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“If Dial thinks there’s a chance, then there’s a chance. It doesn’t matter how slim the odds are… it means there’s still hope.”
“Shit, I always thought you two knuckleheads would eventually get it together. But I didn’t think I’d live to see it, so that’s nice.”
“My main focus is providing Maple with a loving home, even if her parents don’t live under the same roof. Speaking of, are you coming to her birthday party?” If he missed my little girl’s birthday, he’d be blacklisted as a fuck-ass uncle in my book.
“I got the invitation and I personally RSVP’d to Maple herself.”
“Don’t flake on my baby, Cy.”
“I’ll be there with a present. The last thing I want is for you and Dial to beat me with a sock filled with rocks.”
“That was one time. We did it on a dare. When we heard your bone break, we stopped swinging.”
“I had to wear a fucking cast all summer.”
“And we apologized over a dozen times.”
“You and Dial were miniature versions of Bonnie and Clyde.”
“If that’s the case, you better make sure you’re at the ranch, because we don’t wanna have to fracture any more of your bones.”
“Does Maple know my parents are coming?” Cy asked.
“No, Sheila wants it to be a surprise, so we told Maple they were going to miss it this year.”
“I can’t wait to see her face when they make their appearance. Having them here for milestones like this is important to Dial.”
“Time is flying—before you know it, she’ll be in a cap and gown and I’ll be crying my eyes out. So while I know it’s a long trek, I’m glad they’re making the trip.”
We were getting older, and responsibilities had a way of pulling people apart. Spending time together got kicked down the road. It was always maybe in a few weeks or next month. Fancy had been in Los Angeles for years, but now that she was back, I made an effort to see her at least once a week. The same with my mother and our monthly brunch. People made time for the things that were important to them, and I wanted my loved ones to know that I’d always make time for them, no matter where I was.
As I walked over to hole six, a grin took over my face. “You know you suck at this game, right?”
“Yeah, well, it ain’t over yet. And besides, I’m here more for the company than anything else.”
While he was my best friend, Cyrus was also a mystery to me. I secretly feared that maybe we were growing apart. After all, he was the mayor of Hume, and I spent my mornings shoveling shit. So, his acknowledging that spending time with me still meant something warmed my heart. “Should we hug? I feel like this is a huggable moment.”
“We are not hugging.”
“I’m not afraid to profess my love for you.” After clearing my throat, I screamed, “I love Cyrus Birch.”
He awkwardly looked around even though there was no one in the area for miles. “Okay, let’s get back to the game.”
“You’re just like your sister. Emotions be kicking y’all’s ass.”
The pavilion at Palmer Ranch was decked out in pink and purple decorations for Maple’s birthday. There were various crafting stations, a DJ, and a photo booth. Because she was my first and only, no request was too big. Another year on this earth was cause for celebration with family and friends, and I wanted Maple to never question how loved she was. Plus, her daddy was Mr. Entertainment, so everything we did needed to be big.
Children brought people together, and Maple was the glue that solidified our forever bond. She had two sets of grandparents who adored her and showed up for her; aunts and uncles, both real and pretend, who were ready to soften the impact of the tumbles and falls she was bound to take. And she had the security of her mother and me as hype persons, because we knew there was nothing she couldn’t do.
As the host I’d been buzzing around the space filling ice dispensers and ensuring Maple’s friends had a good time. Being busy with party festivities almost kept my father at bay. Almost.
“Maple seems happy.” Dad approached while I was replenishing the dwindling plates and utensils. “You did good with her. She’s turning out to be a capable young lady.”
I braced myself for some bullshit, because I knew he wasn’t over here to just shoot the shit. “Before I know it, she’ll be asking to go to Nashville for concerts and wearing colored lip gloss.”
“It happens faster than you think. One minute Fancy was singing with Darla in the backyard, and the next boys were knocking on my door to take her on dates.”
“I am not ready for that.”
