Ride Free Read online

  “I love you too, Da,” she whispered.

  ***

  Sarah sat on the Harley, ready to ride out. She didn’t know if everyone’s good mood came from getting back on the road, or if her happiness was infectious. Smiles bounced from one person to another, laughter broke over the roar of the bikes, and the night was clear and warm, perfect for riding out of town.

  “Hurry up, Boomerang!” She motioned Reefer over.

  His bark of laughter didn’t slow his stride down, and he stepped over to slip a pair of sunglasses down on her nose. “Boomerang? Nah, won’t work.”

  “Why not? You went away, but you returned.” She slid the glasses to the top of her head. “Hey, you never did tell me why everyone calls you Reefer.”

  “When my dad found out he was going to become a father he ran out and got his first full time job. He worked for Reefer Construction framing houses.” He shrugged. “He liked the name.”

  “Hm.” She slid the shades back down over her eyes, and put on her helmet. “I thought you’d have a huge tale to tell behind your name.”

  Reefer threw his leg over the motorcycle and ignited the bike. She wiggled closer to him, the plans to ride for a few hours and stop for the night already discussed. Tomorrow they set off for the state of Florida, her first coast-to-coast trip.

  With all the other members already out on the road, Reefer pulled out and took his position. The last man out, but the person everyone depended on. He followed the main road through town. At the second stoplight, he veered right and broke out of the chain of riders.

  Sarah smiled. She knew exactly where he headed, and it pleased her.

  He pulled up in front of Ellen Donaldson’s house. “Go ahead, Kitten, go say your goodbye.”

  She jogged up the walkway and knocked. Ellen opened the door and, leaning on her walker, held out her hand.

  “I came to say goodbye, and if you’d like, I would enjoy writing to you.” Sarah squeezed her hand.

  Ellen smiled. “I would love that.” She gazed off at Reefer. “Take care of each other. Love one another like there is no tomorrow.”

  “We will.” She stepped away from the door. “I love him, Ellen.”

  “I do too.” Ellen raised her hand in farewell.

  Sarah ran back to Reefer and climbed onto the back of the bike. She waited for Reefer to pull away, but the Harley didn’t move.

  He turned his head toward the house and lifted his arm in the air. “We’ll be back when the wind changes direction.”

  Ellen nodded, and her lips moved. Over the sound of the bike, her words didn’t reach their ears, but Sarah knew what she said.

  “Ride free, my son… Ride free.”

  Biography

  Romance author, Debra Kayn, is not only a writer, she’s a wife and Mom to four great kids. When she’s not staying up late dreaming of new stories to write, she enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, playing tennis, and spending time with a fishing pole in her hands.

  She lives in the beautiful Coastal Mountains of Oregon on a hobby farm. Her love of animals includes dogs, chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys, geese, and yes…pigs. The peacefulness of a flowing creek across her property provides an excellent spot to read a book on a summer day, go swimming, and catch the ever-elusive fish.

  Meeting her husband on a blind date in her teens made her a true believer in love and romance, and she can promise you that all her books will have a happily-ever-after.

  Debra Kayn writes for Breathless Press and Carina Press – Harlequin’s Digital First imprint.