Page 117 of Finding Hayes
“It’s our secret.” He took out his tape measure and started measuring different areas and jotting down the measurements on his iPad.
“We’ve got to bring Sunny out here, Pops. She’ll love it.” Cutler turned to look at me. “Hey, Uncle Hayes, did you hear that I want to start calling my Sunny mama?”
I couldn’t help but smile, because this kid was so honest and open; it always made my chest squeeze. “I think she’d love that. Did you tell her yet?”
“Nope. I’m going to tell her on Mother’s Day. It’s going to be the bestest surprise ever.” He jumped up and then ran toward a pile of hay in the far-right corner and dove into it.
I turned to Nash. “Emerson was exactly what was missing from both of your lives, huh? She was everything you guys needed. And you and Cutler were exactly that for her.”
“You know, for a grumpy fucker, you sure have a lot of insight into everything that’s going on around you.”
“Whatever. I just pay attention when it’s the people I careabout,” I said, pulling out my phone and taking a picture of Cutler in the hay. I’d show it to Savannah later when I told her my plan. Right now, she had enough on her plate.
She’d been a little distant the last few days. She was quieter on our calls. Normally, I’d be concerned, but Ruby reminded me that Savannah was dealing with a lot, being there with her father.
My plan was to handle everything here. Come up with a plan to keep the farmhouse that I knew she loved.
Savannah was so busy doing everything for everyone, and she wasn’t used to anyone doing the same for her.
I was here to show her that I was that man.
“You think it’s doable?” I asked Nash as he jotted down a few more measurements.
“Everything is doable, brother. It’s going to cost you, but King and I will get it done for as reasonable as possible—and at the end of the day, it’s a really good investment.” He looked up at me and smirked. “Investing in your future is a good thing. It means you see one. And this would be an awfully big house for just two people. But you already know that, don’t you?”
I flipped him the bird, turning to look out the window at the big open space.
A perfect place to raise a family.
And for the first time in my life, I actually saw it.
Wanted it.
But I had a lot to figure out before I presented my plan to my wife.
So today was the start of putting this plan into action.
“Uncle Hayes!” Cutler shouted. “Come jump in the hay with me.”
“Isn’t hay an allergen? Should he be doing that?” I asked Nash.
He chuckled. “Those are the words of a father, you dicknugget. But Cutler isn’t afraid of living and having fun. So go jump in thehay with the boy. I’ve got the inhaler in my pocket if we need it.”
“Damn. Emerson is rubbing off on you. You aren’t nearly as uptight as you used to be,” I said with a laugh as I jogged over to my favorite little dude and dove into the hay beside him.
Laughter filled the barn, and I lay there on my back, imagining a life I’d never thought possible.
And it was right here in my grasp.
Or maybe I was already living it, and all of these other things would just make it all the better.
I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Savannah.
Thinking of you. I love you, baby.
I could see that she read the text, and the three little dots moved around the screen before they disappeared.
No message came through.
