Moving On (Dominant Devils Mc Book 1) by H.M. Stewart

address the group once again.
    "Excuse me for needing a minute everyone," I said triggering remarks from everyone stating "no problem", "it's okay" or “take your time” I continued on. "It's also a tradition that each one present has to come up on the stage and share a memory or a story about the deceased to honor them. Once you complete your epic tale you will then raise a one shot glass for yourself to toast the deceased, taking a shot for yourself and the second shot for the deceased. It's a pretty simple concept but means respect in our world. Before we get to that we’ll feed you first, though."
    "Now it's time for our prayer before we get to the grub and get the celebration rolling. This prayer is from all my brothers and sisters," Boomer stated as he bowed his head. “May the great Harley Spirit watch over Brookes as he leaves us to ride with him to Valhalla. May Brookes always have the wind in his face, the sun at his back and his rubber on the ground. May the great Spirit place his hand on us and keep the one we love safe as he left us to ride on with him. Enjoy Valhalla brother. Amen."
    "Amen," everyone said in unison. Within seconds the music started and the party began. Conversations began to grow and the food was served.
    Some time later after everyone had been through the buffet line and taken their seats I notice the commander stand to take the stage to pay tribute with the first shot.
    "I must say that even under the circumstances I have enjoyed this time this past week getting to know more of Brookes' family. I have always thought of Brookes and Athena as my family. The memory I want to share includes them both. I met them both as I watched unbeknownst to the cadets completing their final phase of boot camp. I watched as one cadet forged through with what I would later discover was a broken wrist. This cadet could have easily led his squad to be the first to complete the crucible. He chose to set a pace that allowed everyone in this squad to finish together even though the pain was in his eyes. At the finish line as I handed out their individual Eagle, Globe and Anchor the cadet never let on that he was in pain while completing the fifty-four-hour training exercise. The next day I approached him while he was carrying on a conversation with one of the female soldiers I noticed in his squad the previous day. As I approached unnoticed I could hear Brookes explaining to Athena that he would have his wrist looked at while on leave after graduation. He explained that he didn't go through hell just to look weak in the eyes of his parents. I didn't know the young soldiers at all at that moment, but I felt a sense of pride knowing I had two cadets that willingly portrayed selfless acts of concern for one another. I took pride in what they stood for. Without addressing the two I turned and headed towards my office on base making a vow to keep tabs on both of those soldiers. Standing in front of you good people today I can say I kept that vow.  Brookes will always be a part of my family as I will always consider him my son," he said turning to me. I looked into the grief struck eyes of the Commander before he went through the motions of taking both shots.
    "Carrin I see you have plenty of family here that love you and Octavia but I want you to know that you have us too. If you ever need anything at all you call Rose or me. We will be here for you. Although Brookes’ is no longer with us we would like to still be able to come and visit often as we had planned already. We still want to be a part of your family and if it’s still okay with you, we will be the fill in grandparents to Octavia for Brookes."
    Unable to speak for fear of crying again. I smiled at the commander and nodded my head. After he returned the smile he returned to his seat. I sat in silence for almost a half hour while people walked on and off the stage confessing stories of my late husband. I was enamored at the different ways the people in this