Chapter 18 No One Rode Ahead
POV MARA QUINN
The Ash River charity ride left at nine on Saturday.
Mara had not ridden with the club in eleven years.
Her old Softail started on the second try, which she considered personal vindication.
Rowan rode beside Tank in the support truck.
Cole stood near his bike but did not approach Mara.
Boone raised his eyebrows.
"Old lady rides again."
Mara pointed at him.
"Try that sentence twice."
Boone grinned.
"Family rides again."
"Better."
The route followed Ash River north through farm country, then looped back past the veterans' home. Money raised would fund shop safety equipment for the youth program.
At the first stop, Cole parked two spaces away.
At the second, rain started.
At the third, Mara's left glove split at the seam.
Cole silently held out a spare pair.
She looked at them.
"Why do you have women's gloves?"
"Rowan bought the wrong size."
Mara took them.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
No more.
That restraint irritated her until she realized irritation was disappointment.
At the veterans' home, an old member named Smitty grabbed Cole's sleeve.
"Your girl still rides prettier than you."
Cole glanced at Mara.
He said, "She's not my girl unless she says so."
Smitty looked confused.
Mara nearly laughed.
After the ride, the club gathered behind the garage.
Tank announced the lien was paid.
Nobody said by whom.
Mara looked at Cole.
He was helping Rowan carry folding tables.
Work without witness.
Bonnie's words returned.
Survival isn't a marriage vow.
Mara walked over.
"Cole."
He set down the table.
"Yeah?"
"Walk with me."
His face did not brighten.
She appreciated that too.
They walked to the river.
Mara stopped at the railing.
"I am still angry."
"I know."
She gave him a look.
"Sorry."
That almost made her smile.
"I am also tired of pretending anger is the only honest thing I feel."
Cole said nothing.
"I miss you."
His throat moved.
Mara continued before courage could get theatrical.
"I miss who we were. I like some of who you are now. I hate some of what you did then. All of those things can be true."
"Yes."
"I don't know if I can trust you."
"I understand."
"I don't want promises you can't prove."
"What do you want?"
Mara looked at the river.
"Time. Consistency. No secrets. No disappearing when I am angry. No asking Rowan to make us a family."
Cole nodded.
"Okay."
"And if I decide no, you stay in her life if she wants you."
"Yes."
Mara looked at him.
"That's all?"
"What else would help?"
She laughed softly.
"Nothing."
They stood side by side.
Not touching.
For the first time, that distance felt chosen rather than imposed.
POV COLE MERCER
Cole slept badly that night for a good reason.
Hope.
Hope was more frightening than grief because grief could not surprise him anymore.
At six, he gave up and went downstairs.
Mr. Diaz was opening the hardware store.
"You pay rent early and sleep badly," the old man said. "Romance?"
"Why does everyone know everything?"
"Small town. Also you look terrible."
Cole bought coffee and walked to the garage.
Mara was already there.
She held two cups.
One for him.
Black, no sugar.
"Thought you drank tea now," he said.
"I lied."
"I know."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry."
This time she smiled.
Not a memory.
Now.
Cole took the cup.
They opened the garage together.
POV COLE MERCER
After Mara left the river, Cole called his manager in Tucson.
"Sale final Monday."
"You sure?"
Cole looked at the garage lights.
"No."
His manager laughed.
"That's not the same as no."
Cole smiled.
"Apparently I'm learning that."
He hung up and went back inside.