Slow Ride (Riding with Honor) (25 page)

The bikes all took off together and looking back she couldn’t believe the line of motorcycles that followed and the cars that followed them.  They drove past the reception hall where they lost most of the cars and even a few bikes that were needed to finish the preparations for the reception. 

They rode around for almost half an hour before heading back to the reception hall receiving waves and beeps from other people on the roadways.

After parking the bikes they headed to the entrance door to the reception hall and as they neared Tommy suddenly pulled her arm forcing her to face him.  Then his mouth found hers and his hands cupped her bottom pulling her to him.

“You are making me crazy in that dress woman
,” he growled against her mouth.

Then just as suddenly he released her mouth and he and Chuck charged over to where Lilly stood.  Bending down they locked arms and looked at her.

“If you marry the man, you got to live with his boys!” Tommy said with a smile.

“Hop on up!” Chuck laughed
.

Lilly glanced apprehensively at her for help but she had no idea what they had planned.  Bobby lifted Lilly into his arms
, kissed her on the mouth and then lifted her over Chuck’s bent head to sit her in their arms. 

They started hollering and whistling as they headed through the doors that Sherri and Dickie held open.  She approached Bobby only to have him sling one
well-muscled arm across her shoulders.  Guiding her to Sherri he slung the other arm across her shoulders and led them inside.

“Thanks for everything today.  It meant a lot to
us both.” He said as they entered the hall to be met with more cheers. 

He paused in the doorway and dropped his arms from their shoulders
so she followed Sherri to their table.  Tommy and Chuck carried Lilly back to where he stood in the doorway.

“Lilly and Bobby sitting in a tree…F.U…I mean K.I.S.S.I.N.G!” Chuck sang
. “First comes love, then comes marriage and then comes Lilly pushing a baby carriage.”

After Chuck finished his teasing they gently sat Lilly back on her feet in front of Bobby.

“Yea…about that…” Bobby said with a smile.

The room exploded with cheers and laughing and more well-wishes and the reception was suddenly in full swing.  Dana made her way over to Gran who sat holding Melody.

“You and Tommy enjoy yourselves.  I can take care of this one with no problems.  In fact, it’s good practice for my next grandbaby,” she said with a smile. “What a surprise to everyone… except for you.”

“I was there when she found out.  She made me promise not to say anything
,” she said.

“You’re a good friend to have
, Dana.  I can see that with Lilly and even Chuck and your perfect for Tommy.  He’s a little slower when it comes to going after what he wants than the rest of them.  Be patient with him…because you belong by his side,” she said, patting Dana’s hand.

Dana smiled and watched as Tommy approached them.  Holding his hand out to her he said
, “Dance with me.”

Pulling her into his arms
, he kissed her temple as he slowly guided her around the small area designated as the dance floor.

“Bobby’s pretty stoked about the baby…why didn’t you tell me?”
he asked against the side of her face.

“She made me promise not to
,” she replied.

“You’re pretty good at keeping a promise.  Promise me something?”
he asked.

“Anything
,” she said, leaning back to look at his handsome face.

“A repeat of this day, but for you and me instead… maybe a year from now…two years
,” he said, “Promise me you’ll never leave me.  I’m not trying to rush you…I’ll give you all the time you need to actually marry me, but in the meantime…stay with me…promise.”

“I promise
,” she said through her tears.

He slowly brought his lips down on hers and his kiss tasted like forever.