Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 237

CHAPTER 136-2

The families who had supported the business. The customers who had stayed when rumors tried to scare them away.

And for a second, I saw Uncle Will standing in the old garage doorway in my memory so I took a breath and the crowd became quiet.

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what this place means to me. My uncle built Lawson Customs because he loved motorcycles, but more importantly, he believed people deserved someone they could trust. He taught me that fixing a motorcycle isn’t just about replacing a part or getting an engine running again, because every bike belongs to somebody, and every somebody has a story.” I explained as I looked toward the original workshop and I smiled.

“I wish he could be here today. But everything we’ve built started with him. So this expansion isn’t just about having more space, more customers, or more money.” I continued as I looked at the new building.

“It’s about taking what he started and giving it somewhere to grow.” I finished and applause spread through the crowd so I smiled through the emotion.

“Thank you to everyone who believed in Lawson Customs, because I wouldn’t be standing here without you.” I added as Jace reached for my hand when I stepped back and he squeezed it.

“You did great.” He said.

“I nearly cried.” I said.

“I noticed.” He said and I laughed so Mason lifted the scissors.

“Are we cutting this ribbon or giving another speech?” Mason asked and everyone laughed again.

I took the scissors with him, and together we cut through the ribbon.

The crowd cheered and someone started clapping loudly, and then everyone joined in.

The new workshop doors opened fully, and customers immediately began wandering inside.

The rest of the afternoon became a blur of conversations, handshakes, photographs, food, and motorcycles.

The club had set up a barbecue outside and Emma had somehow managed to organize enough food for twice the number of people we’d expected.

Children ran between the buildings while adults talked about engines and restorations.

I moved from one workshop to the other, checking on jobs and answering questions, and for the first time)

I wasn’t worried about whether the business would survive. It was thriving.

By late afternoon, I finally found a quiet moment.

I stepped into Uncle Will’s original workshop. The noise outside became distant as I closed the door behind me. His old workbench was still there.

CHAPTERJA

The tools were still harging where they had always been and the smell of oil and metal still lingered in the Toom, and suddenly, the entire day felt very different.

I ran my fingers across the edge of the workbench.

“We did it, Uncle Will.” I said as my voice came out softly.

“I hope you’re proud of me. I didn’t know how this was going to turn out, but I kept goiny. And now there’s another workshop next door. Although you’d probably complain about how much money I spent.” I added as I looked around and I laughed quietly.

The thought made me smile and then I heard footsteps outside.

I turned and Jace opened the door.

“There you are.” He said and I nodded.

“I needed a minute.” I said as he stepped inside.

“You okay?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I said as I looked around.

“I just wanted to thank him.” I said as Jace came beside me.

“He’d be proud.” He said as I looked at him.

“You think so?” I asked.

“I know so.” He said as I leaned against him.

For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. Then we heard voices outside and Jace glanced toward the door.

“Someone’s looking for you.” Someone said as I followed him outside.

The parking lot was still crowded, although most of the guests were beginning to leave.

Mia stood near the entrance, and her expression looked strangely uncertain.

“What happened?” I asked as she nodded toward the far side of the parking lot.

“Someone arrived.” She said as I looked over.

A familiar man was stepping out of a dark SUV and my stomach tightened.

Charles Lawson.

He adjusted his jacket and looked toward the new workshop.

I hadn’t invited him. Nobody had and Jace moved slightly closer to me.

Charles started walking toward us and he stopped a few feet away, and for a moment, he simply looked around.

“You’ve done well, Paige.” Charles said as I stared at him.

23

CHAITERAS

“Why are you here?” I asked as his expression remained unreadable.

heard about the opening.” He said.

“You came all the way here just to see it? I asked as he glanced toward the workshop.

“I wanted to see what you’d built. He said and I didn’t know what to say.

Jace remained beside me, silent but watchful and Charles looked at the sign and then he looked back at

“You’ve certainly come a long way.” Charles said as I folded my arms.

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