Liv had offered to let us stay at their shared home in Nashville to make things easier, but Grady and I had both wanted our own space. As much as I was coming to adore his ex-wife, living with her permanently wasn’t really something either of us was itching to do. She was nearly as bad as Charlie when it came to barging through a closed door without knocking. What if she walked in while we were having some alone time?
Thank you, but no thank you.
Grady and I both looked over at where our loved ones had gathered, each of them laughing and conversing like old friends. Seeing them all together tugged on my heart. I mean, it wasn’t like I was moving to the other side of the world, but I wouldn’t be able to walk through the door and seek their comfort either.
“We’ll have our whole lives for that, but this?” Grady kissed my shoulder, gesturing toward our family. “We should soak this up while we can.”
I nodded, letting him drag me over to join the fray. Liv had her arms draped over Charlie’s shoulders as they watched Lennox and Bishop melt over Stella’s high-pitched giggle. Josie and my mom had their heads bent together in conversation, as Lincoln and my dad looked out over the back pasture.
“Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence,” Lincoln said. “Thought we were going to have to hide the kids in the house after that show of PDA. The barn is a great choice if you’re looking for a quickie.”
“Every damn day one of y’all says some shit that brings me one step closer to either the grave or a jail cell,” Dad muttered, fighting a smile. Like most of us, he was well used to Lincoln’s habit of saying whatever came to his mind, even if it was wildly inappropriate.
“We’ll leave the barn to you two,” Grady said, nodding toward my sisters. “The treehouse is ours.”
“What about the treehouse?” Charlie squeaked. “Are the birds okay?”
“Yeah, the birdsandthe bees are safe up there,” Lennox said, covering her mouth to stop from laughing. Bishop glanced up to the sky and pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering a curse beneath his breath.
“Oh, okay,” Charlie said, looking up at her mom, confused. “Um, will the bees hurt the birds?”
“Only if they ask nicely,” Lincoln quipped.
“You’re not helping,” Josie said.
He winced as she sent a quick jab into his ribs. “I don’t understand why I’m the one in trouble. She started it.”
“Well, I’m ending it,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Whoa, okay, Mom,” Lennox mocked. “Tell me, do you get some kind of handbook when you become parents that gives you these horrible comebacks?”
“You sure you wanna move away?” Dad joked, coming to stand next to me. “Look at all the fun you’ll miss.”
I rested my head on his shoulder, smiling as I watched my sisters playfully bicker. “I’m sure the family group chat will be enough to tide me over until you come visit.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just leave your old man to fend for himself, then. Don’t be surprised if I drop them on your doorstep at Christmas. I’m already dreading the drive. I might take Bishop and Josie in one car and leave your mom to fend for herself with Lennox and Lincoln.”
“Doug, I’d be happy to send our private jet down for y’all,” Liv said. “Might make the trip a little more bearable.”
Dad pointed in her direction. “I knew I liked you.”
“What do you think, Stella?” Lincoln asked, taking his daughter from Lennox’s arms. He held her close before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Wanna ride in a fancy private jet?”
“Would be better than listening to her scream for hours on end,” Josie muttered.
“I don’t know how you’re keeping your shit together right now,” Lincoln said, changing the subject. He clapped Dad on the shoulder, eyes locked on the moving truck. “Even the thought of Stella growing up and moving away makes my chest hurt.”
All our eyes went to Dad as he started to laugh. “Are you kidding? I love my girls, but I’ve been trying to get rid of’em for over a year now.” He threw his thumb over his shoulder, gesturing toward the house. “Now, I don’t have to worry about shit anymore. I can enjoy my retirement and walk around in my underwear if I want.”
Had I just heard him right? “What do you mean by ‘get rid of us’?” Lennox asked, stepping closer. “It’s not like Josie and I are moving. We’re still on the ranch.”
“Yeah, but you’re outta the house. That’s all that matters.”
“Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“I’m not hiding anything. Y’all just don’t pay attention.” When none of us spoke, he continued. “Come on… You didn’t really think this guy showed up by accident, did you?” he asked, pointing at Grady.
Grady’s brows furrowed. “Wait, so you knew who I was when you booked me to play at your birthday?”
