He squeezed me as tight as his tiny little arms could, wiggling closer. “Daddy, I missed you!”
The last week had worked over my emotions more than the last twenty-four years combined.
I swiped my cheek then patted his tiny little back. “Yeah, buddy, I missed you too.”
He pushed back, looking straight in my eyes. “Awe we going to have fun today?”
“You bet.”
Jules and Pat beamed at us. When Jules caught my gaze, her expression morphed into ayou got some didn’t youlook which made me roll my eyes with a smile. But I mouthed “thank you” and she waved me off.
Pat grabbed my hand, shook it hard. “Congrats, man. One heck of a family you got there.”
Wasn’t that the truth. I glanced at them both, noticing how the sun reflected off their hair and how the dimples deepened on their faces.
We all talked in the drive for a few minutes, and Kacey ran back in to hug Sunny, Winter, and Woods goodbye. As I buckled my kiddo into the backseat, I let myself entertain the idea of one or two more beside him.
Miranda gripped my hand as I slid into the driver’s seat. Looked over her shoulder at Kacey then back at me. Tears brimmed in her eyes. Heck, mine too.
The fulfilled silence said everything words couldn’t say. This family was all either of us had ever wanted. And the reality was so much better than I ever dreamed it could be. Maybe the way we got here—as painful as it was—somehow made this better. Made this stronger.
I lifted her hand then kissed it then I threw the truck into reverse.
The Barkleys’ best days were yet to come.
EPILOGUE
Four Years Later
I’m listening to all my favorite sounds. The breeze making the wind chime tinkle. The cows braying across the street—something must have gotten them riled. The coffee pot brewing just past the screen door—it’s not our best habit, but Jack and I enjoy an afternoon cup now. Must be a parent thing.
But my favorite sound rises right from the backyard.
Voices, laughter.
I want to sit on the deck and listen all day.
Every now and then, I catch a glimpse of my precious family around the bushy tomato plants. Right now, they are harvesting. Gathering up what will probably be one of the last big hauls of the season.
This garden looks nothing like my first.
Mostly, because we have a lot more space. We left behind Jack’s house in Nashville and moved out to Pleasant Gap. Jack started policing here—said he was ready for a little town.Something quieter. It didn’t take long for Jack to become a well-loved officer in the small community. A few officials are encouraging Jack to run for Sheriff next term.
I hope he does. He’s the perfect man for the job.
I like to think that the strength of his character, his heart for people, and his love of justice is just one way the Barkley family is overflowing. One way we are a bounty for all.
We decided to get a house with a couple acres so I can garden to my heart’s content. Which means our garden grows enough to keep a family full year-round. I grow dozens of varieties and have a flower garden, too. We have a pantry with Ball jars lining long shelves. I run seed drives every spring at the Pleasant Gap community center. And I host classes on our property Tuesday and Thursday nights. People come into my safe haven with a paper and pen.
I guess Richard was right. I am a green-thumb.
Rose’s hat shields my face from the scorching sun. It reminds me of the choice I have to make every single day for the rest of my life. So I wear it all summer long. Hang it in clear view during the winter.
The coffee finally clicks off, and I head inside to pour myself a cup. I pour Jack a cup too and stick it in the freezer. He’ll add ice when he’s ready.
A laminated card sits above the kitchen sink, propped against the window sill. By this point, it’s got some wear and tear on it. It’s gone into lunch boxes, been taped on mirrors, leaned against truck consoles, and slipped into my harvesting basket. Whoever reaches for the card is being the mature one. Sometimes it’s me. Sometimes it’s Jack.
The tactic is nothing short of magic.
