Gavin’s bike had sat in Ton’s garage since Viper had asked Cash to have it transported from Ohio at Ton’s request. No one had ridden the motorcycle since Gavin’s death. Viper reached out touching the handlebar, swallowing hard.
“Are you mad?” Winter whispered with tears in her voice at seeing the grief on his face.
“No, I’m not mad,” Viper said hoarsely.
Winter wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, her head falling forward to lie against his back.
“Rider told me when he couldn’t fix your motorcycle that a true biker becomes part of his machine. I thought you could bring a part of Gavin back to The Last Riders.”
Viper’s head lowered for a second, his hand on the handle bar tightening.
“Let’s ride.” He ordered and everyone mounted their motorcycles. The women were riding in cars so their hair and clothes wouldn’t become disheveled. Winter moved to go to Evie’s car with her head down, brushing a tear off her check.
Viper’s hand caught hers in his tight grasp. “Ride with me?” Viper asked.
Winter nodded, waiting for Viper to get on before climbing on behind him. After putting on her helmet, she grasped his waist tightly. The brothers all turned their bikes facing the road, throttling their motors. Viper’s shoulders pulled taut as his head went back in pride while throttling the bike. He pulled out of the parking lot with Cash by his side and two by two they drove down the mountainside with Shade and Razer at their back.
Beth looked beautiful standing with Razer. Winter could only cry as the couple exchanged their vows, not able to hold the tears back when she heard Razer’s voice break when he slid his ring onto Beth’s finger. Pastor Dean performed the traditional ceremony that was over too soon. The wedding ceremony was held in the huge backyard of the church, allowing those who attended to eat afterward at the tables, which had been set up with flower centerpieces.
Winter sat down next to Lily, as pictures of the bridal party were taken after the ceremony. There were several photos taken in various positions. First the whole bridal party, then the bridesmaids, and groomsmen, then the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Winter hid her smile as the groomsmen became increasing aggravated, wanting the food at the table they could see clearly from their position. It didn’t help that the guests had began eating without them.
“Let’s finish this up,” Razer warned Beth, seeing their threatening glares.
“Alright, alright just a few more,” Beth soothed.
Winter had taken a picture with Rider, it was Lily’s turn next. The photographer decided to take pictures of her with Shade as they were standing next to each other exactly like the others had during their pictures.
“Last one,” the photographer said, moving to a different position. Charles, hearing the photographer, moved closer, waiting for Lily who gave him a sweet smile. Shade’s eyes narrowed as his arm slid around Lily’s waist bringing her flush against his side. Lily stiffened within his grasp, her hand going to his chest, but didn’t pull away thinking that Shade had just made the change for the photographer. Her smile became more nervous. Shade’s face became a different matter, giving a clear warning to the young man standing beside Winter. To give Charles credit, he didn’t run when the photographer finished, taking Lily’s hand.
“Let’s get something to eat.” Charles led her away to the buffet tables, giving Shade a gloating smile over his shoulder.
Not liking the look in Shade’s eyes and not wanting Beth’s wedding ruined, Winter moved to block his path.
“Hey Shade, it was a nice ceremony, wasn’t it?” Winter winced at her too cheerful voice.
Winter saw the look of sanity come back into his eyes.
“Beth and Lily looked beautiful, didn’t they?”
Shade’s eyes went to Razer and Beth standing together as their friends congratulated them.
“Yes,” he gritted out.
“They all are so happy, Beth with Razer and Lily finally settling into college. Their lives are merging, but yet still fragile. It could be hurt irreparably if she feels he’s putting a friend’s wants over her sister’s needs.”
Shade’s body stiffened, standing still.
Winter shrugged, deciding to be blunt. “It’s not like you’re deprived of female companionship. Lily will be out of school in two years with a degree she’s wanted since I’ve known her. By then you might not want her anymore.” Which was what she was hoping would happen.
Shade gave her a look that had her taking a step back, the blaze of possession in his startling blue eyes was evident as he looked at Lily and Charles sitting at one of the tables. Winter knew the chances of Shade changing his mind were nil. Shades eyes turned back to her to make sure she understood his silent message. Winter was no rocket scientist, but she was smart enough to back off. Satisfied, Shade left going in the opposite direction of Lily and Charles, leaving Winter shaking in her shoes.