Page 36 of Priority

Did I expect him to share with meeverythingin his giftbox?

No.

Did I expect him to ask me advice about a “fakie” trying to float in on his territory or how to have long distance territory?

Hell no.

And fuck, I don’t even know if I did the last one correctly, but Itried.

Helet metry.

He didn’t brush me off.

He didn’t insist on asking one of his uncles or Bryn.

He listenedto me.

And I listened tohim.

As much as it pains me to admit, J.T. was right.

Getting to really know my son is a gift.

The perfect gift.

I’m not sure that there’s anything better.

Walking into our luxury, black with gold accents bedroom occurs at the same time I’m finishing up the call with O’Malley, our newest pilot. “Let’s say one o’clock.”

“Is that a Wes one o’clock or a Bryn one o’clock or should I split the difference?”

I gently shut and lock the door behind me once I’m inside. “The latter may be in everyone’s best interest. The girls understand punctuality; however, the rest of the household – which includes J.T. and his league– are rarely as prompt when it comes to family outings.”

“Understood, Sir.”

“Leaving at that time should put us there rather late; however, it’ll allow us to spend all of Christmas EveandChristmas Day in Doctenn without having most of it eaten up by travel.” My attention wanders around the room, curiously scanning for the troublemaker I married. “Let’s plan to fly home the 27th. J.T. and I have our annual in-house distillery and brewer’s conference the 28th.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You and Baird are welcomed to stay in the guesthouse during our duration – per usual – and are of course invited to any festivities we may engage in.”

“I’ll let Baird know, Sir.”

“Wes.”

“Wes,” he politely corrects. “I’ll begin preparations. Is there anything else we need to know?”

“Not at this time. I’ll call back if that changes.”

“Understood, S – er –Wes.”

Ending the call is followed by sliding the device back into my pocket despite knowing there are a few more people to contact to make this whole thing possible.

They can wait.

At least for a few minutes while I make up with my wife.

“Bryn…” I casually call out the direction of our ensuite bathroom. “You in here?”

---