Page 16 of The MC's Surprise
Iwatched as Sierra was integrated into the group like she belonged here and felt something settle in my chest. I always knew that any family I made for myself would include my crew. I could never be with someone who didn’t accept them as part of me. And while Sierra and I weren’t together, she was having my kid. That meant she’d be around the crew, and if she had issues with them, it would make us parenting together really difficult. But she was all smiles as she was introduced to the rest of the old ladies and eventually their old men. We could make this work.
“Did you get the test done?” Prez asked quietly beside me.
I hummed, tearing my gaze away from the beautiful woman carrying my kid. “Yeah. She actually offered to have it done before I even asked. She says she understands why I’d want one.”
Respect flashed across his expression for a moment before he glanced at her again. “You don’t need it, do you?”
Letting out a slow breath, I shook my head. “No. I believe her. The scan showed the baby was made right in the middleof when we were hooking up, and she said she wasn’t seeing anyone before or after. I trust her. That kid is mine.”
A smile pulled at his lips, and he didn’t push. He squeezed my shoulder instead, his voice soft but serious. “Congratulations. I’m excited to meet them. Did you find out the gender, or are you part of this bet?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I chuckled. “The baby had their legs crossed for the whole scan. We’ll have to try again later.”
He nodded. “Put me down for a girl. You’ve always been all about the ladies.”
Laughing, I pulled out my phone to mark it down. Whenever there was a club wide bet going on, I was the one who kept track of it. My thumb hesitated over my guess and my gaze flicked back up to Sierra. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted. As long as the kid was healthy, I’d be happy either way.
A heavy hand clapped my shoulder, making me jerk from the force. I whipped my head up with a scowl, ready to ream whoever nearly knocked me over while Ellie was still in my arms, but I came up short when I noticed Tank standing beside me, a big grin on his face.
“I’m glad I showed up today. Wouldn’t have wanted to miss this news. Congrats, kid.”
“Thanks, old man. I put in a lot of effort.”
He rolled his eyes, but we both had a laugh about it. It felt weird being congratulated on a thing that happened by accident, but it still made me happy to share this moment with my crew. Slowly, the guys came in and out, congratulating me and introducing themselves to Sierra, throwing in their bets before they left. It was only when she started to look a little overwhelmed that I stepped in, handing off Ellie to Butch so I could pull Sierra upstairs and give her a break.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” I said as I guided her inside. “For now, anyway.”
She sat with a relieved sigh on the edge of my bed, fatigue etched in her face. She’d at least gotten fed while we were in the kitchen, but she looked beat and I immediately felt bad. The night wasn’t even over yet. I’d yet to introduce myself to the potential prospects, too distracted by Sierra to leave the kitchen and find them.
“Why for now?” she asked as I sat next to her, smiling as she leaned her head on my arm. It was the kind of affection I was used to from her. She was a hugger, even with her friends. It was one of the things that made her great.
“I’ve been looking around for a new place. Living in the clubhouse was convenient, especially because I spent half my nights at the casino anyway, but I’m looking for my own space now. Especially with a kid on the way. I’ll need a place with a yard or whatever, and a nursery.”
Something flickered over her face, and I frowned. “What is it?”
Blowing out a breath, she sat up. “Its nothing. I’m just a little stressed. Part of the reason I told you was because I wanted you to be part of this if you wanted to be, but it was insanely hard finding a job the last time I was in town. It won’t be any easier finding something now that I’m pregnant. And my search for something online came up with very little this morning.”
My stomach sank. “You’re not leaving, are you?”
“I don’t want to,” she replied, a frown pulling at her lips. “That would be unfair to you. I’m just worried, that’s all. Finding a job when I’m this far along was already daunting. Limiting my search radius won’t make it any easier.”
She had a point. It was a small town and there weren’t a lot of job openings, especially when she’d have to take time off after the kid was born anyway. People would be hard pressed to agreeto hire her right now. She’d need inside connections to find a job. Thankfully, I knew someone who owned their own business.
“Come work at the casino.”
She made a face. “What?”
I shrugged. “I doubt any of my staff would complain about more help, and you’ve worked there before. I also know the owner, so I know he won’t care if you take some time off after having the baby.” I winked, which made her smile come back. “I get that you want to take care of yourself and I respect that. I promise I won’t coddle you. But I can help with this. At this stage, there isn’t much I can do besides this. Let me help where I can.”
“What about Charlotte?” she asked.
My heart stuttered. I was so wrapped up in Sierra and the baby that I completely forgot about her.
“She didn’t seem happy at the thought of me working there,” she pointed out.
“I’m the owner,” I insisted. “Charlotte can be a little much sometimes, but she means well. She’s been watching my back for years now. She was just taken off guard when she thought I was hiring without informing her.”
Which I was definitely doing right now. I’d deal with that later. If I didn't want Sierra ending up moving away so she could find a job, I needed to provide for her. I could understand her wanting to take care of herself, but there were always openings at the casino. Besides, if she was close, I could keep an eye on her, make sure she rests like she should. And if she went into labor, I’d be right there to help her.
