Page 112 of Derecho

“I don’t know. Unless someone else called her, I don’t think so.” My son wiped at his brow. “We got lucky—real fucking lucky—that you all got out.”

“Yeah. I know we did.” My head shook as more soot caused my lungs to convulse. “She’s at the diner today. I gotta get back up to the house. She wants me to finish those damn birdhouses—” My breath caught as more muck came up in a coughing fit.

“Hey, Dad…You’re not going anywhere, okay?” Hayes’s hand landed on my shoulder. “You need to get checked out. Are Beau and Birdie heading to the hospital? Why don’t you catch a ride with them?”

“I’m fine.”

“Dad…”

“Stop. I feel the same way I do after smoking a cigar. Those nice ones your mom made me stop having after my heart attack. There’s nothing wrong with me.”

I shook loose of my son’s grip, knowing he wouldn’t challenge me again. Just as well. I had shit to do. “I’m driving into town to get Ma. We’ll meet everyone at the hospital. Let me know if they route them somewhere other than St. Clare’s, okay?”

“Yeah, are you⁠—”

“HAYES! We need you over here!” one of my son’s squad mates called over to him.

“Dad…”

“Go. I’m fine,” I grumbled, tossing the water bottle back at him.

Damn. My muscles felt like I had been on goddamn horseback all day. I wasn’t as fit and spry as I had once been. Dolly’d have to get me some of that back and body aspirin she was always handing me at bedtime.

Climbing into my truck, a sharp pain pulled in my chest. Goddamn it. That fire, and whatever started it, nearly took out half my family. I backed up, driving away from the commotion of the flashing lights and rising smoke. Dolly would be a wreck when she heard what happened. I’d have to make sure⁠—

The pain in my chest exploded, winding me for a split second. My arms jerked, the truck bucking as I steered off the road and into the field.

And then I heard her. Dolly, calling out to me. But that couldn’t be right. Because I was on my way to see her…wasn’t I?

How about a slice of my mama’s pie, handsome?

For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, I’ll always love you, Daniel Anthony Ford…

Wake up, honey, the baby’s coming…

My eyes narrowed at the bright light out in front of me.

Colt! Get your ass down from that tree!

Good boy, Hayes. You’ll be roping ‘em in no time!

We finally had a little girl, Doll! She’s just as pretty as her mama!

I’m proud of you, Beau. You’re a great dad. And you’re lucky to have Birdie, just like I was blessed with your mama…

You stepped up, son. You chose to heal and you’re a man they can count on. I love you…

I felt Dolly’s hand wrap around mine. The same peace washing over me that did every time we were together.

You just had to go and be stubborn, didn’t you? Wait for me out back in the wildflowers, okay? It’ll be a while, but I’ll be expecting to see you there when my time comes, too.

My wife’s beautiful smile was the last thing I saw before everything faded away.

Lachlan

TWELVE WEEKS LATER…

I heard Reid wake up, rustling in his little crib before my eyes opened. He likes his mornings, that’s for sure. And Lainey does not. Which means I have the absolute honor of spending some time with my son before she gets up for the day.