Down below, the second round of kids started on their horse rides, and Adam swept his arm around Joey’s waist, tucked her into his side, and pressed a kiss to her temple. She looked up at him, her smile wide enough for Tex to see from the side.
“Don’t look like they won’t work out to me,” Trace said in his quiet monotone.
“It’s the honeymoon phase,” Otis said. “They’ve only been together about a month.”
“Yeah, and you were in love with Georgia after that long.” Trace leaned forward and grinned at Otis, who only scoffed.
“She’s looking for apartments,” Otis said next.
“That’s good news,” Tex said. “Right?” He looked atTrace and then Otis. “I mean, I know Momma and Daddy like her living there, but it’s not necessary.”
“No, it’s not,” Otis said. “And yes, it’s good.” He paused and then turned his back on them, leaning against the railing and facing the house instead. “He just seems so much older than her.”
“Does he?” Tex asked, looking down at them again. Joey now held Tyrone in her arms, while Adam held Clay’s hand while they waited for the horses to come back. “He seems just like Harry or Bryce to me.”
“And Joey’s five years younger than Harry,” Otis said.
“Only three,” Trace said.
“They feel the same to me,” Tex said. “Girls are more mature than boys.” He waved to Pip as she came around the corner of the barn, pure joy on her face. He smiled too, and the sound of the sliding glass door caused him to turn.
Abby stepped out, carrying a fresh pot of coffee. His wife’s presence always settled something in his soul, even after all these years.
“You cowboys solving all the world’s problems out here?” she asked, and she took Tex’s mug to refill it.
“Just watching the kids.” Tex wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her close against the chill. “And maybe doing a little observation of the newest person to come into the family.”
Abby followed their gazes to where Adam now lifted Clay into the saddle. He took the lead rope this time, and he and Joey walked with the horses while Blaze stayed back with the kids.
“They do look sweet together,” Abby said. “And Joey sure seems to like him.”
Joey laughed at something Adam had said, her blue eyes shining with happiness Tex could see from all the way up on the deck. They reminded Tex of how Everly had drawn Trace out of his shell years ago.
“Speaking of sweet,” Trace said. “Harry and Belle are writing a new song for their wedding.”
“That’s fantastic,” Tex said.
“Is it?” Trace asked.
Otis cleared his throat and stepped back. He took a couple of slow, measured steps away from the railing, and then he practically ran for the house.
“You better hurry,” Trace called after him.
“What’s goin’ on?” Tex asked.
“They’re workin’ on it with him,” Trace growled. “I even asked nicely, and I was told no, they would not share it with me until the wedding.”
“Oh, that’s sweet,” Abby said, then she too wisely headed back inside.
“It’snotsweet,” Trace said. “He’s my son, and I want to help him with the wedding song.”
“And he wants it to be a surprise for you and Ev,” Tex said, somehow just knowing that was true. “My guess is, it’s his gift to you, for being such an amazing dad.”
“Oh, please.” Trace rolled his whole head. “It’s fine, but I’m gonna tell you the same thing I’ve told everyone else.”
Tex turned toward him. “Go on, then.”
“It’s okay that I’m upset about this.” Trace’s jawjumped. “I don’t have to just lie down and be happy about everything.”
