Page 17 of Valley

I PLACED ELLIEon the floor with her toys and sat on the couch, glancing over at Dad. “I’m going out for a few hours today,” I began, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepared to tell him about my date. At twenty-three, I felt silly for being so anxious. “Do you mind watching Ellie?”

“Of course I don’t,” he replied, smiling warmly. “Where are you off to?”

“I have a date,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “He’s taking me on a motorcycle ride.”

Dad’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s not what I expected. Who is this man who finally convinced my daughter to live a little?”

“His name is Jarrod Warner. We knew each other in high school and reconnected recently,” I explained, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

Dad thought for a moment before nodding. “Name doesn’t ring a bell, but I suppose it doesn’t need to. I’ll meet him when he picks you up.”

Of course, Dad wouldn’t let me leave until he met Jarrod. “I’m going to get ready. He’ll be here at one,” I said, hurrying to my bedroom to shower and change. The excitement coursingthrough me was almost overwhelming, like I was a teenager on her first date. But this felt different.

Jarrodwas different.

I rifled through my closet, settling on jeans, t-shirt, and jacket, perfect for a motorcycle ride. I didn’t bother with my hair; the wind and helmet would render any effort pointless. In high school, Jarrod would ride his motorcycle to school and sometimes Kezia would be on the back, and I envied her so much, wishing it were me.

Back in the living room, I paced nervously, my eyes darting to the window every few seconds. “You really like this man?” Dad asked, watching me closely.

“I do,” I replied, the honesty in my voice surprising even me. “And I feel ridiculous for being so nervous.”

“It’s not ridiculous, Madeline,” he reassured me. “Just remember, he’s the lucky one to be going out with you.”

“You’re my dad, you have to say that,” I chuckled, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

“I want a kiss too!” Ellie demanded, tugging at my leg.

I scooped her up, peppering her belly with kisses until she giggled uncontrollably. Then, I handed her to Dad as the roar of a motorcycle sounded outside. My heart leaped into my throat. Jarrod was here. Taking a deep breath, I smoothed down my hair and stood, waiting for the doorbell to ring.

The doorbell chimed, a clear and precise sound that sent a jolt through me. Dad raised an eyebrow, giving me a look that mixed curiosity and protective instinct. I moved to the door, my palms damp with nervous sweat. Opening it, I was greeted by the sight of Jarrod, looking ruggedly handsome as always and wearing that confident smile.

“Hey, Madeline,” he greeted, his voice warm and steady. “Ready for our ride?”

“Yeah, just a sec.” I turned to Dad, who was wheeling his way toward us with Ellie still on his lap.

“Jarrod, this is my dad, Chris, and daughter Ellie,” I introduced them, my voice trembling slightly. “Dad, this is Jarrod Warner.” I wasn’t sure how he would react to my dad being in a wheelchair. Everyone was different.

Jarrod extended his hand, his grip firm and respectful. “Nice to meet you, sir, and you miss Ellie,” he said, tapping her nose and making her giggle.

Dad eyed him for a moment before shaking his hand, his eyes running over his cut. I probably should have mentioned he belongs to a motorcycle club. “Nice to meet you too, Jarrod. Where are you two headed today?”

“Coopers Rock,” Jarrod informed him. “It’s a nice ride this time of year.”

Dad gave a nod, seemingly satisfied. “Alright then, have a good time. And Madeline, don’t worry about Ellie. We’ll be just fine.”

I smiled, feeling a mix of relief that he didn’t question Jarrod further. “Thanks, Dad.” I kissed him and Ellie goodbye before turning to leave.

I stepped outside with Jarrod, the warm fall breeze immediately whipping through my hair. He handed me a helmet, his eyes meeting mine with a reassuring glint. “Ready?”

“I hope so. I’ve never ridden before,” I said, my nerves fading slightly as I put on the helmet. Jarrod helped me onto the bike, his touch gentle yet confident.

“Just hold on tight and lean when I do,” he instructed with a grin. “The tighter the better,” he chuckled.

As the engine roared to life beneath us, I wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling a thrill of excitement. We sped off down the street; the wind rushing past us and the city blurring into a tapestry of colors and sounds. I felt free, exhilarated, and for thefirst time in a long time, completely alive, holding onto the one man I had wanted for so long.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Chapter Eleven