Chapter Twenty-Five

R oam was between clients and was cleaning up his space. Sprite had volunteered to go get them lunch. Matthew was sleeping but would need a bottle in a little bit. Roam's heart had ached last night when Sprite had texted what had been bothering Blake. He wanted to wrap both of them up and keep them safe.

This morning when Sprite had come in, he'd held her in his arms and just let her cry for a little bit. She'd needed the release of emotion and he'd needed to hold her while she did. He and Sprite were on the same page. They wanted to be living together. Heck, Roam not only wanted to get a property cut on her but he wanted the whole shebang with Sprite walking down the aisle toward him. With her brother unavailable, Roam knew Sprite would want to wait until he could be there.

He could hear Matthew stirring, so he washed his hands and walked into their office. It was working out okay with keeping Matthew with him. Not that he was with him all the time, anyway. One of his family was always dropping by to take their turn holding or spending time with him. His dad had texted that he'd be dropping by today to check in. Roam had suggested Sprite grab lunch for his dad too.

Roam picked up his son and kissed his forehead. "Are you getting hungry for lunch, buddy?"

Roam laid him on a pad on the couch and efficiently changed his diaper. He grinned at how awkward he'd been when Grant was born. Shanna hadn't wanted to get her hands dirty as she called it, so if Roam was home, he changed all the diapers.

Even knowing Shanna was currently locked up behind bars, Roam had a hard time realizing he'd completely missed how devious and evil she was. There were no other words as far as Roam was concerned for someone who would sell their own child. Selling anyone was depraved but for a parent to sell their own child—Roam couldn't fathom what went on in that person's brain.

"But you'll always be safe, buddy, because I'll make sure of it. Plus, Mom loves you just as much as I do. She's small but I'm sure she could kick someone's butt if she needed to."

"You bet I could," Sprite's voice said from the doorway.

He turned because he hadn't heard the shop's doorbell.

"How did you sneak in?"

Sprite smiled. "Your dad was coming in the back door and held it open for me."

His dad walked into the office and took Matthew from his arms.

"How's my newest grandson today? Are you ready for your own motorcycle?"

"No. I do not need to store another bike that he won't be able to ride for years. If you want to be buying stuff, you should check out what Oakley and Blake might need."

Baron grinned and nodded. "Sprite, do you have any preferences before I go shopping?"

"Preferences?" Sprite asked.

"He's asking if he has carte blanche to buy whatever he wants, or do you have rules he needs to follow like no dirt bikes until they're ten, but a bike would be okay for Blake, or no bicycle until Oakley's four."

"Umm, I hadn't really thought about it."

His dad nodded toward the break room. "Are we going to eat, and does he need a bottle?"

Roam picked up the box of food and followed Sprite out of the office and into the break room.

"He'll need a bottle but let's wait until he starts fussing. I think he should be able to go longer between bottles."

Roam laid out the food and got Sprite a drink from the refrigerator. He cocked his eyebrow at this dad inquiringly. Baron nodded and Roam handed him a Pepsi. Roam had to wonder if his mom knew his dad was drinking soda.

When Baron had his last checkup, Stella had told him he was inching toward Type II diabetes. Roam had been surprised because his dad was still fit, and Roam didn't believe Baron over ate sweets. His mom had made a couple of modifications to their diet. No soda unless it was diet, and she limited the number of desserts she had available at their house. The desserts were also made with lower sugar.

Before he'd left for the convention, he'd walked into the clubhouse and been sworn to secrecy because his dad was sneaking a piece of pie. Roam wasn't going to rat out his dad, but his mom was a master interrogator. If she suspected something and questioned Roam, he'd probably cave.

"Sprite, Regina told me about Blake being upset. Is there a way you have to check on your brother? Is he normally unavailable this long?"

Sprite finished chewing, then swallowed. "I texted two of his friends who usually know what's going on but don't work directly with him anymore. They haven't responded yet, and no, this is the longest he's ever gone without at least leaving me a message."

Baron nodded. "I have a couple of contacts that I'd be happy to check with if you want me to. I'm not sure if they'll be able to help but it's up to you."

"I'd take any and all help. I have this horrible feeling that something's gone wrong. I had it before Blake's dream and now I just can't stop worrying."

Roam slid his arm around Sprite. "We'll get through this. I'm surprised Mom didn't come with you today."

Baron wiped his mouth while smiling at Matthew. "Umm, she said she had something she had to do. She didn't say what."

Roam stared at his dad. His mom and dad were close and rarely did they not know what the other person was doing. His dad's voice was off too. Roam wasn't sure what was going on, but it seemed like his dad was hiding something. He'd worry about it later. He had enough on his plate with integrating his youngest son into the mix while still giving the other kids his time. Add in the woman he adored and her two kids and his life was full.

He wondered if Blake would feel more comfortable moving in and making them all a family if he talked with her. Her life had been uprooted twice in the last couple of months and now, just when they'd gotten settled, he and Sprite were ready to take it to the next level. His house did have a backyard that was fenced for the dog and Sprite's didn't. Maybe that would be a selling point for Blake. He instantly felt bad he was even considering manipulating her to want to move in. He'd chalk it up to low on sleep with having four kids under four. Of course, when Sprite moved in, they'd have five under four and six kids total. Thank goodness, he'd built a huge house.

"You and Sprite look like you might like a free evening. Why don't I come pick up Matthew right before you get off work and Regina can grab the kids from daycare? It's supposed to be a beautiful night. You could go for a ride. We're supposed to have storms again later this week."

Roam waited to see what Sprite thought about it. If she was okay, he'd love to get her behind him on his bike. Her arms wrapped around him and her heat against his back.

"I'd like that if Roam's okay with it. As long as you'll call if Blake seems off."

Baron smiled. "Of course. I want her to be happy. Sounds like a plan. If you've got him covered, I'll head back to the compound," Baron said, handing Matthew to Roam.

Roam gave his dad a one-armed hug. "Thanks, Dad."

Baron nodded, smiled and leaned over to hug Sprite. "Glad you're here. You're perfect for my son."

Sprite blushed and smiled at his dad's words. His dad always knew what to say to make someone feel good. He might be former military and a biker, but he was sweet and soft inside.

Roam was looking forward to the ride, but he'd need to have some caffeine if he hoped to stay awake tonight.