Page 23 of Cash

“She didn’t leave anything with the baby except the letter. How about if Taja and I make a store run and pick up some essentials?” Bailey asks as she picks up little Alex and hands her over to Axel.

I secure the infant in one arm as I fish out my wallet with the other hand. Then I stand there not having a clue as to how to hang onto a baby and get my credit card out at the same time. I have an instant flash of respect for all moms. I take the easy way out and toss the wallet to Bailey.

“Take my credit card. Get anything and everything you think he’ll need. I have no idea about that stuff, so your help is appreciated.”

“You might not appreciate us so much when you see the damage we’re about to do to your credit line,” Taja says with a small laugh.

Stepping closer, I drop a kiss on the top of her golden head, then one on Bailey’s.

“Do your worst,” I say as the ladies nearly skip their way out of the office.

“Bailey might make you regret that comment,” Axel says with a laugh.

“Taja can squeeze the silver out of nickel, so your credit rating may be saved yet,” Vex states with his own laugh.

“Kid needs a name,” Pooh advises.

“Liam. Liam Wayne Larson.”

“Good name. I like it. We need to call Rex and get him busy on coming up with a birth certificate and whatever legal stuff you’ll need,” Axel says. “I’ll make the call, you bond with Liam. Pooh and Vex can cover the gym. You better call your dad, Cash. This isn’t something he should hear about second hand.”

After another minute of staring down into the sweetest face, I pull my phone out and make a call.

“Hey, Cash. What’s up, Son?”

“We need to talk.”

*~*~*~*

“Thank God he looks like me. There’s hope for him yet,” Dad jokes while carefully holding Liam.

“Wrinkled and angry? Yeah, Lars, I can see the resemblance,” Terry snarks.

Dad’s happy as hell and never batted an eye before claiming Liam as his grandson. I knew he wouldn’t, though. As for me, the reality of the situation’s now hitting me hard. My thoughts are chaotic and numbness has set in. I’m a dad. I’m someone’s father. Those two thoughts keep circling through my brain, and I can’t get them to stop. I know nothing about caring for an infant. I’ve only been around Gunner and Axel’s girls and never had to actually take care of them before. Axel hasn’t even allowed me to hold little Alex yet but then again, few have gotten that opportunity.

“I don’t know how to change a diaper,” I whisper in a strangled voice.

“Easy to learn. When the women get back, I’ll show you,” Dad answers nonchalantly.

“What the hell do I even feed him? Is he used to being breastfed? Does he know how to use a bottle?” I ask in a higher voice than I usually use.

I take a few deep breaths while Dad and Terry grin at me. I push down the panic and force my voice back to its usual deep rumble.

“I can do this. If Axel can be a dad, so can I,” I tell them while trying to convince myself it’s true.

“Calm down, Cash. All new parents panic at first, and it’s only natural to. Babies come with a steep learning curve and no instruction manual. But they’re tougher than they look, and you’ll find your way. You’ll have all the help you need and more than you’ll want. Trust me on that. Besides, do you really think I’m going to let you screw up anything with my only grandchild? Not going to happen,” Dad assures me.

“I hate to bring this up, but don’t you need to report this to the police? I mean, a mother did abandon a baby,” Terry inserts.

“Probably should, but I’m not going to. I don’t want to run the risk that the police might take the baby until I can prove he’s mine. I’m not going to allow him to be placed in foster care and then battle with the state when I don’t need to,” I answer while realizing how much I mean exactly what I said. “Liam’s not going to be bounced around anymore than he’s already been. He’s mine now, and that’s how it’s going to stay.”

“Glad to hear that, Son. Get Rex to come up with what you need to make it as legal as possible and move forward with your life,” Dad states.

*~*~*~*

Liam and I are at my home and settled in now. It was a long-ass day, and I’m exhausted. The women returned with everything I need to care for my new son and gave me a rundown on the basics to do so. Liam met most of the Devil’s Angels and their women today once the word got out. Members showed up to see our possible future member and to hand out advice. The women all wanted to hold and fuss over him, and I now understand Axel’s nickname of baby hound for Trudy. Once she got her hands on him, it was all over for everyone else.

Bailey and Axel drove Liam to my house with me following on my bike. Behind me were several members, my dad and Terry. While Bailey helped get me set up with full bottles and necessities, the men put together the baby furniture that now resides in my spare bedroom. It’s directly across the hall from mine but somehow seems too far away.

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