“I don’t think so. I think she was making sure I wasn’t getting cold feet.” He was pretty certain that was it. “She wanted me to know how much you’d missed me.”
“I did.” Just soft and simple, no bullshit. “I’m not happy without you. We’re a family.”
He nodded, turning out of the driveway for the last time. “I told her I missed you more.”
“This time, I bet you’re right. I had the boys to keep me busy, and I wasn’t trying to pack a house.” Early turned to face him. “Tell me one thing you’re excited about.”
“One thing? I can’t even pick just one.” He’d focused on his list to get him through packing the kids’ rooms. “Seeing the boys. The pool. Being self-employed. Learning to ride. Buying a truck. Finding a hat that suits me. You want more?”
“Absolutely. I want everything.” Early’s smile was bright as the sun.
“Um. Seeing the mustangs out the kitchen window. Our shower. The first day of school. Not having to drive to work in the snow. Setting up my home office. Making love in our amazing bed. Dogs.”
“Oh, my god. I didn’t tell you. They have a whole pro-dog presentation for you. It’s hilarious.” Early’s laughter tickled him. “They want a puppy apiece, plus a little foo-foo dog for you.”
“That’s amazing.” He laughed along. “They think I want a foo-foo dog? I want a big dog with a big bark for that big house.” Really, he didn’t need a dog at all, but if he had to…
“They chose a picture of a toy poodle with pink toenails. I didn’t even get a dog. I think you need a Saint Bernard.”
“We. Not me,we. You want a Saint Bernard? Maybe we should let the boys get theirs past the puppy stage before we add to the pack.” This drive was going to fly by. He and Early knew how to talk when they wanted to.
“God, yes. Puppies are rough. Those boys are going to have to work hard at this.” He shook his head. “They hit their beds exhausted now.”
“I guess that’s good. Work hard, play hard. I really can’t wait to see them. Hug them. I’ll even be nice about the pink toenails on my poodle.”
“They miss you too. I told them we’d be back Saturday, so they’re going to be over the moon tomorrow for family day.”
“Oh, it’s a surprise? That’s great. I love that.” It was so worth getting everything done a day early. “I’m even more excited now.”
Early nodded. “This way, if we couldn’t, they weren’t disappointed, you know?”
“You must be a parent.” He gave Early’s knee a squeeze before putting both hands back on the wheel and turning onto the highway. “We’re going home, honey.”
“Yes, sir. Let’s do this. I’m so ready.”
They headed west, leaving the sun to chase them.
14
They’d gotten in long after the boys had been in bed, but Momma was up, waiting for them, just like she’d always had, smiling and hugging them both, needing her family home before she crawled into the guest room with Pop.
They’d showered and crashed, curled together in their big bed, holding each other like they were afraid they’d lose each other in the night.
When the sound of thundering feet sounded on the stairs, they were still snuggling in under the heavy comforter. Someone—someones—had seen the car. Early glanced at his husband, who was pretending to still be asleep.
“They’re coming for you.”
Connor’s lips curled in a smile. “I know.”
There was no pretense of a knock, the bedroom door just burst open and Connor pulled the comforter over his head, pretending to hide.
“Dad! Dad!” The boys jumped on the bed, climbed over them, and tugged at Connor’s pillows. “Dad!”
Connor threw the comforter off and grabbed them both, pulling them into a big group hug. “My boys. Oh, I missed your faces.”
“We missed you!”
“We wanted you to come home so bad!”