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John stood at the top of a ladder, adjusting the chain, while Milo stayed on the ground holding the tire. It was heavy, and his shoulder muscles were beginning to burn.

Wilda came up to them. “How’s it going?”

“Almost done.”

She shielded her eyes from the sun and looked up at John, whose head was in the newly budded oak leaves. “Hi, John.”

“Hello, Wilda. We’re about finished here.”

“Thank you so much for helping.”

“Well, it’s a two-man job.” He glanced at Caleb. “Two and a half men.”

Caleb ran over to her. “Swing.”

“I see that. Are you excited?”

“Super excited.”

John looked down at Milo. “Okay, son, let go of the tire.”

Milo let the tire hang free, then pushed it and watched it swing. “Looks good, Dad.” He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders a couple of times.

John climbed down the ladder, then moved it away from the tree. “I think we need a volunteer to try this thing out. Any volunteers around here?”

Caleb raised his hand, and Milo picked him up. “Okay, let’s check this thing out.” He helped Caleb put his legs through the tire. “Hold on tight.” Caleb nodded. “Are you ready?”

“Ready.”

“Here we go.” Milo pulled back on the tire, then let it go. Caleb squealed, then laughed.

“Again! Again!”

When the tire slowed down, Milo pushed it. “Look at you go.”

Wilda laughed. “Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s perfect.”

John nodded. “Every kid needs a tire swing in his life.”

Milo went to John and patted him on the back. “Every kid needs John Buchanan in his life.”

“Now that the work is done, you wouldn’t have a beer, would you?”

“I’ll be right back.” Milo headed for the kitchen, and Wilda followed him. When they got inside, she hugged him again. “Wow. Two hugs in one day.”

“Sorry. This is so great.”

“It’s just a swing.”

“I’ll get those beers for you.” She went to the refrigerator and took out two beers. “Your dad is something.”

“He’s the best.” He reached for the beers, his hands overlapping hers. She held his gaze for a moment, then slid her hands out from under his and stepped back.

“We should get back out there.”

When they got to the swing, John was pushing Caleb, and Wilda gasped at how far off the ground he was getting.

Milo nudged her. “He hasn’t lost a kid yet.”