RiffRaff’s Reward by Darlene Tallman

Jillian
Five years ago, my world came crashing down around my head when my husband died from injuries he received in an auto accident. While it was tragic, the worst part? He had his mistress in the car as well, something I chose not to share with our young daughter, who thought the sun rose and set in her father.
Instead, I went from being a stay-at-home mom to going back to school to get my vet tech certification, and now work for the local animal hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I don’t need to work since Duncan had plenty of life insurance, but I can’t just sit around eating bonbons all day long, and since I love animals, I work while Kimber’s in school.
I’ve sworn off men, however, choosing to raise my little girl instead. Someday, I plan to start an animal sanctuary so that those who are adoptable can get their forever home. I even have plans in place for those animals who simply need somewhere to live who aren’t suitable for adoption.
However, the best laid plans as the saying goes are tossed out the window the day a tall, silver fox of a biker walks into the clinic with a small kitten tucked into his leather cut. Seems he found the tiny calico on the side of the road when he was stopped for traffic. My motto has always been that anyone who cares for animals has to have some good in them. I just hope I haven’t made a mistake.

RiffRaff
Years ago, I had to step down as the President of the Roanoke Raiders MC when I developed Alzheimer’s, handing over the gavel to my son, Brick. One somewhat insane day at the clubhouse, I was badly injured and a brother from another chapter healed me. Don’t ask me how, because it’s way above my understanding. Color me surprised when that included my fading memories, which I’m grateful for seeing as I’m a first-time grandpa with many more to come as soon as my son gets with the program.
Roughly a year ago, the club voted to patch over to the newly created Imperial Knights MC, along with our brothers who were based in Cedar Creek, Texas, but who are currently staying with us in Roanoke, Virginia, until a few issues going on in their small town are ironed out.
Now just a patched member, I’m back to getting wind therapy every chance I can, and enjoying the fact that the club finally seems to be where we’ve always been meant to be, part of something bigger. Since I’m not known to the man who is basically holding a sister of the Cedar Creek’s club hostage, I volunteer to head to Texas to meet up with Marcum and Xavier LeBlanc to handle things.
I’ve lived my whole life content to make use of the club girls, never wanting to deal with an ol’ lady after my son’s mom left. But when I come face-to-face with Jillian, the vet tech at the local clinic, my world is knocked off its axis. Still, while I’m finding my way, I keep quiet about her. Not because I’m ashamed of her or the fact that she’s a single mom, but due to the fact that it’s been a bit chaotic at the clubhouse with all the extra people currently there. While I worry that the Alzheimer’s will eventually return, I keep that to myself and instead, enjoy being with Jillian and Kimber as often as possible. I just hope my son, daughter-in-law, and my brothers will understand.
Because I’m not letting her go. She deserves the world and while I may not think I’m good enough for her, there’s one thing I can offer that her dead husband couldn’t; loyalty and faithfulness. Now to get her on the same page.

**Suitable for ages 18+ due to adult content, language, and situations**