Page 276 of Josephine and Clay

The McCoy family responds by spreading out even farther.

I spot Boone near the edge of the group. While everyone else pretends to cooperate, his attention stays fixed on the arena entrance.

Ellie stands with a cluster of friends, laughing at something Wyatt says. Every few seconds, Boone glances her way like he's trying to memorize her before she leaves.

Rose follows his line of sight and bumps her shoulder against his. "You know staring won't cancel her college acceptance letter."

Boone shoves his hands into his pockets. "I'm appreciating the limited time I have left."

"You make it sound like she's joining a witness protection program."

"She's moving to Eugene."

Rose snorts. "It's four hours away."

"Exactly."

Ellie looks over and catches him watching. When she lifts a hand and waves, Boone's entire face changes.

Rose's expression softens. She reaches for his hand and squeezes. "You're ridiculous."

"That's what people say when they can't argue with facts."

A few feet away, Faith is halfway through answering an email while the photographer begs everyone to look in the same direction.

Dallas trails behind her, carrying enough bags to stock a small business. He glances at her phone. "Whoever sent that can wait."

"They can't."

"They absolutely can."

Faith keeps typing. "Dallas, this issue affects payroll."

He shifts another bag higher on his shoulder. "Then the company should hire somebody responsible to handle payroll."

Faith finally looks up. "I did."

Dallas smiles. "Excellent. Tell them to get on it."

Brooklyn groans loud enough for half the family to hear. "Can the two of you stop acting like this for one day?"

Faith slips her phone into her pocket. "I'd love to help, sweetheart, but your father keeps encouraging me."

Dallas nods immediately. "I believe in supporting your mother's passions."

Lila catches up and closes her eyes. "You two are awful."

"That's genetic," Dallas says. The photographer blows out a breath that sounds suspiciously like surrender.

Tessa is halfway across a fence before I realize she's chasing Kai. "Kai Michael McCoy!"

Her son pauses at the top rail, grins down at her, then climbs even higher.

Beside me, Clay winces. "That's a long way to fall."

"That's a long way to explain to Tessa," I reply.

A few feet away, Nash is laughing so hard he's completely useless.