71. Ep Wade
Ep Wade
“I’m pretty honored you came here first.” I pick up the big casserole dish from the stove that Elena spent all morning making.
Fuck, it smells delicious. She’s the reason I have to run extra miles on the treadmill, I just can’t stop with one helping.
“Our flight got in early. Besides, you were there for me. One of the only people who believed in me.” Cade threads the feet of their toddler into our extra high chair, then sits next to Rosalyn.
When he leans back and stretches his leg out behind her, I catch the wince.
How does he travel back and forth from Texas to here every year if it hurts that bad?
I’m damn glad he does. I missed the hell out of him for over a decade.
“What time are we supposed to be up to the new ranch?” Elena slices some grapes for the kids while I carry the tray of enchiladas to the table.
“Not until four. Plenty of time for these guys to take a nap before we go.” I glance at our oldest boy sitting in the corner with his head next to Grace’s as they focus on a coloring book.
It’s funny how outgoing she is compared to Rosalyn.
She’s still so quiet when I’m around. But the fact I got a hug makes me feel ten feet tall.
“Ros?” My wife sits next to her childhood friend and leans her shoulder to her. “How long are you staying this time? Another month?”
Rosalyn’s blue eyes dart to her husband and she rolls her bottom lip. “I’m not sure. Grace is almost old enough for kindergarten soon.”
“I wish you lived closer,” Elena sighs.
It makes me rest my palm on her thigh. I know how tight she is with Rosalyn. They talk nearly every day.
“The kids could go to school together. Look at them, they’re best friends.” She gets a dreamy expression as she stares at Boone and Grace playing in the corner.
Cade stretches his arm behind Rosalyn’s chair, his fingers rubbing lightly on her shoulder. “It would be nice for the kids to grow up around some family. Good people are hard to come by.” He gets the same wistful look, then turns to me. “Shit, it ain’t like there’s any lack of law work,” he snorts.
“Hell, Cade, I’ll talk to Pete tomorrow. You can start next week.” I let out a long laugh. I know better. The winters here would be hard on him.
But I’d make sure he has a cushy desk job if he wanted. Anything.
I miss the fuck out of him and am thankful he’s back. Every time I have to say goodbye it hurts like a son of a bitch.
He chuckles and rolls his eyes. “We’ll see. Maybe someday.”