another man to live with us. You’ll just have to suck it up.”
“Or send her to his house a few hours a day. I love her. I can’t begin to tell you how much. And yet…”
He reached for my hand, giving it a squeeze. “Baby, it doesn’t make you a bad mother. Freya needs a lot of attention, and with her non-stop crying and screaming, it would rattle anyone. You’ve only been in my house a few days, and my nerves are a bit frayed. I can only imagine how you feel after months of listening to her and not knowing how to make her stop.”
“I felt so horrible. I kept thinking she was hurting, and I was just too stupid to figure out what she needed. The doctor at the free clinic wasn’t very helpful. It wasn’t until Venom arranged for her to see a doctor the Dixie Reapers use that I finally found out there was a reason why she cried so much.”
The waitress who’d told us to sit anywhere came over and took our order before rushing off to the kitchen. She returned a moment later with our drinks and a promise our food would be at the table soon.
A shiny black truck pulled up out front. Hawk grinned when he saw it. “Looks like our ride is here.”
The Prospect brought Hawk the keys and took mine. He eyed them and looked pained at the thought of driving my car. I couldn’t blame him. He wasn’t quite as big as Hawk, but it would still be a tight squeeze.
“Want me to park it at your place?” he asked.
“No. Empty everything into the carport then see what Beast wants to do with it. He may want to donate it for a tax write-off for the club.”
The Prospect nodded and headed out.
I liked the idea of donating the car. It still ran fine, even if it was a bit cramped. It didn’t have all the fancy gadgets the newer cars had, but it would be a dependable ride for someone. Maybe give them a chance for a fresh start.
“Hawk, is there a women’s shelter in the area?”
He tensed and eyed me. “Why? You thinking of running?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I’m going to run from the best thing that ever happened to me. Don’t be an idiot. I was just thinking someone there might really need a car. Your club could still get a tax-deductible donation from it, but I’d prefer to think of it giving a woman or single mom a chance at finding a better job or getting away from a bad situation.”
His gaze softened. “You’re something else. I’ll message Beast and let him know your wishes where the car is concerned.”
Speaking of jobs, I had to figure out what I would do with my time. Hawk made it seem like I didn’t need to work. Either way, I didn’t think I’d like sitting home all day every day. I needed a way to contribute, if not financially, then in other ways. Maybe not right now, since Freya was still young, but in the next few months. I wondered if I could get someone to watch Freya a few hours a week if I could volunteer someplace.
The waitress came back with our food, sliding both plates onto the table. “Can I get you anything else? Need a refill?”
“I wouldn’t mind a little more sweet tea,” I said.
She went to the counter and picked up a pitcher, coming back to top off my drink. Then she was gone again, helping other customers. I didn’t envy her. She looked about ready to fall over and didn’t seem to have any help today.
“I can see the wheels turning,” Hawk said, tapping my forehead.
I knew what he meant. I’d been deep in thought when our food had arrived at the table. “I think I want to volunteer somewhere. I won’t like being stuck at home all the time, and you make it seem like I don’t need to work.”
He leaned back in the booth and stretched his legs out. I felt the brush of his denim against my feet. He tossed an arm over the back of the booth and looked out the window. Did he not want me to volunteer? I hadn’t realized it would be an issue. If he wanted me to stay home, I’d find a way to not go stir-crazy.
“The club likes to do different charitable things throughout the year. A way to show the community we