The Biker Needs A Nanny (Thirteen Bikers for Christmas)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Grace—

Saturday morning, Lucky is waiting in the kitchen when I come down. He stands, leaning against the counter, a mug in his hand.

“Morning.” I slow at the sight of him. Usually, I’m up before him.

He twists and grabs a second mug off the counter behind him. “I poured you a cup.”

“Thanks.” I take it. “You’re up early for a Saturday.”

“Yeah.” He looks at the counter and wipes at some crumbs. “There’s something I wanted to tell you.”

I pause with the mug halfway to my lips. “Oh?”

“I probably should have told you sooner, but… there’s this toy drive every Christmas. My club takes part. We decorate our bikes and ride at the end of the Christmas parade, ending at the collection site to deliver our load of toys. Some are strapped to our bikes, and the rest of the haul we bring in a truck.”

“That’s nice of your club to participate.”

“Yeah, well… I wanted to ask if you’d bring the girls. They love to sit on the curb and watch us roll past.”

“I could do that. When is it?”

“Today.”

“ Today ?” I practically choke on my coffee.

“And afterward, there’s a party at the clubhouse. Prez dresses up like Santa and passes out gifts to all the children of club members. They love it.”

“Oh.”

“Would you drive them up there? It’ll be a good time.”

“Lucky, I don’t know…”

“I know I told you I’d keep the club away from you, and I have. They’ve stayed away from the house. But the Christmas party is different. The kids are all there. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Everyone will be on their best behavior. I promise.”

I pause, thinking of everything he’s done for me, from the clothes to the security system. What he’s asking isn’t that much in return. “I suppose I could do that. When is this parade?”

“Three o’clock.”

“All right.”

“There’s another thing,” he says.

I arch a brow. “There’s more?”

“Um, traditionally, the ol’ ladies help decorate bikes. You’re pretty good at that sort of thing.” He gestures to the decorations around the house. “I was wondering if you’d help me with my bike.”

“I’m not sure how you decorate a motorcycle.”

“The girls are still asleep. Come to the garage with me, and I’ll show you what I’ve got. Okay?”

“I suppose.”

“Great.”

I follow him out.

His bike leans on its kickstand.

“I’ve got these battery-operated lights. I thought I could put one string around my handlebars and maybe the other around the backbar that I attached to strap all the toys to. I’ve got some garland, too. What do you think?”

“Um, give me a minute.” I pull my phone out and search for this type of thing. Judging by the results, it's apparently a common thing these clubs do. I see several really cool ideas. “Hey, look at this. These guys are all dressed up as Santa.”

“Yeah, we do that, too,” he confirms.

I grin. “You’ve got a Santa suit?”

“And it looks damn good on me, woman.”

“I can’t wait to see.” I chuckle.

“You gonna help me or what?”

I scroll and find another picture. “How about something like this?”

“That would be awesome. What do we need?”

“Hmm. Looks like some reindeer antlers and a small Christmas tree.”

“I’m sure I could find something to work.”

We get to work, and soon it looks great. Lucky throws a tarp over it when we’re done.

“I don’t want the girls to see it until the parade.”

That afternoon, Lucky leaves to meet up with the rest of his club, and I get the girls ready.

“I have a surprise for you both.”

I pull out a bag containing the headbands I got them. Each one has two felt Christmas trees sticking out the top.

They’re excited and put them on.

“They look so pretty with your Christmas sweaters. You both look beautiful.”

Poppy spins in front of the mirror and dances around.

“Are you excited, girls?”

They nod.

“I’m excited, too. I’ve never been to one of these parades. And I hear there’s a Christmas party afterward.”

I’m dressed in the pretty off-the-shoulder red sweater that Lucky picked out. At the time I didn’t want him to buy it for me, but I have to admit, it fits like a glove and looks really pretty. I don’t have any fancy jewelry, so my little gold hoops with have to do. I’ve got a pair of new jeans on and feel prettier than I have in a long time.

I twist my hair up in a French twist with a few stray tendrils trailing down. It shows off my neck and shoulders. I slip on the black leather jacket that Lucky insisted I get. Turning in the mirror, I check my look.

“You look really pretty, Grace,” Ella tells me.

“Thank you, sweetie.”

She runs and hugs my waist, looking like she’s on the verge of tears.

“Honey, what is it?”

“I don’t want you to leave, ever .”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise, knowing as I say the words that I may not be able to keep them. I close my eyes and hug her back, saying a quick prayer that somehow Eric will never find this address, and I can stay safe. I know the risk I’m taking, going to this parade in town, but I hope I can stay disguised. Which reminds me to grab a pair of Lucky’s glasses on the way out.

I slip on the pom-pom hat I picked up at the store.

Hopefully, Eric will never recognize me.

“Ready girls?”

They jump up and down, and we head out.

It’s difficult to find a place to park on the side streets, but I eventually find a spot big enough to park this big truck. “It sure is crowded, isn’t it?”

“Everyone loves the parade. They throw candy. Then Santa comes by in his sleigh. Then all the motorcycles go after Santa,” Ella informs me as we walk toward Main Street.

“We have to find a good spot,” Poppy insists.

We walk through the crowd, and Ella finds us a place near a lamppost, and we squeeze in at the curb. I’ve got my hat and glasses on, but I glance around, constantly on the lookout for Eric.

A marching band starts the parade, followed by a float made up to look like the north pole. Then a group from a dance school comes through, dressed like ballerinas. Another band comes through dressed like tin soldiers. A group of adults walk along the edge, tossing candy canes and lollipops to the kids.

Before long, Ella and Poppy have their pockets stuffed full.

There are several more floats, and then a group dressed up like Santa’s elves.

And then Santa comes past on a float with his sleigh and reindeer. The children all cheer and wave as he goes by.

Then we hear the rumble of motorcycles, and I spot Lucky’s club lined up in two rows, their bikes lit and decorated, and all of them in red Santa suits.

The crowd loves them.

They throw handfuls of candy from bags resting between their legs.

I spot Lucky and point. “There’s your daddy.”

There are many loud ho-ho-hos .

The girls stand and wave. “Daddy!”

Lucky spots us and waves, and I have to admit, even with the fake white beard, he looks pretty good in that red suit. He’s got two giant teddy bears strapped to the back of his bike. There are antlers strapped to the handle bars, and we made the back of his seat look like a sleigh by fashioning some cardboard and decorating it with garland, paint and lights, with a small bag of toys and a little Christmas tree sticking out of it.

The motorcycles are the last of the parade, and then the crowd disperses.

I take the girls’ hands, and we walk with the crowd surging around us. I follow the bikes, and they lead us to the toy collection site. Once the riders all park, Lucky climbs from his bike and hugs his daughters, sweeping them into his strong arms. “Ho, ho, ho. Have you been good little girls?”

His eyes twinkle with the happiness on his face, and it’s a joy to watch him with his children.

“Hi, Daddy,” Poppy says, hugging his neck.

“I like your headband,” he tells her.

“Grace gave them to us,” Poppy says.

“Did she? And did you say thank you?”

“Thank you, Grace,” Ella says.

“You’re welcome, angel.”

He sets them down, and they go to look at the big teddy bears on his bike. Lucky steps closer to me. “Thanks for bringing them. It means a lot.”

“You’re welcome.”

His eyes sweep over me. “You look real pretty.”

I flip the glasses up and bat my eyes. “You think so?”

He chuckles, and one of his brothers walks past singing, I Caught Mommy Kissing Santa Claus . Then he bumps into me, and I stumble against Lucky, who catches me to his chest.

“Oops. My bad. Sorry.” The man ambles off with a grin.

“You okay?” Lucky asks.

“Yes.” I step from his hard body, blushing.

“Sorry about that. My brothers are pranksters, and they think they’re hilarious sometimes.” He turns and yells after the man. “But they’re not!”

“It’s okay.”

He jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “We just need to unload the toys, then we’ll head to the clubhouse.”

“Okay.”

An hour later, I pull the truck down a long gravel drive, following behind Lucky. It leads to a lot and a big metal building with two stories. It kind of reminds me of a pole barn. I’ve heard people sometimes turn them into homes. There’s an overhanging roof with a concrete patio underneath, with tables and seating groups.

I find an open spot and park. The girls scramble out but wait for me. I remove the glasses, then tug the hat off and fix my hair in the mirror.

“Come on, Grace,” Ella says impatiently.

“Just give me one second.” I shrug out of the leather jacket and leave it in the truck, then beep it locked and take the girls by the hand.

Lucky meets us halfway.

The girls run ahead to some of the other children they obviously know, and Lucky stops in front of me. His eyes drag over me from head to toe.

“Wow. I knew that sweater would look hot on you.”

“Does it?” I’m nervous about going inside, and I guess it shows.

He holds out his hand. “Come on.”

But I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest.

“You didn’t come all this way, looking like that, just to stand in the doorway. Come on, Grace. It’ll be fine.”

I slip my hand in his, blowing out a breath.

We’re barely through the door when one of Lucky’s brothers approaches him.

“So, this your new nanny, brother?”

Lucky seems a little put off by being hit with this the moment we enter.

“Yeah, Brick. This is Grace. Grace, this is my club brother, Brick.”

He’s still got his Santa suit on, like most of the men, minus the hat and beard. His coat is open down the front, and I see his leather vest underneath. There’s a patch on his chest that reads, Road Captain .

I recognize him as the prankster who knocked me into Lucky’s chest out by the bikes. I extend my hand. “Yes, I believe we bumped into each other recently.”

He kisses the back of my hand. “Forgive me? I couldn’t help it.” He turns and tugs a woman forward. “Grace, this is my ol’ lady, Angie.”

The woman has a big smile and brown hair in bouncy curls that reach to the top of her shoulders. She’s adorable, with big dimples. “I’m so happy to meet you. I heard you were taking care of Ella and Poppy. They’re such sweet girls, aren’t they?”

“Yes, definitely. They’re angels. We’ve grown quite close.”

“That’s fantastic. I love your sweater, by the way.” Before I can respond, she hooks her arm through mine. “Come on. I want to introduce you to the other girls.”

I glance at Lucky as Angie leads me toward a big round table near the back of the clubhouse. We’re in a large open room with a bar on the right, some tables and chairs, as well as some couches. In the back are pool tables, dart boards, and arcade games. The kids are there having a great time playing and chasing each other around.

A huge tree sits along the left wall near a stone fireplace opposite the bar.

The women look up when we approach.

“Ladies, this is Grace, Lucky’s new nanny.”

“Hi, Grace,” a pretty blonde says. “I’m Case’s ol’ lady, Molly.”

Angie leans to my ear. “He’s the club’s president.”

The blonde gestures to some chairs. “Welcome. Sit down.” She snaps her fingers, and a man comes running. “Get this lovely lady whatever she wants to drink, prospect.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He turns to me. “What’ll you have, Miss?”

“Um, can I get a Seven & Seven?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be right back.”

“So, how are you and your boss getting along?” Molly asks.

“Fine for the most part, and of course, his girls are great.”

She nods, like she knows something I don’t. Or maybe she just knows Lucky well.

“You don’t have to pretend, Grace. We all know Lucky can be a grouch. Especially this time of year.”

I smile, but I don’t know how much to share. I don’t know these girls well enough to confide in them.

Angie leans toward me. “Brick heard you decorated the house, and it pissed Lucky off.”

“Well, I…” I’m not sure whether I should confirm or deny. Lucky is my employer, and I feel some loyalty to not talk behind his back.

“Don’t put her on the spot, Ange,” a pretty girl with long dark hair says. “I’m Jennifer, by the way.”

“She’s Pipe’s little sister,” Angie informs me.

“Pipe?” I look between them with a frown.

“He’s the club’s enforcer,” Angie says, then taps me on the shoulder and points across to the bar. “The tall one downing that shot.”

“Oh,” I reply, twisting to look.

“So, how’d you find out about the nanny position?” Molly asks.

“I used to waitress at Nick’s Diner.”

“I know that place,” Angie perks up. “I’ve never seen you there.”

“Let her finish her story,” Molly says. “You were saying, Grace.”

“Well, this sweet old man came in, and all he had was a handful of coins. He asked what he could get with them. I gave him a meal on the house. My boss found out and fired me on the spot.”

“What a dick,” Jennifer puts in.

“Yes, he was,” I agree. “Anyway, there was an older woman sitting in a booth who saw the entire thing. After I punched out, she followed me outside and told me her neighbor was looking for someone to watch his girls.”

“Serendipity,” Jennifer whispers.

“I don’t know about that, but I felt blessed. They say when one door closes, another opens. I’ve bounced around enough to know that’s true.”

“You aren’t from here?” Molly asks.

“Lord, no.”

“Where’s home?” Angie asks.

“I was born in Ohio.”

“What is your family doing for the holidays? Will you go home?” she presses.

“Oh, I don’t have any family. My mother died when I was young.”

“How sad.” Angie covers my hand. “No brothers or sisters?”

“I, um, it’s a long story.”

Molly frowns. “Having brothers and sisters is a long story?”

The prospect returns with my drink.

“Thank you.” I smile at him, grateful for the save.

“No problem.” He disappears to the bar, and I glance around. “There are so many people. I didn’t know the club was this big.”

“Oh, it’s not,” Angie says. “The Birmingham chapter came down for the toy run. Our boys went up for theirs last year, so they’re returning the favor.”

Molly points to a man. “That’s Shades, their president. And that’s his daughter, Rebel.”

“So, you all know each other?” I ask.

“Yep. They visit often,” Molly explains. “We’re a tight-knit family.”

I spot Lucky over at the bar. He laughs at something one of the other men said, and I realize how relaxed he looks—so different from the uptight man he is at home.

Angie sees where I’m looking. “Everything okay between you and Lucky? We all know he’s been through a dozen nannies.”

“Really?”

“Yep. You’ve lasted longer than any of them.”

“That must be so hard on Ella and Poppy.”

Just then, the girls run up to me.

“Grace, isn’t the tree huge?” Ella says.

Poppy whispers in my ear, “When are we doing the presents?”

“I don’t know, honey.”

“Really soon, baby,” Angie tells her. “Are you hungry? We’ve got pizza on that table.” She leans close. “And there are some Christmas cookies, too.”

Her face lights up, and the two girls run off, and I start to stand. “I should help them.”

“Sit, Grace. Taylor!” Angie motions over a girl of about twelve. “Could you please help Ella and Poppy get some pizza, honey?”

“Sure, Momma.” She runs off.

“She’s very pretty,” I say.

“She’s a good girl. I got lucky with her.” She meets my eyes. “Lucky’s a good father, don’t you agree?”

“He is, when he’s home,” I qualify.

“The club pulls the men away a lot, it’s true.” Angie takes my hand. “I do hope you’ll stay. Those girls need stability.”

“I like this town,” I admit, and I hate I can’t make any promises. I hate I have to live in fear of Eric finding me, because he always does. No matter how many times I run, and I’m so tired of running.

“Ho, ho, ho.” The deep rumble of Santa rings through the clubhouse, and we all turn to see him standing by the tree.

Angie whispers in my ear. “That’s Case.”

“Some little elves told me there are some children here who are on my Nice List.”

All the children run over.

“There they are.” He sits in a chair near the tree. “I think I have some presents to hand out early. They won’t all fit in my sleigh this year.”

Molly and Angie move closer, getting out their phones to take pictures. I stand and join them, taking my phone out to capture when Ella and Poppy get their gifts.

Looking around the room, and seeing all the smiling faces, I’m happy I came today. I think I may have misjudged these people.