RILEY
Ipaused in the doorway of our backyard garage and just watched them, a cold glass of lemonade in each hand.
Ryot and our seven-year-old son were shoulder to shoulder over a small dirt bike they’d been building together for weeks. Grease streaked both their faces in nearly identical patterns, and their matching expressions of intense focus made my heart melt.
“Easy on that bolt, buddy.” Ryot’s voice held his usual patience for our children. “We reinforced the frame, but we still want it safe. Remember the kill switch?”
River nodded, his tongue poking out in concentration as he carefully tightened the bolt. “I remember, Dad. Extra padding on the bars too. So I don’t get hurt if I tip over.”
“That’s right.” Ryot ruffled his hair. “Gotta keep my boy safe.”
Through the big window overlooking the yard, I could see our other two kids playing.
Six-year-old Rae was pumping her legs on the swing, while five-year-old Rhett giggled as he tried to keep up.
The swing set had been a weekend project built by Ryot and a few of the brothers when River was three.
Sturdy, safe, and big enough for all the club kids who came over.
Ryot looked up, his eyes softening as soon as they landed on me. The smile that spread across his face still made my knees weak. “Hey, baby. Come help us finish this thing.”
I set the lemonades down on the workbench and rolled up my sleeves, stepping into the familiar chaos of tools, parts, and grease.
“All right, boys. What are we working on?” I asked, bumping River’s shoulder playfully.
My son grinned up at me, his eyes bright with excitement. “Dad let me help with the throttle! But he made me do the safety stuff first. Extra padding, see?”
He pointed proudly at the reinforced bars.
Ryot straightened, wiping his hands on a rag, and pulled me against his side. “Can’t be too careful with my kids. Especially when this one’s already got his mom’s lead foot.”
I laughed and elbowed him. “Says the man who still rides like he’s trying to qualify for the track every weekend.”
River giggled. “Mom’s faster than you on the dirt though.”
“Hey now,” Ryot protested, but his eyes were sparkling with amusement. He ruffled River’s hair again. “Don’t encourage her. She’s already got me wrapped around her finger.”
The three of us worked together for the next half hour. River asked a million questions, just like I used to with my dad. Ryot answered every single one. I caught myself watching them more than actually working, my heart so full it almost hurt.
Through the window, I could hear Rae’s laughter as she swung higher and Rhett’s happy giggles as he competed with her.
Rae’s voice carried through the open garage door. “River! Come push me on the swing! Rhett tried, but he’s too little!”
River looked up from the bike, torn between his project and his little sister. He glanced at his dad, then back toward the yard. “I should go help them.”
Ryot’s mouth curved into a proud smile. “Go on, buddy. We can finish the bike later. Family first.”
River nodded, then looked at me with the same protective glint his father often had. “You stay with Mom, okay? I’ll make sure Rae and Rhett are safe.”
He ran off toward the swing set, and we watched through the window as he immediately took charge. He carefully pushed Rae on the swing and kept a close eye on Rhett as his little legs pumped him higher.
I leaned into Ryot’s side, his arm wrapping around my waist as we stood together in the garage.
“He’s just like you,” I murmured, resting my head on his shoulder. “Protective of everyone he loves.”
Ryot pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re the one who taught me what it really means to fight for family.”
I looked up at him, my eyes misty. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”
Ryot turned me in his arms, cupping my face with grease-streaked hands. “Love you too, baby. Always have. Always will.”