Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 373

CHAPTER 204-2

“You did this?” He asked

“I needed everyone to remember why we’re still here.” I said and he looked around.

“You think they forgot?” He asked.

“No.” I said as I smiled.

“I think I needed to remember.” I added and his expression softened:

“You’re allowed to be scared.” He said.

“I know.” I said.

“You’re also allowed to be proud.” He said as I looked toward the workshop.

“I am.” I said.

Jace kissed my forehead before Diesel pushed between us and I laughed.

“He still thinks you’re more important than I am.” I said.

“He has excellent judgment.” Jace said as I nudged Jace with my elbow.

“You’re impossible.” I said.

“And you’re smiling.” He said and I realized he was right.

For the first time in days, I was and Ben approached us with a plate in each hand.

“I brought you food before everyone else eats it.” Ben said.

“Thank you.” I said as he handed me one plate. Then he looked at Jace.

“You want one?” Ben asked and Jace nodded.

“I could eat.” Jace said and Ben glanced at the amount of food.

“You could eat six.” Ben said as Jace smiled.

“That sounds accurate.” Jace said.

Ben walked away, and I watched him return to the others.

“He’s changed.” I said.

“He’s grown.” Jace said.

“He was still learning when he started.” I said.

“And now he’s a qualified mechanic.” Jace said as I smiled.

“I gave him Uncle Will’s toolbox.” I said.

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CHAPTER 20

“know.” He said.

“He nearly cried.” I said and Jace looked toward the workshop.

“Will would have been proud of him.” Jace said.

The words made my chest ache, but this time the ache was not entirely painful.

Uncle Will had wanted this place to survive. He had wanted me to build something that belonged to me.

He had wanted people to have a place where they could work, learn, and belong.

Looking around the yard, I realized I had done that.

Lawson Customs was no longer just a motorcycle shop.

It had become part of the community. People had supported us after the attack, customers had returned even when they knew the danger surrounding the business, and employees had stayed despite having every reason to walk away. So I lifted my cup.

“Can I have everyone’s attention for a second?” I asked and the conversations gradually quieted.

I looked around at the faces surrounding me.

“I know things have been difficult.” I said and a few people exchanged looks.

“I also know that everyone here has had reasons to walk away, because nobody should have to deal with the things we’ve dealt with.” I added as I took a breath.

“But you stayed.” I continued as my voice tightened slightly.

“You kept showing up, you kept working, and you kept treating our customers like nothing could take this place away from us.” I added as I looked toward Ben, Aiden, Mia, and the others.

“So I want to thank every one of you.” I said as several people applauded and Ben raised his cup.

“To Lawson Customs.” Ben said and everyone repeated it.

“To Lawson Customs.” Everyone said.

The moment felt bigger than I expected.

For once, there was no fear in the air. There was only pride.

Then a police cruiser pulled into the front parking lot and my smile disappeared which Jace noticed immediately.

“That’s Sarah.” Jace said as I nodded.

Officer Sarah Collins stepped out of the vehicle, but she wasn’t wearing the expression she usually carried when she stopped by to check on us.

She looked serious. Very serious and she walked toward the gathering while several people began moving aside.

CHAPTER 204

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