I squeezed back. Tried to tell her I was okay.
But I wasn't.
When it was time for me to speak, I stood up. Walked to the front. Stood at the podium.
Looked out at everyone. Sarah in the front row. The brothers and old ladies behind her. Strangers in between.
Mira was watching me. Her eyes never left me.
I pulled out the paper I'd written. The speech.
My hands were shaking again.
I cleared my throat. Started reading.
"Derek was a brother. A friend. A good man. He served his country, and he served this club. He fought for what he believed in. He protected his family. And he died doing what he loved. Riding with his brothers."
My voice cracked. I stopped, took a breath.
"He was loyal. Brave. And he'll be missed. By all of us."
I looked at Sarah. She was crying.
"I'm sorry I couldn
