Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 119

CHAPTER 74-2

one point he stole half a sandwich and escaped three children attempting to retrieve it which

even made Jace laugh.

The atmosphere throughout the day felt less like repair work and more like a community

celebration.

People shared stories. They exchanged jokes and they worked together.

And somehow the damage caused by the fire became less important than the support

surrounding it.

Around lunchtime, I made a decision. I climbed onto a workbench and raised my voice.

“Everybody stop for a minute.” I called out and the crowd looked toward me.

“You are all getting fed.” I said as several people cheered and George raised a hand.

“Finally.” George said and I pointed at him.

“You especially.” I said and Jace laughed beside me.

I spent the next hour organizing food deliveries. Pizza, sandwiches, drinks and desserts. Far more

than anyone needed.

When the food arrived, nobody was allowed to leave until they ate and I personally enforced that

rule.

By early afternoon, the repair work was progressing rapidly and the new fencing was already going

The damaged area looked dramatically better and Lawson Customs once again felt alive.

I sat beside Jace during a short break and my shoulder rested against his so his arm wrapped comfortably around me.

For several minutes we simply watched everyone working and the sight felt surreal.

“I don’t know how to thank them.” I said and Jace kissed the top of my head.

“You don’t have to.” He said.

“I should.” I said.

“You already do.” He said and I looked up at him.

“How?” I asked.

19

OR

IRN

|||

O

124

CHAPTER 74 2

“You keep showing up.” He said and his hand squeezed mine.

“You keep helping people and you keep being yourself.” He said as I smiled softly.

“That sounds suspiciously motivational.” I said.

“I have hidden depths.” He said and I laughed.

“Doubtful.” I said as he kissed my temple.

“Rude.” He said.

The simple affection made my chest warm. Not because it was dramatic but because it was

natural. Because every day with him felt easier than the day before.

Later that afternoon, Mia found me near the office and she carried her clipboard like a weapon

which made me immediately became suspicious.

“What are you planning?” I asked as she smiled.

“Customer appreciation day.” She said.

“What?” I asked.

“We need one.” She said.

“Mia.” I said but she ignored me.

“Food trucks.” She said.

“Mia.” I said.

“Discount services.” She said.

“Mia.” I repeated.

“Giveaways.” She said and I laughed.

“You’ve already planned the entire thing.” I said.

“Mostly.” She said.

“Mostly?” I asked.

Clain

“Fine. Completely.” She said and I shook my head.

“You are impossible.” I said and she smiled proudly.

“I know.” She said.

The truth was that it wasn’t a bad idea. The garage had survived another attack. The community

19

IR

N

|||

24

CHAPTER 74-2

Clair

was stronger than ever. And people deserved to be thanked. Maybe a celebration wasn’t the worst

idea.

As the sun slowly began lowering toward the horizon, the final repairs wrapped up. I stood near the

workshop entrance and looked around.

The damage was gone. The garage looked good again. Maybe not perfect but strong.

The volunteers gradually began leaving and many stopped to hug me while others shook my hand

Several promised to return for customer appreciation day.

By the time the parking lot finally began emptying, I felt emotionally exhausted. Not because of the fire but because of the support. Because I wasn’t used to this. I wasn’t used to people showing up

for me.

Jace walked over and I immediately stepped into his arms. He wrapped them around me without

hesitation.

“You okay?” He asked and I nodded against his chest.

“Yeah.” I said.

“You sure?” He asked.

“I just…” I started as my voice caught briefly.

“I didn’t know this many people cared.” I finished and his arms tightened.

“They do.” He said and I closed my eyes. For the first time in years, I actually believed it.

Across town, Victor Kane sat inside a warehouse office reviewing reports. His expression grew

darker with every page.

The garage still stood. The fire had failed and the community support had increased. And now

Lawson Customs was stronger than before and a man entered the room.

“They rebuilt everything.” The man said and Victor looked up slowly.

“I know.” Victor said.

“The town is backing them.” The man said.

“I know.” Victor said.

“The Iron Vipers are getting more support.” The man said and Victor’s jaw tightened.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify