Sami

WE’VE BEEN HERE A FEW weeks now and I notice the same guy that was watching the bikes is here on a daily basis. I try to watch him without being obvious about it, but I know my mom knows that’s what I’m doing. Hell, I chose the bedroom in the back of the house just so I could sit on my bed and watch him pace back and forth. Yesterday I found a folding camp chair and set it out there for him in case he wants to sit down or something. I’m not sure if he can, but it’s there none the less.

I’m cleaning up my room, not that it’s messy, with the windows open and the music blaring. State of my Head by Shinedown is playing and I’m singing along to the song. Before we left my dad, I could never do this. There were a lot of things I could never do before my mom found a way to get away from him. I know that it would’ve been a hell of a lot sooner than what it was if he didn’t keep threatening to sell or kill me. Instead my mom bided her time and took beating after beating to protect me.

“Good song,” I hear yelled in the window.

“What?” I ask, turning down the radio a little bit and moving closer to the window.

“I said, good song.”

“Oh. It’s one of my favorites,” I tell him shyly. “So, I know you know my name is Sami, but I don’t know your name.”

“It’s Goose,” he tells me coming even closer to the window.

“Really?”

“Yeah. When the little ones in the club want to play duck, duck, goose I’m the one they come running too. So, the guys thought it would be funny to make my road name Goose.”

“Funny guys,” I tell him, trying to contain the laughter threatening to burst out.

“You can laugh, it’s okay.”

That’s all it takes for me to let loose. The laughter bursts out and I can’t get myself back under control. It feels so good to just laugh and not have to worry about any repercussions for being too loud or having fun. The thought sobers me a little, but I still chuckle at the image of this man playing a child’s game.

“How old are you?” I ask him.

“I’ll be turning eighteen soon. How about you?”

“I’ll be sixteen next week.”

Goose looks at me and I stare back at him. I’m finally taking a good look at the guy I’ve been watching for weeks. He’s tall and you can tell that he’s got muscles from hard work and not hitting the gym. His hair is black and on the longer side, hitting just past the nape of his neck. With him being close enough for me to finally see his eyes, I can see that they’re hazel with what looks like little golden flakes in them. Eyes that someone could get lost in. I don’t see any tattoos like I’ve seen on the rest of the guys in the club, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have any.

“I have to behave myself around you,” he says suddenly, trying to back away a little bit.

“Please don’t leave,” I all but beg. “We’ve just started talking and I like having someone to talk to that’s closer to my age.”

“I’m not leavin’ you, I’m just tryin’ to put some space between us. There’s a pull I feel towards you, felt it since I first laid eyes on you at the gas station. Nothin’ can happen and I’m goin’ to make sure it doesn’t.”

There’s nothing wrong with his logic. It’s completely rational and I know that we need to only be friends, but I feel the same pull that he’s feeling. I’m just not sure what to do about it. Goose is saying we can’t do anything about it and I know we can’t. He’d get in trouble because he’s already eighteen and I’m not quite sixteen yet.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t talk and hang out does it?”

“No. We just need to make sure nothin’ happens.”

“I can do that. If you can?” I ask him, almost daring him to tell me he can’t.

“I can.”

Goose and I keep talking while the CD I burned continues playing in the background. We talk about everything and anything while sitting on opposite sides of my window. I’ve honestly never had so much fun in my life. If I’m not careful, Goose is someone that I can see myself falling for. He’s easy to talk to, doesn’t make me feel stupid for what I say and feel, and he makes me laugh. That’s not something I’ve ever had before.

Goose

I didn’t think that today would turn out with me talking to Sami for hours. But, that’s what happened. I’m supposed to be watching out for them, and I am, but I’m enjoying talking to her too. What first caught my attention with her is the air of innocence surrounding her and then her looks. Sami is curvy in all the right places already. She has long chestnut brown hair with eyes the color of warm chocolate. Sami isn’t like most of the girls her age, worrying about her weight and trying to get skinny. There’s more to her than skin and bones and she’s absolutely gorgeous.

Not touching her is going to be hard as fuck. Especially the more I talk to her and get to know her. She’s got a sense of humor, good taste in movies and music, I can let go and be myself with her, and there’s no pressure to try to get in her pants. Maybe because I know nothing can happen. Maybe because for once, it’s nice to talk to a female that doesn’t have an ulterior motive for talking to me. She doesn’t see me as an in to the club and the guys that hold ranks. Sami genuinely seems to like talking to me for me. This job just got a lot easier and harder at the same time.

“Well, I better start walkin’ around some more. If you need anythin’ let me know. I’ll be back and forth like usual. Thank you for the chair, by the way.”

“You’re welcome. If you need a drink or anything else, just let me know.”

I nod my head and turn around to walk away. Sami has been a constant fixture in my head since I first laid eyes on her. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to get her out of my head. The club girls hold no appeal for me. Not that I’ve been with more than one or two since I turned eighteen and started prospecting for the club. Tank ended up being a God send when he found me just after I ran away from my latest foster home earlier this year. I’ll never be able to thank him for changing my life and making it so I have a family that won’t ever abandon me.

Whitney

In the weeks that we’ve been at the house, I can’t help but notice the main men watching over us are the young man that caught my daughter’s eye and the man that had the outburst when I was telling them what my story was. The young man is always watching out back and the other one is always out front. Most of the time I see him sitting on the front porch. He’s not slacking by any means, he’s still always scanning the surrounding area and making sure that no one is coming down the driveway.

I’ve just made some iced tea and I wonder if he’d like a glass. I never see him drink or eat while he’s out there and I feel bad that I’ve never offered him anything. So, maybe I should take him a glass out and see if he needs anything else. At the very least maybe I can get to know him a little bit since he’s the one watching over my daughter and I.

After pouring him a tall glass and adding ice, I grab the sugar since I don’t know how he would drink it and make my way out the screen door. He looks up and sees me walking out with two glasses and the sugar filling my hands. So, he jumps up to grab something from me.

“Thank you,” I tell him.

We set the glasses and sugar down on the little table between two rocking chairs. This is my favorite part of the porch and I really don’t get to enjoy it because one of the men from the club are usually sitting out there. But, I’m about to take a stand for myself and come out here when I want to come out here. The man and I each sit down on a side of the table and sit in silence for a few minutes. Until I realize that I still haven’t ever really heard his name mentioned. If it was said the day I got here, there was a lot of excitement going on and I don’t remember.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask, hesitantly.

“Yeah.”

“What’s your name? I don’t remember ever hearing it and if I need something, it might be a good idea to know who’s name to call out.”

I can see the laughter twinkling in his eyes as I finish speaking and I think back to what exactly just came out of my mouth. Oh my! I can’t believe that the end of that statement could actually be taken sexually. It’s been so long since I’ve thought about sex that it doesn’t even cross my mind anymore. So, to know that he’s taking that statement in a sexual manner is embarrassing.

“My name is Irish,” he finally responds after clearing his throat.

“It’s nice to meet you Irish. I want you to know that I can’t thank you enough for what you’re all doing to help my daughter and me.”

“Don’t mention it. I’d help you even if it wasn’t somethin’ the club was doin’.”

I take a minute to absorb that information. “Well, that glass of tea is for you if you want it. Did you need anythin’ else?”

“Thank you for the tea. No, I don’t need anythin’ else. Well, I was goin’ to talk to your daughter about somethin’ that would make my life easier and put some money in her pocket.”

“What’s that?” I ask, my mama bear senses kicking in.

“I am a single father now and I have a daughter that’s just over a year old. I was goin’ to talk to her about the possibility of her babysittin’ while I’m here. The girls of the club have been watchin’ over her, but it’d be nice to have her close by.”

“I don’t see why she wouldn’t do it. I’m sure she’d like to earn some money. I’ll send her out in a little bit to talk to you more about it.”

Irish nods his head and I stand up making my way back in the house. I need to start thinking about what we’re going to do for dinner. And, it’s been awhile since I’ve baked anything, so I think I’m going to get back into that too. Carl never wanted me to bring anything fattening or sweet into the house, so I gave up one more thing that I loved to do in lieu of getting my ass beat.

Heading into the kitchen, I hear Sami’s music coming from her room. It’s a sound that I missed for so long, and it’s a nice change of pace to hear life in a house instead of the perpetual quietness Carl insisted on. I find myself dancing around the kitchen as I listen to Sami’s music. She’s got a mix going of different kinds of music and I love it all. Music is something I used to love listening to and I forgot how much I love listening to it.

After a few minutes, I can feel someone’s eyes on me. I don’t think much of it, just assuming that Sami came in to get something to eat. When a few more minutes passes by and she’s said nothing, I turn around and a scream erupts from me. Irish is standing there, watching with some look in his eyes I can’t decipher.

“I’m sorry. You just caught me off guard,” I say apologetically.

“No, I’m sorry. I should’ve let you know it was me instead of watchin’ you silently. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen someone let go and dance the way you were without a care in the world.”

“Oh.”

I’m interrupted by not only Sami running in the kitchen to see what’s going on, but the back door bursting open and the young man holding a gun in front of him. He’s looking around trying to see where the threat is. Until his eyes land on Sami, Irish, and then myself. Slowly he lowers the gun and goes to head back outside.

“Goose?” I ask, stopping him.

“Yes ma’am?”

“Please, it’s Whitney. Since you both will be here when dinner is ready, I’d like to invite both of you to a home cooked meal. I don’t see any reason you both can’t come inside for a little bit. And I think it’d be nice to have some company.”

I watch as Goose looks at Irish before answering. I’m not sure what sort of silent communication they’re sharing, but it must be something positive. Goose nods his head yes before returning to his position outside. I’m not sure if this was a wise decision, but we’ll find out later on tonight. Now, I have to decide what we’re going to have for dinner and dessert.

“Thank you for the invite,” Irish says. “Sami, do you mind if I talk to you for a few minutes?”

“Um…” she starts looking at me. I nod my head before she continues. “sure.”

I watch as Irish and Sami head outside and I know he’s going to be asking her about watching his little girl. It’s going to be different to have a little one around again, but I’ll bet between the two of us, we’ll be in heaven. I love kids and Sami always wanted to babysit the neighborhood kids, but wasn’t allowed to. So, I’m sure she’ll jump at the chance to watch Irish’s little girl.

While they’re outside, I look at the calendar and notice that her birthday is in a few days. My heart breaks that she won’t be able to have a normal sweet sixteen party. More than likely it will just be her and I doing something at home. Unless I can convince whoever is sitting with us that day to go out to the Corner Café or something. Just so we’re not sitting in the house on her birthday. I wonder where the closest mall and movie theater are? We could always try to make a day of it. If the guys don’t mind. Maybe if I explain the situation to Irish he’ll find someone that would be willing to go with us for the day. I’ll have to remember to talk to him about it after dinner.

As I look in the refrigerator, I decide to make baked chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, and crescent rolls. Then I’ll make chocolate peanut butter bars for dessert. Sami always loved them growing up and it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to make them for her. Which is another thing I have to figure out, how I’m going to get her a cake. I’ll have to make a list of things to do and get for her birthday. One way or another I will make the day special for her.

Irish

After getting caught watching Whitney dance, I wanted nothing to do but sit and think about why she was threatening to get under my skin. It hasn’t been long enough since losing Caydence to even entertain the idea of being with someone else. Has it? It doesn’t really matter though because I need to focus on Cassidy and her needs right now.

As soon as Sami and I get outside and take seats in the rocking chairs, I take a minute to gather my thoughts before talking to her. I’m not sure if she’s going to go for watching my daughter or not, but we’re about to find out. I look at her and I can see the questions in her eyes.

“Well, Sami, I wanted to talk to you about watchin’ my daughter. She’s just over a year old and I’d pay you to watch her while I’m here watchin’ over you guys.”

“I’d love to!” She says, practically jumping in her seat.

“You don’t have to. I was just thinkin’ it would give you some spendin’ money and somethin’ to do until school starts up next month. Or until you guys decide it’s time to move on.”

Sami sobers at the reality that they may not be here that long. I’ve seen the looks between her and Goose and I know she’s hoping to stay here longer than her mom might be. I’m not saying that just because of Goose, I think she just wants to settle down and be in one spot. Especially once we take care of the threat of her dad.

“Since we’re stayin’ for dinner, I was thinkin’ of havin’ one of the girls bring her over. This way I’m here so you can get to know her a little bit. How does that sound?”

“We’d both love it! Mom and I love kids and it’s been so long since it’s been more than just her and I.”

Every time I talk to Whitney or Sami, I find more and more reason to hate the motherfucker that put them through the ringer. Not only did he buy a fourteen-year-old girl, but he put them both through hell. I don’t have any clue how Sami is as sweet as she seems to be. And Whitney seems like the type of woman that wants to help everyone around her no matter the cost to herself. I think I’m in trouble here.

“Okay, I’ll make the call and let you know when she gets here.”

Sami gets up and goes back inside while I pull my phone out to call Skylar. She’s the one watching Cassidy today and I’m sure that if she can’t bring my daughter here, she’ll find someone to do it for her. Skylar is good at getting people to do what she wants to these days.

“Everything okay Irish?” She asks, answering the phone.

“Yeah. I was just wonderin’ if someone could bring Cassidy here? I’ve talked to Sami about watchin’ her while I’m here.”

“Well, I’m in the middle of things right now, but I’m sure I could get Bailey to bring her over.”

“Can you find out and let me know please? We’re stayin’ for dinner tonight.”

“Really?” she asks, her interest peaked knowing that I’m staying here for a meal.

“Don’t get your hopes up. She invited Goose and I for dinner and we accepted. It’s nothin’ more than that. I’m sure they just want someone to talk to other than one another.”

“You keep tellin’ yourself that honey. I’ll send you a text as soon as I talk to Bailey.”

Skylar hangs up before I can say anything else to her. I can just imagine the thoughts running through her head right now. And she’s only going to bring Bailey into her crazy world thinking things other than what’s actually going on right now. Let the talking begin I guess.

Within a few minutes, Skylar messages me and lets me know that Bailey will be here in about ten minutes with my daughter. I knock on the door before walking in to let Sami know. Instead, I find Whitney sitting at the table in the kitchen, a notebook in front of her, her head in her hands and she’s crying. What the hell happened that made her cry? Did she get contacted by that fucking dickwad?

“Whit, what’s goin’ on?” I ask, coming up behind her.

“Oh, um, nothing really. Just thinking of all the ways that I’ve failed my daughter. I’m still failing her since I can’t even give her a special day for her sweet sixteen.”

I’m floored. She’s crying and heartbroken because she thinks she can’t do something for her daughter. Not because she’s overwhelmed or her husband has contacted her. The little that I’ve talked to Sami, I’m sure something small will be just fine by her. She doesn’t seem to be the type of kid that is worried about material things and what her mom can and can’t get her.

“When’s her birthday?” I ask, as I sit down next to her and see the list that she’s made.

“Next week. I was thinking we could spend the day shopping and things, but I need to save money at the same time since I haven’t found a job yet. She’s going to be so disappointed. About the only thing I’m going to be able to do is make her a cake. I can’t even buy her one.”

“Do you trust me?” I ask suddenly.

“I guess so.”

“Can I talk to a few people and see what we can come up with for her?”

“Why would you do this?” she asks me, lifting tear stained cheeks to look me in the eyes.

“I don’t really know why in all honesty. I just know that I want to help in any way I can.”

“It’s not just me that feels it, is it?” she asks suddenly, and there’s no way I can deny it.

“No, you’re not the only one. I just don’t know what to do about it.”

“Well, thank you for offering to help, but I’m going to have to say no. I’ll figure something out before her birthday.”

“Whit…”

“No, you guys are already doing more than enough. You’ve made it so we can breathe without looking over our shoulders every two seconds. I got this.”

I can tell from the tone of Whitney’s voice that she’s not going to budge on this. Unfortunately, I’m not going to budge either. I’ll talk to Bailey when she gets here and see what she can come up with. The girls will be able to pull a small party off that they won’t make her pay a dime for. I’m sure it’s going to piss her off and I’ll deal with that when the time comes. Sami and her deserve to be given something after the torture and hell that they’ve endured. Besides, the girls will be able to talk her into letting them take care of things without causing too much of a fuss on Whitney’s end.

“Well, I was goin’ to let you know my brother’s wife is goin’ to be bringin’ my daughter here soon. I thought Sami and her could meet and spend some time together since we’re havin’ dinner here tonight.”

“Okay. That sounds good.”

Heading back outside, I take up my seat on the rocking chair and wait for my daughter to get here. Bailey will have something to say I’m sure about me having dinner here. Skylar and her, along with the rest of the girls, are going to blow this all out of proportion. I’m already confused about what this mother-daughter team are making me feel. I don’t need them to add to it. They will with their questions and everything else. About the only good thing I can see coming out of this is that the girls will start hanging around Whitney more and make her feel like she has people around if she chooses to stay here.

I’m not sitting out here very long when I see a car slowing down and pulling in the driveway. From the color of the vehicle, I’m pretty sure that it’s Bailey, but I’m on high alert regardless. As soon as they pull up, I can see that it is Bailey and that Grim is with her. Great! This is just what I need. Oh well, I guess I can bounce what’s going on off of him and see what he says.

“Hey Irish!” Bailey calls out, heading to the back door to get my daughter.

I nod my head and stand up to meet them. Cassidy is babbling away, and a smile breaks out over my face. She’s been talking her little language for a while and we’ve all been trying to get her to say words instead of babble nonsense. It’s slow going, but we’ll get there.

“So, staying for dinner huh?” Bailey asks, handing Cassidy over to me.

“Yeah. She invited us, so they had someone else to talk to. We accepted. It’s not a big deal so don’t get your panties in a twist.”

Grim busts out laughing, and I look at him. He knows that I want to talk to him and nods his head slightly so that Bailey won’t know if she’s looking at him. I hand my daughter back over and tell her to knock before entering the house. And that I have to talk to her about something before they leave. She nods and heads up the porch to go see the girls inside.

“What’s up?” Grim asks as soon as the door closes.

“I don’t know what’s goin’ on. I feel a pull towards her and I don’t know what to do about it. I mean, Caydence has only been gone for about seven months. I should just be focusin’ on Cassidy and the club. Right?”

“I don’t know what to tell you. I mean love finds you when it wants to find you. There’s no right and wrong answer here Irish. After what they’ve been through, I would just say to take your time and go day by day. If things progress, they do. If you remain nothin’ but friends, then that’s not bad either.”

“But what if we remain friends and I can’t handle seein’ her date other men when she’s ready? What am I supposed to do then?”

“Then, you’ll know that you truly want somethin’ more than a friendship with her. The next moves are up to both of you if she feels it too.”

“She does. She’s the one that asked me if I felt it too.”

“So, take time and do the little things you know she needs help with. Invite her to do things when you’re not here watchin’ over her. Find out what makes her and Sami happy and go from there. Take a page from Cage and Joker when they first met Skylar. And you know it’s killin’ me say to do anythin’ that Cage and Joker did.”

I laugh at that because they were the biggest man-whores around before they met their wife. But once they knew they wanted her, that was it. They took themselves off the market for club girls and didn’t do anything that would intentionally hurt Skylar. I just have to figure out what my next move needs to be with Whitney. Do I pursue anything or no? I guess we’ll take it a day at a time and figure it out as we go.

After talking to Bailey, she said she’d talk to the girls about doing something special for Sami’s birthday. They’d probably bring in Darcy to give Whitney and Sami a spa day. Something they probably haven’t ever had. I think they’ll love that. And then, they’ll take them shopping and I’ve already handed over some cash to get Sami some new clothes so that she can start getting ready for the upcoming school year. I don’t want her to spend the money I pay her for watching Cassidy on that.

I’m watching the girls play with Cassidy through the window. My girl is having a blast with them. She’s laughing and playing with Sami while Whitney finishes up getting dinner ready. Whenever she can, Whit plays with Cassidy and I can see the pure joy radiating from her. I guess she wasn’t lying when I was told that it’s been forever since they’ve been around other kids and that they loved them. I can see it first-hand.

I see Whitney taking the food out of the oven and I figure it’s time to get ready to go inside for dinner. Walking to the side of the house so I can still see out front, I motion for Goose to get ready. Today it’s just the two of us because the other prospect had something going on with his family. Before I can make another move, I hear bikes coming down the road. What the fuck?

Heading back out front, I see that Cage, Tank, and the other prospect are here. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I guess I’m about to find out. The new prospect wasn’t supposed to be here yet, he’s supposed to be coming for the night shift. Typically, I don’t pay attention to who the next shift is until they get here.

“What’s up?” I ask, as they come closer to me.

“We’re here for the night shift. Were told you were goin’ in for dinner so we came a little early. You guys take your time and don’t worry about what’s goin’ on out here. We got this,” Cage tells me.

“Why is that? I can pay attention to what’s goin’ on out here while we’re havin’ dinner.”

“Not sayin’ you can’t. Just want you guys to have a good time and be able to focus on them. These two need company other than one another. They obviously trust you two, so go enjoy bein’ with them,” Tank adds.

“By the way, baby girl is already plannin’ on what cake to make Sami for her birthday.”

I nod my head to let them know I heard them and make my way inside. Goose is following me and we head to the bathroom to wash up. I hear the happy squeals of my daughter playing with Sami and I think I made the right choice. The girls can still help her out and they’ll have her when she goes back to school.

“Dinner ready?” I ask, heading into the kitchen and kissing Cassidy on her head.

“Yeah. I’ve already got a plate cooling down for Cassidy. I hope that’s okay?” Whitney asks, her cheeks flushing with the thought that she did something wrong. I’m gonna kill that motherfucker!

“Absolutely! She’s gotta eat too. Is there anythin’ I can do to help?”

“No. Just take a seat and I’ll be right there. Most of the food is already on the table, I just need to get the chicken. Hope you guys both like baked chicken.”

It’s not a question, but the tone of Whitney’s voice lets me know that she’s now second-guessing her decision to make it. Goose speaks up before I can to let her know that he loves chicken of any kind. Sami shoots him a smile to thank him for putting her mom at ease. I’m sure it’s different cooking for men that you have no clue about. Especially when it seems she could do no right before

“Chicken is good,” I tell her finally. “Let me bring it to the table though. You’ve been in here all afternoon.”

I walk up behind her and get a whiff of something fruity. Placing one hand on the counter by her side, I go to put my other hand down when Whitney scoots out of the way. I know I don’t scare her, but she’s scared of something. Is the attraction she feels? Because I know it’s scaring the shit out of me.

Grabbing the platter of chicken, I follow Whitney to the table and set it down in the only open space available. Looking at the table for the first time, I see that she went all out. She even found a highchair somewhere that Cassidy is sitting in between Whitney and Sami. So, I take my place beside Whitney and watch her playing a bit with my daughter. Before I can say anything, she’s standing up and heading back into the kitchen. Walking back in a second later, I see she grabbed the plate that she already made for Cassidy. There’s a little bit of everything on there, but not too much.

Sami grabs the plate from her and I watch as she feeds Cassidy while simultaneously eating herself. For someone that’s never really been around kids, she sure seems like she knows what she’s doing. Even Whitney is watching her. I don’t know where she learned to do this, but it’s awesome watching Cassidy and her bonding.

“What is everyone looking at?” Sami suddenly questions.

“Just watching you eat while you feed Cassidy,” Whitney says.

"Why? I know how amazing your food is and I don’t want to eat it cold. If I can feed her and eat at the same time, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Sami goes back to eating and feeding Cassidy. The rest of us dig into our food and she wasn’t lying. This food is amazing. Whitney can sure give Skylar a run for her money any day. Damn!

“This is amazin’!” Goose says shoving another bite of food in his mouth.

“Thank you!”

I nod my head to let her know that I agree with Goose. There’s no way I’m not going to be enjoying more of Whitney’s cooking. As soon as that thought enters my head, the thought that it’s not all I’d like to enjoy from her follows it. I have no clue where that thought came from, but I think I’m going to have a hard time getting rid of it now that it’s there.

Once we’re done eating, and talking, Whitney gets up to start clearing the table with Sami’s help. I put my hand on her arm to let her know that Goose and I will clear the table while they sit and relax. It’s the least we can do after she made this amazing meal.

Goose and I get the table cleared, food put away, and the dishwasher loaded and started. As we’re heading back out to the table, Whitney passes me and heads back in the kitchen. As she starts wiping down the counters, I see her turn the coffee pot on. If she wants us to spend more time here, I’m all for it. While I take my seat back at the table, I see Sami and Goose head into the living room with Cassidy. I watch them take seats on the couch, placing the baby between them and turn on the tv. I don’t see anything happening with us sitting right here, but I’m still going to keep my eye on them. I always will.

“So, have you always been in the club?” Whitney asks me.

“Yeah. My dad was in it and I knew growin’ up that I was gonna be in it too. There’s nothin’ like the freedom of ridin’ my bike and the brotherhood of the club. I always have someone around to help me no matter what I’m doin’.”

I can see my words affecting Whitney and I wish I could take them back. There’s a sadness and pain in her eyes that I would do anything to take away. I need to take it away, so I try to think of something to talk about while we’re waiting for the coffee to get done.

“What about you? You don’t have anyone to help you?”

“No. I started to tell you about my husband. My parents are the ones that sold me. They had everyone believing that I was already pregnant when I went with Carl. Told them he was willing to take me in and pretend the baby was his because he could never have children of his own.”

“Obviously that’s not true. But why didn’t you ever have any besides Sami?”

“I went on birth control. I couldn’t ever imagine bringing another baby into his world. There’s no way I’ll ever regret having Sami, the only thing I regret is who her father is and that I couldn’t get away sooner.”

“What about friends? Other family?”

“I don’t know of any other family members. My parents would never let me get to know anyone. I’m sure there are family members out there, but I wouldn’t know them if they ran me over. As far as friends go, I lost them all when I was forced to go with Carl. I didn’t have many before that, but I had a few. My parents never approved of anything I did, or anyone that I hung out with.”

“So, you’ve basically been on your own since you were fourteen years old. You blow me away Whit.”

“Why is that? I’m just a single mom trying to start our lives over and make sure that my daughter knows she’s loved.”

“Look at everythin’ you been through. Repeatedly! And yet, you still wake up every day and make sure that Sami is number one.”

“That’s what any parent would do. I mean, my child will always come first. Cassidy will always also come first whenever she is in this house. Sami may be the one watching her, but I’ll still make sure she comes first.”

“And obviously Sami takes after you in that regard.”

We sit here and talk for a little bit. Whitney gets coffee, hot chocolate, and dessert for everyone. Sami asks if she can feed Cassidy some of the chocolate dessert. I tell her I don’t care, as long as it’s not a lot and go back to talking to Whitney. She’s so easy to talk to and I can’t believe that as much time has gone by as it has.

“Well, it’s gettin’ late. I should probably be gettin’ Cassidy back to the clubhouse so I can get her to bed.” I tell her, starting to clean up the mess from dessert.

“Yeah. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“You got Tank, Cage, and a prospect outside for the night. They’ll make sure no one comes around.” I tell her, making sure the dishes and everything are at least in the kitchen.

Gathering up everything for Cassidy, I make my way over to pick her up. She’s fast asleep between Sami and Goose and I don’t want to wake her up. But I know that she’ll sleep through everything and anything. So, I really don’t have to worry about disturbing her. I’ll just have to see if I can borrow Whitney’s car to get her back to the clubhouse.

Ever since Caydence died, I haven’t been able to bring myself to go to the house we bought just before the explosion. I might talk to Grim about using it as another house for the domestic violence shelters. We’ll see what happens though. I just can’t bring myself to live there without her or move someone into the house that she loved so much.

“Whit, can I ask a favor from you?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

“Can I borrow your car? I don’t have a car seat or anythin’ but I can’t put Cassidy on my bike. Guess I didn’t think this through too good.”

“Oh. Well, I could always drive you where you need to go, and Sami can hold her in the backseat or something. It’s up to you.”

“That would be great! If you drive and Sami goes, we can lead you to the clubhouse and then Goose can follow you back. That way the guys can stay here and make sure that no one messes with the house or anythin’ while you’re gone.”

“That works too.”

I tell Sami and Goose what the plan is while Whitney does something in her bedroom. I’m not sure what she’s doing until she reappears in a pair of baggy sweatpants and a tank top. She’s taken her bra off and my mouth is watering at what I see while she puts a hoodie on over her top half. I don’t want to see her cover herself up, but maybe it’s for the best with Goose standing here and my brothers outside. They don’t need to see anything about Whitney.

Sami and Goose are ready to go and I’m beginning to feel not so ready to leave these two. Especially Whitney. The thoughts running through my head are not good ones regarding what I want to do to this woman. She’s been through enough and the last thing she needs is to be getting mixed up with me when my thoughts and feelings are all over the place.

After a few minutes, and letting Tank and Cage know what’s going on, we’re finally on our way to the clubhouse. I’m leading the way while Goose is following close behind Whitney’s car. He doesn’t seem to want to let them out of his sight any more than I do. I’d like to be the one to take them back to their house, but I have to get Cassidy in bed. So, this time it will have to be Goose. He’s proving himself while we’re watching over them and I’ll be the first to let Grim know even though Tank is the one that brought him into the club.