Page 17 of Riding the High

VIXEN

Yeah, I should probably start packing.

I would say that I’m shocked you’re not packed. But I’m not. You’ll probably start ten minutes before we have to leave and then make me go buy you toothpaste or something when you forget it.

VIXEN

I am not a child, Cole Ashby. But thank you for the toothpaste reminder.

A toothbrush is always good too.

VIXEN

Just worry about yourself and don’t forget that sequined speedo, Sheriff.

I scroll through the rest of my messages as I slice up a watermelon and place the food on a platter. I am not the world’s greatest chef, but I can pull off an easy lunch on the fly. I read Wade’s message next. His nickname is Sarge in my phone, short for the name we’ve all given him over the years: Sergeant.

SARGE

Is there a luggage limit on this plane? I’m pretty sure Ivy is packing her weight in M&Ms.

NASH

Anyone else excited to see this baby come out candy-coated and scowling?

SARGE

Still be better looking than you.

NASH

If he looks like Ivy.

QUEEN JO

Be good kids this weekend. Break hearts, not the law.

I fire back some messages while thinking of everything Mabel will need for the weekend. I glance at the clock: ten minutes to clean if I want to have time to pack her stuff and get out of here on time.

“Half Pint, lunch’s ready!” I call down the hall.

“Coming,” Mabel singsongs as she skips into the kitchen. “I helped,” she says with the world’s most adorable smile, holding a grocery bag in her hands.

“What did you do, buddy?” I grin, genuinely curious.

“I packed.” She holds up her bag. “Two pairs of pajamas, clothes for tomorrow, my toothbrush, Cowey, and socks and underwear. I’m all ready. Oh, and Nana said to bring my slippers.” She holds up her stuffed cow, aka Cowey, that goes everywhere with her.

I smile as I pick her up and squeeze her tight.

“You’re my favorite girl.”

Mabel leans back and holds her hand up for a high five. I give her one.

“We’re a team, right Daddy?” she asks, always knowing my answer.

“You know it, buddy. The best team,” I say, kissing her squishy cheek before I set her down at the old weathered kitchen table.

Carrying everything on my shoulders might be overwhelming, but fuck, I wouldn’t change this life for anything. Every time I look at my daughter’s face, I know I’m the luckiest man in the world.

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