Page 72 of His Road Dog

Chapter 29

Nicole

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PRIEST SQUEEZED THEbreath out of her. Nicole pulled back, peppering his face with kisses, unable to contain her excitement.

"I was getting ready to leave, and I got news that bikers were trying to enter the commune. I knew it was you. I wanted to go meet you, but my dad thought it best if you come here." She kissed him again, sighing in happiness. "I haven't seen you in forever. Is everything okay? Is it safe for me in Missoula? Can I come back? Oh, honey, you have no idea how much I've missed you. I tried calling you several times, and you were never home. I thought you wanted me gone, or you found another woman. Just the thought of that broke my heart. I almost decided to stay here, but living in the commune doesn't make me happy the way I am on the outside with you. I can't believe you're here. You look so good. You're okay, right?"

He set her on her feet, held her face between his hands, and studied her as if he hadn't seen her in years. Her body vibrated, and he soaked all that in. She could see how happy he was beneath that hardened expression. His eyes couldn't lie.

Hard to believe he was standing in front of her, at the commune, she pressed her hands all over him, proving that he wasn't a figment of her imagination. That she hadn't wished him here and when she let go of him, he'd disappear.

"It's over." He smoothed her face, kissing her again. "Grab your shit. I'm taking you home."

Her eyes lit up, and she squealed. "Come meet my parents first. My luggage is in the car already. I was planning on leaving today before you showed up."

"Babe..." He eyed the area and everyone watching them. "I think it's best if we leave and skip the family reunion before their patience runs out and I get killed."

She glanced behind her and exhaled loudly. Everyone protected the commune and what they'd built. To outsiders, she assumed it looked scary, but they wouldn't hurt him.

"They're only protecting what we have here. You're a stranger to them." She looked at him. "They won't shoot you."

"You're wrong." He frowned, looking over her shoulder, and pulled her close.

"Nicole?" called her mom.

She stayed close to Priest and shifted. "Come meet Michael, Mom."

Her mom smiled and moved forward, holding out both of her hands. "It's so nice to meet you."

Priest stuck his arm out, holding on to Nicole. "Same."

Her mom held his hand with both of hers. "You're the one who sent our daughter to us?"

"Yeah." He dipped his chin. "I appreciate you letting her come back home."

"She knows she's always welcome here." Her mom let go of his hand. "Her dad and I are grateful that she has someone looking out for her after we heard what happened in Missoula. I wouldn't want her to be alone."

"She'll be safe there, now," he said.

Nicole hugged his side. "Now that he's here, we can leave together."

"Tell your dad goodbye before you leave."

"I will." She hugged her mom extra tight and whispered, "I'm so happy he came for me."

"I'm glad. That's all I could ever hope for you. Be happy," whispered her mom.

Gathering Priest's hand, she pulled him away from the others. At the car, her dad walked over, carrying a rifle.

She shook her head in amusement. For someone who wouldn't condone violence, her dad made it apparent that he was going to take care of his daughter.

"Dad...that's not funny." She stepped over and hugged his waist. "Come, say hi to Michael. We're going to leave together."

"When are you coming back?" Her dad eyed Priest.

"Not for a while. I want to talk to Kristi and see about getting my job back. If that works out, I'll need to stay there and make up for leaving her without any notice." She kissed his cheek. "I'll write, though."

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