Page 24 of The MC’s Surprise (Bikers and Babies #4)

Vegas

I ’d been a little annoyed when I drove out to the casino only to find the paperwork exactly where I told Charlotte it would be.

I’d been discussing something serious with Sierra and I could see the hurt in her eyes when I left.

The random ass trip also ruined my plans for our date.

I should have just told Charlotte to wait until Monday.

The paperwork could have been done then. I shouldn’t have left.

“Please don’t be mad at me,” Charlotte pouted, batting her big eyes at me. “I swear I looked there, but I didn’t see it.”

I felt a muscle tick in my jaw, but I held back my retort. I wouldn’t have been so annoyed if I’d been doing anything else. It was just bad timing.

“It’s fine, but I need to get back. I was in the middle of something.”

Before I could even fully turn around, she grabbed my arm, clinging to it and pressing her tits up against it.

Before Sierra showed up, I would have been tongue tied and immediately dropped anything to get her to do it again.

It didn’t have the same effect on me that it used to.

Not after what happened with Sierra the other night.

“Don’t go. You’re already here. We might as well get this done together. Two people are more likely to catch mistakes than just one.”

“I can’t,” I shook my head. “I was with Sierra. We were discussing something important. I’ll look it over on Monday.”

“Discussing what?” she asked, her grip tightening to keep me where I was.

I debated whether or not I wanted to tell her about the house.

She flipped her shit when she found out Sierra was carrying my kid.

I didn’t want her losing it again. That would only drag out my time here when I wanted to be elsewhere.

Charlotte could be something of a livewire when she wanted to be.

And if she stormed off and left work, I’d be stuck here covering her shift.

Maybe I needed to look into hiring a floating manager to cover shifts when one is out.

“Are you… mad at me or something?” she asked quietly.

I was going to remind her about my policy of not working on my days off, but when I saw her bottom lip tremble, old feelings made their way to the surface and my chest tightened. Just because I was moving on didn’t mean I needed to be cruel. She didn’t do anything wrong.

Biting back a sigh, I turned to face her, making sure my face showed nothing but a patient smile. “No. I’m not mad. I promise. Just a little distracted.”

“With what? Sierra?”

Was I imagining the hint of disdain in her tone or what I just overprotective of the woman carrying my kid?

“Her. And the baby. I don’t have a lot of time to prepare, and I’m pretty sure neither of us have thought to buy furniture and shit yet. If I’d known earlier, I would’ve had more time, but–”

“It’s seriously messed up that she didn't tell you sooner,” she grouched. “She just shows up and expects you to drop everything for some kid. Are you sure its even yours?”

I’d never gotten pissed at Charlotte before, not even when she did a few no shows a few months back without warning. I’d always given her an excuse. But I couldn’t abide by her talking shit about Sierra. I wasn’t sure what her problem was with her, but Sierra hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Yes, Charlotte. I’m sure. Did you need anything else? I need to get going.”

I wanted to storm off, but her grip on my arm tightened and pulled me back. I wasn’t so much of an asshole to jerk away and hurt her or something, so I was forced just to stand there, silently seething.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean that. I’m just worried about you.” She stepped around me, showing me the sincerity in her expression. “You’re right, you got no warning and I think its a little unfair, that’s all. I don’t want someone to take advantage of you. I care about you.”

I softened a little, trying my best to swallow down my irritation as I explained, “She didn’t know. She thought she was gaining weight because of stress eating. She didn’t have many of the regular symptoms. It’s not her fault.”

Charlotte pursed her lips, and I could tell she wanted to say something negative, but she held back, drawing in a breath and nodding instead.

“Okay. I trust you. As long as you’re okay, I’m okay.

” She tipped her head thoughtfully. “How about I make it up to you. A lot of people get baby stuff at baby showers. I can set something up for you and her, and get you some stuff you’ll need. Do you have a registry yet?”

“I, uh…”

“You don’t know what that is, do you?” she smirked. “Go to a baby store. They’ll explain it all. I’ll set up the party.”

It was a lot more than I expected from her and it meant a lot that she was trying so hard make it right. Maybe after this, she’d be nicer to Sierra. I didn’t want Charlotte’s skeptical attitude to stress Sierra out so close to her due date.

“Alright, sure. I’d appreciate that. Let me give you the number for one of the women in the crew. She’ll make sure they’re all there.”

She wrinkled her nose and immediately shook her head. “Nope. Baby showers are supposed to be women only.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “I thought I was supposed to be there?”

“You’re a man. No men allowed.” She pushed me toward the door, her expression determined. “A baby shower isn’t the place for bikers. Now go and let me get started on this. I’ll make it soon since you don’t have a lot of time. And don’t tell Sierra. It’ll be a surprise for her.”

With how much work Sierra had been doing for our crew, letting someone else plan her babyshower felt like a good idea. She deserved to be pampered for once. I let myself be herded out of my office, chuckling when Charlotte kept pushing all the way until I was standing at the back door.

“Alright, alright. I get it. I’m going.” Turning to face her, I smiled. “Thanks for this. It’ll mean a lot to Sierra. And… thanks for having my back. I should have told you about the whole thing so you wouldn’t have had to worry. You’re a good friend.”

She flipped her hair over her shoulder with a smug look. “Damn right, I am. Now go. Make a registry. It’s the only thing I need from you before the shower. I’ll let you know the details when I get it done. Deal?”

“Deal. See you on Monday, Char.”

She waved at the door, then made a face when I grabbed my helmet. “Those things are dangerous, you know. And you look way better in a suit.”

I was pretty sure Sierra preferred the leather, but I wasn’t about to argue.

I finally had my opportunity to leave, and I was going to take it so I could get back home.

Besides, there was only one opinion that mattered right now.

And if Sierra ever had a problem with my bike, I’d be stunned shitless.

Thankfully, Sierra was still with Mel when I got back.

I was ready to grovel, but she seemed distracted when I arrived, staring at her phone so hard, she didn’t even notice my arrival.

When I put my hand on her shoulder, she actually jumped, and my hands went out immediately to catch her in case she fell off the couch.

“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She blew out a breath, waving my hands away with a half smile. “You didn’t. Just surprised me.” Glancing up at me, she frowned. “I thought you’d be gone longer if it was so important that you had to drive all the way out there.”

It could’ve taken longer if I’d given in to Charlotte’s request that I help her with the paperwork. I was still proud of myself for telling her no. It wasn’t something I’d ever done before. Too busy trying to give her whatever she wanted so she’d give me a chance.

“Just misplaced documents. It didn’t take me that long to find them. How’s it going here? Have you eaten?”

“Yeah. There should be leftovers if you’re hungry.”

Always. Maggie’s cooking was amazing and I never said no when offered a plate. I held out my hand to Sierra. “Come sit with me? I want to talk about times to go to the city.”

She cocked her head, letting me pull her to her feet and tug her toward the kitchen. She never let go of my hand, and it was a little embarrassing how much pleasure I took out of that. After so long pining over Charlotte, it felt amazing to get such casual affection.

“What do we need in the city?”

“A registry? I still don’t know what that is, but Charlotte said we needed one for baby stuff. And we can look at big stuff like cribs too while we’re out there.”

The tension around her eyes that had been there when I arrived slowly disappeared and her smile brightened as I talked about a day trip to the city to look at baby stuff.

I was right that neither of us had thought about it.

Sierra admitted she’d most likely have ordered everything online or gone to a thrift store once she figured it out, but I thought it was better to see it in person.

Neither of us had kids before and I wasn’t sure about half the shit we’d need.

“I’ll need to get my car looked at before then. I don’t want your dad stuck without his ride all day.”

“Sounds like someone needs a mechanic,” Rooster commented blandly. I looked up, snorting when I finally noticed him in the kitchen. Him and two other brothers who obviously made excuses to be here for Maggie’s food.

“Since when has this place become a diner?” I asked as I guided Sierra over to a chair next to Rooster.

“That’s what I said,” Prez grumbled. He was leaning against the back door jam, watching the kids play in the back while sticking close to his old lady.

From what I could tell, Butch was out there with Mel and the screams said they were in the middle of a game of tag.

No one could beat Flash, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t fun.

I almost wanted to join them, but I didn’t want to ditch Sierra so I held back. Besides, good food.

Maggie offered me a plate with a soft smile. She was a gentle soul and a people pleaser to be sure, so I always offered something in return when she fed me.

“Don’t do the dishes. I’ve got those when I finish.”

That caused Prez to turn around, pointing at me as he glared at the rest. “At least he knows how to act. You idiots need to stop showing up begging for food. You’re not puppies.”

Wrong thing to say. All four of us immediately made puppy eyes at him and Rooster even added some whining for effect.

Sierra burst out laughing at our antics and Prez just rolled his eyes.

I felt myself relax for the first time since Charlotte called demanding I come help her.

This was what I wanted. My crew, my girl, everyone smiling and teasing one another.

I couldn’t ask for anything better than this.