Page 45 of Roam

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.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sprite was excited to ride behind Roam. She hadn’t even gone home because Roam had wanted to buy her motorcycle boots at the diner’s shop. His brother had dropped off his bike when he picked up Matthew and Roam’s vehicle. War said he and Remi were hanging out with Baron, Regina and the kids.

She and Roam had burgers and onion rings at the diner for supper. She loved the small town because people said hi and chatted with them when they walked in. She’d never lived in a place like this. From the first moments, it had felt like home.

Roam had gotten on the bike and was telling her how to get on and where to put her feet. Deputy Kerwin was walking by as they were getting on.

“Aren’t you going to wear a helmet?” he questioned.

Roam had asked her if she wanted to wear one. He was planning on taking them on some back roads and around the town. He didn’t plan on going on the highway and she wanted to feel the wind on her face. He’d told her on club rides or if they were going to be on the highway any length of time that they’d both be wearing them. The highway was well-traveled, and Roam had said there had been multiple wrecks on the stretch by Bluff Creek.

“Not for today’s ride,” Roam answered.

The deputy frowned, then walked closer.

“It’s the law,” he grumbled.

Roam shook his head. “You might want to brush up on your Kansas laws. Riders eighteen and older aren’t required to. Where did you say you came from?”

Sprite sat quietly, watching the deputy closely. After Regina and Roam had both mentioned their reservations, she was keeping a closer eye on him.

“Y’all have a nice ride,” he said and walked over to the diner, going in the door.

Roam started the motorcycle and turned his head. “You ready?”

“Yes,” she yelled over the engine.

He backed it up and then went faster. Sprite felt herself move back with the momentum. She braced her legs on the pegs a little and held onto Roam as he accelerated. She’d been by the WWII memorial and park before but hadn’t gone farther out of town that way. The paved street continued by some other buildings and then turned to go over a small bridge.

The sign by the bridge read Bluff Creek. She knew the creek ran by the compound and near the town. It was flowing some and a man was down along the bank fishing. Roam raised his hand and waved, so she did too.

The blue sky set against the backdrop of the fields and animals they passed had most of her stress melting away. But she vowed to not focus on the worry. She wouldn’t change anything by worrying more before her brother’s friends got back to her. She’d just make herself feel worse. Roam passed the road where they’d turn toward the compound and the bail bonds continuing farther west. At least she thought it was west, but she was still learning her way around. Roam continued on a little farther, then turned left. She’d gotten the leaning with him pretty quickly, she thought, but he still wasn’t going very fast. She’d guessed he was keeping it slower until she was comfortable.

Roam was the type of man she’d always envisioned sweeping her away when she was reading books. Strong, protective but ready to support his woman the best way he could. She’d always considered that no man could live up to her book boyfriends but he did. He was a fantastic father to his kids, always putting them first in every decision he made. She could see how he’d be a wonderful father to hers too.

She already loved his kids. Grant was a hoot and when he was in high school, she looked forward to teasing him about his girls comment when he realized Blake wasn’t a boy. Six kids between the two of them was a dream come true for her. She’d always wanted a husband and a big family. She’d loved reading Little House on the Prairie. She’d wanted to live on a big farm with her husband. The compound certainly fit the bill of a farm with the orchard and the large houses in the middle.

Blake wanted a puppy, but Sprite was thinking maybe it would be fun to raise her own chickens for eggs or maybe have some cute cows or goats. She’d have to talk with Roam and get his thoughts on it.

Roam slowed the bike and pulled into a small driveway with a gate that was open. He pulled through, then parked the bike and shut it off. She loved the rumbling of the bike but the quiet now that it was off was nice too.

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