Ryker (Hope City #6) - Kris Michaels Page 0,51
together.” Blay leaned forward. “Seriously, what discipline do you study?”
“Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. The belt is in Jiu Jitsu.” He’d started both classes at eighteen when he’d started living alone in the city. The discipline helped him curb his anger and his teachers had become father figures in a way his stepfather never was.
“You ought to see him fight. As big as he is, he’s faster than anyone else in the ring.” Brody laughed and leaned back. “No one wants to get into the ring with the Cap.”
"That must be part of that ‘Don’t get dead’ advice you ladle out.” Sean McBride laughed, and when prompted by Kyle and Brock told the story of Ryker’s advice for making captain.
“Hey, it’s solid and smart.” He chuckled and then grimaced when he took a swig of his warm beer.
“Need a new one?” Rory McBride stood up and five empties plus Ryker’s warm brew pushed toward him. “Assholes.” Rory grabbed three and Blay grabbed the others.
“Bring back snacks!” Brock yelled after them.
“No snacks. We’re just about ready to eat,” Hannah King called back. “As a matter of fact, everyone come into the kitchen.”
Without even questioning her directive, Ryker stood up as did the other men. When he’d met Hannah earlier, he’d seen the love she had for her daughter. Her whispered, “I'm so happy to finally meet you,” brought a stab of pain that his mother would never say the same to Brianna. He thanked her and greeted Chauncey before he was introduced and reintroduced to friends and family. The two youngsters, Colleen and Gage, waved and ran off to Gage’s bedroom with a new movie to watch while the grown-ups visited. As the crew continued to arrive, he wondered if he could escape and watch a movie with them. But the afternoon’s impromptu visit turned out to be pleasant, and he liked Brie’s family.
“Everyone pipe down.” Chauncey’s voice rang above the laughter and talk. Ryker eased over to stand beside Brie, pulling her into his good side. She fit perfectly in his arms and in his life. “Today, we are officially meeting Brianna’s man. I’ve known Ryker for a long time. If I had to pick someone for my daughter, he is exactly what I would look for. His integrity and professionalism aside, he takes care of his people, protects them, and gives them the support to do the job he hired them to do. Son, you take care of my girl like that and I will be a happy man.”
“Thank you, sir.” He looked down at Brie and kissed her. There were catcalls and boisterous laughter.
“Knock it off,” Colm McBride commanded, and the din lowered. “Bow your heads.” Collectively, the family did as the man ordered. “Lord, we thank you for the people who gather here today. Family. Plain and simple, by birth and by choice. We ask for your continued blessings on us and blessings on this food for the nourishment of our bodies in the service of you. Amen.”
They formed a line and grabbed plates from the counter. Chauncey and Hannah, Colm and Sharon went first, helping the kids as they moved. They encouraged Ryker and Brie to go through the makeshift buffet next. He held his plate as Brie ladled food on it for him. She collected two napkin rolls with silverware in them and led him to one of the many card tables set up for the event.
“Kind of overwhelming, isn’t it?” She unrolled the silverware and smiled at Gage and Colleen, who sat down with them. “Hey, kiddos. How was the movie?”
“It was good.”
Gage spoke and Colleen nodded her head up and down, rapidly agreeing, “Superheroes. Gage likes superheroes.”
“I do. Are we going to play football today?” the little boy asked and looked at him, or rather, his sling. “You probably shouldn’t play even though it’s just touch football.”
Ryker gave the boy a serious look. “I think you are right. I may have to sit this one out.”
Gage nodded, just as serious. “Accidents can happen.”
“Can I play, Gage?” Colleen stared adoringly at the older boy.
“Sure, but you have to be careful not to get knocked down. I’ll help you.” He glanced around and then lowered his voice. “Don’t play with Aunt Bekki. She’s not very good.”
“I heard that, Squirt!” Bekki yelled from two tables away where she was sitting with Amber’s sister, Dawn, Blay, and Rory. “Just for that, you’re on my team.”
Gage craned his neck around and pleaded, “Daaad!”
Brody almost choked laughing. “Don’t worry,