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Brooklyn
Ican’t believe our baby girl is almost nine weeks old already. I watch my mom coo at her as she gently rocks her back and forth.
“She looks just like you when you were a baby, it’s unreal.” She looks up at me, tears in her eyes.
“That’s what Dad said earlier. He said the only difference is I was already trying to boss everyone around while she’s so peaceful.”
Mom chuckles, “Yeah, that sounds about right. She must get that from her daddy, huh?”
She must. Tyler is the calming force in our lives—my rock when I freak out and let stress get the best of me.
“Where’d they run off to?” Mallory asks as she walks up behind me and wraps her arms around my shoulders.
“Silas and Dad wanted to go horseback riding one last time before you guys leave.”
“I don’t want to leave,” Mallory says as she tightens her squeeze.
I lean my head against her. “I don’t want you to leave either.” I swallow, not wanting her to see me cry, because it will only turn into a chain reaction of her crying, my mother crying, and most likely, Cecilia will start crying.
“Oh, good news!” I say, changing the subject. “The sheriff called this morning and those two poachers are facing felony charges: second-degree attempted murder. Tyler said he was going to tell Dad and Silas on their ride this morning. I know they’ve both been worried about it.”
“And you’re sure they acted alone?” My mom still looks worried.
“Yes. I mean, obviously, the police are investigating further, but these guys have a history of poaching and causing problems because of it. They’ve never been associated with any other groups or criminals. But the bottom line is, they’re both going to go away for a few years at least.”
A look of relief washes over my mom’s face. I’ve had several sleepless nights since the shooting, but Tyler and I both talked to a therapist to help us process things, and the sheriff has kept us very informed about the investigation. We’re both ready to put it behind us.
My family has been amazing during their visit these last two weeks. My parents have spent every spare second soaking up little moments with their granddaughter while Silas and Mallory have kept me laughing so hard, I’ve almost peed myself a dozen times. Mallory has only been here for four days because of her residency, but she’ll be back out soon. Silas’ family came out for the first few days, but had to head back so the girls could get ready to start school soon.
“Mom,” I walk over to her and crouch down at her feet, “thank you so much for everything. I’ve only been a mom for two months and it feels like I’ve already been so overwhelmed, and at times, I feel like I can’t do it. I hate that it took me becoming a mom to realize just how much work you put into us and how much you sacrificed.”
“Sweetie, it’s all worth it, trust me. I look at you girls and Silas and I’m just blown away and so damn proud of my kids that I can barely contain it sometimes. Your father and I couldn’t have asked for better kids.”
“I don’t know how you guys did it at 19 with Silas. I feel like even in my late 20s, I’m still not equipped,” I laugh.
“Oh, trust me, there were times when your father and I felt like we were drowning, but at the end of the day, we had each other. You have such an amazing support system here with Tyler and his family, and the love that man has for this little girl . . .” She tears up again. “I just see his entire world melt when he looks at her.”
By the time the men are back, all three of us are a blubbering mess fawning over Cecilia.
“Everything okay in here?” Tyler bends down and kisses the top of my head as I wipe my face with the back of my hand.
“Yes, just happy tears. You guys have a good ride?”
“Oh my God, you’re not wearing those on the flight, are you?” Mallory gives my dad and Silas a look.
“Why not? Tyler gave them to us.”
I turn around to see my dad and Silas both wearing cowboy hats along with cowboy boots. “We look official now.” Dad slaps Silas’ shoulder and they both proudly model their new outfits.
“I think they look pretty damn good myself.” Tyler tips his hat.
“You look really damn good because you’re a legit cowboy, but these two will look like dorks getting off a flight in Chicago.”
“Mallory, leave your father and brother alone. I think they look handsome,” my mom says as she gently places Cecilia into my arms. “Now, we have to get going to catch our flight.”
“Truck’s already loaded,” Tyler says, thumbing over his shoulder. “You going to be okay here alone while I drive them?”
I nod and say my goodbyes to my family. I give my dad a final hug. “And don’t listen to Mal. You two do look very handsome in your boots and hats.”
