Page 65 of Final Ride

Longhorn Motel. Amarillo. Texas.

We put in a helluva long day of driving, and it was late when we stopped at a motel in Amarillo, but we made it to Texas and that was our goal.

Travis didn’t mention it to the boys, but as soon as they crossed the line from New Mexico into Texas, he noticed half a dozen bikers trailing their little convoy.

He kept his eyes open while the boys exercised the horses and fed them and bedded them down for the night. Travis took the dogs on a stroll out to the road where he walked up and down looking for the Harleys and he didn’t see them.

After the chores were done, he put the boys in the room and went to Taco Bell alone. He brought back a load of Mexican, and the boys were happy enough to eat in the room and crash. They had no idea he was keeping them in the room for a reason. They were as tired as he was.

Before going to sleep, Travis called Annie.

“Hey there, Annie-girl. We’re in Amarillo, and with any luck we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Great. You’ve still got some miles ahead of y’all, Travis. Jacks and Lucy are ready for your horses.”

“Thanks. Only for a few days while I run around and do the legal stuff to close the ranch.”

“Happy to have you, sugar. Kids are counting the days until the boys get here.”

“Bringing one more,” whispered Travis. “He’s a rescue.”

“Can’t wait to meet him. We’ll have a couple of beers together tomorrow and talk about that phase of your new operation.”

“Copy that.”

The boys were asleep when Travis heard Corb get up and go into the bathroom. When he came out, Travis sat on the side of the bed and talked to him in a whisper, “You need some Advil to help you sleep?”

“Maybe it would work.”

“I’ve got some in my shaving kit. Hang on a minute.” Travis gave him two Advil with a glass of water. “Tomorrow we’ll stop at a clinic just to get you checked out.”

“Thanks for helping me. Don’t know why you would.”

“I’ve got boys of my own. Guess that’s why.”

Chapter Fifteen

Wednesday, August 27th.

Longhorn Motel. Amarillo. Texas.

When me and Virge got up to do the horses the room was empty. “We’re the last ones up,” said Virge. “Better move our butts if we want to get to Annie’s ranch by tonight.”

We pulled on our jeans and rushed out to the parking lot. Travis, Corb and the dogs were outside smoking, and Travis was telling Corb the way it was in our family.

Corb seemed to be listening to every word Travis was telling him and that was a good thing. Travis got pretty pissy when he had to repeat himself on any of the rules.

Travis didn’t follow anybody’s rules, but he expected us to follow the ones he made up for us—to the letter. He also knew when it was time to relax the rules and let us try new stuff. That’s what made him a great father.

“Get the horses done boys. I think we’ll make it to Annie’s by tonight and this is the last time you’ll be feeding them in the trailer.”

“They’ll be happy for that,” said Virge. “They’re getting a little testy.”

We went into the restaurant attached to the motel for breakfast and Corb drew a few stares with his messed-up face and torn clothes. Only clothes he had, and he was too small to wear mine or Virge’s.

“After breakfast we’ll hit a clinic, Corb,” said Travis. “I think you might have a fractured rib. You short of breath?”

“A little.”

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