Fat Louise (Biker Bitches 2)

She was offering her a gift to share a child. Not to replace hers, but to fill an aching void that would help her heal.

“I would be honored.”

“That’s settled, then.” She looked toward Cade before dropping her voice. “Cade is throwing me dirty looks. He thinks I’ve upset you.”

Jane smiled at Lily. The gentle woman wasn’t capable of hurting anyone. She always went out of her way to be friendly and helpful.

Shade appeared at Cade’s side, joining in the conversation the men were having. Both men stood facing their women.

“See, I told you they’re alike,” Lily teased then grew serious. “I didn’t want to see that Shade cared about me, because I was too scared. Maybe you are, too. Shade helped me through my fears. If you let him, Cade could help you through yours, too. It’s much better than trying to do it alone.”

“I’m tired of being alone. I want someone to want me,” Jane confessed. “I always feel as if I’m imposing on everyone, since I don’t have a car because my mom has a knack for stealing them and selling them for drugs. You know, I bought her four cell phones, and she kept each one for a couple of days before they disappeared. Sex Piston, Killyama, T.A., and Crazy Bitch all look out for me, but I sometimes feel like the weakest link.”

“You’re not their weakest link; you’re the link that holds the chain together. Those women love you. Don’t ever doubt that.”

“I won’t.” Jane gave her the first genuine smile she’d had in a long time.

“Good. Now I’m going to get my husband and sneak off to that barn over there. I’ve always wanted to make out in a haystack.” Lily stood, picking up their now empty cups to throw away before going to her husband.

Jane released a deep breath, standing up. She brushed down her jeans, thinking Lily wasn’t the only one who intended to find a haystack.

* * *

“Ready?” Cade asked impatiently.

“I’m hurrying.” Jane wiggled her butt into a short leather skirt then pulled on a bright red sweater. “How do I look?”

“All Christmassy.”

Jane twirled. “That’s what I was going for.”

The club was having their annual Christmas party at the clubhouse. Instead of the members giving each other presents, everyone coming was supposed to bring a toy to be donated.

“I would prefer it if you dressed as one of Santa’s helpers,” Cade suggested with a leer.

“Be good, and I’ll give you a present when we come back here tonight,” Jane teased.

Cade had been spending a lot of time with her, catering to her every need. The only things keeping her from being spoiled from all the attention were the reasons she thought he was giving it to her. They had never discussed the tiny baby they had created and lost. In some ways, it had drawn him to her, while it had pushed her away from him. She couldn’t forgive how he had been with other women in the clubhouse after his night with her, nor had he regained her trust. She didn’t know if he ever would, despite that she enjoyed spending time with him, getting to know him better, and learning he had never had much of a family life. It was ironic. She wanted a loving family and home to replace the one she had never had, whereas Cade ran from the thought of a family, too wary of the pain his own had inflicted.

“We’re not staying here tonight; we’re staying at the club. I need to get away from Crazy Bitch and that cat. I don’t know which of them is worse. At least the fucking cat sleeps a lot.”

“That’s not nice.”

“It’s the truth,” Cade stated, handing her the black jacket she had laid on the bed. “Let’s go.”

They went into the living room where several brightly colored Christmas presents were wrapped. Killyama was already blowing her horn outside.

“Does she have to do that?” Cade asked impatiently as he picked up several of the packages. Jane also picked up several to take herself.

“Take those on down and tell her I’m coming.” Crazy Bitch came into the room, looking fabulous in a green leather top with black leggings.

Jane and Cade packed the presents down the steps to Killyama’s car, and then Jane climbed into the backseat. Cade was going to follow on his motorcycle.

Crazy Bitch put the remaining presents in the trunk, slamming it closed before she climbed into the front seat next to Killyama.

“Did you buy out the store?” Killyama asked as she drove out of the parking lot.

“Almost,” Jane conceded. She had bought more than she had originally intended.

As they drove past the street that Jane’s mother lived on, she turned her head to look toward the apartment complex. Blue lights were flashing outside her mother’s building, which was divided into four apartments.