Page 2 of Big Red

Crystal and her husband, Paul, moved here with their son, Marco, to be closer to their grandchildren, and the rest is history.

“Okay. I’m just going to call Aunt Cara really quick. I want French braids today.”

She hops down from the washer and begins making her way out of the laundry room. I place my hand on her arm, stopping her.

“Baby girl, how about we do something a little different today? I can help you with your hair. Aunt Cara has her hands full these days.”

Cindy frowns, and I can tell she wants to argue. I pin her with a look that has her muttering, “Fine,” and walking out of the room. I feel like a bit of an ass for denying her, but Cara and Viper have four kids now. Their triplets are always up to some kind of mischief.

I appreciate all the ol’ ladies when they help with the kids. I just don’t want to become a burden to them. I have to learn how to do certain things on my own.

I make my way back to my room and hop into the shower. Being a single dad, I’ve learned to get ready quickly. The day Chloe decided she didn’t want to be a mother anymore, she left me with a three-year-old and a one-year-old. I remember having a few club brothers come over just so I could shower.

The first few years after Chloe left were the most challenging times in my life.

Walking out of the bathroom, I notice my phone in the middle of the bed. I don’t remember leaving it there. I always make sure to charge my phone when I go to bed. I can’t afford for my phone to die. There always seems to be some type of emergency these days, whether it’s the club or my kids.

I grab my phone, power up the screen, and notice a full battery.

I shake my head and pocket my phone. Maybe I need a vacation. I leave my room to check on the kids, and Colt’s already dressed and putting his shoes on.

My front door opens, and Cara strides in, pinning me with a look that lets me know she’s pissed. Everything clicks at thatmoment. Cindy. She must have used my phone while I was showering. I turn around and catch her at the end of the hall, eyeing me with a smirk.

Snitch.

I can’t believe she ratted me out.

Colton gives his Aunt Cara a beaming smile before running to her. She squats down just in time to wrap him in a hug. “Hi, my handsome man. How’d you do on that art project?”

“B-plus,” he says and holds his fist up. Cara taps her fist against his tiny one.

“That’s what I’m talking about. I’m so proud of you.” She kisses his cheek, and I watch as they turn redder than a tomato. I cover my mouth to hide the smile on my face. Colton hates it when anyone points out how smitten he is with his Aunt Cara.

She ruffles his hair before standing and locking her gaze with mine. All the affection is wiped from her face as she steps up to me.

“Did you really tell Cindy that I was too busy for her? Hmm?” she asks as she pokes a finger to my chest.

“I didn’t say it like that. I just said you have your hands full, which you do.” I hear a huff coming from behind me. I don’t need to turn around to know Cindy is standing there with her arms crossed and a look I’m pretty sure says, “that’s basically what you said.”

“Listen to me good, Red. I willneverbe too busy for them. If they want to call me, let them. Okay?”

I nod as she saunters up the hall with Cindy in tow as they discuss her hairstyle.

All the guys with ol’ ladies lucked up. They found amazing women to spend their lives with. Sometimes, I think it’s time to move on from Chloe's betrayal, but I enjoy the peace of not being in a relationship. My relationship with Chloe wasn’t the best.

If I found a woman like the other ol’ ladies, I would snatch her up in a heartbeat. But the women who come on to me either only want me for my patch or my money. It’s no secret the club owns multiple businesses in town, and for certain women, all they see are dollar signs. A means to an end.

After about fifteen minutes, Cara comes back with Cindy, not too far behind. After telling the kids she’ll see them at breakfast, she heads out.

“Grab your backpacks so we can leave.” They race off to their rooms as I grab my cut from my bedroom. After locking up the house, we walk over to the clubhouse.

“I can’t believe you told on me.” I frown at her.

Cindy giggles before shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Dad, but you really suck at doing hair. I’d rather not get teased for having my hair look like a bird's nest.”

Cindy quickly recognizes her slipup, turns away from me and tries to quicken her steps. I grab hold of her arm, stopping her. “Go ahead, lil man, let me talk to your sister for a second.” Colt looks at Cindy, and she gives him a curt nod. As much as those two bicker, they put no one before each other.

“Have you still been having problems with Tommy?”

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