.

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner," he said.

"Nonsense," I said. "Everything is happening exactly as it should."

"You think so?" He asked. I nodded and leaned over to kiss him gently.

"Now we just have to tell Gem and Clay," I said.

"I think we can handle them," he said. "It's Ava I have to win over."

I chuckled at him and we continued catching up for a few hours.

Before we knew it we were at the party. Ava was happy to be the center of attention as everyone told me how happy they were to see me and get to meet her. I met all the newer club members and got updates on everything. It was a lot all at once. I didn't care though because I had my family back.

Tig and I had agreed to take things slow, especially around the club, so we kept our space. He consistently had one eye on Ava though, making sure she was okay playing with her cousins.

About 8:30, Ava walked over to me and climbed up into my lap as I sat on the couch talking to Jax and Opie.

"Je suis fatigué(I am tired)," she said, burying herself in my arms.

"Tu peux dormir(you can sleep)," I said. She nodded and cuddled up some more on my lap. That's the great thing about kids: they can sleep anywhere.

"How's she holding up?" Jax asked.

"Better than me most days," I said. He nodded as Tig walked over to us.

"Want me to take her so you can go see Piney?" He asked. "He's asking for you."

"Take care of her," I said as he took her from my arms and held her. She woke up a bit but he cooed to her and she adjusted before falling back asleep.

"Piney," I said, walking over and hugging him.

"I hear our princess has a little princess of her own," he said.

"Yeah, her name's Ava," I said. "She's currently sleeping in Tig's arms."

"Trager is holding a kid?" He asked. I nodded.

"He volunteered and everything."

"It's cause he's got a thing for you," he said.

"I know," I said. "We've discussed it."

"I wouldn't keep him waiting too long. He's a good catch so you need to get him locked down."

"I will Piney," I said. He hugged me one last time before telling me he was going to find a croweater. I knew Gemma had told them not to show up until later so I had time to get Ava out of here before the real partying started.

"Hey baby," Gemma said.

"Hey Momma," I said.

"You and Tiggy?" She asked.

I nodded a little and took a sip of my water. "Slowly I guess. I've got more than just me to think about."

"He's a good one," she said. "Keep ya both safe."

Tig was looking at me and smiling as he talked to Bobby and Chibs. They were all doting over Ava as she was woken by something.

"Babe, I don't understand her," Tig yelled.

"Ava, en anglais pour les américains(in English for the Americans)," I said.

She must've started speaking in English because he went back to making sure she was okay.

"She's bilingual?" Jax asked.

"I spoke English to her at home and her father and I used French in public," I said. "I somehow always knew we'd wind up here again so I figured it'd be good for her to speak English and French."

"Babe," Tig said as he walked up. Ava was repeatedly asking for a drink in French.

"She's thirsty," I said. "L'eau is water."

I handed him my water bottle and he helped her get a drink.

"I should probably get her home," I said.

"Mama," Ava said and I took her into my arms.

"I'll take ya home."

"Thanks everyone," I said, looking at the group around us.

"Of course baby," Gemma said, hugging me a little.

"See ya Monday for work?"

"Sure thing," she said. I nodded and Tig and I headed out.

As I was putting Ava to bed when we got home, Tig stood in the doorway, smiling at the both of us.

"Mama, pouvons-nous grader Tiggy(can we keep Tiggy)?" She asked softly.

"J-aimerais ça(I would like that)," I said.

"Je t'aime Mama(I love you Momma)," she said. I kissed her head.

"Je t'aime aussi, mon ange(I love you too my Angel)," I said. I stood up and headed out to the living room with Tig.

"What was that?" He asked.

"She asked if we could keep you," I said. "I told her I'd like to."

"And?"

"And we said our I love yous," I said.

"Are you ever going to get sick of translating for me?" He asked.

"I won't need to eventually. You'll grow accustomed to it if you're around as much as I'd like you to be," I said.

"I'd like to be around that much," he said. "Want me to stay for a bit?"

"I'm just going to head to bed soon."

"I'll head out then," he said. "Can I come by tomorrow and help unpack?"

"Sure thing," I said. I leaned up and kissed his lips quickly, earning a smile before he left.