Page 110 of Zone Protection

Archie kisses me, then the baby again and walks out the door.

The baby is no longer sucking, so I place her over my shoulder and rub her back. “I hope you’re ready for this, Lainey. You’re part of a rowdy family, but theysure will love you.”

The football season is upon us already. Archie is doing amazing and has had the opportunity to start in most of the games. This week, they’ll be playing the Monday Night game, which worked perfectly for us because it’s a big game at Walker this weekend and Archie wanted to be here.

His friends love Lainey, as do mine. Anytime we get to see any of them, they all want to spoil her rotten. The only one we don’t get to see that much is Liam, but he and Archie talk all the time. I know he misses him and the rest of the guys.

We’re staying at my parents’ house this weekend. They’re getting ready to move to Dallas to be closer to us and will be helping me with Lainey when I go back to school. And to help me with any final details for our spring wedding.

One of the hardest things for them about leaving Oklahoma is that my sister is buried here. But my mom says she feels Sunny around her every day and that the gravesite is just a place. Sunnyisaround us, and I have to say, I agree. Because since Lainey has been born, I feel like my sister is watching over us.

Lainey has had to continue to be monitored, but so far, we haven’t had major concerns. Definitely a few bumps in the road in terms of irregular heart rates, and the hole is closing a little slower than they hoped, but no matter what happens, I just have faith it will be okay. And Archie has been a huge support and a big part of why I’ve been able to stay calm about all the testing.

We have to leave soon for the game, and we’ll be taking Lainey with us. Archie likes to show her off to all his friends. But we’re going to make a stop at Sunny’s grave before we go. Like my mom says, I know it’s just a place, but I want to take Archie and Lainey anyway.

“You ready to go?” Archie comes into the guest room we’re staying in with Lainey in his arms. She has a fistful of his hair that’s peeking out of his Walker football hat and trying to eat his jaw.

Her own hair is growing in, with some ringlets starting, andas predicted, it’s blonde. Her eyes are blue, like Archie’s. I know I’m biased, but she’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen. She’s the perfect combination of us, but I will admit, she does favor the Griffith side of the family.

I’m not sure there is anything sexier than seeing him with our daughter. Even when he changes her diaper. Sexy.

“Yes, I think I have everything she’ll need. I’ll feed her in the car before we go into the game.”

“You don’t have to feed her in the car. We’ll be going in the players’ entrance and be able to use the family waiting area. You’ll be fine there, unless you don’t feel comfortable.”

“Oh, no, that’s fine. I have my little sheet to drape over my shoulder. We just need to stop at the florist to grab Sunny’s flowers on our way to the cemetery.”

“Okay, baby. I’ll go put Little Sunshine in the car seat. Did you grab the baby carrier, or do I need to grab it on my way out?”

“I got it. I’m ready, so I’ll come out with you.”

My mom is in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee and scrolling on her phone. “Emma, did you see this idea for a photo shoot? We could dress her like a bumblebee! How cute is that?”

Archie’s mom is rubbing off on my mom, and collectively, we’ve done several photo shoots of the baby in various settings. But they love it, and it makes them happy, so I play along. Archie thinks it’s funny, and he’s not at all surprised by their Pinterest obsession with finding new trends to try with our daughter. They did a football set at the start of his season, which I think was his favorite so far.

“That’s super cute, Mom. We can do that one once you get settled. Let’s not take that on in the middle of the move.”

“Oh, I’m sending it to Alicia. I thought we could do it on the ranch. Can you imagine the backdrop? Perfection.”

“Whatever makes you happy.” I laugh. “We’re gonna head out and stop to see Sunny before the game.”

She gives me a soft smile. “Okay, sweetie. I love you. Let mekiss the baby before y’all leave.” Mom walks over to Lainey, still in Archie’s arms. “I just know your auntie would have loved you. You’re our Little Sunshine, aren’t you?” She kisses Lainey on the cheek.

“We’ll see you later, Mom. Tell Dad we said goodbye. I haven’t seen him since breakfast.”

“Oh, he ran out to the store to get more packing tape.”

“Stacy, I told y’all I would be happy to pay for movers. You don’t have to do this alone.” Archie has tried repeatedly to get them to let him pay for the move, but they won’t let him. He’s already bought them a house not far from ours, so they don’t want to feel like they’re taking advantage, even though he insisted.

“Not another word about it. Besides, Van is very particular about his things. He would annoy them by giving them instructions.” She laughs and shakes her head.

“That’s so true. Okay, we need to go if we want to make it to the game on time.” I start walking to the door, trying to move this goodbye along.

“Say goodbye to Grammy, Sunshine.” Archie lifts her arm and waves it at my mom.

“Bye, my sweet girl. I’ll see you later!” Mom blows her a kiss as Archie starts to walk out.

After leaving my parents’, we stop at the florist and get some sunflowers for Sunny’s gravesite.

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