Justin, Val, and Ransome readied themselves as the casket was wheeled from the side doors of the funeral home and loaded into the hearse for transport to the Elder family plot in the Divine cemetery.
Charity knew there was no explaining why death visited some families in clusters but she prayed that the Elder family didn’t suffer any more losses for a long time. The Elder brothers had also lost their mother to a traffic accident involving a drunk driver only a few years before.
At first, she’d considered riding her own Harley in the procession, but at the last minute, she’d decided to ride with Val, who had been particularly hard hit by Patterson’s death.
Val seemed really choked up as he watched James and Vincent Elder escort their father and grandparents out to the family limousine. Vincent then helped a very pale Leah Woodworth in with them as well. She hated how helpless she felt seeing the raw grief on sweet, little Leah’s face.
Charity went to Val as he put on his helmet. He switched on the two-way radios so they could speak to each other while they rode. All three men climbed on their motorcycles and started them, along with a large number of other bikers who were there to pay their respects to Patterson. Val reached out a hand to her and assisted her as she climbed on behind him and got settled.
As he rolled forward with the others, she wrapped her arms around his waist, searching for a way to reach the part of him that was so torn up. “Val?”
“Yeah, babe,” he replied, his voice huskier than usual, although that might have had more to do with the microphone in the helmet.
“Tell me how you’re doing? You’ve been pretty closemouthed about Patterson but I can tell this is cutting you deep.” She tightened her arms around him and waited for what seemed like a long time.
As the procession rolled slowly down Main Street, citizens lined the sidewalk here and there to show respect, many with hands over hearts.
Eventually, he let out a deep, shaky sigh and said, “A few months before the accident, Ransome and I were on a ride with friends, including Patterson, and we were stopped at a diner having lunch in Blanco. It was that weekend you went Christmas shopping with Justine and Grace. The weather was perfect for a ride. Anyway, he and I were standing outside of the diner talking and an older lady came out with two younger kids. The kids, both boys, were admiring the bikes and the lady asked Patterson where his helmet was.”
“Oh.” Man.
“He told her he was riding without. I’ve always respected a rider’s right to choose whether or not they wear a helmet. I understand the reasons why riders go without and it’s not my place to judge or tell others what they should or shouldn’t do. Anyway, when he told her that she shook her finger at him and said, ‘Somebody who loves you cares whether or not you wear a helmet,’ and he nodded and agreed that she was right. He never would’ve argued with her.”
“Of course not. He was raised better than that.”
“He rode off with just his bandana on after she left with the kids. I thought about pushing him to wear my extra helmet that day, or at least talking to him and encouraging him to wear one in the future…but I didn’t. I might’ve been the one who finally got through to him. I remember him talking about Leah and how much he liked her. How he was going to win her over eventually. Now his chance is gone. I have regrets about keeping my mouth shut.”
“Yeah.” The word came out in a whisper but said so much more.
“I didn’t know him long but he was a good friend. I’m sad for all the opportunities he’s lost,” he murmured as they rolled out of town, briefly caressing her hands on his abdomen. “And I don’t want to miss any more opportunities.”
Chapter Fifteen
Late April…
Justin opened the front door and surveyed the young man standing on his doorstep.
“Noah,” he said, his tone neutral as he leaned against the doorjamb and glowered.
Noah nodded and looked like he was wondering if he’d should smile, shake his hand, or run like hell. “Mr. Connors. I’m here to pick up Justine for prom.”
Justin chuckled and waved him in the house. “No need to be formal. I was just messing with you. We already got the ‘grilling’ out of the way last month.”
Val and Ransome were on the couch in the living room watching a game on television and nodded at Noah when he came in.
Val said, “You’re lucky I didn’t answer the door, son. I figured you were good for one more interrogation.” Justin had to stifle his laughter. Noah was a good kid but Justin also knew Val and Ransome’s chances at playing the protective daddy were numbered. He couldn’t begrudge them their fun. When Noah was a dad, he’d do the same thing.