Page 62 of Jag

“Ask him.” Romeo pointed to my dad, then continued, “Told us it was a nice day for a ride, then before the rest of us knew, we had the women following us in the truck, and we’re at some baby store at the mall. Sly bastard.”

“Oh, stop bellyaching,” Claire said and smacked Romeo on the chest. “Flyboy needed help on what to buy. Besides, once you and the other men were in the store, Thelma and I thought the truck might not hold all the stuff you all keep saying Poppy needed.”

“Dad, all that’s for Poppy?” I asked and frowned when I looked at the boxes sticking up in the back of the truck.

“Yeah,” my dad said distractedly as he patted Poppy on the back and rocked back and forth while her eyes blinked sleepily.

“Dad, I have everything she needs at my house.”

“Bet you don’t have a motorcycle walker,” Stroker said, then laughed when I look at him.

“Seriously, Dad. She is just starting to stand on wobbly legs.” I shook my head.

“First, it’s cute and my right as her grandpa to introduce her to motorcycles. Second, the shit in the truck is for my place. I wanted her to have her own things at my house since she will be staying with me while you take River away for a few days. She shouldn’t have to sleep in something called a playing pack.”

The other dads agreed with him, and l looked at Coast and Flirt who shrugged. Thelma and Claire laughed.

“It’s called a pack and play,” Thelma corrected.

“Don’t matter what the hell it’s called. My angel isn’t sleeping in it. She’s going to have a regular crib and all things to go with it in her room. Plus, I’ll have it for the new grandbaby, too,” my dad said and glared at me as if he expected me to argue.

“Okay, but you didn’t have to get it all today. She would have been fine sleeping in the playpen tomorrow night, then after River and I left you could have stayed at our house with her.”

“I want her to get used to my place. I don’t want her thinking she isn’t welcome there.”

“Dad, she’s one. Not sure she thinks about much other than food and a dry diaper. And Shakes said she would help you while we’re gone.”

“I don’t need help, boy. I raised you, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, and Shakes and some of the other ol’ ladies helped then. Just call her if you need a break. Okay?”

“Fine.”

“Well, since that’s settle. How about we go inside and see if they’re close to finishing,” Preacher said, and didn’t wait for any of us to reply. He and Stroker were already headed for the door. The rest of us turned to follow, and I walked beside my dad.

“You want help putting that stuff together?” I asked as I held the door open for him and Poppy.

“Yeah, that would be good if you got the time.”

“Always for you, Dad. After I get River settled at Luna and Ghost’s place, Poppy and I will come hang out with you.”

“Bring what she needs and stay at my place. I’ll throw us some food together, then after we get her room set up, we can eat and drink a few beers to celebrate the last night of you being single.”

“Sounds good,” I said as I walked behind my dad into the clubhouse. It was time to search out my woman. Staying at my dad’s place wouldn’t be so bad. It beat Poppy and I going back to the house without River being there. After tomorrow, I wouldn’t have to worry about it again.

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