Page 50 of Quiet Chaos

My husky voice radiates through the room, so I lower the volume. “It was the right thing to do. The ass—jerk took everything. I came back to the gas station later to check if she was there. It was getting dark, lots of truckers coming around, so I offered her a room in my house.”

“And now?”

“Well…” I settled into a heavy sigh. “Now, I’ve grown to care for Sky. We’re different, but we made a go of it.”

Stagnant in posture, she blinks and says, “Yes, Sky has told us you’re in a motorcycle club. I’ve read about them. Are you a one percent?”

I push out a laugh, emphasizing with a shake of the head when I say, “No, we’re not. I founded the club. They’re my family.” Her eyes penetrate mine and her assessment is pissing me off. “I don’t need to do illegal things.” The volume of my voice rises. “I run the family business, Briggs Bourbon.”

“You seem hostile.”

“You seem judgmental.”

Her body and facial expressions soften. “I apologize if it comes off that way. I am curious why you helped Sky and about your motorcycle club. In all honesty, you are an unlikely pair. Sky is naïve, and I want to make sure no one is taking advantage of her. As for motorcycle clubs, there are many bikers who do good.” The silence stretches. Her eyes narrow slightly. “You don’t talk much.”

“Only with purpose.”

She nods. “I like you, Cade. You appear genuine.” Our eyes meet. “What are your plans for Sky?”

A snide smile forms on my face. “Are you asking about marriage? If I plan on having sex with her?”

“Do you?”Shit!I thought she’d back off from that question. “I mean, it’s none of my business, but Sky has her feelings about it.”

I grunt. “Yeah, I know.”

“Ah, you’re not a man of faith.” She pauses. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you—”

“I mind. Our relationship doesn’t concern you. All that should matter is whether Sky is content, and you’ve witnessed her happiness.”

Mother Corinne’s lips press together. She pours herself more tea while asking, “You don’t like me very much, do you, Cade?”

I shrug. “I don’t like interrogations. As for you, I came here because you’re important to Sky. She wanted us to meet, and for me to learn about her life at the convent.”

She gives a firm nod. “Fair enough.”

Footsteps and whispers reverberate outside the door. Neither of us say anything.

When I think the conversation is through, she says, “Sky was five when she came to stay with us.” She appears lost in thought. “When they brought her into the hospital, Sister Mary was volunteering and saw the child’s injuries.” Mother Corinne peeks at me. “She had a black eye and a fractured wrist from being twisted. It turned out it wasn’t the first time she fell victim to her parents. We were relieved they removed Sky from the home. It’s not very Christian-like for us to want her away from her parents, but our focus was on the child, and they weren’t good people. If she couldn’t be safe in her parent’s care, who could she be safe with?” She let out a sad exhale. “The courts went in our favor, more so because it relieved them of their duty to come up with a better solution.”

She points at me. “That child is important to us. We taught her to read, write, took care of her when she was sick, and in return, Sky blessed us with a new light in the convent. She’s pure and beautiful. If I come across interrogating, it’s because she means so much to us and deserves a good life.”

She lets out a heavy sigh, annoyed by my dismissive attitude, so I do the opposite of what I’d do, and respond. “I mean no disrespect. Your questions come off critical. I’ve been nothing but honorable to Sky.”

She smiles into her lap. “Yes, she’s told us.” When she looks at me, it’s more of a concern than disapproving. “Do you love her, Cade?”

My jaw clenches at this damn subject of feelings. I’m not sure I can evade the question. Instead of saying it, I nod, surprised I confessed to her, yet not to Sky.

Mother Corinne picks up the plate and hands it to me. “The sisters made them specifically for you. Sky told us your favorite cookies are peanut butter and chocolate chip.” I take it from her as a peace offering.

Sky and Sister Mary return after a few eaten cookies, and we discuss what’s next. Dinner will be later in the hall, and tomorrow, they’ll show me around the convent. I can’t wait to get back to the hotel so I can breathe.

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 7:17

Sky

Ever since Cade agreed to meet the sisters, I couldn’t quiet my mind. I am nervous about how he’ll react to them and vice versa. His build can appear menacing, but he’s never once made me fear him. He’s gentle, and if he has something to say, it’s firm, not threatening. Cade’s my champion. My Gabriel. At first, I kidded when I named him Gabriel, the great communicator. The Angel Gabriel, which means ‘Man of God’, embodies Cade. He might not live by the book, but he has strength, beauty, and wisdom, all given to him by God. I want everyone and anyone I care about to see this handsome hulk. To discover his big heart, as I did.

He asks questions about my parents on the way to the convent, and it saddens me to admit they didn’t want me. Imean, what parent would do that to a child if they wanted them? Cade’s demeanor changed after I told him. Maybe it makes him mad they did that to me. It must bother him.

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