Page 134 of All of Me

Adam carries Ruby to the car, buckling her in as she babbles softly, completely unaware of the storm still lingering between us. The whole exchange is smooth, practiced.

He shuts the door, then turns back to face me. “For what it’s worth… I don’t want to fight with you.”

I nod but don’t respond, because words are easy. I’ve learned not to believe them until I see the proof. As I watch him drive away, a familiar knot settles in my stomach. I already know—I’ll be dealing with this crap from him for years to come.

forty-six

WHEREVER YOU WILL GO - THE CALLING

OWEN - OCTOBER 3, 2014

Inever thought I’d get the chance to raise my kids at Darling Ridge Farms. Growing up, I spent more time on that land than anywhere else. When my mom and dad were still married, they were incredibly close to Uncle Teddy and Aunt Serena so we were together all the time. It was where I learned how to drive a four-wheeler. Hell, it’s where I learned how to drive anything. Summer nights were spent camping under the stars with Vince and Malcolm. We ran wild, getting into all kinds of trouble. I can even remember being scolded by my mother and my aunt on more than one occasion while my dad and Teddy stood behind them, trying not to laugh.

After I moved away from Cedar Bluff, I always thought about coming back. I hoped one day, somehow, I would be able to make it happen. I wanted my son to grow up the way I did. It might make me sound like a grumpy old man but I have always worried that with technology advancing the way it is, my son wouldn’t be as interested in the outdoors as I was. One of my biggest hopes with this move is that getting to see him more will help grow our bond. I want him to be close to our family, to have a place that always feels like home, to make up for all the time I’ve missed in his life so far.

And now, we’re making it happen. Callie and I are moving our family to Darling Ridge Farms in less than a month. The house has been sitting empty for quite some time, like it was waiting for us. Waiting for me to finally come home.

I always thought it would be bittersweet, but as I glance around the living room, surrounded by half-packed boxes and the sounds of my kids playing, I feel ready.

Since the house has been empty for so long, I still have quite a bit of work to get done before we move in next month.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Barret hollers for my attention. “Dad! Look how fast I am!”

Barrett takes off running through the living room and I have never been more thankful that the footie pajamas he insists on living in during this stage of his life have grips on the bottom. This particular set of pajamas are Batman-themed. As he runs, his cape flares behind him as he stops just short of running straight into the wall.

Personally, I’ve never understood the appeal of Batman. I’ve always been a bigger fan of Super Man myself. But, the kid likes what he likes. Maybe someday when he grows up, he will have better taste.

“Whoa, bud,” I say, reaching out to steady him. “This is a house, not a racetrack. Just because we’ve started packing things up doesn’t mean inside rules don’t apply.”

My son grins up at me, breathless. “But I’m practicing for the farm!”

I raise an eyebrow. “Practicing what, exactly?”

He spreads his arms wide and his little chest puffs out with pride. “For runnin’ fast! DUH!”

“I understand that you’re excited, son. But you need to check your tone,” I scold, only half-serious.

He looks at me sheepishly before apologizing for sayingduhto me. “Uncle Vince says there’s a huge hill, and I wanna see if I can run all the way down without falling.”

Now there’s a trip to the hospital waiting to happen. Thanks, Vince.

I chuckle, ruffling his hair. “That hill’s no joke. You’ll have to be careful.”

“I know!” he pouts. “I’m going to be five soon, Dad! Of course I’ll be careful.”

Before I can respond, Sara toddles over, clutching her stuffed bunny in one hand. She looks up at me, her big blue eyes wide. “Me fast too, Owie?”

I scoop her up easily, tucking her against my side. “You’re the fastest.”

“She is not,” Barrett mumbles.

She giggles, squeezing her bunny tight. “I go on hill?”

“We’ll see,” I say, kissing the top of her head. “Maybe we should work on walking in a straight line first.”

She wiggles against me, full of energy. “I gozoomlike Barry!”

Barrett overhears this and immediately corrects her. “Not Barry. It’s Barrett.”

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