Page 77 of More Than a Little Spark

Daphne nods against Dad’s chest.

I take a step toward the hall, then decide that sharing the news can wait.I stand next to Daphne and Dad.“Love you, Mom.And I’m excited about being a big brother.I’ll even babysit sometimes.”

She wraps one arm around me, pulling me into their hug.“I love y’all.”

We stay that way, all huddled together until the fire alarm starts screaming.

Daphne runs to the oven.“The garlic bread!”

Dad grabs the pan and carries it out the back door.“I hope you weren’t craving the bread.”

Mom laughs.“Just spaghetti.”

I shoot off a message to Bailey and Mason, then take a seat at the table.I love our awesome little family.

Keep readingfor a BONUS epilogue that gives a peek at all the ranch hands many years down the road.

Bonus Epilogue

Many Years Later

Sutton

“Ivy, are you ready to go?”I reach up to make sure the little buttons on my collar are fastened, then stop.

She’ll handle that.She always does.And I like it when she gets all up close and personal.

Ivy steps out of the bedroom.“Does this look okay?”

“You look great.”I take an extra minute to appreciate the beautiful woman in front of me.

She stretches up to kiss me.“I like when you do that.”Then she slides the tiny buttons into place.“Did the boys make it there without issue?”

“Yep.Lucas drove.No accidents, no tickets.The drive was smooth sailing.”I grab the keys off the hook near the door.

“I shouldn’t be so worried because we’ve already gone through this milestone twice, but…” She clasps my hand after I lock the door.

“But he’s your baby.”

Life with teens is a whole other ballgame, and I’m loving this new stage where they are all driving.It’s like someone has created extra hours in the day, and I get to spend a lot of them alone with Ivy.

She nods.“We’re getting old, Sutton.”

“Yeah, but I can still do this.”I pick her up and hoist her over my shoulder.

She squeals and laughs, then pats my backside.“Easy there, cowboy.”

I shift her so that I’m cradling her.“I haven’t done anything resembling cowboying in years.”

“I know, but you’ll always be a cowboy to me.”She presses a kiss to my cheek.“How is it possible that Bailey’s getting married?I remember the first time she showed up at one of our backyard gatherings and how she shadowed Anderson all evening.”

I open the passenger door and set her in the seat.“And it’s making you more aware of how quickly our boys are growing up.”

“Yes.”She cups my cheek.“And one day, we’ll be preparing for their wedding.I’m not ready for that yet.But they’ve grown into wonderful young men, who are a lot like you.”

“Hopefully they don’t break down anyone’s door.”I wink.“I better hurry.I’m supposed to help Grayson with the burgers.”

Grayson

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