The night is cool, stars bright overhead. Your life is so different now, she says from when we first met. I nod. Everything's changed for the better. Definitely, she smiles, bumps her shoulder against mine.
You deserve it. Her hand finds mine in the darkness, fingers. My heart beats faster. Thanks for sticking with me, I say. Through everything.
Where else would I be? She asks. We sit in comfortable silence, holding hand. The future stretches before us. Unknown but bright with possibility.
Inside, I hear laugh. Mom and Hawk Patch's booming voice. Mama Carter scolding someone good-naturedly. My family, my home. For the first time in my life, I don't feel broken.
Don't feel less than. Don't feel alone. I feel whole, complete, exactly who I'm meant to be. Eli Barnes, child of the angels. Loved and protected.
Finally home. The garage buzzes with activity. Bikes being prepped for the spring ride. Leather being polished. Chrome shine to mirror brightness.
I wheel between the workbenches, checking progress. My clipboard balanced on my lap. My angel's vest worn proudly. Oil change on Hawk's bike is done. I called Patch.
He gives me a thumbs up from where he's working on Doc's engine. Mark it off the list, Foreman. I grin at the nickname. Junior Foreman of the garage. My official club position.
Voted on 3 months ago. Don't forget Whisy's new seat, I remind him. It came in yesterday. On it, patch promises. My phone buzzes.
Text from Emily. Still on for movie tonight? I smile. Tight back. Wouldn't miss it.
We're not officially dating. Not yet, but close. Very close. Outside, bikes roll into the yard. Hawk returns from town with mom riding behind him.
They've been inseparable lately. Mom finally letting herself love again. I wheel out to meet them. The spring sun warm on my face. Good ride?
I ask. Mom smiles, cheeks flushed from the wind. Beautiful. We went up to the ridge. Hawk helps her off the bike.
His hand lingers at her waist. Eli, how's the prep coming? Almost done, I report. Everyone's bike is accounted for except spiders. He's running late.
Hawk nods approvingly. Efficient as always. I learned from the best, I say. He smiles, ruffles my hair, a gesture that would have bothered me once. Now it feels right.
Fatherly. Mom heads inside to help Mama Carter with lunch. Hawk stays with me, inspecting the bikes lined up for tomorrow's ride. Nervous about your first official club ride? He asks, I shrug.
A little, mostly excited. Tomorrow is a milestone. My first ride in formation with the club. Not on my own bike, still too young, but in the custom sidecar, officially recognized as part of the angels. You'll do fine, Hawk assures me.