Page 14 of Jack

It’s hard to believe she and her brother are teenagers now. I toss an arm over her shoulders. Her arm goes around my waist. I love this little girl. Everly will be seventeen in a couple of months. Logan turned eighteen back in July. He’s in his senior year of high school and on the football team. He didn’t have agame tonight. Next Friday night, I’ll be in the stands with the rest of our family, cheering him on.

Jay and Logan sit on top of the picnic table with their feet on the bench. I join them. Everly stands next to the table and leans into my side. I happily keep an arm around her. This little lady is technically my house mouse. She’s been cleaning and taking care of my house while I was away. Mom said Everly flat refused to let any of the club girls do it. My house is here on club property and in view of my parents’ house. Mom had no problem letting Everly hang out during the day at my house. She’s stayed with me a few nights this week. We’ve pigged out on pizza and ice cream.

“You okay?” Logan has me worried. He looks a little stressed.

“Yeah, Uncle Jack.” Logan sighs and drops his head. “It’s my last year. I need a scholarship.”

My nephew loves football. He wants to play on a college team and dreams of going pro someday.

“You don’tneeda scholarship.” My family has more than enough to pay for his tuition.

“I know.” He slowly nods. “But if I get one, it would help.” He shrugs. “It would also prove the coaches really want me.”

Jay pats Logan’s back. “Don’t worry, kid. It’s going to happen.”

Jay and I lock eyes over Logan’s head. If he were sitting up, we wouldn’t be able to see each other. Logan’s almost as tall as we are. My cousin and I nod. We’ll be with him every step of the way.

Jay looks out into the crowd. He smiles and lifts two fingers. I turn to see who’s approaching. I sit up straight and clasp arms with the big biker from Texas.

“Shep, good to see ya.” Of all the visitors we’ve had this week, Shepherd is my favorite. He used to come hang out all summer with us when we were teens.

“You want a beer, man?” Coty clasps his arm next.

Shepherd rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

“Get it from one of the coolers!” I point to the cooler beside the table across the yard from us.

“Fine.” Coty huffs and tosses his hands up. He was so going back inside.

My friend needs to lighten up. He’s bothered Kayla enough this week. He doesn’t realize pushing her too hard will eventually push her too far away. Thankfully, he listens and grabs Shepherd a beer from the outside cooler. The way Coty stomps across the yard and back is hilarious. It’s all Jay and I can do not to laugh.

Coty hands Shepherd the beer and glances around. “How many more of your brothers rode with you?”

Shepherd takes a long swig and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “None.”

Jay and I narrow our eyes at each other. That’s odd.

“You rode from Texas alone?” Logan asks.

“That’s not safe.” Everly’s eyes widen.

My niece and nephew have grown up listening to my parents and grandparents go over road safety every time we have a run. There’s always someone new who hasn’t a clue of what they’re doing. Sometimes, we get a few riders who think they know everything. It’s okay to ride locally alone, but not for long trips. The Viking Warriors is a relatively calm club. Even we have enemies. Shepherd knows all this. He was practically born on the back of a bike.

“Yes, ma’am. You’re absolutely right.” Shepherd ruffles Everly’s hair. He’s done it since she was little. My niece absolutely hates it. Shepherd is the only one who can get away with it. “But I didn’t ride this time. I drove my truck.”

That’s odd, too. It’s enough to relieve Everly’s worry, though. Shepherd usually only drives his truck during the winter. It’s aday’s ride from here to Texas. Maybe he drove because no one in his chapter could ride with him today. Whatever the reason, I’m glad he came to welcome Coty and me home.

“It’s too bad no one could ride with you. The weather was great today.” Coty finishes his beer and tosses the bottle in the trash can beside the picnic table.

“Um. That’s not what happened.” Shepherd looks between my niece and nephew. His eyes settle on mine. “I delivered an angel.”

The atmosphere around our table suddenly shifts. Everly’s arm around me tightens. I return the gesture. Logan’s back snaps straight. Jay places a hand on his shoulder. Coty sighs and waits for our next move.

“Where is she?” I ask.

“Your dad’s office.” Shepherd tosses his unfinished beer into the trash.

“She okay?” Everly’s voice trembles.

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