Page 5 of New Year's Day

“Thank you for telling us.” My voice is firm, my gaze locking on my sweet daughter’s beautiful face. “But can I—warn you about something?”

“Yes, Daddy.” She nods, her eyes wide.

Bending down, I get on her level, reaching out to cup her soft cheek, cradling the side of her face for a brief moment. “No one likes a snitch, sweetheart.”

She blinks at me. “What do you mean?”

“Just…don’t tell on your big brother every chance you get, especially as you get older. He’s an ally, not your enemy.” My hand drops from her face and I rise to my full height, Iris tilting her head back, watching me with a confused expression on her face.

“If he’s doing something bad, shouldn’t I tell you about it?”

“Well…yes.” Being a parent is complicated sometimes, Jesus. “But he’s your brother. And you need to stick together with your brothers. As you get older, you’re going to need them in your life. You’ll value that relationship because no one knows what it’s like to be you—what it was like, growing up in your household. Only your brothers will truly understand.”

Iris wrinkles her nose. “They’re boys. They’re totally different than me. And look at him. He’s drinking champagne and he’s only fifteen!”

She sounds outraged, which makes me smother the laugh that wants to escape with my hand. “There’s no harm in it. Not really. We’re at home. He’s surrounded by family. One glass isn’t going to ruin him forever.”

I think of a time when I drank champagne with a certain beautiful fourteen-year-old and I was completely enchanted by her. The moment I met Summer, it was as if lightning struck me where I stood. I was electrified, never the same again.

And look at us now. Married with three children. I wouldn’t change this life for anything. Summer is without a doubt the one for me. Just like I’m the one for her.

Iris is gaping at me, shocked I would say such a thing. “What ifIhad a glass of champagne?”

“You’re too young.”

“But Row had one.”

“And now it’s gone.” I turn to look at the bar to see Wren with the glass of champagne in her hand, Row standing beside her wearing a sullen look on his face. I turn to study my daughter once more. I’m glad I only have one girl. I love her and am terribly protective of her but if there were two?

I would be a mess.

“Augie doesn’t like me.” Iris crosses her arms, a pout on her pretty face. “He’s always telling me to leave him alone. He never wants to spend time with me.”

“Well, he’ll never want to spend time with you if you’re constantly telling on him,” I point out.

Iris drops her arms at her sides, pursing her lips. “That makes sense.”

“I know.” I tap my temple with my index finger. “I’m a smart guy sometimes.”

She laughs, launching herself at me and I wrap her up in a hug. “You’re a smart guy all the time. I love you.”

I squeeze her close, cherishing her sweet hugs. Her sweeter words. “I love you too, my pretty little flower.”

Iris tilts her head back and I bop her nose with my index finger, making her laugh. “I’m going to go talk to August. Maybe he’ll be nice to me.”

“You tell him I said he has to be nice to you,” I say sternly.

She rolls her eyes. “But won’t that make him hate me more if I told him that?”

So logical, my girl. “Yes. You’re probably right.”

“I’m just going to act cool. Like I wasn’t the one who got Row in trouble.” Iris pulls out of my arms and they immediately feel empty. “Bye.”

I watch her head for her brother, my wife returning by my side and my chest suddenly aches.

“I hate that they have to grow up,” I murmur.

Summer leans her head against my shoulder, a sigh leaving her. “I hate it too. Why can’t they stay little forever?”

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