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However, Ava Riley isn’t one to let gender limit her children—especially not because of their father’s expectations.

Needless to say, Bruce lost that argument rather quickly.

And Nora took some time away from running her bookstore, Spread the Pages, to guide me with what needed to be done around the house so she could relay lessons and grading to her mom’s teaching assistant covering her class load at the community college.

Lennon only left her father’s hospital room to go home and change. I think it was partially out of guilt because she’s been away from home for nearly six months this time. But either way, my goal was just to make sure she went home to shower and eat at least twice a day.

I did manage that much.

It’s been a wild seven days, but seeing Bruce as he relaxes in his favorite chair surrounded by his favorite people has made it all worth it.

Seeing Lennon finally relax doesn’t hurt either.

“You hungry, Bruce?” I ask once he’s comfortable.

Bruce looks me up and down. “Is that my wife’s apron?”

“I guess.”

“Hmm.” He glances back at the TV. “I’m good for now, but it sure smells good. Thank you, son.”

Ava squeezes my shoulder as she comes up beside me. “Yes, thank you, Easton. I can’t tell you how much it means to us that you were here this week.”

I untie the apron behind my waist and pull it over my head. “Honestly, I feel like I could have done more.”

Lennon comes up beside me, bumping her hip against mine. “You’d think it was your dad who had a heart attack.”

I look down at Bruce. “On some level, that’s exactly how it felt.”

Bruce reaches for my hand, taking it in his own. “You’re a good man, Easton. Don’t ever forget that.”

Ava nods in agreement. “Absolutely. Now, you two need to go have some fun.”

I push a hand through my hair. “You sure you don’t need anything else?”

“Nope. Both of you get out of here.”

“Mom…”

“Lennon, you’ve been glued to my side for the past week, and I love you for it, but I’d love some time alone with my husband, and you two deserve to relax.” She cups the side of Lennon’s face. “I love you and appreciate you being here. But I’ve got it.”

Lennon glances between her mom and me before sighing. “Okay. Fine. I guess I can take a hint.” She looks back over at me. “Want to get a drink?”

I shrug. “That’s fine.”

Little did I know that wouldn’t be the worst choice I made that night.

***

“It feels weird being back home,” Lennon slurs as she sips on her third margarita, the tequila clearly doing its job.

We decided to go to Melvin’s for their award-winning brisket, but it doesn’t hurt that they also have a full bar. All the locals hang out here, along with college students who commute from nearby towns.

“You were in Montana when you got the call about your dad, right?”

Lennon nods, shifting her straw around with her tongue before taking a long drag from her cocktail. “Yup.”

“Do you plan on going back?”