Left (Left 1)

I giggle. “I love that you go along with it.”

“Who else will humor you?”

“Everyone, because I’m awesome, duh,” I say.

“Whatever gets you through the day, Livy.”

I roll my eyes, unable to keep the smile off my face. He’s good at that, making me laugh. I study him with my peripheral vision. He’s relaxed as he steers with ease. The sunlight hits him, highlighting the strands of gray starting to sprout. It makes him look distinguished.

“Where are you taking me Hous?”

“Does it matter?”

“Nah.” I lean back and close my eyes enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin and his presence. “Missed you this month.”

“I know. Our schedules were so opposite. I felt like you were always leaving the house when I was coming home.”

“How did the restoration of that sting ray end up?’

“Real well. The guy brought in two more clients.”

“That’s fantastic. Why don’t you sound more excited?”

“I’m burnt out. I love what I do, but I need a break. I 've been thinking about planning something special for the triplets’ birthday. Are you going to be available to get time off during the Labor Day weekend?”

“Consider it done. Are you going to let me in on your plan?”

“I thought we should do Schlitterbahn.”

“That would be awesome! I love New Braunfels.” The charming town sat on the same river that fed into Schlitterbahn, one of the best water parks in the United States, and felt like the town time forgot with its small homes, perfect lawns, tin roof covered shelters full of picnic benches, and mom and pop stores.

“I know. I figured it’d be low key, fun, and there’s no shock I love the vintage factor.”

“I’m game. Do you need me to help with anything?”

“I’ll rent the house this week. You know how fast they book up.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Will you handle the decorations and get the four-one –one on presents? ”

“You expect me to wrap them too?” I ask dryly.

“You do it so beautifully, darling. It’d be a shame for me to ruin the tradition by giving the kids ugly presents.”

I can hear the smile in his suave southern drawl. Originally from up north, my twang isn’t as rich as a native’s. I could listen to his baritone all day. He pulls down the road that leads to Zilker park, and I smile. Perfect place to kill a few hours.

***

Houston

“How was school guys?” I ask as I drive us home.

“Fun,” Echo says. She’s my bubbly one. With her light brown hair, hazel eyes, and delicate features, and petite frame, she’s like a fairy spreading happiness and light. She balances out Deja. With her dark brown hair, blue eyes, and quiet countenance she’s the total opposite. She’s a creative dreamer like rain. It worries me. I try to work on keeping her grounding, without stifling her spirit.

Phoenix is me all over. Serious, particular, and insanely protective over his sisters. I want him to have fun and be a kid while he can. That’s something I lacked growing up. With Dad constantly gone, I felt like I had to be the man of the house while he was gone.

“It was good,” Deja says, her voice soft.