Chapter Twenty-One

S prite sat outside the courtroom with Brew. She was holding Matthew and was outside the courtroom only because Roam didn't want Matthew anywhere Shanna could see him. Sprite wanted to support Roam, but he didn't want to rile Shanna up seeing him with someone else. Best-case scenario is she would be held without bail until her trial. The lawyer said it was likely to happen because she had multiple charges.

They'd spent yesterday hanging out with Brew, Bootstrap and Dodge at the hotel. She wasn't sure Matthew ever took a nap in the play pen she and Regina had bought. He was always in someone's arms because everyone wanted a turn.

Sprite enjoyed getting to know the men and hear more about Roam growing up. Brew had told a couple stories that had Roam with a red face and threatening his brother. Roam and his siblings had definitely grown up different than she had but she didn't begrudge them that.

Her childhood had shaped her and made her the mom she was. Her children would never think they weren't wanted. She wouldn't wish her childhood on anyone, but she wasn't going to spend the rest of her life using it as an excuse.

She was in a good place with a good man. Her children were happy. She had a steady job that she couldn't wait to get back to. Even though it had been a dry run, she'd had a blast at the women's pampering evening. All the women were helping her come up with a name for advertising. It not only filled a need but was a great way to get to know the women of Bluff Creek.

Ellie had texted earlier that she and Beth were up for teaching Sprite at the range. Although her brother was familiar with guns, Sprite wasn't because her brother had been worried to teach Sprite and leave her a gun when their mom was around. He didn't trust their mom, so it penalized Sprite.

Ellie had said if it was easiest that they could have practice over Sprite's lunch hour so it didn't cut into evening time with the kids. Ellie just had to work it around her security jobs.

Once the judge ruled on Shanna's charges, they were getting on the road. She glanced at the time. Matthew would need a bottle soon, but she had hoped to give him it right before they got on the road. He would usually sleep for a couple hours afterwards, which would help on the drive.

He was starting to squirm, and she knew that was his signal that he was getting ready to cry if a bottle didn't end up in his mouth.

"He's like clockwork, isn't he? He's got that give me my bottle or I'll let everyone know look."

Sprite smiled and nodded. "Do you want to hold him while I mix the water in his bottle?"

"Sure, even though it's probably a trap so I have to change the dirty diaper," Brew grumbled.

Sprite chuckled when Brew leaned over and rubbed his nose against Matthew's. "Yes, she's trying to stick me with the diaper, isn't she, buddy," Brew baby talked to him.

People started leaving the courtroom, and she watched for Roam, Baron, or Regina. She hoped they'd held her without bail because Sprite needed a little bit of time to get used to all this without worrying something was going to happen.

Roam exited the courtroom and grinned as he strode toward them.

"She's being held without bond. Next court time to set a trial date is in thirty days."

He slipped his arm around Sprite while Brew congratulated him.

Sprite felt a little dizzy with relief. She leaned into Roam. She hadn't realized how scared she was until she was positive Shanna was behind bars and unable to hurt Matthew. And she knew in her heart that Shanna had signed her rights away. That didn't mean she wouldn't try to grab Matthew to try to sell him again. At least, when and if she finally got out, they lived behind walls at the compound.

"Let's get on the road. Scoop texted there is severe weather predicted across Kansas and Oklahoma today. I'd prefer being home before it hits," Baron said.

Regina slipped her arm around Brew. "Love you, son. We'll see you in a couple weeks for the pickleball courts and the renovation of the tattoo studio. I'll get ready to make all your favorites."

Brew handed Matthew to Roam and pulled his mom in for a hug. "I love you. I'll see you soon and it's been forever since I've had your cinnamon rolls."

Regina kissed his cheek. "See, Sprite, this is why you let them get away with everything because when they're sweet, you remember how much you love them. Walk us out?"

Brew kept his arm around Regina as they walked out with Roam carrying Matthew. She couldn't wait to get home and hold the kids and cuddle. And she freaking hated being on the road in bad weather, so she hoped they beat the storm back.