Grabbing Hold (The Motorcycle Kid #1)

24. Learning and Unlearning

Emma was speechless as she took him in. He was whole, and he was sound, and he was alive.

"Elliott," she managed to whisper before her brother pulled her into a bone-crushing embrace. Tears broke free as she held on to him, afraid that the second she let go, he would disappear.

"I've missed you so much," she got out between sniffles. "I can't believe you're here."

Elliott kissed her forehead lightly. "God knows I missed you, Emmie. So freaking much."

She hugged him tighter. "Thank you."

"For what?" asked Elliott as they pulled apart.



"Being here," she whispered. "This is the best birthday present in the world."

"Well, I'm glad you like it," Elliott said in classic Daniel fashion.

Emma looked around at all the people around her, wondering just how many of them had known Elliott was going to show up.

"How many people were in on this?" she asked her brother quietly.

"No one," said Elliott, scratching his head. "I didn't tell anyone till I landed at the airport earlier." He grinned. "Needless to say, they were pretty shocked. I could've sworn Mom almost had a heart attack the minute she got the call."

"Elliott! Seriously?! You didn't tell anyone?"

Gently, he wrapped an arm around his sister's shoulders. "I wanted to be here. I wanted to surprise you."

"But it's not even that big of a milestone," Emma muttered. "I mean, seventeen, you know-"

"I missed your rambling, Emmie." He gave her a squeeze. "And for the record, every time I get to come home and see you guys, it's a milestone."

Gosh, Emma'd missed her brother.

"Go on," he told her, motioning to the people who were laughing, eating, drinking and generally just having a good time. "Go have fun. We'll catch up later."

"You sure? I kinda feel like if I walk away you'll disappear."

She didn't meet his eyes.

Elliott gripped Emma's hand tightly.

"Do you feel that?" he asked.

Emma nodded.

"That's me, Emmie. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."



Stray tears. Again.

"You're gonna make me cry again."

"Dry your tears, youngling!" Natalie interrupted, tugging Emma by the arm. "It's party time!"

She dragged Emma into the middle of the backyard where people were having the time of their lives dancing along to the music. Emma let her friend pull her along, letting loose for the first time in what felt like forever. She danced around with Kale and Brady and Dickson, even pulling twelve-year old Holden into the mix.

Emma screamed in delight as her favourite version of Happy Birthday came on. Heading for the drinks cooler, she noticed Ryder, who was having a laugh with Emmett, another beer in his hand. Emma made her way over, swaying her hips to the music.

"Having fun?!" Emmett yelled over the noise.

"Best birthday surprise ever! Come on, dance with me!"

Emmett spun her around playfully, and she giggled as Ryder laughed. She reached out for his hand. "Come on, Jerkface, dance with me!"

"I don't dance."