My two girls make everything worth it, and they are the greatest things to ever happen to me. Which was why, after the last couple of visits back to my hometown of Brantley Falls to see my dad and sisters, I decided to come back. To give the girls a chance at a better life, surrounded by people who love them and who want the best for them—and for me. A simpler life with what matters most.
At the age of seventy, my dad was still going strong and working on the farm every day. Whenever I suggested he retire and that I would hire more farmhands, he scoffed and explained that he wanted to die doing what he loved, not spending his days sitting in a rocking chair on his porch.
I respected his wishes but knew he wouldn’t be able to deny my help if I were here with nothing to do. I would be able to take some of the burden off him and spend more time with him all at once. The stubborn old man would get his way, and so would I.
My girls and I were going to get the fresh start we deserved. It was all planned out. Once Mackenzie finished the school year in June, we were moving back to good old Brantley Falls, Iowa.
But life happens while you’re busy making plans. So, when my dad passed away unexpectedly, it was the final blow. I buried my dad, Mackenzie finished kindergarten, and we moved from Chicago to Iowa. All in a matter of weeks.
I’m honestly surprised that I’ve made it. I’m still standing, the girls are in one piece, and they seem happy. I have my friends and family close again. I’m going to turn this around for us, no matter what.
So, as exhausted as I am, going out tonight with Reid and Liam will be good for me. I’ve really missed my friends. I had people I was close with on the team, but once I retired, those friendships fizzled out. However, what I have with Reid, Liam, and Theo has been going strong for a quarter of a century, from kindergarten to high school together to now. Even after we all left for college or pursued careers, we kept in touch. And now, we’re all back home.
“All done, Daddy,” Mackenzie declares while showing me her empty plate.
“Me too.” Addy excitedly shows me her plate, but there’s still some food left on hers. I’m choosing to let it slip.
“Great job, girls. Let’s put our plates in the sink and go upstairs to take showers.”
Before I do, I text the guys again.
Me: Waiting for Morgan now. I’ll be there ASAP.
Me: And the first round’s on you, asshole. I’m new in town. You buy me drinks, not the other way around.
I put it away to go help my girls, and, once they’re showered and in their pajamas, I take a quick shower and dress in some dark wash jeans and a Henley. I’m heading downstairs when I hear my sister come through the front door.
“Hey, Morgan.”
“Hey, big brother. Long time, no see,” my sister says as she wraps me in a hug.
“We saw you this past weekend at Nikki’s.”Am I losing it here? We just saw each other, right?
“That was three days ago. When we live ten minutes apart, that’s too long.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say with an exasperated laugh.
The girls tear around the corner and tackle their aunt in a hug. This is how I know I made the right decision in moving back home. Morgan visited often when we were in Chicago, but it wasn’t nearly enough for her or the girls. They need their aunt, and she needs her nieces. And, honestly, I need my sister, too.
I’m close with both my sisters, but Morgan and I have always had a special bond. She was a year old when our mom died, and even though I was only eight at the time, I took on a lot of responsibility and grew up fast. With Dad gone, I guess I’m going to be taking on the role of father and brother, which I know will drive her crazy.
Annoying a little sister is fun, and she’s very easy to annoy, which just makes it better. Another reason I’m glad to be back home.
“The girls already ate and showered, so just make sure they brush their teeth and are in bed by nine.”
“Nine, Daddy? That’s so early!” Mackenzie complains.
“Well, if you guys would sleep past seven in the morning, maybe I would let you stay up longer. You can’t stay up late and wake up early. Pick one or the other.” I’m trying to reason with them but am only met with looks of confusion and amusement from my sister. “So, bedtime is nine, and don’t even think about scheming your way into a later time with Auntie Morgan. She won’t fall for your tricks.” I look over to my sister and give her a stern look. “Right, Morgan?”
“Right, big brother, sir. You can count on me,” Morgan says sarcastically while hiding her fingers behind her back, and I already know that they’re crossed and she’s going to let them stay up longer. Mackenzie and Addy have her wrapped around their little fingers.
I grab my keys and wallet off the counter and head to the back door since I parked my truck out back. “Be good, girls.” I give them hugs and kisses and then level Morgan with another serious stare. “That includes you, too, Morgan.” She laughs, but I can tell it’s a little forced and that her mind went elsewhere for a second. I go over and give her a big hug. “I miss him too,” I whisper.
“I know,” she says with a sniffle. “Seeing you standing here in the kitchen…well, you just look so much like him that it took me back to our childhood for a second.” She swipes at her eyes, so I give her another big squeeze because I know I’ll start crying if I try to talk. “He would have loved you being back home with the girls. He talked about it non-stop. He was so excited.”
“I should have done it sooner, but I thought we had a lot more time.”
“We all did, Cam. Everyone takes time for granted. It’s human nature.” She squeezes my hand and then gives me another hug. “Sorry for bringing you down. Now, go have some beers and gossip with the guys. I’ve got things covered here.”
