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The closer we got, the easier it was to see well-kept shrubbery and potted plants inside the fencing that seemed to reach all the way across a vast field behind the clubhouse and past a line of trees.
Sensing that the untouched land across the road, the opposite of the compound, was also Redemption Ryder property, I wondered why the fence didn’t extend in that direction, too. However, when two huge rolling gates opened and I had to turn left to follow Diesel inside, I realized the entrance was safer that way. Had it extended across the property, it would’ve been much easier to ram open, the long road allowing for time to gain speed.
Feeling the tires crunch gravel, I was nervous. I was a long-lost son now found. What would all his men think of me? Was I worth the trouble?
I wasn’t stupid. I knew most of his officers hadn’t traveled with him to North Carolina. Except for his road captain, Rogue, it was mostly his younger patched Ryders who’d come. Since Diesel always had a reason for every action of his, I wondered if that was done on purpose? Were they more relatable for me?
For that matter, was traveling with younger bikers why Diesel was on edge, eager to get back home? Or was something much bigger happening behind the scenes? Why he’d needed to leave head wolves at homebase.
Once through the fence, I saw that many motorcycles were parked off to the right, under a tin roof that was connected to a large warehouse with open rolling doors. When Rogue pulled off to park next to them, greeted by waiting MC brothers, I expected Diesel to do the same, but he kept driving forward, so I followed.
Through the windshield, I could see stress melting off his shoulders as Diesel kept lifting his chin to Ryders we were passing. He now had experienced men to watch over the package he brought home.
At her open window down, Rya waved to the same men.
It was impossible to miss their smiles and returning waves. They had the lifestyle written all over them yet became big ol’ softies in one wave.
The clubhouse on my left was an impressive size. Toward the backyard, it was over four times the length of the truck and big trailer I was driving. Behind the building were pavers decorating the ground. Plenty of chairs, more potted and unpotted plants, and a grill beside a well-used smoker.
The area was clean, unlike the clubhouse I’d lived in. Women had something to do with this place. Not club girls too busy chasing bikers who were never going to make them Old Ladies.
Entering the field to the rear, there was a strange looking, black building the shape of a dome on the right. About another couple hundred yards past that dwelling was where we were headed.
It was a brand-new barn. Painted across the front of the fresh wood building was a sign.
Welcome, Sable!
Rya covered her mouth in disbelief. “Thunda, when did he start building it?”
It wasn’t even half the size Rya was accustomed to, but it had welcoming, large open doors and four stalls. Two on each side of a spacious aisleway with matching storage rooms for feed and tack. Each stall had padlocks so horses could step out of their stalls and be outside yet still be contained.
Diesel was parked but not off his bike when Rya jumped out of the truck.
“Rya!” I yelled because the truck was still in motion, but she didn’t even pause after slamming the door shut.
Through the windshield, I saw Diesel laughing as she excitedly ran inside then back out, her hands all up in the air as if she’d suddenly turned Italian. Then she ran back inside.
Winking at me, he followed her.
After parking the truck then exiting the vehicle—because that’s how it’s supposed to be done—I walked inside to see Rya flabbergasted, holding her chest. “I was so nervous! No offense, but what do bikers know about horses?” She was smiling so big, my heart melted. “I didn’t know if ya was going to ask me to stick Sable in some garage or somethin’! I didn’t want ta be rude and ask too many questions, but … this is perfect!” She took off running out of the barn. “Sable! Ya gotta see your new home!”
I stared at Diesel because he was hitting me where it counted. With my girl.
He lit a cigarette. “Don’t go gettin’ all mushy on me.”
“You didn’t start this a few days ago like you said.”
“Nope.” He blew smoke into the air. “I got it underway when a certain someone had a certain dream, telling me it would be needed.”
Art’s girl. I nodded, truly amazed and grateful. “Thank you.”
Boots skidded to a stop at the entrance of the barn. “I don’t know how to unload a bike and didn’t know if you wanted me to try.”
That she even considered trying told me Diesel had guessed right. She worked hard on the road.
“Breathe, pup.” He headed for the entrance. “Stink-in-boots, that bike may be a little heavy for ya. We’re coming. Hey, what color do you want your barn? When the wood is ready, we gotta paint it.”
The radiant expression on her face told me she was beyond honored. “I get to pick?”
