Page 69 of The Hardest Part

He swallowed. “Gee, Daddy J, thanks for the visual.”

“That dream of yours has no meaning, son. It’s your mind playin’ tricks on you, that’s all.” Justin’s hand came down on top of his and he squeezed. “The man took the easy way out, which is a helluva lot more than he deserved.”

Yeah, maybe.

The dream still gnawed at him, though. Maybe he should feel sorry for the old loon, but he didn’t.

It was that time of year again. The heifers would start dropping calves any day now. After he and Jake spent the entire day working on the house while they still could, Billy was looking forward to having dinner, and afterward, game night with the family. The five of them being home together on a Saturday evening was a rare occurrence these days, and with their schedules, who knew when they’d have the chance again.

As much as he couldn’t wait to share a life with Emily and his brother, and start a family of their own, Billy was going to miss everything he’d had here. Justin waking him up for school, his dad helping him with homework, and his mother’s constant, loving presence. Movie nights. Birthday parties. Hanging ornaments on the tree. His childhood flashed by in front of him and he smiled.

He’d never get to be that kid again.

Life changes, but isn’t that how it’s supposed to go?

Soon, he’d pass down the love and all they’d taught him to children of his own.

But for tonight, he just wanted to hang out and share a laugh or two with his brother and their parents like they used to. Listen to them chatter about nothing over supper. Watch his father gloat after winning another round of Trivial Pursuit.Don’t he always?Billy was going to soak up every last fucking moment of it.

“Somethin’ sure smells good in here, Daddy J,” he said as he walked past the stove and took the seat next to Jake at the island. “What’s for dinner?”

“Beef Burgundy. Mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions. I used the entire bottle of Pinot Noir for the sauce.” He turned around and grinned. “Delicious. Oh, and my creamy mashed potatoes you love so much, too.”

Jake chuckled. “Not gonna ask about dessert.”

“Tiramisu dip with ladyfingers.” Justin bopped him on the head with a dish towel. “So we can satisfy our sweet tooth while we play Yahtzee.”

“You mean Trivial Pursuit, don’t you, baby?” Squeezing his ass, Victor laid a smooch on Justin’s cheek.

“I do not.” He rolled his eyes, laughing at the same time. “It’s no fun for the rest of us when you always win.”

“He’s right.” Carrie playfully swatted Victor’s behind and pulled silverware out of a drawer. “Parcheesi gets my vote.”

“You can only have up to four players,” Jake reminded her. “What about Monopoly?”

Hell to the no. I fuckin’ hate Monopoly.

“Aggravation! It’s just like Parcheesi, ‘cept you can have up to six.”

His brother threw him a look, wrinkling up his nose at the suggestion.

“It’s what Mama wants, ain’t it?”

“That’s right, honey.” She kissed the top of his head and ruffled his hair. “Table’s all set. Let’s eat before your daddy’s phone goes off and he gets called away again.”

“Carrie…”

Billy shifted in his seat to see his mother in his father’s arms as he gazed into her eyes, tenderly stroking her hair.

“…you know that isn’t fair.”

“Yes, it is. I can’t remember the last time we got through dinner without an interruption.” She patted his chest. “It is what it is. I’m not complaining.”

“And this is why I didn’t go to med school,” Jake said, leaning into his ear. “Emily deserves to have us both present, ya know?”

He knew.

“And I don’t wanna miss a thing.”

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