by Taylor Rylan
“You ready for lunch we don’t have to fix?”
“I am,” Isaac replied as he unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the truck. I quickly followed and we met at the front where I laced my fingers with his and we walked into the restaurant together.
We were quickly seated and both opted for Diet Coke as our drink. Me because I was driving, and Isaac because he wasn’t feeling up for a beer.
“It’s weird, you know?”
“What is?” I asked, reaching across the table for Isaac’s hand. He turned his palm up, and I laid mine on top of his.
“Being here without the kids. Especially since Colt is so young. I mean, he’s tiny, Jake. So small and I just…” Isaac looked away from me and sighed before turning back my way. “It’s just harder than I thought it’d be. That’s all.”
“We can hurry back if you like. Believe me, I miss Mack every day I leave and head to Crooked Bend to work. You’re so much closer to him, and I envy the fact that you can just go over to him at lunch if you want,” I told my husband. He looked surprised at my admission.
“You’re serious?”
“Absolutely. You and Mack, and now Colt, you three are my world, and I don’t like the thought of what could happen while I’m at work. I take every precaution, but you just never know what’s going to occur when you’re in my line of work.”
We leaned back to offer more room when the server brought our drinks. “Your burgers should be out in the next ten minutes or so. Let me know if you need anything in the meantime,” she said before turning and walking off.
“You know, at first I was worried.”
“At first when?” Isaac asked with a confused look on his face.
“It’s stupid really. I was so stressed, trying to get everything ready for the baby, working stupid long hours, and then I was burned out, and next thing you know, we’re having a baby.”
“It was rather surprising, actually. But why were you worried?”
“What’s not to worry about? So much can happen, and as it was, we missed the birth, but oddly enough, I think I’m okay with that. I’m not sure I would have been able to handle that in my mental space at the time.” Isaac gave my hand a tight squeeze while smiling at me.
“You’re too hard on yourself. I know you have a lot of responsibility at work, but you have me and I’ll help and support you any way I can. Even if it’s something as simple as giving you a back rub and you fall asleep.” Isaac smiled again, and I shook my head, remembering.
I still felt bad about that. He’d planned a wonderful afternoon for us, and what did I do? I’d passed out on him. Completely. And that told me that I probably was doing too much. I’d gotten so used to being short-staffed that I’d forgotten that I no longer needed to do everything.
“I’m trying. Promise. And I feel like shit for falling asleep on you then. But the massage was heavenly,” I told Isaac. Damn, I really owed my husband. More than just lunch too.
“I’m not worried about it. You do more than your share when it’s birth season. And that’s coming up, next month.”
“Your brothers can handle it. You know they can,” I reminded Isaac. We’d had this discussion many times already.
“I do. You can stop. I’m not planning on being there for any of it. Graham and Ty can more than cover everything.”
I sighed in relief. Birthing season was hectic and nerve-racking for Isaac. He had a bond with each of their mares, and when they went into labor, he always felt the need to be with each of them. It was a sweet thought, but in reality, it just wasn’t possible. There was only one of him and dozens of them.
Our burgers arrived and we immediately started eating as if we hadn’t in a week. Granted, we were both good cooks, but we’d had so little time lately that we’d instead chosen to fix simple and quick meals. Either they seemed to be lacking somewhat, or our burgers were just that good. I’d say it was probably a combination of the two, really. We ate our burgers, chatted over fries, and simply relaxed as best as we could.
“I get it. I agree. I’m anxious about Colt as well. And Mack,” I told Isaac as I noticed he’d started to fidget while we were waiting for our check.
“I think that if it’s still snowing when we get home, we should send Morgan home early. I don’t want her out driving later if the roads get bad.”
“I agree. We’ll hurry with the shopping list and then head back to the ranch. That okay with you?”
“I know Colt is in excellent hands with Mom and Dad. I mean, they had Mack so much for me that first year and nothing ever happened to him. I think it just might be because he’s a little younger, that’s all.”
“I agree,” I said as the server brought the check. Isaac and I smiled at her, and after I put my card back in my wallet, I calculated the tip and total and then signed the check. “You ready to go shopping? Even that’s going to be something different since we usually do it with Mack in tow.”
“Why is that? Why don’t we take Friday afternoons off and run to the store while he’s with Morgan?” Isaac said while chuckling.
“Because we really like Morgan and know she needs time away from our toddler by Friday afternoon?” I joked back, and Isaac gave my shoulder a playful pat. I smiled at him before I wrapped my arm around his waist and gave him a side hug. We both pulled on our coats before we walked out of the restaurant and into the cold snow.
“That doesn’t look like it’s letting up any.”
“I’d have to agree,” I said as Isaac and I looked up at the sky. Tiny little flakes were falling from it at a fairly steady pace. It was pretty, but it was those tiny little flakes you had to worry about most. It didn’t seem like it was possible, but they quickly added up.
We hurried to the truck, and after the windshield was cleared of snow, we were on our way to the supermarket. We had a shopping list of things, and if we were about to get an unplanned spring snowstorm, we needed to get home as soon as possible.
That changed my plans that I had for Isaac, but that was okay. I was flexible and had no issues with mixing things up. I drove us through the streets of Jackson, and when I pulled into the supercenter, Isaac looked over at me.
“You know, every time we’re here we always get an odd assortment of things.”
“I believe that’s true for most people who shop here. Come on, let’s get some supplies and then head back to our boys,” I replied as I turned off the ignition and removed the keys.
We got out of the truck and made a dash for the entrance, but by the time we reached the door, we were both covered in snow. I looked at Isaac, concerned.
“We aren’t parked that far away. And if there’s this much snow on us, I wonder what it’s like at Wild Creek.”
Isaac pulled out his phone and opened the weather app. The entire region was covered in blue, indicating it was snowing, but Jackson had a darker blue band that was moving across it.
“I can call Dad and see how things are out there if you’re really concerned.”
“Naw, it looks like we’re in a heavier area being up in the mountains. Let’s wait and see what it’s like when we leave.”
Isaac nodded, and after we brushed the snow off us, we grabbed a shopping cart and started putting the items on the list in it.
“It’s different shopping without a screaming toddler, isn’t it?” Isaac asked as we walked down the cereal aisle. We were able to easily pick what we wanted without any screaming, tears, or fits.
“It is. But we’re definitely dads because right now you’re missing the boys just as much as I am.”
Isaac stopped in the middle of the aisle and gave me a look. It was one of surprise and relief at the same time.
“What? You think I don’t know? I mean, come on, think about what we were saying at the restaurant. Colt is only five days old. I’m sure he’s fine, but that doesn’t mean I’m not overly anxious to get back to him. And Mack,” I told Isaac before leaning in and giving his temple a quick kiss.
“I�
�m glad it’s not just me. Seriously. I know you love those boys, trust me, I do. But yeah, the fact that we’re here and they’re there, it makes me nervous.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn’t have been so selfish and dragged you here for lunch. It’s too soon.” I looked at Isaac and wished again that he’d left his hair down. Instead, I opted to massage his neck, which seemed tense to me. “Let’s finish our shopping and head home, okay?”
Isaac nodded and that’s what we did. It was amazing how much stuff you could actually get into the cart when you didn’t have a fussy toddler with you. We talked about various meals and put the items needed in there. We remembered we needed shaving cream and shampoo. Those went in the cart. We figured it never hurt to have more diapers and Pull-Ups as well as a box of wipes. Those went under the basket. Milk, check. Formula and water, double check. You know, the important things.
Yep, we were dads and it showed. But that didn’t bother me. I was happy and content with my life. I had a job I loved, most days, an adorable husband that I thought the world of, and we had two beautiful sons. What more could I want?
We finished shopping, and after we checked out, we loaded the groceries into the back seat of the truck, out of the snow. We made sure to leave room so we could get Colt’s seat snapped into the base, but looking at things, I got to thinking.
“Sweetheart, maybe we should get an SUV for the kids? That way we could have the car seats in the back and then put the groceries in the cargo?”
“I’m not against it. But I don’t want one as fancy as the Audi that Logan got Rhett,” Isaac said from across the back seat. Once we loaded everything, I got in and started the truck while Isaac returned the cart.
“You ready?” I asked once he climbed in beside me.
“Sure am,” Isaac said just before he leaned into the middle. I met him there and gave him the kiss he was seeking. “Thank you for lunch. I’m sorry I miss the boys. But lunch was needed, and it’s been wonderful spending time with you.”
“We’ll do it again. Promise,” I told Isaac as I put the truck in drive and left the parking lot. We had kids to get home to.
Isaac —14
I’ll admit, I was anxious. I wasn’t quite ready to be away from Colt yet. I knew Mom and Dad would take the best care of him, but he was so young. Thankfully Jacob admitted to that as well. Whereas lunch out was nice, and we got some much-needed groceries and supplies, I didn’t foresee either of us wanting to do it again anytime soon.
As we got closer to Crooked Bend, the snow lightened up, but the sky promised more was on the way.
“This weather is insane. It was fifty yesterday,” Jacob said as he looked up at the sky out the windshield.
“We’ve been so busy that we haven’t watched the weather like we should have. It says here that we’re expecting six to eight inches in the next twenty-four hours.”
“That’s not too bad, then, I guess. But it’s enough to make things a mess on the ranch.”
“I agree. I’m glad we got the shopping done though. Jackson is going to get a lot more.” I put my phone in my coat pocket and watched the countryside as we drove home. It was beautiful here, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else, but at times, it could be harsh. We had extreme heat in the summer, and we spent the majority of the winter buried in snow with below-freezing temperatures.
It seemed as if it took forever to get back to Wild Creek, but I knew in reality, it only took the normal almost hour. We were finally turning off the highway and crossing over the cattle guard that would lead us to my parents’ cabin and our son.
“Thanks again for lunch. Even if I’m anxious about Colt, I did enjoy spending time with you. It’s been crazy for a few weeks, and I think we both needed this,” I said as the house came into view.
“You’re welcome. I meant it. We’re going to do this. Regularly. We’re always so focused on work and Mack that I think we’ve forgotten that we need us time as well.”
“I don’t know. I think maybe we’ve always been more focused on Mack and work. But I’m not going to complain,” I said as Jacob pulled up to the house.
“Complain. Please do. I’m going to try too. I want to be sure we have a healthy and solid relationship. If we don’t, that’s where problems start. And I meant every word of our vows. I’m not going to lose you. You and the boys, you’re everything.”
“I love you. You’re not going to lose me. Promise. I’m just as stubborn as you are and you know it. But I do agree. We’ll make more of an effort to be sure and have daddy alone time.”
“Agreed. Now, what do you say we go pick up our little guy and head home to our big guy and have a movie day on the couch?”
“Oh, that sounds good. We haven’t had one of those in a while,” I said as I unbuckled my seat belt and got out of the truck. It was cold, especially compared to yesterday, but it was still warmer than most of the winter had been.
“Mom? Dad? We’re back,” I said as we entered the house.
“In the den!” Dad shouted at us, so after making sure our boots weren’t going to track in snow, we made our way to the back of the cabin. The fireplace was roaring, and my parents looked so happy and content to be sitting there with Colt in their arms.
“Did you put him down at all while we were gone?” I asked, chuckling.
“She did. She even let me hold him for a bit.”
“Oh shush, Sam. You make it sound like I won’t share. He’s a doll, boys. Just a little dream. I’m glad he has Mack for a big brother. I can see those two being inseparable in a few years,” Mom told us as she got up from the couch.
“Thank you for bringing him over. We’ve really enjoyed spending time with him. He ate right after you left, so he’s going to be due to eat again anytime now,” Mom told us as she handed Colt over to Jacob.
“Thanks for watching him. We didn’t want to overwhelm you with Mack and Colt just yet, but we’ll be sure to make sure you both get grandson time regularly,” I told my parents as I gave Mom a tight hug.
“We’d really appreciate that. It’s quiet around here without Mack, but we understand and agree with the choice of having a nanny for him,” Dad said to us. I watched as Jacob bounced his way toward the car seat that was up on the table.
“What you need is a dog. We always had one growing up,” I told them absently as I watched my husband carefully put our baby in the seat and buckle him in.
“We’re planning to start traveling here and there, so grandson time is more than enough for us,” Mom said, surprising me.
“Really? I think that’s great. You’ve always wanted to travel, so why not?”
“Indeed. It helps that we’ll have traveling companions,” Dad replied, and that got me thinking.
“Hmm.” I nodded as I watched Jacob walk back to me.
“You ready? We don’t have far to go, but I don’t want Morgan out later if the snow gets heavier.”
“I’m ready,” I said, giving my parents one last hug and then joining Jacob on the way to the door. I took the diaper bag from him, and we made a quick dash to the truck, Jacob going to the back to clip in Colt, me going to the front. Once Jacob was once again behind the wheel, we were on our way home.
Our normally ten-minute drive took fifteen, but that was nothing compared to what it had taken before. As we were pulling into the garage, Colt started to fuss, letting us know that Mom had been spot-on in her prediction that he’d want to be fed any moment now.
“If you’ll take him in, I’ll start bringing in groceries,” Jacob said as he pushed the button to close the garage door. We got out of the truck, and I unlatched Colt’s car seat and carried him in while Jacob got started on the groceries.
“Hey. Did you have a nice lunch?” Morgan asked when I entered. I was also greeted by an excited Ivan and Nanuk, who quickly went back to their beds by the window and back to chewing on their bones.
“We did. We hurried home as fast as we could because of the snow though. If you want t
o head home, you can. Neither Jacob nor I want you out on the roads if you don’t have to be. We still want you here with Mack, but if you need to start late or finish early because of the snow, just let us know. We’re obviously home for the next few weeks, so we can be more flexible.”
“Are they bad?” Morgan asked as she turned to look out the back windows.
“Not yet. It’s worse as you head toward the mountains though, but since you live the other way, it should be fine. You’re still welcome to head home if you want. I need to feed this guy, and we’re planning on having a movie day on the couch with Mack when he wakes up.”
Just then, Jacob came in, loaded down with as many bags as he could carry. I shook my head at him while rolling my eyes.
“What?”
“Why is it that so many people insist on possibly risking permanent damage just so they can not have to make more than one trip?”
“I only got half. I have another trip to make for bags, and then I have to get the boxes of diapers and wipes. Oh, and the toilet paper.”
“Do you want help?” Morgan asked.
“No, it’s fine. Did Isaac talk to you about heading home?”
“He did. I won’t say no to a half day. I was working on a paper all last week, and if I can spend more time on it, I’ll take it. I’m ahead of schedule, and I’d love to get it finished well before the end of the term,” Morgan said as she pulled on her coat.
I got a now-fussy Colt out of his car seat and did my best to calm him. Jacob popped a bottle in the warmer and gave me a thumbs-up, so I went to change our little man while the bottle heated. Once in the office, I quickly changed Colt out of his wet diaper and then carried him back to the living room where Jacob was waiting for me with a warm bottle and a receiving blanket.
“Morgan went ahead and left. She said Mack has been asleep for only about thirty minutes and they ran around all morning, so he should be down for a couple more hours at least.”
“Awesome,” I said as I put the nipple in Colt’s mouth, effectively quieting his cries. “Did you want to feed him and I’ll put the groceries away?”