“But what does Willow have to do with them?”
“Her daddy is an officer in the Raiders. Both of her uncles, too,” Patricia whispered.
From her expression, I think she expected me to react with horror or even disgust. But I didn’t. Instead of the emotions expected of me, I felt anger and disappointment. The one thing I hated about this town was the small minded attitudes and judgement.
It took me a moment to find the right words to say that wouldn’t get me in trouble. With a flippant wave of my hand, I replied, “She won’t be the first student I’ve had to come from a different home life than our other students.”
Patricia frowned. “But her father?—”
With a teasing laugh, I countered, “Since I don’t think he’ll be inviting me to any of his biker parties, I think I’m safe.”
After giving me a long look, Patricia sighed. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“I’m positive.” When Patricia still didn’t seem convinced, I said, “In the end, that little girl needs me, and the part of me who lost my mom needs to be there for her.”
Patricia nodded. “I’ll make the change.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
When I walked out of the office, I found Elizabeth standing right outside the door, which caused me to jump. At what she might’ve heard, my face flushed. “I, uh, didn’t know you were there.”
She gave me a kind smile as she fell in step beside me up the hallway. Once we joined Willow in the main office, Elizabeth, “Thank you for what you did back there.”
“You don’t need to thank me.” With a shake of my head, I replied, “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Trust me, it wasn’t the first time.”
“It still doesn’t make it right.”
“Nor does it make it easier hearing my sons judged for their club involvement. At the end of the day, they’re good men.”
“I’m sure they are.”
With a grimace, she said, “While they are men, Willow is just a child. I can’t bear the thought of her being discriminated against just because of her last name.”
“I can assure you that will not happen when she is with me.”
Tears glittered in Elizabeth’s eyes. “You can’t imagine how much that means to me. And for her father.” She then motioned her hand to Willow. “Come on, honey. It’s time to go.”
Willow reluctantly slid off the couch to join Elizabeth. With her lips turned down in a frown, I said, “I’ll see you Monday.”
She gave me a beaming smile before walking out of the office. Just before the door closed behind them, she called, “Bye, Ms. Evans!”
Even though it was only a few words, my heart couldn’t help leaping in pride that once again she was talking just for me.
CHAPTER THREE: DEACON
As I paced around the rainbow-themed waiting room, I’d never wanted a cigarette more in my life. Whenever I thought about ducking out to catch a smoke, I feared it would be the minute the kiddie shrink would come back out to talk to me. Nothing screamed “neglectful father” like choosing a smoke break over your kid.
Since Willow had come to live with me three weeks ago, I’d restricted myself to only smoking outdoors to reduce her risk of second hand smoke. While I’d like to say it had been my idea, Rev had broached the topic with me.
With all the suggestions he’d been making, you would’ve thought he had like five kids or some shit. I mean, I expected Case to give me advice since he did have a house-full or some of the other guys. But most of those guys deferred to their women when it came to shit with the kids.
And dammit if Rev wasn’t a fucking natural with Willow. I couldn’t help being envious of how easy playing or making conversation with her came to him. I wracked my fucking brain for each and every comment I made. Sometimes so hard I thought I’d get an aneurysm. I wondered if it would ever get easier.
Of course, Willow had immediately taken to Rev despite her intense fear of men. His calm, kind demeanor always attracted kids. He’d helped me paint her new bedroom and assemble her new princess bed.
As much as she seemed to adore Rev, and sometimes Bishop, she still wasn’t talking much. It bothered me even more when I learned she’d spoken to her new teacher the minute she met her. Something about how the woman reminded Willow of the ratty angel ornament she refused to give up.
