It’s a beautiful night, perfect for riding.
The club heads out for Rio’s surprise engagement party. We ride in formation, two by two. Rio will join us once he picks up Shelby.
We pass row after row of pecans and slow as we approach a driveway. The arched sign above reads, Sanchez Family Pecans.
Coming up the long drive, I see twinkling lights hanging from some of the trees.
We park our motorcycles at a distance from the area that’s been set up for the party. Our prez hired a company to make everything perfect for his ol’ lady. Glancing around as I dismount, I don’t think she’s going to be disappointed. The place looks good. Some invited guests are already milling around, drinks in their hands.
My brothers and I join them.
There’s a bar set up, and we each get a drink.
Whiskey in one hand, I shove the other in my hip pocket and covertly scan the area for Luisa. I don’t see her, but her father is here talking to some of the guests.
I spot several of the merchants from town, as well as some women who must be friends or co-workers of Rio’s ol’ lady, Shelby.
“You heard from prez?” I ask Zig over the rim of my glass.
“Yeah, he was taking Shelby on a ride and giving us all time to get here.” Zig checks his watch. “Should be here any minute.”
It’s not long before we hear the rumble of Rio’s bike rolling in. He parks and leads Shelby over to where we all stand.
Music plays in the background as she scans the twinkling lights and floral decorations.
Everyone circles around them, and suddenly Rio drops to a knee before his ol’ lady.
Her hands fly to her cheeks. “Oh my God.”
The look on our prez’s face is one I’ve never seen before. He looks nervous—something he never seems to be.
He clears his throat and begins speaking.
“Shelby, since the moment I saw you, standing in line at Blitzy’s, our lives have been intertwined. I think I’ve been yours from that moment. I think my heart knew it before I did, and even when I told you to go on and live your life, that you were too young to waste it waiting for me, deep inside, I didn’t mean a word of it. Life gave us a second chance, and I’ll be forever grateful you gave me another shot, gave us another shot.
“During the lowest point of my life, you were there for me. When I saw you again, I realized I’d never meet another person I could foresee taking this ride called life with. No one else will ever hold my heart the way you do.
“In your letters, you used to talk about how all you wished for was a happy home. You deserve that, baby. You and Bella. And I’m going to make it happen. I’ll do everything in my power to make the best life for you both. I love you, Shelby. Will you marry me?”
He opens a ring box to reveal a diamond ring.
His ol’ lady’s head nods like a bobblehead, tears in her eyes. “Yes, yes, yes. I’ll marry you, Rio.”
He slips the ring on her finger, then comes to his feet, and she throws her arms around his neck. He kisses her, then lifts her off her feet and twirls her around.
A cheer erupts from the crowd, and we lift our glasses in the air.
After we all congratulate our prez, dinner is served, and then champagne.
Rio tugs Shelby to her feet, leads her to a vacant area of the patio, and takes her in his arms for a slow dance. Watching them, I know the wedding won’t be far off. They make a nice couple, and though some of us had our doubts about her at first, I think Shelby will make a fine ol’ lady for our prez.
It’s dark except for the candlelight on the tables and the twinkling lights hung around, as well as the glowing cigarettes from some of my brothers.
Several of them get up to visit the bar and get another drink other than the champagne not many of us have a taste for.
“You want another whiskey?” Zig asks, rising from his chair.
“Yeah, thanks.” I light a smoke while he’s gone. When he returns, he slides it across the linen tablecloth.
