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A long time ago, Uncle Ev had purchased a nice piece of land, complete with a two-story house, so they could often stay closer to the rest of the family…which really meant, so Judd could be closer to, and attend school with, Skylar. ‘Cause that’s what we do in this family—anything it takes to be together.

“No, not that I can think of,” I answer, no sooner than a spontaneous thought travels from my mind, out my mouth, “but don’t ever sell it, okay?”

“Why?” He laughs. “Judd and Sky got their own place now, in the city, where your sister’s better suited. Who’s ever gonna want it?”

“Me. I mean, maybe, someday.”

“Well alright then, I’ll hang onto it. You know you don’t even have to ask. Day comes you wanna make it your own, all yours, kid. So why you going out there this weekend? You get a dirt bike or something?”

“No, I got a girlfriend. A girlfriend whom I then got a car, who can’t drive worth a shit. Need to give her some serious driving lessons out in the boonies, where the only thing she can possibly hurt is a tree, or maybe an unfortunately slow-moving squirrel.”

He fills my ear with undiluted laughter. “Lord have mercy, that’s some funny shit. You finally get a girlfriend, one who’s got you ‘Sawyering’ her up from what I hear, and she can’t drive to boot. Hell yeah, bring her out. In fact, might swing by, if you don’t mind; oughta be a hoot to watch. Whatcha gonna do about your Aunt Whit, though? She’ll have something to say about ya’ll sleeping in the house together. You know it as well as I do.”

“Whatever she says. Her house, her rules. You know I won’t disrespect her in any way.”

“Right answer, son. And because you gave it, I’ll handle your aunt for ya.”

“Thanks, Uncle Evan. Guess we’ll see you sometime Saturday.”

“See ya then.”

I’ve taken four stairs when Megan calls back. “What’d you find out?” I ask anxiously.

“Nine-fifty an hour and a thirty-percent employee discount.”

“Hell yeah, much better. Thanks, Megan. Go ahead and take off early for all your help.”

“You’re welcome, and thank you, sir.”

I’m so damn happy I’m whistling as I fly up the rest of the stairs, rapping my knuckles on Bellamy’s door as I open it.

My stomach drops as soon as I see her, sitting on the couch, knees pulled up to her chest as she cries into the phone at her ear.

“I swear, Daddy, I was gonna call soon. I’ve just been so busy.”

There’s silence as she listens and I rack my brain on how to help…with whatexactly, I’m not yet positive. But if my baby’s crying, I’m gonna do something. Surely to God there’s a “Boyfriend 101” Manual written…I need to check on that.

“Daddy, it’s not a big deal. A better apartment came open two floors up, furnishedandthe same student-discount rate. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you my address changed, I really am, but I don’t understand why you’re so mad?”

I go make her a glass of iced tea and sit beside her on the couch, close enough to hear his response blasting through the phone. I don’t catch all of it, but I’m able to distinctly make out the words “boyfriend” and “new job.”

Guess she told him quite a bit before I got here.

And then I hear him say the words that I know will have her crying even harder.

“His family knows you, his dad helpsmylittle girl pick out a car that I don’t evenwantto know why this boyfriend of yours is buying you, but we aren’t worthy of a simple phone call? How do you think that makes your mother feel, missing out on her only child’s new, unrecognizable life?”

I jump up and grab a piece of paper and pen off the kitchen counter, scribble down a message and hurry back to her side, holding it in front of her to read.

‘You go take a relaxing, hot bath and don’t worry about a thing. I will fix this, Bellamy. Now hand me the phone.’

Her eyes flare with wide-open worry and she shakes her head frantically.

I respond with wordless finality; a tight, thin-lipped smile, an adamant stare with brows arched in challenge…and my outstretched hand.

“Um, Daddy, Jefferson’s here with me and wants to talk to you,” her words are a quivering whisper.

‘Go,’ I mouth, pointing to the bathroom, taking the phone in my other hand.

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