Page 48 of The MC’s Surprise (Bikers and Babies #4)

Vegas

S ierra didn't know I’d overheard the conversation she’d been having with the building owner.

I saw the look that flashed over her face.

A hint of longing, like she could see all the possibilities, before she shut down hard and went back to damage control.

And while I understood her caution, it made me sad to think she would never get to achieve her dreams. She was too afraid of failing.

Good thing for her, I wasn’t willing to give up just yet.

Jogging over to the booth where Prez was talking to an older guy about the club rules, I slowed to listen.

“So you really aren’t like those other gangs…”

Prez shook his head, his smile patient. “We’re not a gang.

We’re a crew. We came together because we all have something in common; we love riding.

We stick together because we’re friends and we like to watch each other’s backs.

I don’t allow drug use in my club, nor would I keep a member who was causing trouble for our community.

We require a year of prospecting at minimum to ensure each new person joining fits in with our values.

I’m aware of the issues being caused by that other crew in town, but I promise you, that’s not us. ”

The older man, who looked kind of uptight, his bulldog expression pensive, nodded slowly as he looked around. “I thought coming here, I’d get some proof that you all are just like the rest. But it’s just like the county fair, only with more motorcycles.”

Prez chuckled, shifting slightly and putting his hands out. Zoey hurried past me, launching herself into her daddy’s arms with a big smile. Prez took it all in stride, letting her get comfortable while continuing his conversation with the man.

“That was the goal. We wanted to show the community why we love our lifestyle so much, but we don’t want to force it on anyone else. The woman who planned this, Sierra Martin, made sure there was a balance so we could all get to know each other better.”

“Well, she’s one smart cookie,” the man nodded. “I’m going to look around a bit more. I heard there was a show happening today?”

“One of our crew members is a professional stuntman. He can do things on his bike I would never be brave enough to pull off. He should be starting in about an hour at the far end of the rally. I hope you enjoy it.” He pointed the man in the direction of where Circus would be showing off his skills later in the afternoon.

I already spoke to my mom and Sierra’s to watch Melanie so Sierra could enjoy the show and we wouldn’t have to bring our daughter near the loud noises. I just needed to tell Sierra.

“Please tell me there’s nothing else that needs my attention,” Prez said when he noticed me.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “No trouble so far, Prez. I was hoping to talk something out with you. I’m not sure if I’d be overstepping by bringing it up to Sierra.”

He relaxed a little, gesturing to the empty chair next to him. While I sat, he pulled out some coloring stuff for Zoey, who was sure to be a little artist in the future. The four year old drew better than I did.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my arms, thinking about it. “Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent sure. Her dream was always to start her own business. She even got one off the ground back in California.”

“What happened with that?”

I hoped Sierra would forgive me for talking to Prez about it, but he was my friend and when I wasn’t sure what move to make, he was always willing to be my sounding board. When it came to something as important as this, I wanted his input.

“She hired an accountant who turned out to be a scammer. He stole from her, trashed her reputation, and left her to clean up the mess. In the end, she had to give it up because she couldn’t afford to keep it going.”

He let out a low whistle. “Damn. Did she file a police report? Call a lawyer?”

“Not sure,” I admitted. “She doesn’t like to talk about it.”

He nodded in understanding. “Okay, so what’s your goal? Do you want me to look into it for you?” He paused, a flash of apprehension crossing his face. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?”

“No,” I grinned. “But I love how much it looks like the idea would bother you. Do you secretly love me, Prez? Would you be heartbroken without me?”

He rolled his eyes at my teasing. “A little less every day. But seriously, if I can help somehow, just ask. After everything Sierra has done for my crew, I owe her.”

That was true. We all did. And from what I could tell, Sierra had no intention of stopping any time soon. She was amazing at what she did.

“What kind of business did she run before that asshole got ahold of it?” Prez quieried curiously.

“Event planner,” I replied.

He snorted, looking around the rally. “I guess I should have thought of that. She’s got skills. Think she’d be willing to try again? I bet a lot of businesses around here would be interested her in expertise.”

My brows furrowed. Maybe that was the key.

Sierra saw the way her business ended as a failure.

She refused to acknowledge that she was sabotaged.

Maybe if she could see for herself what people thought of her work, she’d realize that she was better than good at what she did.

Everything she touched got better. The animal shelter, the park, our club reputation. Maybe she needed to see it for herself.

Turning to Prez, I said, “I think I’m gonna need your help on this one. I want to get this right.”

His smile was full of pride as he gripped my shoulder. “Whatever you need, brother. I’ve got your back.”

With Prez’s help, we made a few phone calls and set up some meetings for that same evening. I also contacted Sierra’s mom to extend our time away so I could take Sierra on a drive. I met Sierra right as she was handing Melanie off to her mom, hovering as she explained everything to her.

“There’s a little cooler part in the diaper bag that holds the bottle in case she gets hungry. Or you can call me. I’ll come right back. And we packed extra diapers and a spare outfit. Don’t keep her out in the sunshine too long. I’m worried she’ll get sunburned. Do you think I should–”

Noelle laughed, shaking her head at her daughter.

“I’d be offended if I didn’t remember doing the same thing to my own mother.

I’ve got her, sweetie. I raised you without any issue.

I can handle my grandbaby. Me and her are just going to the cafe to relax.

It’s quiet in there and I want to show her off to Darlene and Ruth.

I’ll text you updates whenever you need them.

Go enjoy the show with your man and take a breather.

It’s good for you to take care of each other too. ”

I didn’t take Sierra’s reluctance to heart.

It was almost impossible to walk away from the two of them that morning.

I got it. Still, I wrapped my arm around her waist, leading her away from her mom and toward where Circus’s show would be at.

Sierra glanced over her shoulder a few times, but once Noelle disappeared into the cafe and was out of sight, she sighed.

“I don’t want to be a helicopter mom, but I don’t want her out of my sight either.”

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her hair. “I know, sweetheart. I feel the same way. But you know she’s safe with your mom and we won’t be gone long. An hour. Two tops.”

Her brows furrowed as she looked up at me. “Why would we need to be gone two hours? His show isn’t that long, is it?”

Prez and I agreed that it was better not to tell her the plan until it was already in motion to avoid her making excuses not to go. Instead, I improvised.

“I was hoping to take you on a ride. You said you wanted to before. I figured if we stuck close, stayed in town, you’d be close enough to Melanie and still get to enjoy it.”

She bit her lip, and I could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted to go, but she also wanted to get back to our kid. I was so damn happy she was such a good mom. When I eventually went back to the casino, I knew my kid would be okay as long as she was with her mama.

“Just a short ride?” she hedged.

I nodded once, making an ‘x’ with my finger over my heart like Gracie taught me when making a promise. “Cross my heart, gorgeous. Just a short drive around town.”

She looked back over her shoulder in the direction of the cafe, then back at me. So I gave her my best pout, batting my eyes and looking at her through my lashes. It did the trick because she burst out laughing.

“No! Not the pout! Anything but that!” She fake reeled, covering her eyes. I drew her back into my arms, grinning at her when she peeked through her fingers. Her eyes were dancing and she obviously was just playing along, but I was pretty sure it put her at ease.

“Alright, alright, I give. We’ll go for a ride. But I get first dibs on Melanie when we get back.”

“Whatever you need, sweetheart. I’ll just hold you both.”