He’s smiling now.
We head toward the coolers, where Matty and Caison are grabbing beers.
Matty spots me and lights up. “Hey! There she is!”
She pulls me into a quick hug before looking at Porter with open curiosity. “Hello, strange man.”
I laugh. “Matty, this is Porter. He’s my boss.”
I gesture between her and Case. “Porter, this is my sister Matty and her husband, Caison.”
Caison extends his hand immediately. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Matty hands both Porter and me an open beer.
“Thank you for arranging all this, sissy.”
Her expression softens immediately. “Of course. I’m just sorry it took four months.”
I shake my head. “Matty, it’s okay.”
“This is the first time I felt okay leaving AJ. I pumped several bottles, and he’s at home with Case’s mom. They’re gonna have tummy time and read some books.” Her voice wobbles slightly.
I frown immediately. “AJ isn’t here?”
Matty’s eyes glisten. “I know,” she says softly. “I miss him already.”
Caison steps behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against his chest.
“Hey,” he murmurs.
She leans into him.
“He’s fine.” Caison kisses her temple. “He’s being spoiled rotten by Nana,” he says. “Probably milk drunk and snoring already.”
Matty huffs a small laugh through her tears. “You’re right.”
He squeezes her gently. “We’ll be home before you know it.”
She exhales slowly. “Okay.”
Matty smiles and nudges me with her shoulder. “I’m fine. Go finish introducing your boss to the circus.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”
Porter follows me again as we cross the yard toward the barn.
Daddy stands behind the massive grill like a general, tongs in one hand.
“Hey, kiddo,” he calls the second he sees me.
My chest warms instantly.
“Hey, Daddy.”
He hooks his arm around the back of my neck the instant I step close and kisses the top of my head.
