Erin rubbed her temples as she let Caitlin's words sink in. Her sister was leaving Ireland for real. It was a shockᅳ but it wasn't a surprise for the older Peters sister. The pain wasn't any easier because of that though.

"What am I gonna do without you?" she asked, a hint of desperation in her tone, her Irish accent thicker than usual. "We've always been an unbeatable team. I'll hardly see Abel anymoreᅳ maybe once or twice a year."

Caitlin quickly shook her head and carefully grabbed Erin's wrists, not sure if the older one wanted distance or closeness. "It doesn't have to be like this, Erin. You can come with me. I need you with me. And Abel needs his auntie."

"It's not that easy, Caitlin. How do you think this'll work?" The pleading look in Caitlin's eyes didn't leave Erin cold and played with her conscience, and yet the situation wasn't that simple.

"Well, we're quitting our jobs and apartments and starting over here." Sighing and running her hand through her ginger-colored hair, Caitlin rummaged in her purse with her free hand and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"This is becoming a habit", Erin lifted her chin and nodded towards the cigarette box from which Caitlin fished out a cigarette and placed it between her plump lips. "Okay, let's say we do it exactly like that, then what? What are the next steps?"

"I know. But I just need this right now." Caitlin's response was only a mumble as she lit her cigarette and took a deep drag, slipping the lighter back in hef purse.

"Okay", Erin shrugged her shoulders before glancing out the window to see if everything was okay with Ope and Abel. The biker kindly offered to look after Abel while the two women had to talk. "So, now tell me, what then?"

"Then we'll come here and look for a job. And I might already have somethingᅳ for both of us, in fact", she said sheepishly, smoke slipping from her lips with every word. "I saw a note hanging in the reception window and already spoke to an employee."

Erin frowned questioningly. "Here in the hotel? And what did she say?"

"That they are looking for more employees anyway." Caitlin took another drag, holding the toxic smoke in her lungs for a bit before continuing. "And she also knows that we can't start right away. She passes the information on to her boss and he will then get in touch with me."

"And you think they would really hire us?" Plagued by uncertainty, Erin remained cautious. "What if we take the risk and end up with no jobs? I mean, Jax will make sure you're okayᅳ after all, you're the mother of his son. But I have no reserves, no security here, Caitlin."

The redhead nodded understandingly after Erin expressed her concernsᅳ and she could completely understand the insecurities. "Jax knows how important it is to me that you are here too, he would make sure that you are taken care of until you find a job."

"Okay, I don't doubt that", the brunette said honestly. "But I wouldn't want that. I want to be able to take care of myself."

"I understand that, too", Caitlin sighed sadly and dusted off the ash in the ashtray with a tap of her cigarette, rubbing her thumb against her jeans. "We'll be here for a while, maybe the manager of the hotel will get in touch by then and give us the contract. Then you would have security and you wouldn't have to worry."

"I mean...that doesn't sound bad", Erin had to admit, her head tilted slightly to the side before the slightest grin crossed her natural face, illuminated by the few rays of sunlight that shone through the blinds, highlighting her skin tone. She wasn't by far as pale as her sister. "Tell me, are you going to move in with Jax? Or do you want something of your own with Abel first?"

"Does that mean you're thinking about it?" Caitlin's heartbeat quickened as she waited for an answer. However, she cleared her throat at Erin's question and smiled sheepishly. "I don't know. Well...I think Jax would want us to live with him. And I wouldn't have a problem with that."

"Shit girl", Erin snorted a laugh. "You really are in love, aren't you? And yes, I'm thinking about it", she assured her younger sister with a warm smile.

"Oh shut up", Caitlin chuckled and threw a pillow at her sister while finishing her cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray. "But yes, I think I'm in love. I know it's early to say that, but it feels right. And thank youᅳ you have no idea how much it would mean to me if you'd come with us."

"Oh I know, believe me. I'd do anything to convince you to come with me if I'd be the one moving", Erin replied, humming. Contentment lingered on her face as she listened to her sister, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "If it feels right, then it usually is. I would be happy for Abelᅳ but also for you. After Jim, you deserve someone who isn't giving up everything if things become stressful for a moment."

Although she didn't know Jax, Erin couldn't imagine that Jax was that kind of type. If he were lazy and didn't want a family, he would never have taken the long journey without knowing whether he would ever get his son back again. And he wouldn't fight so hard for Caitlin to move to Charming with Abel.

"You're cute, you know that?" A gentle smile crossed Caitlin's pale face, her freckles popping out as the dull sunlight hit her face, too. "But you and Ope looked pretty familiar earlier too. How come you were out together?"

Clearing her throat, Erin rubbed the tip of her nose and tried to stay relaxed, but she too felt like a teenager with a crush at the moment.

"I like his company, it's easy to talk to him. We exchanged numbers and this morning he asked if I had time for a spontaneous coffee", she said with a mischievous smile. "I hope it was okay that I took Abel with me."

"Mhmm..sounds good. It would be a shame if you stayed in Ireland, wouldn't it? You'd miss out on a lot." Caitlin said with a wink. Maybe Ope could influence Erin's decision a bit, that would be great actually. "And no, that's okay. I want Abel to get to know everyone."

And knowing her son, he had probably talked Ope's ear off. The three-year-old got along pretty well with Jax's best friend yesterdayᅳ which Caitlin could understand. Ope seemed nice, like a big teddy bear, and much less intimidating than the rest of the bikers.

"Yeah.. maybe", the brunette murmured and sank her teeth into her lower lip before she stood up and also pulled her sister to her feet. "I want to ask a few questions about the job myself. You coming with me?"

Smiling broadly, Caitlin nodded as she reached for her purse and quickly slung it over her shoulder. "Yeah, I'm coming with you. Wanna get lunch afterwards and explore Charming a little?"

"Sure, why not." Erin's good mood returned surprisingly quickly. Maybe, just maybe, she could bring herself to move here after all.

ᚔ

While the food was simmering on the stove and would take a while, Caitlin decided to do some crafting with Abelᅳ at least then they would both have something to do until dinner was ready.

Jax wouldn't come within the next two to three hours anyway, that's all he could tell her when he suddenly had to leave earlier. It was new to Caitlin that someone would get a call and then have to leave straight away and not even be able to tell what it was aboutᅳ it would definitely take a while for her to get used to that.

But what she felt most was concern. She worried about Jax. Caitlin didn't know where he had to go, why he suddenly had to leave so quickly and whether he was safe. While he was getting dressed earlier, the redhead noticed that he had an additional gun hidden at the bottom of his ankleᅳ in addition to the gun he was carrying in the side of his pants. And he of course also had his knife with him.

Would she ever get used to this? She didn't know. Really, she didn't. But for her sake, he had stowed his guns so that Abel couldn't get to them, which was reassuring.

Before she could have any further doubts as she spread out pens, scissors and paper in different colors on the kitchen table, there was a knock on the door. Frowning, Caitlin looked up, a little confused by the spontaneous visit. And for a moment she just listened, then there was a second knock.

"It's me, Gemma", a female voice spoke from the other side of the door where the redhead was now standing, her hands leaning against the white wood.

A sigh of relief escaped her throat. The whole gun thing made her paranoidᅳ which wasn't a good sign. Still, she had made her decision and was going to move here, even if it meant being paranoid every now and then.

"Hey Gemma." Her smile was friendly, but also reserved. She knew that Gemma was someone she had to be careful with and watch what she said. At least for now. "Jax isn't here if you're looking for him."

"Oh, I know that", the older one smiled back, although her smile was more of a grin. "You got a moment for me? I'd like to talk to you againᅳ and see Abel, if that's okay."

A little surprised that Gemma even asked for permission, Caitlin stepped aside and waved Gemma inside before closing the door, heading to the kitchen with her. "We were just about to do some crafting, ignore the chaos", by which she meant the utensils at the table.

"I once had small kids myself, that's not chaos yet, sweetheart", Gemma assured her with a wink as she took a seat at the table and looked around. "Where is he?"

"Jax or Abel?" Caitlin asked and opened one of the kitchen cupboards, which she now knew had glasses in it.

"Abel, Jax is at the clubhouse", she let the redhead know. "Can you handle it? That he has to leave so spontaneously?"

Grabbing two glasses, Caitlin sat them down on the counter and got something to drink out of the fridge, always watching the Queen of bikers from the corner of her eye. At Gemma's question, she shrugged her shoulders slightly.

"I don't have a problem with it, it's just a little weird", Caitlin answered honestlyᅳ why should she lie? With both glasses in her hands, she sat down across from Gemma and handed her one of the glasses, careful not to spill anything. "And Abel is in his room. He's really excited about the toys and the bed that Jax got him this morning", she said with a soft laugh.

"I see." Gemma's lips curled into a smile. She tapped an empty spot on the table with her manicured fingernails, studying Caitlin.

She was a pretty woman, Gemma had to admit that. It was obvious that she was from Ireland. The ginger hair, the extremely pale skin and the freckles all over her natural face and even body gave that away. She didn't even need a lot of make up. The mascara, which made her piercing blue eyes pop out even more, and light dark red lipstick she wore on her plump lips was enough.

"You're pretty", Gemma commented, earning an almost shy smile from Caitlin, who nervously turned the glass back and forth in her hand. "Why are you so nervous?"

"You're really asking that?" A nervous laugh rattled through Caitlin's chest, which felt heavy as did Gemma's gaze on her. "You weren't really that impressed with me yesterdayᅳ at least I think so."

"I was overwhelmed, nervous", Gemma explained, leaning slightly over the table with her arms folded. "And I was afraidᅳ afraid of losing my grandson again."

"I know." Caitlin's eyes dropped, unable to look in the eyes of the woman across from her. Which she did anyway after a moment. "I don't know if Jax has told you yet, but I'm staying here in Charming. Well, I do have to get back to Ireland one more timeᅳ but then I'm going to stay."

The redhead waited with curiosity for Gemma's reaction, which came shortly afterwards. Something peaceful alongside pure relief and gratitude lingered in the matriarch's light brown eyes. If Caitlin wasn't mistaken, she could even see tears building up in them.

"Thank you, Caitlin. You have no idea how much joy you're bringing meᅳ all of us." Gemma's words were sincere, no mockery and no malice behind themᅳ just genuine happiness.

Gemma would have loved to hug the woman she didn't really know yet and thank her a thousand times. Thanks to her, and of course Jax, she was now able to finally spend time with her grandson.

"Yeah, I think I do", Caitlin nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. An equally peaceful smile on her lips. "When I saw how loving everyone here treated Abel, I secretly already made my decision. He only ever had Erin and me, and my dadᅳ but Abel only sees him twice a year. To see how many people he has here, people who'll love himᅳ that's worth moving to me. Plus, we're also closer to my dad."

Gemma nodded in recognition, appreciating the young woman's courage. "Not everyone would do that, but it was the right decision. I can promise you that Abel will never feel alone here. There will always be someone there for him."

"He was never alone in Ireland either", emphasized the redhead, but she knew what Gemma meant. "But yes, he will always have enough people to talk to here."

"And you?" Curious, Gemma raised an eyebrow before taking a sip of her coke.

Caitlin looked up from her glass, confused. "What about me?"

"How do you feel? Are you just staying because of Abel or do you like it here?" And again Gemma couldn't help but grin. "Or are you staying because of Jax too?"

"Oh, well, mostly I'm staying because of Abel. But I like it here. Ireland is beautiful, but also boring if you've lived there your whole life. Plus, I like the weather here more", Caitlin chuckled, amused. It sounded stupid, but the weather actually played a role in her decision.

Silent for a moment, Caitlin thought about exactly what she should answer next. "Well, Jax is of course also a reason. If I didn't get along with him, I wouldn't move. And yes, there's probably more to itᅳ but I think Jax and I have to figure out what exactly that is first."

Satisfied with Caitlin's answer, Gemma hummed softly, then placed a hand on Caitlin's forearm. Her next words were honest and sincere. "You could be the right one for my son, and I'm not just saying that because you have Abel. You seem to be a woman who knows what she wants and takes no shit from anyoneᅳ I like that, it reminds me a bit of myself."

Caitlin really reminded her of herself, especially at a young age. Only Caitlin was far more innocent than she was, Gemma could almost smell the innocence on Caitlin. Which wasn't a bad thing. Jax needed a down-to-earth woman who, unlike the croweaters, had more class but less arrogance and judgment than Tara.

"I, uh, that would be nice." It was obvious that Caitlin was surprised by Gemma's kind wordsᅳ but she was also happy to hear something like that. "You're pretty good at reading people, I see. I know what I want, and I'll take what I want and I won't let it be taken away from me again once I have it."

Caitlin paused briefly and took a deep breath, her smile never fading. "That goes for Abel too. He's my son and he always will be. But he's also Jax' son and I really hope this all works out the way Jax and I want it to."

Gemma immediately understood what Caitlin was saying with her words. The redhead made it clear that Abel was hers, that she had the say and that she wouldn't let anyone tell her anything when it came to her son. And strangely enough, Gemma could accept thatᅳ something she never could with Tara.

Perhaps it was Caitlin's much nicer, more polite and not so judgemental manner that impressed Gemma. But maybe it was the feeling deep in the pit of her stomach that told her that Caitlin could be trusted and that she was a completely different person than her son's ex-girlfriend.

"You're a good mom, I can tell", Gemma replied, smiling and patting Caitlin's hand before withdrawing hers. "I hope that we get along in the future and that you can forget my little outburst yesterday."

"Already forgotten", the redhead assured her with a small smile, her head tilted to the side. "Talk to Jax, please. It's not my place to say anything, but while he was with me in Ireland and told me about your complicated relationshipᅳ", she interrupted herself with a sigh, running her fingers through her shiny hair.

In that moment she realized again how important it was to her that Jax was okay too, not just Abel, her and Erin. Maybe it had been actually love at first sightᅳ she didn't know. But she knew that she wanted Jax to be happy and be able to form a good relationship with his mom again.

"I just noticed how much it hurt him to have lost not only Abel, but also his mom on the same day", with these words she finally finished her sentence and gave Gemma a pleading look. "He really suffered, Gemma. And even though I've only known him for a month, I can say that with certainty. I saw it in his eyes. Hell, I've never seen someone so troubled and broken."

"No, you're right." Gemma didn't want to deny how unfair she had been to Jax and hearing how much he had suffered from a woman who had only known her son for a few weeks tugged at her heartstrings and left her with a feeling of extreme guilt that she had never experienced before. "I should've been there for him, I know that now."

"Then be there for him now. Talk to him, explain to him, and without starting an argument, how you felt. And let him tell how he feltᅳ please do me that favor." Caitlin's urgent yet gentle, pleading voice impressed Gemma once again.

"I will, baby", Gemma promised with a smile before clearing her throat, looking around before she got any more emotional. "Can I check on Abel?"

"Sure, you're welcome to join me here with him. And if you want, you can stay for dinner", the redhead offered as she stood up and put her now empty glass in the sink.

Then she was taken a little by surprise by Gemma, who at first hesitantly put her arms around her, but then closed them tightly. And somehow, this completely normal gesture triggered something in Caitlin that she hadn't felt in a while.

Grief and security at the same time.

Gemma's hug felt like one from her mother. As Caitlin closed her eyes to blink away tears, she also wrapped her arms around Gemma, but more hesitantly and a little more reserved.

"Thank you", Gemma whispered again sincerely, squeezed the redhead's slim body and then pulled away to leave the kitchen and check on Abel, leaving an emotional Caitlin alone in the kitchen.