“Yeah, when Dad and I clean the house while you’re at work he reminds me to appreciate my stuff. That if I love something I need to take care of it, and if I don’t then maybe I didn’t deserve it in the first place. And I really like my toys, Mom, so I gotta take care of them.”

Why the fuck is this man so perfect?

“Well, that’s a really excellent lesson your dad has taught you.” I smile as I run my fingers through his spiked-up fohawk that he’s been maintaining—as long as Tank has this haircut, so will Hendrix. “I am going to set your beach stuff on your bed so we can get it packed in a few minutes, okay?”

“Ok! Am I taking this?” He holds up his school backpack.

“No buddy, we’re gonna use–” And then I realize something.

“Oh, shoot. We don’t have suitcases.” I quickly take my phone out of my pocket and text Tank.

Me

So, little hiccup. We don’t have suitcases.

Husband

Do we need them tonight or can it wait?

Me

You saw the kitchen table, correct?

Husband

Riiight. I can grab one while I’m out. What size?

Me

Big? And Hendrix will need one too.

Husband

LOL. Okay. I’ll send pics when I get there. Food should be ready soon.

“Okay. Never fear. Dad is gonna bring suitcases home for us. Why don’t we finish cleaning up the house so it’s all clean when he gets here?”

“But I’m done.” He looks around his room again, making me laugh.

“Yes, your room looks great. But have you looked at your bathroom today?” I give him an accusing look and his head falls back.

“Okay,” he drags. I clear my throat as he walks past me. “I mean yes ma’am.”

While Hendrix picks up his bathroom and wipes down the counters like I’ve shown him, I get the whole house vacuumed. I used to vacuum once a week,maybe, but with Maverick around now I have to tackle it atleastonce a day, though it could probably use more than that. When I finally turn it off and check my phone I see the group chat has started up.

Shane

Virgin River time ladies! Cece and I are ready.

Leah

Just poured my wine and made popcorn.

Lauren

Same!

Shane