Page 95 of Roses and Skulls

“I’m going to head to bed. Elijah and I are leaving tomorrow morning. We’ll be back late Sunday.”

The only sign of aggravation is the clench of his jaw. “I’ll be here when you leave.”

I nod once and turn to walk out.

“Billie Rose.”

Resting my shoulder against the door jamb, I pause and wait for his lecture about staying safe while I’m away. But that’s not what I get.

He gives me a small smile. “Don’t tell Elijah this but I do hope you both have a good time this weekend.”

I rush over and wrap my arms around him and kiss his cheek. “Thank you. I’m so very excited!”

My father, the big bad biker, pats my arm. “I know, baby girl.”

I think he finally realizes that he has to let me experience life.

Even if that means he might not be there to protect me.

But I know in my heart, no matter what befalls me, as long as he lives, he will always have my back.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Billie Rose

Being on the back of Elijah’s bike is the best feeling in the world. I’ve ridden on bikes my whole life, but this is different.

Smiling up at the blue sky, I take a deep breath.

Free.

I feel free.

It doesn’t matter where we’re going. I would go anywhere with him. I’m still amazed my parents let me go without any hassle.

My dad did do a quick inspection of Elijah’s bike but found nothing that concerned him. He held me extra-long before letting me hop on behind Elijah. I can’t blame him though. He loves me and one thing I’m learning, is that his love language is taking care of me and mom. Making sure we are as safe as possible.

When I realize where we are, I get excited. I’ve been here once before with my Uncle Dan. There is nothing better than races on the salt flats.

But there are no other people around as we speed across the wide-open space. And then we come upon two things. My mom’s rod and Aunt Lily’s Volkswagen bus.

We slow down and stop beside them. “What’s this?” I ask as I take my helmet off.

“This is our very own little piece of Heaven.” He waves his arm around us.

I bounce on the balls of my feet.

The bus is decked out just like a small camper. Everything we need all right here.

“You’re not disappointed we aren’t staying in a fancy hotel somewhere?”

I spin in a circle with my hands out. “This is perfect!”

He laughs and busies himself at the back of the bus, pulling out chairs and everything we need for our own little outdoor sitting area. “Your mom let me borrow the rod. I thought we could see how good your donut game is.”

The thought of driving my mom’s rod over the flats makes my heart skip a happy beat. “I can’t believe everyone agreed to all this.”

Elijah looks up at me as he sets up a little fire pit. “They want to see you happy.”

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