“Rita’s undefeated,” Boone announces proudly.
“We’re not keeping score,” I say.
“Rita is. She’s got that victory swagger.”
“Your goat’s really something,” Mr. McCoy observes.
“She’s not my, well actually, yeah, she’s basically mine now,” Dad admits. “I think Callie might be sick of her.”
"Well," I say, surveying the fence, "it's definitely... something."
"It's a lawsuit waiting to happen," Wyatt corrects, poking a board that creaks.
"Gives it character," Jesse insists, kissing my cheek in full view of everyone, which makes Dad's eye twitch.
"It's going to impale someone," Boone adds cheerfully. "I give it three days before Rita gets tangled in it."
"Three days? You're optimistic." I watch as another board drops. "I give it three hours."
Both our fathers are standing there with their emotional support beers, looking at us like we're a National Geographic documentary about some rare and quirky species.
"Still want to disown us?" Jesse asks his dad.
"Considering it," Mr. McCoy replies.
"Same," my dad adds, then they clink beers in solidarity.
Mrs. Delaney's livestreaming while crying. "This content is gold! The engagement! The drama! The goat!”
"So we're really doing this?" Dad asks, gesturing vaguely at the four of us. "This whole... shebang?"
"Yep," I confirm.
"And you with all three of them?"
"Package deal. Like Costco, but with more abs."
Dad looks physically pained. Mr. McCoy pats his shoulder. "Could be worse."
"How?"
"Could be four of them."
"Don't give the universe ideas," Dad mutters.
Jesse pulls me closer. "Ready for the long haul of weird looks and gossip?"
"I was born ready. I own a goat who commits felonies."
"Fair point."
"Think it'll still be standing tomorrow?" Jesse asks, nodding at the fence.
"Not a chance," I say. "Want to take bets on what takes it down first?"
"Does it matter?" Wyatt asks, pulling me closer. "We'll just build it again."
"And it'll fall again," I point out.
