"You don't know that."
"I know that I'm coming back to you." He covers my hands with his. "I know that I have a wedding to show up for. I know that we have fifty plus years to spend together. And I know that nothing—nothing—is going to stop me from getting home to you."
"Promise?"
"I already did."
"Do it again."
"I promise, Ingrid. I will come back."
I rise on my toes and kiss him.
Soft this time.
Tender.
A kiss that says everything I can't put into words.
When I pull back, we're both breathing heavily.
Both clinging to each other.
"I love you," I whisper against his lips.
"I love you too."
"Go save those kids."
"Yes, ma'am."
One more kiss, then he's pulling away, walking toward his bike to join the others.
Dad and Runes at the front.
Gunnar and Tor behind them.
Hakon, Ulf, Magnus, Kraken, and so many others.
My father.
My fiancé.
My family.
Riding into danger.
The engines roar to life.
One by one, they pull out.
A thunder of horsepower and steel.
I stand there until the last taillight disappears into the darkness.
Until the sound of the bikes fades to nothing.
Until I'm alone in the parking lot with nothing but fear and hope and prayers I don't know how to say.
