Page 105 of Surviving in Everton

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Despite how Friday night ended,we had a really good weekend. I can’t believe it’s Sunday already! The grandmas told us last night that the guys had a special surprise planned for Mommy when they get home today so I’m really anxious for them to be back already. Nana finds me pacing in front of the windows, watching for them.

“Hey, sweetie. You doing okay?”

Oh great. This again. They have constantly checked-in with me since my episode Friday. I really wish we didn’t have to tell mom. She’s gonna freak out.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just want Mommy to come home so I can find out what this surprise is!”

“That’s not all, but it’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it anymore. Not now at least. Today’s a big day for your mommy and we don’t want to make her worry. She needs to know, but one more day won’t hurt.” She hugs me tight then walks away, leaving me to my pacing.

Chapter 42

Rowen

This weekend was absolutely amazing. We’re definitely going to have to do that again… and again. But I miss my baby. I spend the entire ride home thinking about her. Wondering what they did while we were gone. Hudson reaches over and grabs my hand, squeezing it.

“It’ll be fine, Rowe. I’m sure they had a blast. You know our moms are gonna spoil that girl more than we do.”

“Okay, that’s probably true… and y’alldospoil her a whole lot. She probably had the time of her life and doesn’t even want me to come home,” I pout.

“Nonsense! I bet she’s dying for you to get home, so she can tell you about all the awesome things our parents taught her,” Ayden objects from the back row.

That brings a smile to my face. He’s probably right. I’m sure the moms taught her something super cool and she can’t wait to show me. Pulling into the driveway, the front door flings open and my little princess comes running down the steps. I guess she did miss me after all.

Hopping out of the car, I slam the door shut and meet Violet on the sidewalk. “Hey, sweetie! Did ya miss me?”

“Uh duh! I don’t run out of the house for just anyone, ya know.”

“You run out for Logan all the time.”

“Exactly. So you and Logan. My two favorite people!” She giggles.

God, I’ve missed that giggle. Was I really only gone for two days?! Determined to hear that giggle again, I wrap my arms around her and swing her around.

“Mommy! Put me down!” she squeals.

I stop spinning and notice Nate watching us with a smile. “Hey, Nate! Catch!” And I throw my daughter across the yard.

She screams, but I know Nate will catch her, so I’m not worried. He looks at me like I’ve completely lost my mind, as he reaches out to catch her, pulling her into him like she’s a football he just caught.

“Jesus, Rowen! Why would you do that?!” he huffs as he slowly sets Violet down, carefully examining her to be sure she didn’t get hurt.

“I’m fine, Nate!” She giggles as she bats his hand away.

“Mommy! Why didn’t you tell me I could make my own videos?” She crosses her arms and stomps her little foot.

Damn I should have known this weekend would get turned around to me being the bad guy. Sighing, I shake my head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I must have forgotten. It’s been a very long time since I made a video like that.”

“Well… okay. I forgive you! Now come inside! It’s lunch time!” she squeaks, as she drags me to the door and through the house to the back porch.

“No, she didn’t miss you at all,” Ayden mocks as he walks behind us.

“Nana let me help with lunch, Mommy!” Violet continues her excited rambling like Ayden didn’t say anything. In all honesty, she probably didn’t even hear him.

“That’s great, sweetie! I can’t wait to see what you made!”

She pulls me out the back door and I stop short when I see everyone. The guys walk out around me as I look around. The moms are here, obviously, but so are the dads, and Quinn, West, mysister.