Patriot (Hades Abyss MC 6) - Harley Wylde Page 0,31
the reverend.
Reverend Burson nodded. “These are our very own angels. Folks, this is David Boscoe. His family is one of the ones on your list. I hope you don’t mind, but he’d hoped to meet you.”
“I’m Patriot and this is MaryAnne.” My good-hearted biker shook the man’s hand.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing,” David said. “Ever since I lost my job, it’s been a constant struggle to feed my family, keep the lights on, and not lose our home. I appreciate everything you’re doing for us. You have no idea what a relief this is.”
My throat grew tight with unshed tears. I didn’t know why I was so emotional. For whatever reason, I felt compelled to help. Not only in the small way we had already, but I wanted to do more.
I tugged on Patriot’s hand and he leaned down. “Ronan, I… I need to…”
“I got you, Little Bit.” He kissed my forehead. “Mr. Boscoe, I know we’re strangers, and I also know how hard it is to accept help even when you need it most. Would you let us help a little more? MaryAnne and I have so much more than we need, and my Little Bit here has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. It’s tearing her up, thinking about your kids not having a home, food, or any other basics needed to survive.”
I licked my lips and looked up. “Mr. Boscoe, it wasn’t so long ago I was in a bad place. Patriot saved me, and I’ve kind of been drifting this past year. Healing at my own pace, but this holiday season has been the best I’ve ever had. Everything seems brighter. Happier. I want to share some of that joy with other people. I’ve been blessed by having Patriot and his club in my life. I only wish other people could be so lucky.”
Patriot pulled out his wallet and took out a chunk of cash. “Before you say no, think about your family. Use this however you see fit. If you’re behind on the utilities, put it toward that. Use it for rent, or whatever. It’s a gift with no strings attached. There’s only a few hundred there, but maybe it will ease a little of your stress over the next few weeks.”
The man’s eyes got glassy and he nodded, his lips pressed together tightly. He accepted the money and sounded choked up when he spoke. “Thank you. So much. This will keep us in the house another month, give me some time to figure out what we’re going to do next. You have no idea what a tremendous gift this is.”
Impulsively, I reached out and hugged him. It was quick and I immediately stepped back to Patriot’s side. It was the first time I’d hugged anyone who wasn’t part of the club. The way Patriot curved his arm around my shoulders and gave me a slight squeeze told me he knew what it had cost me. I could also see the pride shining in his eyes when he looked down at me.
“We’ll be back in a little while with something else for your family,” Patriot said. “We heard your little ones don’t have a Christmas tree this year, and we can’t very well let them spend the holidays without a bit of cheer.”
David nodded and I could tell he was close to crying.
“Come on. Let’s get our shopping done,” I said, nudging Patriot.
I was a woman on a mission.
Chapter Eight
Patriot
I couldn’t have been prouder of MaryAnne. Not only for hugging that man, but everything she was trying to accomplish. She’d picked out three pre-lit trees and ornaments that wouldn’t break easily, not wanting the little kids to get hurt. She was a complete wonder, and I was so fucking glad she was mine.
“Since we’re here, why don’t we see if they have any of the items on the lists? Although, if the families didn’t have decorations, they may not have stuff to wrap the presents either. Better grab some wrapping paper and tape,” I said.
“Did you ever check your bank account? What if we’re spending too much?” MaryAnne asked. “I want to do some good, but not if it means spending all your money. Oh no! The animals! We’ve been gone so long already…”
I sent a text to one of the Prospects, asking them to let Archimedes out and check on everyone’s food and water. Then I pulled up the banking app on my phone, checked my balance, and let out