“Thanks,” Stacey says to Liv.
This is cause for a celebration as I stand up. “We’re here celebrating the last Dirty Texas man falling.” Everyone raises their glasses. “When Sienna and I started this wild journey all those years ago, who knew that good friends would soon become family. I’d not be where I am today if it weren’t for Sienna and Stacey. You two have helped me launch a career that I only ever dreamed about. You have helped me set up a business that’s generating an income I never thought was possible. You two are like sisters to me, and every day I’m thankful you’re both in my life.” The girls instantly tear up, but I need them to know how much I love them. “To my Dirty Texas bitches, Ness, Issy, and Liv.” I look over at them. “Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and becoming my family. I would do anything in the world for all of you. I mean, I’d even sleep with you if you asked, and you all know how much I hate vaginas. Actually, it would be more like I’d have a threesome with you and your husbands. I’d stick it in ya. That’s how much I love you girls.” They all groan and giggle, but that’s just how much I love them. “I mean it, ladies. Without you all in my life, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. Before y’all, I was never accepted, I was never loved, and I never fit in. Then this blonde bombshell over here …” I point to Sienna, “… took a chance on this old queen and saved my life because what she didn’t know was that I had decided to end my life if I didn’t get this job. Not because it was my dream job, butbecause I couldn’t take any more rejection.” Wow. I was going to go to the grave with that confession.
“D.” Sienna jumps up and hugs me, tears streaming down her face. “I never knew that.”
“I know, you saved me. So, I never wanted to think about that dark time ever again. You gave me love, acceptance, and you made my dreams come true. You’re my guardian angel.”
“I love you, Derrick.” Sienna sobs as the rest of the girls give me hugs.
“Sorry, I actually didn’t mean to make it about me. I know, first time for everything,” I joke. “I’m caught up in the love and everything. I did have a point in there somewhere. Oh, that’s right. I wanted to say to you, Stacey, that nothing can ever replace your family. Know that you aren’t alone anymore. You have your Dirty Texas family, and we’ll always be there for you, no matter what, through thick and thin.” Stacey’s eyes glisten with tears. “It takes a village to raise a child, and this Dirty Texas village is going to help you raise the shit out of those teenagers. And gorgeous little Lockie, well, he’s young enough that we can mold him right.” I smirk.
“Thank you, D. And thank you, guys, for coming all this way for us. I didn’t realize how much I needed all your strength until you got here,” Stacey confesses.
“To Stacey and Oscar,” I say, raising my glass.
“To Stacey and Oscar,” the rest of the girls say, joining in.
“You guys.” Stacey cries as we all hug her.
“We are family …” I start singing, and then the rest of the girls join in as we all hug each other.
Dinner is done, the kids have gone to bed, and it’s the crew sitting around the campfire. I’ve taken a seat with the boys near the fire while the girls are in the bathroom together. They didn’t want to walk in the dark alone to use it.
“I can’t believe how many stars there are,” Christian muses, looking up at the pitch-black sky, the silvery shiny stars lighting up the sky for as far as the eye can see.
“And it’s so quiet,” Finn adds.
“It’s nice,” Oscar states, sipping his beer. “It’s taken a while to get used to, I think I’m liking the peace and quiet.”
“Going to be a culture shock when you get back to LA then,” Evan adds.
“Yeah. There’s a part of me that actually isn’t looking forward to it, especially the constant media attention. I haven’t had to worry about that here. The locals ran them all out of town for us.” This makes the boys chuckle. “It will be good to be back with everyone again. I know I’m a grown-ass man, but it’s good having the parents around.”
“They are great with Easton, and I know they can’t wait to help you guys, too,” Finn adds. “Look at them with Lockie tonight, it’s as if he’s already theirs.”
“Teenage girls, that’s going to be hard,” Christian adds. “I’m dreading the days Ruby and Sadie are that age. Hormones, man.” He chuckles, drinking his beer.
“Funny enough, the girls have been pretty good, except in the mornings when they fight over the bathroom, it’s like the fucking Hunger Games,” Oscar grumbles. “That’s why I made sure they all have their own bathrooms in our new home. No fighting in the morning.”
“How are you feeling about that, moving back?” Evan asks.
“I’m excited to get home, but also a little worried. You know, about the kids. They have all been so adamant that they want a fresh start. What happens if it fucks them up and makes thingsworse? I worry that I’m going to mess up.” The boys go quiet and stare at Oscar.
“Fuck, man, you sound like a parent already.” Axel slaps him on the back.
“You’re doing the right thing, putting those kids first,” Christian adds. “If things don’t work out, then you can always come back here or somewhere else.”
“Like your farm in Malibu,” Finn says.
“There are enough parents around if you need help. I mean, they have all been through the teenage years with all of us, and they seemed to have survived.” Evan laughs.
“I never expected this to be my life. I’m now the guardian of five kids. I’m buying a fucking farm. I’m obsessed with chickens and gardens and shit. I haven’t even thought about The Paradise Club,” Oscar confesses.
“Wow,” Axel says to that.
“I know, right?”
“See, I told ya, pussy-whipped man. Best feeling in the world,” Christian says cockily. “Remember those times, you three.” He points his beer bottle at Finn, Axel, and Oscar. “You used to make fun of Evan and me, and now look at you all.” He smiles. “You’re fucking practically royal and about to pop out twins.” He points at his brother. “And you.” He turns to Finn. “You fell for your best friend’s sister, such a cliché, and knocked her up.”
