Page 6 of Nanny for the Bikers

I can feel the resentment radiating off of Kip. He’s upset with Sydney for just ‘abandoning’ her child, but I think it comes from his own abandonment issues. Honestly, I don’t feel the same way.

I’d rather the mother realize she was unfit, even if it meant turning our lives upside down.

“We’re all her dads,” I say, my voice rough with conviction. “Biology doesn’t change that.”

Dr. Vernon smiles with a warm, genuine expression. “I couldn’t agree more. Piper is a lucky little girl to have three fathers. Have you thought about tracking down her mother?”

Kip’s jaw clenches, his grip on Piper tightening almost imperceptibly. “Why would we do that, Doc?” he asks, his voice low and guarded.

Dr. Vernon leans forward, his elbows resting on his desk. “You don’t have to.” He shrugs. “But what if the girl is allergic to something? What if she’s on medication for an underlying health issue? These are things you don’t know the answers to.”

“Yeah, her crackpot mom probably doesn’t either,” Kip growls. “We appreciate your help with the tests, Dr. Vernon, but we don’t need Sydney’s help. We’ll figure it out on our own.”

When we step out into the bright sunlight, the weight of the moment starts to sink in. I blink, adjusting to the glare, my mind still reeling from the news. Kip claps me on the shoulder, his grin wide and infectious.

“Well, boys, looks like we’re officially on diaper duty,” he quips, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Who’d have thought we’d end up changing diapers instead of carburetors?”

Clay chuckles, the sound deep and warm. “Speak for yourself, Kip. I’ve always been good with my hands.”

I snort, shaking my head at their banter. “You’re both ridiculous,” I mutter, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips.

We make our way to the parking lot. The roar of engines fills the air as fellow club members arrive. A perk of being a part of a motorcycle club is definitely having an ‘in house’ doctor who we could see whenever we wanted…and who practiced discretion.

I catch sight of Rusty, his weathered face creased with concern.

“Everything alright, boys?” he asks, his gaze flickering to Piper.

Does he know?Kip is constantly running his mouth.Everyone probably knows by now.

Clay nods, his expression serious. “She belongs to us.”

Rusty’s eyes widen, but he nods slowly, understanding dawning. “You’re a brave bunch,” he says gruffly. “Fatherhood ain’t for the faint of heart.”

Kip laughs, the sound cutting through the tension. “Good thing we’re tough as nails, then,” he jokes, flexing his bicep for emphasis.

I roll my eyes, but I can’t deny the truth in his words. We’ve faced our share of challenges, both on and off the road. This is just another obstacle to overcome.

Fatherhood. The word still sounds foreign in our minds.

We part ways with Rusty, who promises to see us soon. The drive back to the clubhouse is quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I stare out the window, watching the city streets blur past, my mind racing with the implications of our new reality.

“You okay, man?” Clay asks from the driver’s seat, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

I run a hand over my face, suddenly exhausted. “Yeah, I just... I never thought I’d be a dad, you know? It’s a lot to take in.”

Kip twists around from the passenger seat, his eyes sympathetic. “I hear you, brother. But we got this.”

I nod, trying to muster a smile, but the uncertainty still gnaws at me. What do I know about raising a kid? What if I screw it up?

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Piper starts to fuss in her car seat, her little face scrunching up in distress. Instinctively, I reach out and place my hand on her belly, rubbing gentle circles until she settles, finding joy in playing with my fingers.

“See?” Clay grins at me. “You’re a natural.”

I let out a shaky laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. Maybe he’s right. Maybe we can do this.

“Let’s see if everyone else at the clubhouse thinks so,” Kip laughs.

“You didn’t have to tell everyone about her…” I narrow my eyes at Kip.

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