Ohhhh yes

Laura finally finds Nate’s eyes, but then lowers her gaze to her half-eaten cheeseburger. She thinks for a moment, then looks up, pasting a smile on her face. “Sorry,” she apologizes lightly. “I heard Bryce is back and town, and I guess it made me a little jumpy.” She shrugs casually, holding her smile. “Nothing big. Everything’s fine.”


At Jamie’s suggestion, all the girls murmur excitement. Dan grins and nods. “If you and Con can handle this bunch, you’re on. Sadie can stay here, but I think this gang can stay up late one night…what do you think?” he turns to his wife.

Paula smiles. “I think it’s a fine idea.”

After lunch, the afternoon proceeds a bit slower. Work with the animals must be done, and Mindy finally gets the ride on the pony with Con’s help. All the kids wind up spread around the property doing their own things or helping with chores, all getting excited about that evening…

...Sadie giggles at her older cousin’s antics as Seth plays with her on the front porch. Con sits on the swing with his arm around Jamie, taking a break and keeping an eye on things while Dan finishes his chores in the barn and Paula is inside doing housework.

Suddenly Seth sits up. “Aw man!” He scrunches up his nose and looks to Lydia, who is reading a book on the step. “I think Sadie needs a diaper change.”

Lydia laughs and shakes her head. “You’re the one playing with her. Have fun.”

“Not me!” Seth exclaims. “No way!”

Sadie giggles again as if knowing what’s going on.

Con can’t help his grin and he rolls his eyes, standing up. He walks over to Sadie and scoops her up in one arm, gesturing to Seth. “Come on, bud, it’s never too late to learn.”

“Ohhh no.”

“Ohhh yes.” Con threatens him with a look, though amusement twinkles in his eyes. “I was your age when my baby sister came along and I had no choice. Now it’s your turn. In the house, now.”

Seth grudgingly heads inside, passing his grandmother on the way, who looks up in surprise. “Problems?”

Con shakes his head, grinning. “Nope. Just reminding Seth what he put his own parents through.”