As the day wore on, hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled, tables were filled with sides and desserts, and drinks were handed out. Tracey met too many people to remember them all, but one thing stood out above all else. They all adored Diesel and knew him well enough not to try to hug him—at least the adults did. Children ran up for hugs or high fives, and Diesel was sweet with them. There were handshakes, nods, pats on the back, smiles, and long conversations about time missed between visits.

Tracey loved watching him with the people he’d known forever, who had taught him what it meant to be a man, a Dark Knight, and regardless of what Diesel called them, treated him like he’d always been family.

“Baby, there’s Manny and Alice, the couple who owns the Roadhouse. I want to introduce you to them.” Diesel led her across the lawn, toward an attractive middle-aged couple standing by the food table.

“There he is! The man of the hour,” Manny called out. He had deeply tanned skin, short salt-and-pepper hair, and pitch-black brows. He shook Diesel’s hand and clapped him on the back as the other guys had.

“Hi, Manny.”

“Diesel, sweetheart.” Alice, a thick-waisted, pretty blonde, leaned in and kissed his cheek, giving it a quick maternal pat. “Oh, how I have missed this handsome face.”

“Hi, Alice,” Diesel said.

“You can hi everyone else, Desmond Black, but I changed your diapers and wiped your bottom. I deserve a hug.”

He hugged her. Tracey had never seen Diesel blush before. Who knew her brawny man could get embarrassed?

Alice looked at her warmly. “And this pretty gal must be Tracey.”

“Yes. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And we can’t wait to hear more about you.” Alice gave her a gentle hug.

Manny moved in for a hug, too. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tracey. How long are you two in town?”

“We’re leaving Tuesday.” Diesel’s expression turned serious. “I just discovered what you did for my mom when she first came to town, and I want to thank you for giving her a chance and watching out for her, for giving her a place to live. I appreciate you keeping her safe.”

Manny and Alice exchanged a loving glance, and Manny said, “Do you know how I met your mom?”

“No.”