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“Sorry, I’ve been less than reliable lately, prez,” her husband said

Copper’s eyebrows dren “No apology necessary, Viper I’ve always known I can fucking count on you This club can count on you Talk to me”

Viper cast a glance her way, and her heart clenched She squeezed his hand while giving hi on the word sick

Copper’s eyes widened and his gaze shifted to her “Is it serious?”

“Cancer,” she whispered with a nod

“Oh fuck, Cassie” Copper’s shoulders sagged and he ran a hand down his face “Tell me”

After clearing her throat, she continued “Lymphoma I’ve had two rounds of cheas he shook his head

“Why didn’t you say anything before now? Shit, brother,” he looked to Viper “We coulda been helping out I know the ladies would have uys need at home”

Viper opened his mouth, but Cassie beat him to it “That’s on me I asked him to keep it quiet for a while I don’t want to be responsible for ruining everyone’s Christmas I’ll tell the club, I promise, but not until after the holidays Please,” she added since Copper looked like he wanted to argue

He blew out a breath “Fuck You know Shell’s gonna have ht?”

That finally had Cassie laughing for real She folded her hands in front of herself “I promise to take the blame”

With a snort, Copper said, “Won’t matter, Mama V You know that worandonna be happy to be kept out of the loop”

“I kno she thinks of me And I kno much I love her and Beth,” Cassie whispered “Which is why I don’t want to destroy their Christmas You know this neould put a dark cloud over the day Let them have it and be happy before they have to be sad”

“All right,” Copper said after a moment His voice sounded thick with sorrow This hy she’d wanted to keep quiet This blanket of despair that would be over all of them from now on “I’ll keep my trap shut on one condition”

Cassie raised an eyebrow

“You tell et me?”

God, she loved this patchwork faether with people from all walks of life, with difficult pasts and uncertain futures