Page 32 of Roam

SPRITE WALKED INTO Roam’s house. Remi had dropped her off and said that Roam had something to tell her. Remi also said she and War would do whatever Sprite and Roam needed.

She paused and saw all the kids watching the movie except for Joey, Casper and Georgia, who were asleep. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but Roam’s eyes were troubled. He looked like he’d run his hand through his hair multiple times. She walked over and slid her arms around his waist, leaning against his chest. His arms gripped her tight as a shudder ran through him.

He held her for a couple seconds, then led her to his bedroom, closing the door behind them. He turned, started to speak, then paused and shook his head.

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“Let’s start with why did Remi drop me off early?”

He sat down on the end of the bed, and she sat beside him, holding his hand. He swallowed, then took a breath before speaking.

“The sheriff’s department came by to inform me that my estranged wife had tried to sell her baby to an undercover cop. My name is on the birth certificate as the father. Everyone said they’ll cover whatever I, I mean we, need if you want to come with me.”

Sprite paused, thinking through all that needed to happen. “Okay, who is watching the kids, and who is going with us? Because honestly, I think I’ll need someone to keep me from killing that woman. Selling a baby? Who does that?”

“Oh, thank God. I was worried this might be too much.”

Sprite leaned over, pulling Roam’s head to her chest and wrapping her arms around him.

“I told you I loved you. Love doesn’t run when trouble hits. Love fights alongside you. Now, what’s the plan so far?”

Roam held her tight for a couple of minutes, then pulled his head back. “Mom and Dad had offered to come or Remi and War. Whichever one comes with us, the other will coordinate taking care of our kids. Do you have a preference?”

Sprite thought through which one would be better.

“I feel like War and Remi should stay here. I think they are both a little more hot-headed. We need cooler heads helping us because I’m so mad I can barely concentrate. I don’t even know the woman and I want to squeeze her neck so hard her head pops off.”

Roam nodded. “I agree. Let’s get enough clothes for two days plus extras because babies always get stuff on clothes. I freaking love you, woman. You didn’t even bat an eye about taking on another child that we don’t even know is actually mine.”

Sprite grinned. “I figured once we got together, at some point, we’d probably want more kids. They are just here a little sooner than we thought. Now let’s go get your... Do we even know if it’s a boy or girl?”

Roam shook his head, grimacing a little. “Beth’s deputy ticked me off, and I wasn’t listening well. Or even thinking through things to ask questions. Jerk acted like I was in on selling a kid.”

Sprite pulled Roam down for a kiss, holding both sides of his head before pulling away and staring in his eyes.

“We’ve got this. Let’s go tell the kids they’re getting a special time with War and Remi and we’re taking a short trip. I’m assuming we’re driving tonight, then staying in a hotel close to where she’s being held?”

Roam kissed her forehead, keeping his lips against her for a little bit. Then he breathed deep and pulled away.

“Yep, packing, road trip, hotel and then we’ll deal with whatever is next.”

Chapter Eighteen

Roam filled the cups and then doctored them how he and Sprite liked. His dad had arranged a suite for them with two bedrooms off a main room and a kitchen. He’d booked it for three nights because his dad said things always took longer than you thought.

His mom and dad had also arranged a lawyer to meet them where Shanna was being held. He turned to go back into the bedroom he’d shared with Sprite, but she came out dressed and ready to go. He stared, mesmerized by this different facet of her.

She’d slipped her piercings out and had completing changed her look. Instead of her head being curly with all the different hues of pink showing, she’d slicked it down straight. It had a reddish blonde hue. She had dark slacks, dress boots paired with a form-fitting thin long-sleeved turtleneck. The majority of her tattoos were covered. She’d also added some dark reading glasses. She looked like every other Dallas professional heading to work.

She definitely looked nicer than his dark jeans and long-sleeve henley he’d worn. He wasn’t ashamed of being a biker, but when dealing with the unknown, he wanted the best impression for the social worker.

“You look fantastic, though I do miss the piercings.”

Sprite smiled. “The holes are still there but not as noticeable. I’ve seen my share of social workers. Some are fantastic and don’t look down on tattoos or piercings and others aren’t quite so open-minded. I didn’t want what I looked like to affect how you were treated. Now let’s go rescue a baby.”

Regina and Baron walked out of their bedroom. His dad had the same outfit Roam had except a different colored henley. His mom was in dark slacks, flats and a dress blouse.

“Now remember. Our goal is to get to at least temporary custody and have Shanna sign away her rights to the baby and your other kids. Don’t let her rile you and make you lose your temper. I think our best bet is to not have her see Sprite and know you’re moving on. Everyone agree?” Baron asked.

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