Archive of Our Own

“Henry!”

Looking up at the screech that could only be coming from a parent, Judd almost missed the little body about to barrel into his legs; catching himself mid-stumble and stabilising the child who hadn’t been looking where he was going - Stopping the young boy from falling flat on his face, Judd glanced up and saw the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen running towards him with concern streaked across her face; momentarily blindsided until he realised why 

Duh, Judd; the boy must be hers 

She’s just a concerned Mama; the look ain’t for you 

Mentally smacking himself for thinking otherwise, Judd extended his hand when she slowed to a stop - The one not holding her son in place - meeting her eyes as she gratefully extended hers

“Thank you so much. I’m so sorry; He knows better than to just take off like that”

Pointedly looking at the boy - Henry? Wasn’t it? - the beauty in front of him rolled her eyes when he merely smiled cutely; his big cheesy grin and wide eyes as Judd let him go telling to any experienced parent - That kid did know better, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to do it again 

His Momma had her work cut out for her, and she really didn’t seem to mind all that much  

Unable to resist a chuckle, Judd was glad to see her eyes smiling too when she looked up at him; her son now swinging impatiently from her arm as his own youngling poked out from behind him in curiosity - Her equally big eyes were looking between her Daddy and the new face as if she knew something he didn’t; as if she knew something they both didn’t 

“Hi!…I’m Avery! This is my Daddy!”

Taking it upon herself to make the introductions when the adults had stared at each other for a moment too long by her estimations, his own rascal reached for his hand; swinging it as she took charge - Glancing first to the boy, she studied the pair; her eyes settling on the boy’s Mama as she cocked her head with interest 

“What’s your name?”

Absolutely beaming as she squatted to be at a better height to converse with his four-foot-nothing daughter, Beauty - Who he really needed another name for - extended her spare hand again; reaching out to brush her son’s short bangs away from his forehead as she swung the attention back his way, before settling her gaze back on his girl

“I’m Grace, and this is Henry. It’s very nice to meet you and your Daddy, Miss Avery”

Beaming as she accepted the handshake, Avery took it upon herself to tug him back into the conversation - Quite literally - chiding him as Grace - Huh, the name just seemed to fall from his tongue so perfectly; fitting the woman like a glove - stood and straightened her dress, still looking like the prettiest thing he ever did see 

“Daddy, You gotta tell Miss Grace your name now. ’Member good manners”

Startling back out of his head - And staring at this woman in a way he hoped wasn’t obvious; or he was going to come across as creepy - Judd nodded; humming at his girl before taking her advice 

“It’s nice to meet you, Ma’am…

(Recalling her boy, Judd glanced his gaze down; smiling at him too as the boy looked up with big, ever wondering eyes)…

Little Sir…I’m Judd. And you’ve already met my little Lady”

Laughing a little, Grace scooped up the boy growing impatient at her side; settling him on her hip as she returned the greeting

“It’s nice to meet you too, Judd”

Grinning like a madman no doubt as he stood too dumbfounded and lightning-struck to find the words to explain the instant connection he’d felt to this woman - The way he seemed to be drawn; his feet having unconsciously turned to point towards her - Judd once more felt saved by the Baby Girl who’d saved his life already a hundred times over, and her bold mannerisms as she extended a hand for Grace to take; one the woman surprised him by taking 

“Y’all should talk about grown-up stuff while Henry and I play…Come on, Henry; I’ll show you the best swings”

Dropping their hands to take Henry’s, Avery ran off - Within eye-shot of Judd, of course; as per their rules - ever one to surprise him as she left Judd shaking his head and alone with this woman 

“That Girl - I ain’t know where she comes from sometimes”

Finding his feet carrying him without his brain having told them to, Judd followed Grace as her hand gestured and invited him to join her in a seat; both perching on a bench just across from the swing-set their children were now occupying 

Still laughing and still smiling, Grace hummed and agreed with him; casting her gaze to her son before turning her focus back to him

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with him half of the time”

Appreciating the mirroring struggle of parenthood, and the invitation into conversation it provided - He hadn’t been sure if they were going to chat without the prodding of their children; if he’d missed his window to befriend this beautiful woman (Don’t get him wrong, he was damn glad to see that not to be the case; determined to keep this woman in his company for as long as he could) - Judd forced himself to think on his feet; going with the first thing that came to mind and internally cursing himself out 

“So…You come here often?”

Internally chanting “Hell, Judd! You idiot! She ain’t never gonna talk to you again now even if she does!” Judd prayed the ground beneath them would just open up and swallow him up whole, surprised when he looked up after averting his eyes to blush crimson in embarrassment, and found her head thrown back in laughter; a bright and happy smile still plastered on her face as her eyes found him again 

“This is actually the first time, but you never know

…(Seeing his eyes glance down a little, Grace initiated a further topic; revealing)…

Henry and I just moved here”

Realising why he’d never seen her before, Judd cursed himself for blurting without thinking again; unsure why he suddenly had verbal diarrhoea - He’d never had this much of a problem talking to pretty women before; why now?

And why with this lady?

”Oh…Well if y’all need someone to show you around, Av and I would be more than happy to give y’all the tour”

“Well, Judd, We might just take you up on that”

Interrupted from responding by the rush of children as their newfound duo raced over and clamoured on top of them, Judd never got to know how serious she was about taking him up on getting to know the area - And maybe him and his girl too - but what he did get to know, well he wouldn’t change that for any other possibility

Driving home from the park, Judd couldn’t keep the smile off his face; Grace’s phone number - For scheduling play-dates, and for that tour he’d promised - burning a hole in his pocket as his Baby Girl chattered on and on about her day in the backseat - He was only semi-listening, but sue him; that girl could talk

And at least 40% of it presently was drivel to him; again sue him, but what was one princess from another?

“…Daddy, are you and Miss Grace going to fall in love and get married?”

Startling out of his head so quick he worried he’d get whiplash - And almost driving straight through a red-light - Judd swore under his breath as he sent her dance bag flying; glancing back at her in the rear-view mirror the next chance he got, his jaw dropped open 

Barely managing to squeak the words out, Judd asked “What was that, Baby Girl?”; praying he’d heard her wrong - But he hadn’t, and she knew he’d heard her; reiterating as she leaned forward in her chair and fixed him with a ‘well?’ look

God, this kid was like facing a court hearing sometimes; and he seriously wondered how the hell his DNA had in anyway contributed to this kid

(Hell he knew how, that stubbornness when she really wanted something; that had him written all over it)

“You and Miss Grace. Since you like each other so much; does that mean she’s going to be my new Mommy?”

Mind-blanking on how to get out of this one, Judd fumbled over his words like a dropped football; producing little more than sounds until his little girl said something else, his heart breaking in two at the sadness in her voice 

“I…uh…eh…”

“I miss Mommy”

God, he knew she did; and it broke his heart

He had this beautiful little girl, and she didn’t have no Mama to raise her; she just had him fumbling his way through raising her, and hoping for the best 

“I know you do. I do too…But she’s in heaven now, Angel; looking down over you and keeping you safe”

Looking sad for a moment, and then bouncing back to the topic before - The way only a five-year-old could - Avery took his breath away once more; leaving him wondering the same thing as a fantasy was created in his mind - What if this woman did come to be a part of his life?

What if he called her, and invited her over Saturday; for the kids, of course 

Because Avery had lots of fun with Henry, and she wanted to see him again

Yeah; Yeah, he’d go with that 

That was believable

”I’d like Miss Grace to be my new Mommy; I think she’d be a nice Mommy”

“So…How do I look?”

Turning nervously to face the jury, Grace met the gaze of her longtime best friend; wondering just how crazy the woman presently thought she was - She’d had a lot of questions when Grace had mysteriously asked her if she’d mind coming over to babysit Henry on a Friday night; and she’d pried out an answer to every last one 

She was like a bloodhound when it came to matters of the heart; sniffing them out and having Grace confess this was more than just getting to know a new Dad from school 

Or was it?

Was she getting ahead of herself here?

Internally fretting over her thoughts, Grace zoned out; zoning back in as her friend shot her a knowing look in the reflection of the mirror 

“…Just to make sure we’re on the same page, and I’m following this totally out of character move - You’ve called me over here tonight to babysit, so that you can go on a date with a strange man you met at the park?”

Smirking at the wording, Grace decided to play the game; fixing her earrings as she offered up 

“I did”

Also playing along, Tommy commented as she remained perched on the bed behind Grace; Grace herself avoiding eye-contact by pottering about finishing getting ready 

“…And you’re aware of how that sounds?”

Turning and leaning back against her dresser, Grace nodded; aware of how crazy it sounded, but unsure how to explain to another how this new acquaintance affected her - She didn’t fully understand it herself, but there was something about this man; and in the short time they’d spent together thus far she’d grown intrigued 

So when he’d worked up the courage and asked her to dinner, without the children; she’d jumped at the chance

After all, she was still young; and they were both single 

It was okay to open the door and see where things went; wasn’t it?

”He’s a nice man, Tommy, he has the sweetest little girl…And Henry’s really taken with them both…”

Patting the spot beside her, Tommy sighed; Grace having hit the nail on the head as to why she was concerned, and why she was being so cautious - And Grace understood, she felt the same burden 

But she couldn’t never take chances just because she was scared, could she?

Wasn’t not trying out of fear just as bad, in some ways; as never having tried at all?

“…You have to be careful, Gracie. I hope you know what you’re doing, because you’ve not just got your heart to think of now; you’ve got…”

Nodding and glancing at her lap, Grace listened to the sound of Henry watching his show in the other room; aware of who’s heart she really was putting at risk here - Tommy was right, she did have to proceed with caution 

Henry had already had to endure loosing his father, she couldn’t risk him loosing a father figure too

But that was jumping the gun, wasn’t it?

It was only dinner 

Just dinner 

“…My Baby. Believe me, T; I know - But I’m doing this for him too. I want to teach Henry that he shouldn’t shy away from life and the chances it can bring, just because he’s scared of getting hurt - That’s not the message I want to send either, T”

“…And I understand that, I do. I’m just worried, because I love you, and I love my little Godson; and I don’t want to see either of you hurt again - Not like last…”

“…This isn’t going to be like last time, Tommy. Judd isn’t Henry’s Dad”

Both falling into a sad silence at the memory of how her last relationship had ended - And how scorned she’d been, left alone to raise the little boy she felt truly blessed to have in her life - Grace and Tommy paused; Grace suddenly shooting up when she heard the doorbell go, calling back over her shoulder as she did - She didn’t want to disturb Henry too much, hoping to just slip out and leave him oblivious 

There was no point in telling the children until there was something to tell, was there?

And there was nothing to tell; Not yet

Tonight was just dinner, and tomorrow; well tomorrow was what they made of it 

“Henry’s bedtime is at eight. Give him a big kiss goodnight for me…And Thank you so much, T. I owe you one”

Sat across from the woman who’d been occupying his mind ever since he’d worked up the courage to invite her to sit across the table with him - Since he’d met her actually - Judd felt butterflies in his stomach; reaching for his glass of water and guzzling down enough to distract his parched mouth - Why was he suddenly so damn thirsty?

So speechless?

He’d asked this lady out tonight, and she’d said yes; and now that she was in front of him he had nothing to say?

Somehow sensing something in his internal monologue - Or feeling the incessant nervous tap of his foot under the table - Grace surprised him by reaching across the table for his hand as he set his empty glass down; rendering him even more speechless - There were words, he knew words; but he’d be damned if he could come up with any with her bright eyes and gorgeous smile directed at him 

Patting the back of his hand - And in turn the gigantic tattoo that resided there; the one he was suddenly embarrassed of - Grace stabilised him; giving him a grounding force to focus on - He was here, in a restaurant with a wonderful woman 

He could do this 

Starting with a question that seemed lighthearted in his head, but seemed to be loaded in truth - If his reading of Grace leaning back slightly was anything to go by - Judd asked about what had brought her and Henry to Austin, about to suggest she forget he even asked; when Grace started talking - When she started opening up to him, and he hung onto ever word; vowing there and then that if he ever met the bastard that had broken her and that little boy’s heart he was going to wring his neck with his bare hands

How could anyone do that to their own family?

But then again, he’d almost done that; hadn’t he?

His relationship with his ex hadn’t exactly started on the best of terms either; it wasn’t what one would call a fairytale romance 

Smiling wanly as Grace finished explaining all about how the man had disappeared into the night - Quite literally - leaving his girl and son with nothing more than a scrap of old paper saying he couldn’t do this - That he couldn’t be a husband; couldn’t be a Daddy - Judd reached for the hand that had lost his; holding it and offering a genuine “I’m sorry” that she’d been through all of that, before telling his own story 

Starting at the beginning, Judd explained all about how the pretty Penny Rivers had taken his virginity at prom; unbeknownst to them both, a choice that had created life, finding the pair young, stupid and about to be parents all before his her first year of college had ran it’s course - He hadn’t went, only she had 

He’d promised to support his family instead, enrolling in the fire academy and delving headfirst into fatherhood; determined if nothing else to step up 

He hadn’t loved her, of course; not the way he knew he was supposed to, but she’d been nice, he’d liked her; and he’d played a part in diverting the course of her life too 

She hadn’t forced him, she hadn’t made that baby alone; and his Daddy had warned him in no uncertain terms that if he ever got a girl pregnant and didn’t do the right thing, it was sayonara to his testicles 

So he’d did the right thing; and he was still trying to

Finding himself drawn to honesty in a way he’d never been before - Certainly not to a relative stranger - Judd spoke the whole truth aloud; about how they were never really in love - That she hadn’t loved him either - but that they were both young, in over their heads; and feeling a sense of obligation - Obligation was the best word for it really

But obligation had got him his blessing; so it had it’s benefits

It wasn’t all bad

“…We both stayed at first because that was what we felt we had to do; and then we stayed for Avery - But we were never happy together, and we both knew it. We were never in love”

”…Well I can relate to that. Henry’s Dad and I…Well I guess we saw our relationship differently - I thought it was forever, that we were in love; but now I see there were so many signs…and I missed them all”

Heartbroken by her sad sigh of despair, Judd reached for his napkin and handed it over; receiving a soft “Thank you” as Grace dabbed at her now wet eyes 

“…This whole young love thing. It ain’t all the poster advertises, is it?”

Laughing wetly, Grace set the napkin down and forced her face to smile; something that sent Judd’s hand into a fist - If he could just get his hands on the bastard that had made her view on love into this

That had taken away her belief in herself, and made her doubt her own observations

That had taken her love for granted; when he knew it would be a gift to receive 

He’d give anything to be loved by a woman like her, and this idiot had thrown that away?

That wasn’t okay  

“No. It is not…Although I can’t help but wonder if it’s out there - Real love, I mean; the fairytale kind”

Smiling, Judd let out an amused breath; pretty sure he had every modern fairytale committed to heart, and that she probably did too

”Henry got you reading to him about knights and princesses, and ‘true love’s kiss’ too then?”

Laughing at the thought of her son, Grace beamed; something Judd had noticed she did unconsciously - She sure did love that boy, and she lit up every-time he was so much as mentioned

Although if he could see his own face talking about his baby girl, he was sure he’d be told he did the same

”He does…But maybe they’re on to something. And maybe we could all do ourselves a favour and try to look at the world the way a child does - With hope”

Happy to toast to that, Judd raised his wine glass; clinking it against her own as he vowed to do just that 

“To Hope”

”Hope”

Meeting her eyes as they both set their glasses down, Judd couldn’t help but think that one word summed it up pretty perfectly; and that he ought to do himself that favour - After all, what if love could be different if it was shared by two people who’d lived a little more life

Who’d weathered storms, found their way through; and still managed to create something beautiful?

Wasn’t that the real fairytale?

What if it was about just about timing?

About the right moment, and two people who were finally ready?

Preparing herself for yet another dinner date with Judd - The second this week actually - Grace fixed her hair in the mirror as she waited on the babysitter to arrive; glancing at the door when it creaked open and revealed her sneaky little Spider-Man

Turning to lean against her dresser as he pulled himself up onto her bed, Grace beamed and greeted “Hi, Baby”; shuffling over to sit by him as she decided to pause for a minute - She’d wondered a lot these past few weeks how much Henry picked up on, and what he thought about her spending so much time with Judd 

She just didn’t know how to broach this

Not until she knew what this was; what her and Judd were 

If they even were…

Biting the bullet, Grace looked into his big and trusting eyes; brushing his hair back as he leaned into her, his arms finding her waist for a snuggle 

“Honey, Momma’s going to dinner with Mr Judd again. So Grandma’s going to come over and spend the night here with you - Is that okay? What do you think about Mama and Mr Judd becoming friends?”

Really hopeful the answer was ‘Yes’, Grace watched as he processed the information; his brows adorable as they moved with his thoughts 

“Mama?”

”Yes, Baby?”

”I like Mr Judd - He made me pancakes last time we went his house. And Avy’s fun - She shares her snack with me at school; and she shows me the good toys when we go her house…She coming too? And me?”

Amused by his take and priorities, Grace couldn’t help but laugh; touched at the nickname that had already taken - Their two kids were getting close now, and it both made Grace both incredibly nervous, and very excited

There was more to loose if her and Judd didn’t work out with the brewing friendship between the kids; but there was also more to gain if they did

It was a tricky balance to navigate

“I’m sorry, Baby; but tonight’s grown-up’s only

…(Leaning closer to peck his forehead and kiss away his sad frown, Grace rushed to reassure him; sharing what he didn’t yet know)…

But tomorrow Mr Judd and Avy are going to come over in the morning, and we’re all going to spend the day at zoo. That’ll be fun”

Beaming with excitement, Henry bounced and expressed impatience; Grace having to remind him the morning was still a long way away - He pouted at that, and she felt a little like pouting too

Adventures with her, Henry, Judd and Avery were fast becoming one of her favourite ways to spend a day off; and she also wanted the excursion to be now

Don’t get here wrong, she was thrilled for time just her and Judd, and a chance to get to know him better without the distraction of children; but there was something special about all of them together

Something beautiful

Something that could only be described as magical 

Sat across the table from Judd in his house as the children ran havoc in Avery’s bedroom, Grace sipped from her iced tea and contemplated the domesticity of all of this; laughing out loud at Judd’s cracked Dad joke, before naturally falling back into the deep chat with him - It was easy with Judd, she didn’t know what it was about him; but it was easy to open up

She could tell him things she’d never told anybody; and in the grand scheme she hadn’t known him all that long

It felt like forever with how close they’d bonded in the short time they’d been in each other’s lives, but it really had only been a few months 

They hadn’t even been intimate, they hadn’t told the kids; they’d shared nothing physical bar a few light kisses 

But they’d shared so much emotionally, opening up old wounds and starting to heal; they’d helped the other process the trauma of a relationship lost too soon, or just soon enough 

Picking up where he’d left off, Judd reiterated to her about the unexpected course his life had taken thus far; provoking a level of understanding in Grace 

“…I never could have imagined stepping up at twenty would bring me here, and that I’d be a single Dad to a little girl at twenty-five. This just ain’t at all how I saw my life going”

“Well that I can relate to…After Henry’s Dad left us, all I could think was ‘I can’t do this’ - That I’m too young, I’m too inexperienced to raise this child on my own. That it can’t just be me and this little boy from now on - He had such big, trusting eyes; looking up at me like I had all the answers in the world. I just…”

Trailing off as he hummed and leant back, a definite look of understanding crossing his face; Grace picked up again when she found the words to follow, to explain deeper

”…I worry I can’t be enough for him, not long term. That he’s going to need a father someday; and I can’t be both - I’m his Mama, but I can’t be his Daddy”

Definite understanding in his eyes, and the sympathy of someone who’s struggled with the same feeling - Just from the other perspective - Judd took Grace’s hand and centred her, giving her something to focus on as she absorbed his responding words 

“Honestly I dread the days where my girl starts to grow up, and the difference between us becomes more significant. I ain’t prepared none for any of the girl stuff - I got no sisters, and I’ve never really needed to know…But she will; and imma be in over my head trying to fill the shoes that lie empty where her Mama should be”

Unsure how to respond to that, Grace settled for simply being with him; holding his hand and meeting his eyes, an understanding passing between them and strengthening their bond - They each understood this unique experience

They each understood the blessing, and the burden, of raising a child on your own; and a child of the opposite gender no less

“She’s dead now”

Taken by surprise, Grace let her eyes shoot to Judd’s; seeing conflicting emotions as he dropped her hand and sighed, explaining his seemingly out of the blue statement 

“My wife - Avery’s Momma…That’s why she ain’t here no more”

“Oh”

Unable to conjure anything more than a surprised sound, Grace waited on more information; having presumed from the limited information he’d provided on the breakdown of the marriage that they were divorced - After all he’d spoken of never having been in love with his wife

It didn’t feel unreasonable to assume the relationship had drifted apart with time, and the stress of a little baby 

“Yeah - I realise I ain’t told you that yet; but it’s not something I’m used to having to tell. People just seem to know - But I guess you ain’t been here long enough to hear the rumours”

Genuinely curious, Grace didn’t bother trying to hide her intrigue; asking a question to encourage him to keep sharing - She was glad he was opening up, that he was trusting her with whatever was coming

That didn’t feel like nothing

“What rumours?”

”She died, and it was my fault. I was driving at least; so I always blamed myself - I just thanked God over and over again that Avery hadn’t been in the car”

Confident he’d played no part at all in the accident - That it had just been bad luck, and the wrong place at the wrong time - Grace struggled to believe his guilt as something he deserved to suffer from; hoping with time she could convince him to let that feeling go - And the first step to making that happen, was to question it; to make him see an outsider’s perspective

“What makes you feel like it was your fault?”

“…That I got out of that car with barely a scrape on me, and she spent two weeks hooked up to a ventilator. That our little girl don’t got her Mama now, and that because of me my wife’s parents lost their daughter”

”Well to me, being injured less doesn’t seem like a reason to blame yourself. And I certainly wouldn’t wish for Avery to have lost both of you - Your wife would be glad Avery still has you; that she still gets to know her through you”

“Well I can’t say I do a good job ‘bout that - We don’t talk about her much. And we should, ‘cause my girl was two; so she ain’t got many memories of her Mama to look back on without me contributing mine”

Ever the optimist, Grace stood and moved to the chair beside Judd; turning him into her arms after one final comment that she hope stuck - Maybe he would dwell on her words, and maybe he might start to heal

Maybe they both would, because his little girl was an intelligent young woman; and she picked up on more than he gave her credit for

”Well there’s always time to rectify that”

“Time”

Barely catching his murmur of the word, Grace responded by leaning into his side; resting her head in his collarbone as they reflected on the beauty of time - Of the gift really

Time was a truly beautiful thing, and they had nothing but time; but if they didn’t, if their days were numbered the way life had taught them days could be, then they were going to make the most of every single one

Come nightfall, and feeling unready to say goodbye just yet; Judd braved another question that left him vulnerable, pretty sure he already knew the answer of the two within earshot, but most concerned with the opinion of the woman currently pouring herself another glass of wine - She didn’t seem ready to go just yet; pouring a new drink was certainly not a sign one was rushing to leave

But she had mentioned bedtime, and well Avery technically should have been down a half-hour ago

He’d just been so caught up in his conversation with Grace, and in her eyes; and well time had faded away

And that was the thing, he wasn’t ready to say goodnight yet

He couldn’t walk her to the door, because then she’d be leaving; and as silly as it sounded, he’d miss her

“…Why don’t y’all just stay over tonight?”

Watching her face crumble into clear hesitation, Judd held his breath as she set her wine glass down; bracing for rejection as his mind jumped to the worst - She was going to think he was coming on too strong; that they weren’t there yet 

He should just take it back, or pretend he hadn’t said anything at all and hope she moved on and forgot about it 

“Are you sure, Judd?…Henry and I wouldn’t want to impose; I mean…”

Seeing something in her eyes that maybe suggested she wanted this too - But that she also didn’t want to say the wrong thing, and ruin the comfortableness that had come to reside in the air between them - Judd did them both a favour and took the decision out of their hands; calling over his shoulder at the two rugrats currently making a mess of his living room floor  

“Kids, Y’all wanting a sleepover tonight?”

Immediately squealing, both kids jumped up in excitement; bouncing over with exclamations that translated to ‘Yes!’ - And with an answer presented so clearly to them, Judd glanced back to Grace; stating simply   

“Then it’s settled…Y’all can spend the night here, and I’ll make us breakfast in the morning”

Hearing a squeal right in his ear, Judd flinched; two arms wrapping around his neck as Avery made it known she liked this plan, that same knowing look in her eyes that he’d been seeing a lot of lately - The kid really did scare him sometimes with how perceptive she was; and how she seemed to know what was going on before he did 

Especially when it came to Grace, she had after all been the one to suggest he welcome the woman into their lives

”Okay…But it’s still late, and teeth haven’t been brushed. Come on y’all, I’ll get you settled for the night”

Watching as Grace naturally rose and led the two children towards his hall bathroom to wash up for bed, Judd tidied up the mess left behind; hovering in the doorway when upon going to find the crew, he overheard her delicate voice - She had both kids camped out in Avery’s room, and she was telling them a story; putting on voices and eliciting giggles as they kept their eyes rapt on her, their attentions captivated 

And watching on as she rose and pecked not only Henry’s forehead goodnight, but Avery’s too; Judd felt his heart swell, realising what this feeling he’d been developing was

It was desire, and it was hope

Hope for his future, and for more moments like this one

He couldn’t get used to this wonderful woman and her sweet son in his life, and he had a feeling his little girl could too

Waking up in Judd’s bed - Not for the first time, but for the first time alone - Grace rose to the sound of laughter and the clatter of pans; shuffling out of the bedroom to investigate - What she found was a sight she could stare at for eternity; one that warmed her heart and made her future seem clear 

This was what she wanted, and it was about time her and Judd started making this into a more permanent arrangement 

Hovering in the hall to watch as Judd coached Avery and Henry through making pancakes - Both kids up on his kitchen counter, covered in flour and batter - Grace couldn’t wipe the smile off her face; caught when Henry looked up and exclaimed “Mama!”

Returning his wave, and meeting Judd’s eyes as he looked over and smiled bashfully at being caught in this sweet scene; Grace greeted her baby boy, pecking his forehead and then the little girl sat next to him, before finally the lips of the man stood by the sink - She didn’t mean to, and she realised what she’d done when she sensed his surprise through his lips; but it had just felt natural 

“Morning, Baby…Good morning, Sweetheart…Morning, Handsome”

Wincing internally as she turned to face their children and gauge their reactions - Judd doing the same at her side - Grace felt both surprise and joy when they seemed unfazed, Avery smiling bright as Henry reached for Judd to help with the next part - Something Judd reciprocated, scooping him up and letting him help pour the batter into the pan 

“Miss Grace?”

Turning to the little voice that had spoken, Grace brushed the sweet girl’s hair back; giving her her attention and time 

“Yes, Darling?”

“You and Henry should sleep over all the time. You make Daddy happy, and I like Henry being my brother”

Unsure how to respond to that without overstepping, Grace glanced to Judd; finding his curious gaze on her as he too waited on her answer - So she did, answering the way she wanted to; not the way logic told her to

Maybe it was too soon, but she didn’t want it to be; she wanted this to be her every morning 

And she had a feeling she wasn’t the only one

”I’d like that too, Sweetheart”

Smiling with a full set of teeth, Avery accepted her answer; leaving Grace to wonder what conversations went on when she wasn’t around, as the girl returned her attention to helping her Daddy and the little boy she’d just referred to as her brother - She had, hadn’t she?

She’d called Henry her brother, and Grace had always wanted that for him

She’d always wanted him to have more people in his life who loved him, who he could go too; and unconsciously she’d brought that into his life 

Or more accurately an unseen force had, sending Henry tumbling into a man and a little girl who were now close to her heart

Having discussed the future at length after his baby girl’s unexpected question at breakfast, Judd felt solid in this relationship and where it was going; tidying up in preparation of Grace and Henry coming around for them to share with the kids what they’d settled on - The next step, a step that if the kids were on board with; he was beyond ready to take 

But he was hesitant, because if even one of the kids didn’t want this, or needed more time; they’d agreed to wait 

They’d agreed that the two children involved came first, and they would only go at a pace the pair were comfortable with 

Hearing a knock at the door, Judd realised it was time; calling his daughter into the room and hearing eager footsteps in response - She didn’t get this excited when anyone else came over, but she always barrelled into the room when she heard Grace and Henry coming; rushing over to greet them and welcome them into their home 

Although hopefully not just theirs for long 

“Baby Girl, Grace and Henry are here!”

Opening the door as she skidded into the room, Judd hung back as Avery took charge with the welcoming; interrupting her only when she went to pull Henry away to her room - Sharing a look with Grace, Judd pulled confidence from the little nod she gave him; beckoning them all to join him around the table 

“Hey Y’all, hang back a minute. We want to talk to you about something”

Climbing up her chair, Avery took lead; the younger of the two kids copying and clamouring into the chair that was fast becoming his as Judd pulled out Grace’s for her - Once they were all around the table, Judd reached for Grace’s hand under the table; drawing confidence from her touch as she began 

“We’ve been talking after what you said at breakfast last week about wanting more sleepovers, Avery; and we got to thinking…”

Startled as his daughter interrupted, Judd looked up; wincing slightly at her loaded question, and glancing to Grace to see if she was scared off - She wasn’t, genuinely answering the question and carrying on

Huh, maybe she was as invested in this as he was; maybe she saw that one day too 

“Are you and Daddy going to get married?”

“Av…”

Feeling a squeeze of his hand, Judd let whatever he was going to chide her with go; glancing to Henry to gauge his reaction as Grace answered 

“Well, Sweetheart, there’s a few steps that come before marriage; and your Daddy and I don’t want to rush this - We want to go at a pace that’s best for both us, and the two of you”

“Momma?”

“Yes, My love?”

Casting his attention to little Henry as Grace did too, Judd felt unable to resist throwing his head back in laughter at the impatient look on the young boy’s face, and the clear ‘get to the point’ eye stare he gave his Mama - So Grace did, and Judd chimed in when needed; and they got their answer 

“Do I get my own room?”

Belly-laughing at the little boy in front of him’s biggest concern, Judd nodded and confirmed “Yeah, Little man; you’ll get your own room”, watching on as the boy turned to join his girl in a whispered exchange, before his baby acted as their spokesperson 

“Henry and I think we should all live together if we get our own rooms. Y’all can share though”

Nodding alongside her, Henry confirmed his agreement; and Grace and Judd shared a smile of relief - They were doing this, they were all going to live together 

They were going to combine their two households into one, and the kids were going to learn what it was like to have another kid in the house; To have a sibling 

He was going to learn what it was like to live with two kids, and with a woman who took his breath away at every smile 

He was going to wake up every morning to this wonderful woman he felt lucky to have met, he was going to make his daughter and her son breakfast, and see them off to school…

…And it all sounded pretty damn perfect to him

Settled into her new home - And it was hers, in paperwork too; Judd having rather sweetly, but totally unnecessarily, added her name onto his lease (He’d shown her the paperwork late one night, mumbling about wanting her and Henry to have the security of knowing they had a forever home with them if they wanted it; until she silenced his rambling with a kiss) - Grace felt a sense security and stability she hadn’t felt since she’d lived with her parents; feelings she’d never thought she’d feel again - Being abandoned by the man who was supposed to love her had left her with some deep scars; scars that were starting to heal all because of one man, and his heart bigger than him

Pottering about and readying the house for everyone else’s return - Judd had taken the kids out for ice cream, and she was expecting them back any moment - Grace tidied away the load of laundry just finished; folding up tiny princess undies mixed in with Spider-Man ones, and then a larger plaid pair mixed in with her own - It was funny that, how much emotion this simple task was filling her with

Sure it was just laundry, but she’d never thought her laundry would consist of so many people’s clothing again 

She’d already prepared herself to accept a future folding only hers and her son’s 

Taking Henry’s pile into his room to tidy it away, Grace took in the room not for the first time; feeling herself get overwhelmed with gratitude as she absorbed the recently re-decorated guest-turned-bedroom - Judd had gone above and beyond helping Henry make the room his own, and her son loved his new idol 

Grace had watched on happily for days as Henry sat by Judd, handing him tools as they built his new bed; and chattering away about everything Boy she couldn’t do for him 

Having Judd in the picture was making a real difference for Henry, and Grace was forever thankful for him; and how he’d taken her baby boy under his wing without hesitation

(She’d told him that, late in the evening when the kids were asleep; and he’d held her, shrugging it off by telling her he was only being present, and that she was more than returning the favour with Avery)

Moving into the little girl’s room next, Grace pulled open her drawer and tidied away her pretty dresses, and favourite ‘Daddy’s Cowgirl’ shirt; about to leave the pink and purple bedroom when she caught sight of a drawing left in amongst a scattered pile of crayons - Lifting it up, Grace couldn’t help but smile; tracing the stick drawn people and the titles above their heads

They were all holding hands: Me, Daddy, Brother…Momma

It was clearly her, the drawing of a woman wearing a dress based upon one she’d had on only last week; and she’d been labelled as Mom

Setting the drawing down and choosing for now to pretend she hadn’t seen it - To let Avery come to her when she was ready to use that word for the first time - Grace left the room with a beaming smile on her face; the door barely closed over behind her when another swung open, and beautiful chaos barrelled in - And lost amongst the chatter of children on a sugar-high, Grace forgot all about her hesitations to let her heart get too attached too soon; embracing it all with open arms, and wearing her heart on her sleeve

It was worth the risk

“Momma?”

Woken up in the middle of the night by a little voice, Grace cracked one eye open and met her son’s; sitting up carefully so as not to disturb the man fast asleep behind her - She wondered what was wrong, swinging her legs over the side and bending to be closer to him

”Sweetie, Is everything okay?”

Shaking his head, Henry told her ‘No’; extending his hand and leading her out of the room; out into the hallway - Instinctively making move to turn towards his bedroom, Grace was surprised when Henry took a different path; tugging her through into Avery’s instead 

Dropping her hand to point, Henry offered a factual deception of the scene her eyes were now taking in; Grace’s concern growing as she rushed to drop down beside the little girl sat atop the small bed 

“My sister got sick”

Instantly in Mom mode, Grace saw that for herself; helping an unusually quiet Avery out of her ruined pyjamas as she presumed Henry to have left, and gone back to bed - He hadn’t, hovering at the other end of the room and watching on silently

“Oh, Sweetie. Let’s get you cleaned up, and then I’ll get you some special medicine”

Carrying the little girl whimpering into her collarbone through to the bathroom, Grace set her down and turned on the faucet to let the tub start filling; humming a soft lullaby as they waited on the temperature to be just right - Once it was, Grace had Avery stick her hand in to confirm it; lifting her in and helping her wash her hair 

Feeling a presence behind her as she gently washed Avery’s skin, Grace assumed it to be Judd; about to confirm she had this handled and he could go back to bed, when she realised it was Henry - Trying to refrain from chiding him, Grace shook her head when he started making his way towards the toilet; barely through “Honey, Can you use Mr Judd and Momma’s potty instead…” when his intention became apparent - Oh

It was inevitable really, and she should have seen it coming; but now she had two sick kids 

Splitting her attention between the two, Grace kept one eye on Avery as her hands reached for Henry; pulling him over and stripping him off before depositing him in the bathtub by the feverish girl - Like two real siblings really, sharing everything from toys to germs; to bath water

Bathing him too, Grace let the two poorly babies splash about as she sang to them; eventually hearing shuffling and coming to the conclusion there was only one person left it could be - Hearing his footsteps in the doorway, Grace smiled sleepily at Judd over her shoulder; promising him as she took in his shocked, sleepy and sad face 

“…Go on back to sleep, Judd - You’ve got a shift in the morning. I’ll call out sick tomorrow, and stay home with these two”

“…You sure?”

Turning to nod, Grace pulled the first child from the tub and wrapped her in a towel; lifting Henry out to join before assuring the concerned father who’s hand had found his daughter’s head 

“I’m sure…Y’all are gonna stay home with me; Aren’t you, Sweet Babies? - We’re going to snuggle, have special medicine; and watch Pixar…We’ll be okay”

Accepting something in her eyes, Judd nodded; bending to kiss each kid’s forehead before stating:

”Y’all take the master. I’ll sleep on the couch, and let y’all sleep together in the big bed”

Taking him up on that, Grace lifted the two little ones she’d vowed to dedicate herself to nursing back to health into her arms; depositing them in her bed and then slipping into the middle - They both rolled towards her, settling against her side; and it meant everything

They both wanted her, they both trusted her to help them get feeling better again; and Judd trusted her to look after his sick little girl

That wasn’t nothing

“Dad!…Did you see?!? Dad!”

Hearing the excited call from a voice he could’ve sworn he knew well, Judd looked out onto the field; ignoring the ache in his behind from an hour-and-a-half sat on the bleachers, in favour of smiling at the boy who was running to him, and calling him Dad - He’d been seeing Henry as his son for a few months now, but Henry had never shared if he returned the feeling; and Judd hadn’t wanted to force him

But Henry had just called him Dad of his own accord, and he’d looked right at him as he’d said it

It hadn’t been a mistake; he’d consciously referred to him as his father, and multiple times

Feeling the word to match falling from his lips naturally, Judd reached out to ruffle his sweaty hair; having caught every minute of his softball game - Like he always tried to, if he could; same as he went to every possible dance recital of Avery’s

He tried to be as present as he could; in both of his kiddo’s lives; in this family

”Yeah, Son; I saw…That was some hit, Buddy; I’m really proud of you. I guess all that catch we’ve been playing in the yard is payin’ off”

Sweaty and filled with joy, Henry beamed at that; dropping down beside him and accepting the bottle of Gatorade Judd had kept just for this moment

Wrapping his arm loosely around the boy as he drank up, Judd enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a field of young boys and girls; pecking Henry’s forehead in the few seconds he got between the whistle going for the second half to begin, and Henry bolting back onto the field - Sitting back, Judd enjoyed the second half the same way all of the father’s around him did; channeling all of his support and the love he had for this kid into his cheering

And, Lord, did he cheer, looking to the outside world every bit the proud Daddy Henry deserved to have

🎶 Here comes the bride 🎶

🎶 Here comes the bride 🎶

Listening to the cheesy and overused music his best man had been playing on repeat for the last two hours, Judd couldn’t help but chuckle; bending to boost the gent up and onto the counter to help perfect his tie

Matching his boy’s cheeky smile as he wiped cupcake off his hands and face - Not questioning, but wondering where he’d sourced the treat - Judd fixed the boy’s formal’s and got him looking sharp; adjusting his tie to match as he helped the six-year-old back down - Two years of loving this kid and his Mama under his belt, Judd felt ready to make it official; thrilled that today was the day 

That the moment he’d been dreaming of since his and Grace’s eyes had met for the first time was only an hour away 

Not even

“Alright, Bud - You been to the Gent’s?…You got the rings?…You ready?”

Completing off a checklist in his head - And checking off his own list: suit, check; bathroom visited, check; fly up, triple-checked - Judd offered Henry his hand when he nodded to all three; ready to walk down that aisle to his future with his little boy’s hand in his

He was ready

Ready to watch his Girls walk down the aisle towards him; and ready to start the next chapter of his life with his family at his side

Stood on the alter with Avery at her side, and Judd in front of her - Henry at his side - Grace felt joy unlike anything she’d ever felt before, an already emotional day heightened to a new level - She’d shared a beautiful moment with her soon-to-be step-daughter as she was doing the girl’s hair; and she’d been gifted something she needed to have to be ready 

The little Girl’s blessing

Holding Judd’s hands as they recited to each other the words that needed to be said before she could kiss his handsome face - And kiss that face as her husband - Grace winked at her baby boy when he responded to his cue; glad her and Judd had thought to include the children in the wedding as much as possible - They’d discussed that intention before they’d even told the children of their engagement; promising not only to love each other for eternity, but to love each other’s children 

Grace knew today she was vowing to love and to hold more than just Judd; that she was promising herself to Avery Ryder too

She was promising to be a Mom the rapidly growing girl could love and trust; who she could go to with anything and know her confided words were safe

And Avery was promising to her too, as Henry was to Judd

They were all making a promise, all four of them; and it was a promise they had every intention to keep 

“…And the rings”

Slipping the ring onto Judd’s finger, Grace saw every thought she was thinking reflected in his eyes; tracing her own down his arm to see his right hand resting atop Henry’s hair

“…You may now kiss the bride”

Well you didn’t have to ask her twice 

Kissing her new husband, Grace took a moment to just breathe him in; resting her forehead against his as their friends and family cheered - Her parents in the front row, next to Judd’s Dad; both beyond thrilled to be grandparents, completely supportive of this relationship 

Of this blended family

Breaking the kiss, Grace copied Judd as he scooped up Henry; hosting Avery into her arms and walking down the aisle with her entire world all linked together - Ahead was a night unlike no other, one of happiness and unfiltered joy

Of dancing long into the night, and carrying a tuckered out baby back home as the clock struck midnight 

And after laying down their kids, who’d been involved in every bit of today; and who they’d chosen to bring home on their marital night, Judd and Grace got into bed, pleased with how the day had gone 

It had been every bit Avery and Henry’s day as theirs, and the two had partied, danced and eaten cake long past their bedtime; fully involved, just as Grace and Judd had wanted

It’d been perfect

“Mama! Mama!”

Bouncing over with excitement in her voice, Avery thrust at Grace the two manila envelopes that had just been posted into their mailbox; the intelligent young lady excited as she presumed their contents - They’d been expecting this paperwork to come through anytime; ever since they’d turned their priorities to adoption paperwork after the marriage paperwork was finalised 

Ever since they’d asked the children if they wanted to make their family official in the court of law; just like Judd and her had made their relationship 

And jumping at the chance, both kids had squealed and exclaimed definite ‘Yes’s; eager to become what they’d all been seeing each other as for years now

A real family

A family that couldn’t be denied by anyone 

Reflecting on all of the hiccups it had taken to get to this point - The requirement of Henry’s biological father to be contacted and made aware of the adoption, for one - Grace tore into the envelope, pulling out two certificates and showing them to the girl who’d climbed up to sit beside her - Squealing with glee, Avery wrapped her arms around her, and Grace hugged her back; kissing her amazing daughter‘s forehead 

Her daughter; she had a baby girl now

She’d had a Baby Girl for two whole years in her heart; but now she had one officially 

Now she was Mom in more than just Avery’s mind; in more than just the title she’d begun to hear from the girl on a regular basis 

And her son, he had a Daddy now

”We’re a real family now. Like an official family”

“That we are, My Love…We’ve even got the certificates to show”

Tucking the certificates to the side for safe keeping, Grace pulled Avery into her lap; cuddling with the girl as she reflected on the stability these children had now - Two kids who’d almost been raised by single parents, who now had a sibling and two parents 

And who weren’t for looking back

From then on, first names were practically non-existent in the Ryder valley; replaced by ‘Mama’ and ‘Daddy’

From then on, whether Henry or Avery was calling on him, Judd was Dad or Daddy; and Grace was Mama or Momma

And nobody ever looked back

“Hey, Daddy?”

“Mhmm?”

Humming to show he was listening, Judd kept tinkering with his truck; pointing at the part Henry should work on next as he turned his attention to his daughter when he sensed her lack of response - He’d thought she’d been about to ask a question, but she was hesitating, and that made him wonder what the question was

Made him realise maybe it was a question that deserved his full attention 

So pulling back and straightening up, Judd dropped down to the kerb beside his nine-year-old; meeting her eyes and showing her through his that she had his undivided attention - That he was present, and she could ask him anything

Whatever was on her mind, he was here for it

”Do you ever wish you’d met Mama sooner?”

Confused, Judd scrunched his nose a little; wondering what she meant as he asked for clarity 

“What do you mean, Baby Girl?”

“Momma - Not my first Mom, but Momma…Do you ever wish you’d met her first, before my Mom? And then you could have married her first, and y’all would have been happier sooner?”

Catching on, Judd had a feeling of where this may have come from; noting out of the corner of his eye that Henry had stopped and was listening too now, beckoning the boy over to hear this - They both needed to hear and understand his answer 

To understand why he didn’t; why he couldn’t 

“Come sit, Bud”

Waiting until Henry was on his other side, and they were both looking at him, Judd began to explain; glad he had a solid foundation with both of these kiddos that he could be open with them

”No. I met Mama at the exact right time, and not a moment before. We found each other when we were meant to, and I don’t regret that that wasn’t sooner”

“But why?”

Tugging Henry into his side when he asked a question, Judd felt a responsibility to get this conversation right; aware this could be a defining moment in the children understanding their family - They were very functional and conventional in a lot of ways; but in a lot of others they weren’t at all

And a lot of the behind the scenes could get messy and complicated; if not explained correctly 

“Well, Buddy, If I’d have met your Mama sooner; then she might not have had you, and I might not have had Avery. If we’d have had kids together, we wouldn’t have you two; and we wouldn’t change either of you for the world - Your Mama and I love y’all more than anything in this world; and having you two in our lives is a blessing - So no, we knew we had to wait”

“That makes sense”

Glancing back to his girl as she mumbled a level of understanding, Judd felt pride; aware of how amazing his baby was to understand all of that - And he felt the need to remind her of that; to remind both of them

“Y’all are just as much Mama and I’s choice as each other, you know that; don’t you?…And y’all made a lot of our choices easier. You chose each other as brother and sister, and that made it easier for Mama and I to choose each other as husband and wife”

Reflecting, Judd thought on how that was true in so many ways - How the kids had called each other siblings long before Grace and he had thought they would; how they hadn’t played a part in creating that, the pair had decided to view each other as such for themselves (They hadn’t wanted to force them, and they hadn’t had to - Henry had been Avery’s brother long before Grace and Judd had even been an official couple; and Avery Henry’s sister) - aware of how their comfortableness with each other had sped things along - Hearing them call each other brother and sister had solidified a lot for Grace and Judd; provoking them to talk about next steps

And those had been some truly beautiful steps; leading him right here to now, with two amazing children in his arms, and his heart fuller than he’d ever imagined possible

Looking up at the strange behaviour of her sweet girl, Grace noted the girl’s unusual expression and timid frame; about to call out and ask if she was okay, when something told her not to - Meeting her eyes across the room, Grace saw something akin to fear; fear that seemed to grow stronger when she looked over at her brother and father camped out in front of the TV, with the latest video game to capture their attention 

Rising as carefully as she could, Grace made sure not to disturb them; shuffling over to the hall and following Avery into the bathroom - Following her in and hearing the lock click as Avery closed it behind them; Grace felt a realisation hit her like a lightning bolt, letting her eyes rake over the supplies littering the floor, and the crumpled up underwear sitting at the top of the trash can

“Oh Honey…Sweetie, Did you get your period?”

Nodding, Avery welled up; Grace pulling her into a tight hug, and holding her with gratitude - She could feel relief in the young woman, and she felt she was a part of that; grateful to be here and able to help 

She’d seen the way Avery had looked to Judd with horror, and she now recognised the fear of a girl who didn’t want to talk periods and developing bodies with her Daddy; and she was just glad she could offer a different option 

This was a talk every girl deserved to have with a female; With her Mama

This was a pivotal mother-daughter moment, and Grace was proud to be the Mom about to help her girl through this

”Come sit, Sweetie”

Guiding the girl to sit atop the closed toilet seat, Grace slid down to the floor; facing Avery and pulling out a sanitary pad from the packet she’d started storing in the under sink cupboard a few months ago in preparation of this very moment - Avery was thirteen now, and she’d known this was coming; wanting to make the transition into womanhood as easy as she could on the young woman 

So she’d left supplies, she’d reminded the girl she was always here to talk; and she’d had the ‘What to expect talk’ so that this moment did not come as a complete shock (The same talk she’d managed to sway Judd into having with Henry; just in their own way, and with different details - He could come to her, of course he could; but she’d known for a long while now that Henry took most of his penis related issues to Judd, and she could only be grateful he had a Judd to go to) 

“These are real simple, and once you get used to them you’ll feel able to put them on whenever you need…But the first couple of times can be complicated if you don’t know how, and that’s without getting into tampons”

Smiling lightly as the girl in front of her scrunched up her nose at the mention of tampons - She remembered that too; the horrified realisation of how a tampon worked, and the swearing to never use one (A swearing that was usually broken eventually, and probably would be by Avery some day too - But that was another day, and they’d save that for then) - Grace demonstrated silently how to attach a pad onto the girl’s underwear; turning respectfully as Avery put them on and felt more comfortable for just now - And now that that was handled, they could talk; mother to daughter 

“You didn’t want Daddy to know?”

Confident she already knew the answer - And the reason why - Grace smiled up at the bashful looking girl; knowing this awkwardness she was feeling would fade - The first period was always a little weird, but Avery would get used to it; and she’d get more comfortable with structuring her day around her body’s natural functioning

“I…It’s weird. I don’t want to talk about my body with him…Dad and Henry, they won’t get it”

Chuckling at the response exactly akin to what she’d expected, Grace nodded; agreeing and sneaking in a reminder that this went both ways, and as a result they had to be patient with each other - The boys bodies would have changes too, Henry’s puberty just behind Avery’s; and he’d need patience and respect as he adjusted too

He’d never have a period, but her boy would experience his own changes; and she wanted him to have a smooth journey into manhood

”No, they won’t; and we won’t understand everything about their bodies either…But for you and your body, I will; and if you ever have any questions or something with your body you need to talk about - You know you can come and talk to me, don’t you?”

”Yeah…Yeah, I know, Momma; and I will. I’m glad I have you to ask questions if I need to”

Content with the reassurance that her girl felt able to come to her, Grace smiled; squeezing Avery’s ankle kindly as the girl gathered her thoughts - And just before she went to ask what was on her mind, Avery spoke; her words something Grace had thought herself at twelve (And many times since, mainly when she’d been laid up with bad cramps and Judd or Henry had bounced into the room ignorant to how a period felt)

“The boys have it so much easier”

Humming at the step in the process - The jealousy of her brother and father, and their lack of monthly cramping and bleeding - Grace smiled; unsure if the girl wanted to chat more, or if she was feeling better already - An answer that came soon enough 

“I’m really glad my Daddy fell in love with you. That I get to have a Mama…We got really lucky”

In disagreement that Avery was the lucky one - That wasn’t how she saw it - Grace voiced her disagreement as delicately as she could; sneaking in a reminder she always felt it was best to reiterate - So that Avery never doubted how loved she was; how wanted she was in this family

“No, Sweetheart, I got lucky…To find you and your Daddy - I’m so proud to call you my daughter, My Love; and I hope you know that”

“I do. It’s just…When I was little, I could still remember my Mom - Like my first Mom - and I…”

Saddened to see conflict in Avery’s eyes as she tried to find the words to explain her thoughts, Grace felt her heart break; shuffling closer as she pleaded for Avery to look at her - Once the girl did, Grace reached for her cheek; holding her face and swiping away a solo tear with her thumb 

“You can talk about her, you know that; don’t you, Sweetie?…I know it might feel hard, and you might think I’ll find it upsetting; but I won’t. In fact, if you’d like to tell me; I’d love to hear all about what you remember about her”

Listening as Avery did just that, Grace found beauty in this moment; glad for an opportunity to learn more about the woman who’d brought Avery into her life, and who’d helped mould Judd into a man - He’d only been a boy when she’d met him, a teenager still; and she’d played a part in making that boy into a father 

Into the man she’d come to know; come to love 

“Well I think those are some really beautiful memories, Sweetheart; and I’m glad you have them to look back on when you miss your Mom…I don’t want you to ever think I’m trying to replace her, Darling; and if you ever do feel like I’m overstepping, I want you to tell me. I won’t be offended; I’ll follow your lead”

“I don’t…I don’t think you’re replacing her. I know you don’t try to…But it’s kind of cool that I get two Mom’s; like I gained an extra Mama than most people get; and that’s special”

Proud of the mature way of looking at it, Grace smiled and nodded; still cradling Avery’s cheek as she melted

”Well, Baby, I think that’s a beautiful way of looking at our situation. I think that’s pretty special too”

“…Because that’s what I want. I want you to be my Mom; I want us to do all of the Mom and daughter things together, and to tell people you’re my Momma”

“And if that’s what you want, that’s what I want too. I love you so much”

“I love you too”

Standing with Avery and accepting the hug as her girl wrapped around her waist, Grace felt nothing but gratitude and love; kissing Avery’s hair as she thought about what the girl had just shared - She wanted the same too

She wanted to be this wonderful young woman’s Mama; to refer to her as her daughter and raise her as such 

She wanted to be someone Avery could come to with anything; because the girl deserved to have a mother figure in her life she could go to

She was just glad she got the privilege of being that figure; honoured really

“So…Whatcha doing?”

Trying not to laugh as his son startled and jumped in surprise at his voice, Judd leaned against the doorframe; kicking the door further open so that he could fully see the picture inside - It’d been closed over, but unlocked; so really it wasn’t like Judd had just waltzed on in

It was open in invitation; sorta

Oh Hell, it was his house, and his door; and his boy, so sue him he was curious

Hissing back “Dad”, Henry turned crimson; his blush rising from his waist all the way up to his face as Judd chuckled; kicking the door closed behind him incase anyone else came home early - It was just him and his boy this afternoon, but you never knew when plans could change; so better safe than sorry 

“Well I ain’t meaning to scare you or nothin’, Kid; but you can’t fault a man for wondering what it is that’s taking you so damn long - You’ve been in here at least an hour now, Son; and…”

“Ew. No, Dad. No…It ain’t - I ain’t doing that. Gross”

Openly chuckling at Henry’s pure disgust by his implication - Which wouldn’t be so gross in the coming years, he could tell the boy that now; that puberty train was coming, and it was coming in hot - Judd pressed on; leaning on the wall as Henry sighed, rubbing at his face as he turned to face him

”So what are you doing?”

Still rubbing at his jawline, Henry cast his eyes to his bare feet; looking as embarrassed as Judd would’ve expected him to be if he’d caught him doing the other thing - But what else had he been doing in here; and why wasn’t he just coming on out with it

”I ain’t a mind reader, Bud. I’m not here to give you a hard time; I just want you to know that if something’s bothering you, or you need to talk - I’m here”

Looking up, Henry seemed to find strength from somewhere, muttering before rushing out all in one breath 

“Fine…I-want-to-learn-how-to-shave”

Genuinely surprised that was all this was - Well that was easily resolved, he could teach him that in one afternoon; Hell, he had the time to now - Judd stretched out, pulling open the under-sink drawer; and looking for what they’d need 

“Alright…Well that we can do”

“You mean…you’ll teach me?”

Unsure why Henry sounded quite so surprised, Judd cocked his head; pausing in preparing, to look at Henry with curious eyes 

“Well, yeah; ‘course I will…You know all you needed to do was ask; I ain’t known you wanted me to show you”

“Oh”

Clapping him on the shoulder, Judd decided it was best Henry stayed as he was - Figuring for his first time it might be best he was shirtless - beckoning for him to open his palm and spraying shaving cream into it, and then a little on his own 

Demonstrating as he instructed, Judd washed off his razor; handing Henry the other one from the packet he’d just opened

”Put that on your face now, and come over here so you can see yourself in the mirror”

Waiting until Henry’d done that, Judd coached next “Now copy what I do”; trimming his own stubble as Henry shaved away his peach fuzz - There wasn’t a whole lot of hair to take off, but he supposed it wasn’t about that; not for Henry

Shaving was an integral part of being a man, and Henry wanted to grow up 

The least he could do was guide him in any way he could; to help him along the way

“Right…Now wash the cream off, and take a look at that handsome mug of yours”

Waiting for his turn as Henry splashed water on his face to clean it up, Judd ducked down as Henry stepped back; rising and drying his own face on a spare towel before requesting

”Let me get a look at ya”

Inspecting the job the boy had done, Judd felt pride; noting he’d not nicked himself once, and responding to that observation with a playful pat against his cheek 

“Well there ya go - My Boy’s first shave”

”Thanks, Dad”

Smiling at the genuine gratitude in Henry’s voice, Judd pulled him into a real hug; aware moments like this were sometimes conflicting for Henry - He’d never said, but Judd wondered if they sometimes made him miss his real Dad; made him wonder what it would be like if he’d stuck around long enough to be here for these moments 

But they’d never know, and Judd was more than happy to step in and fill those shoes; so long as that was what Henry wanted

Patting his back as he pulled away - Because it was getting a little sappy for a Tuesday afternoon at home with his son, if you asked him - Judd started to back out of the room; leaving the door open for Henry to come join him in games or a show once he was ready

”Alright then. Well you finish up in here, and imma get back to rustling us up some grub”

Hearing Henry hum, Judd started to walk out; calling over his shoulder, and almost feeling the eye-roll in response before he heard the distinctive clatter of him heeding his advice 

“Now put that seat down, your Mama hates when we forget”

Sitting up in bed and enjoying the peaceful quiet of the house without chaos - A rare silence with two teenagers, and a rowdy fireman as your housemates - Grace read her book; bypassing chapter after chapter until she deemed it time for bed 

Turning off her bedside lamp, Grace laid down; about to close her eyes over and go to sleep when she heard the telltale sound of footfall, and the front door opening - Initially she thought it might have been Judd stopping by to check in, quickly recognising the footfall as too light 

It wasn’t Judd; it sounded like one of the kids

Deciding she wouldn’t sleep any until she investigated - And confirmed that the kids were where they were supposed to be - Grace rose and reached for her dressing gown; tying it around her waist and padding out to investigate 

Rounding to the kitchen, Grace flipped on the light; catching a surprised teenage girl tiptoeing in from somewhere she probably wasn’t supposed to be - As far as Grace was aware, based upon what Judd had told her; Avery was sleeping over at a friend’s tonight

So seeing her in the living room now left a lot of questions, and a likeliness she was up to something she wasn’t supposed to be 

“Well hello there”

Realising she’d been caught, Avery looked over sheepishly; straightening up since there was no longer any point in sneaking around

“Momma”

“Mhmm…I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight; Daddy told me you were sleeping over at Olivia’s”

“I was?”

Raising her eyebrow at the clear uncertainty and question in her response, Grace waited upon the truth; be longing for Avery to join her at the table

“You don’t sound sure…Care to tell me what’s really going on?”

Sitting down, Avery nodded; forgetting with her fingers under Grace’s patience gaze before eventually blurting out 

“I lied. I told Dad I was going to a sleepover, but I wasn’t. I was with Olivia, but we weren’t at her house”

Having already surmised as much, Grace hummed patiently; prodding Avery to tell her more

”Mhmm…And where were you instead?”

Answering with an expression telling her all Grace needed to know - That she knew where she was, she shouldn’t have been; and had lied knowing telling the truth would potentially inhibit her permission to go - Avery mumbled “A party”; her eyes ducked in shame, both at lying and getting caught in a lie

“A party…A party I didn’t know about, and I suppose your Dad didn’t either?”

“He thought we were just watching movies and gorging on junk food…”

Filling in the rest for her, Grace rose and started to pull down mugs; preparing hot chocolate for a late night chat - Hot coco was a good way to get the kids to talk; particularly now that they weren’t as open generally

The heat seemed to burn away the teenage-ness, and allow them to speak their truth; whether it was something easy for her and Judd to hear or not

”…And you didn’t correct him; you left him to believe what he heard”

“Yeah…Am I in trouble? Are you going to tell him?”

Saving her answer for now, Grace slid the mug across the table; sipping from her own before pushing them onto the right path 

“So why don’t you tell me why this party was worth lying to your Daddy? - There must have been something or someone pretty special, that you thought it was worth risking his trust over”

Looking sad at the idea of loosing her father’s trust, Avery nodded and took the clever path - To speak honestly now - explaining that she’d gone to meet a boy who apparently liked her back, only to find out he didn’t; and she wasn’t the only girl he’d chosen to kiss 

Feeling sympathy as Avery welled up at the pain of teenage heartbreak, Grace reached for her hand; holding on tight as she genuinely offered

“I’m sorry, Sweetheart. It’s never easy to find out someone you thought you’d shared something special with, didn’t feel the same” 

“I thought…I thought he really liked me. But he was just using me, he never really liked me. And his friends just laughed, like they knew…”

“I know. And I’m so sorry this happened to you, Sweetheart - Teenage boys can be jerks”

Smiling as Avery let out a wet laugh, surprising herself enough to pull herself together a little; chuckling still as she murmured

“Your teenage boy’s asleep just down the hall, Mama”

After tonight, Grace wasn’t sure she could confirm that; hopeful the boy was where he’d told her he was

“He better be…And I don’t mean Henry - He knows better, and he knows he’d have to deal with the wrath of all three of us if he ever treated a girl like that…But he’s not a representation of all of the men out there, My love; and although our men are sweet and thoughtful, not all are”

“You mean like Henry’s bio-Dad?”

Sighing at the question - And the pain any mention of him always brought back to the surface - Grace nodded; admitting 

“Yeah, Honey; I do. He wasn’t a good guy for how he treated me and your brother; and I hope to God you or Henry never go through the kind of pain he put me through. I can only hope you both find good people, and have positive relationships and experiences as you grow up and explore dating”

“Yeah well…tonight I didn’t”

“…And that breaks my heart, Sweet Girl; because you deserve better than how you were treated tonight…But I know that you’re strong, kind and brave - And I know that one day you’ll look back on this, and it won’t hurt as much”

Speaking from experience, Grace assured that it did get better; having lived the experience herself - She’d had a horrible relationship, and then she’d found Judd; who was the exact opposite, and who’d healed every wound love had given her

She just hoped for Avery life was easier, and she didn’t need to be burned as deeply before she found the man that would make her whole 

“It doesn’t feel like that right now”

“I know, and it might not for a while; but it will one day - I promise…Now why don’t you head on to bed, and get some rest - I bet a good night’s sleep will help towards you feeling better”

Nodding, Avery rose and took both of their mugs to the sink to rinse out; taking Grace by surprise when she suddenly turned and gave her a big hug - Wrapping her arms around her, Grace hugged her back; kissing atop her young woman’s head as she lived in the moment 

She didn’t get hugs as often anymore, not with two teenagers replacing the cuddly little ones she’d once had; so she treasured every one

And this was a genuine hug 

“Thanks, Mama…You don’t have to tell Dad about this, do you?”

Unsure what to respond - She didn’t lie to Judd, and she especially couldn’t about something like this; he deserved to know what was going on with his daughter - Grace didn’t make that promise; promising instead to be supportive

“I think you should tell him

…(Seeing her girl start to fret; stopping her before she could protest)…

Hold on, I’ll be with you, and we can tell him together; but I think it should come from you”

”Okay”

Reluctantly agreeing, Avery gave her one last quick hug before shuffling down the hall to bed; Grace following at a distance and popping her head in to Henry’s room as she passed - At least someone was where they’d said they’d said they’d be; the teenager out cold sprawled atop his bed, a video game controller hanging from his hand

Well you win some, you lose some; she couldn’t ask for it all

Pilfering the control and turning off his game before tucking his comforter around him, Grace pecked his forehead; calling him something she only could in his sleep now, or else she risked whining and rebuttals about ‘Being too old’ - Not that he ever could be; not for her 

He couldn’t outgrow being her baby

“Sleep tight, Baby Boy. Mama loves you”

Sprawled on the couch vaguely listening in on the chatter happening down the hall, Judd called out when he felt it had been going on too long; hoping to save his boy from whatever the ladies were currently putting him through - Henry had his first date tonight, and Judd had volunteered to help him get ready; shooed away as Grace and Avery promised they had it handled 

God knows what they were doing to his boy

”Hey, Y’all. Leave my boy alone in there - He’s got this; he don’t need y’all getting in his head and stressing him out”

Chuckling at Henry’s call back of “Thank you, Dad”, Judd rose to go and investigate for himself; sighing from the doorway as he took his turn to shoo everyone out - Absolutely not, they were making his boy look too…

…Well he didn’t know what, but he didn’t look very Henry; and for a successful first date a man had to be himself 

“Alright Y’all, let me take over from here…C’mon now, this is a man thing”

Hearing his wife echo his “It’s a man thing” in a mutter to their daughter; Judd rolled his eyes; beckoning his head at Henry’s bed and inviting the boy to sit - Almost instantly, Henry mused up his hair; wrinkling his shirt and giving it a bit of Cowboy character 

He looked like a handsome Texas boy if you asked Judd’s opinion; dressed in his best date attire 

A nice, clean plaid shirt, his least scuffed boots and his good Levi’s 

The only thing missing was a hat; and his ride

Pulling his truck keys from his pocket with one hand as the other reached for Henry’s hat and deposited it atop his head, Judd dropped the keys into the boy’s open hand; watching in real time as his son’s eyebrow rose in surprise

“Wait, seriously?…You’re loaning me your truck?”

Pointing at him, Judd made one thing clear; the very same thing he’d told Henry everytime he’d ever let him drive it before - Although this would be his first time letting him drive it alone, Judd usually riding shotgun and keeping him right 

Not that Henry couldn’t be trusted to drive solo, Judd knew he could - he’d taught him himself - but that Judd liked the quality time with him 

(The same went for Avery, whom he’d also taught to drive in his truck; he preferred her driving when he was there to spend time with his girl. He liked hitting the open road with a buddy)

“Not a scratch on her, and have yourself home by eleven. No funny business either - I can’t have my truck smelling like sex, and your Mama thinkin’ I’m having an affair”

“Oh God No, Dad. It ain’t like that - We’re just hanging out; I ain’t even never kissed her ‘fore”

Offering up a piece of advice, Judd wrapped his arm around Henry’s shoulders; sharing his own wisdom in the hopes it gave the nervous boy before him a little confidence - Everyone was nervous before their first date, and he’d seen this girl Henry was taking to dinner around; she was as smitten with him as he was her, so there was no reason to be worrying 

But Henry was anyway, and Judd could only sit back and let his nerves guide him; and his gentlemanly side flourish 

“Well if it feels right, and she seems to be feeling it too; don’t be afraid to take a chance - And if the lady don’t want to be kissed, then you still walk her to her door with your head held high; and you bid her goodnight…And if she does, and you do lay one on her; you hope her Daddy ain’t waiting up and watching through the window”

“You mean like you were when Avery went on her first date?”

Bumping Henry’s shoulder for his teasing, Judd muttered “Hey now”; not denying how he’d been - And how Henry had been too; if he so chose to remind the protective brother - and choosing instead to focus on what rang true about that night and tonight 

“I was just making sure those hormone-crazed teenagers out there were treating my baby girl right…Same as I’m gonna be my boy - Don’t you think for a second I won’t be looking out my hunting rifle if someone breaks your heart either, Son”

”Gee. Thanks, Dad”

Knowing the truth behind the teenage response, Judd pecked Henry’s forehead before rising; reminding Henry he better get going if he wanted to pick his date up on time 

“You know I love you, Kiddo…Now you go show that young lady how a true Ryder man treats his girl; and you’ll be alright”

“Yes, Sir”

Shaking his head, Judd led the way out; stepping back and letting the womenfolk in for their final fret as Grace insisted upon a picture for ‘memories’, and Avery cracked jokes about her Baby brother being all grown up

“I’m six months younger than you, Av”

Drowning out his daughter’s response - No doubt about every second counting - Judd winked at Henry over their heads; silently telling him to embrace this and play along; to recognise that it was all coming from a place of unconditional love

Knocking on the door, Judd hovered in the doorway of the door just slammed shut by his angry teenage boy; choosing to hang back and hover as Henry gathered himself, eventually dropping down onto the bed with a loaded sigh

Accepting that as his cue, Judd stepped in; dropping down onto the bed beside him and broaching the topic that had been troubling the seventeen-year-old for the past three weeks - This was really getting out of hand now, and Judd wanted nothing more than to give the jerk a piece of his mind for hurting his boy 

He’d given up his rights to Henry when he hadn’t responded to the papers in regards to his adoption, and now he wanted in his life; and for what

Just because time had passed and he was suddenly interested?

The way he hadn’t been when Henry was three, or any year after; The way Judd had 

He’d weathered the storms of raising his boy, and he’d done it with pride; every single day since the day he adopted him at six, and for two years before 

“Let me guess, Mama’s hovering outside?”

Unable to resist a quiet laugh, Judd shook his head; admitting “I asked her to let me handle this one” as he sook out Henry’s eyes - Henry did look at him before sighing and burying his face in his hands; eventually looking up with tears in his eyes 

“He ain’t my Dad, Judd”

Damn right he ain’t; I am 

Keeping his words to himself, Judd tried to keep a level-head; to look at this logically and biologically - This man had played a part, he couldn’t ignore that

Damn did he want to; but he couldn’t 

He wouldn’t have Henry, and he wouldn’t have his family; if this jerk hadn’t gotten his girl pregnant 

“Well I know he ain’t been your Daddy, Bud; but he’s…”

Interrupting him, Henry cut Judd off in a way he didn’t often; capturing his attention eloquently - Well as eloquent as any angry teenage boy could be 

No, he’s not just an angry teenage boy, Judd reminded himself; he’s a boy who deserves to be angry, and who doesn’t want anything to do with that asshole claiming to be his father 

”No. No, he’s not. I have a Dad; and it ain’t him”

Pretty sure he knew where this was going, Judd tried to remind the teenager he didn’t need to say this if he didn’t want to - That he’d understand - but he didn’t get the chance to - Henry cut him off again; determination in his eyes

“Henry…”

“You’re my Dad. You’ve been my Dad since I was four-years-old; and I love you. You treat my Mama right, and my sister; and when people ask me who my Daddy is, I tell them that’s you”

Beyond touched, Judd had to take a moment to just take that in; feeling his eyes fill with water as his voice cracked under all that emotion - Damn if this wasn’t a charged moment, and damn if he’d never been prouder of this kid 

He really was blessed to be a part of this family, and he never tired of reminding himself that 

“I love you too, Son. You’re my boy in everything but blood, and I’m so glad I met you and your Mama. I am so relieved my girl and I found you and your Momma”

Feeling Henry lean into him, Judd wrapped an arm over the boy’s scrawny teenage shoulders; messing up his hair as Henry mumbled his thoughts on all of this, and how their little family came to be

”We were meant to find each other, right? - You, Me, Mama and Av; I mean”

“Yeah, Bud. We were…Love you”

Kissing the top of his son’s head before letting him go and rising, Judd made move to leave; confident now the boy was calm and ready to process on his own - And if he didn’t, or he needed something else; he knew where he was 

He was going to be okay, because he had a Dad and a positive male influence; and he had someone who was always going to stand in his corner

Dropping her babies off at the airport barely a week after their graduation - A very emotional day that had consisted of lots of tears on her part, and two reluctant teens to be smothered in kisses - Grace felt a strange mix of stress and pride; unsure how she was going to sleep for the next two months as her babies travelled the world - She was so proud of them for being brave enough to embark on an adventure like the one they were starting, and she was also relieved that they were doing it together; but that didn’t make this easier on her heart 

That didn’t make her any less anxious, and based on the rambling of Daddy-mode Judd before they’d put them on the plane, that didn’t settle her husband much either 

Feeling his arms wrap around her from behind, Grace leant back and into her husband’s chest; wondering aloud

”They’re going to be okay, aren’t they?”

Feeling his hum rise through his chest, Grace reached for his hand; wrapping her little one around his bigger and tracing the tattoo she’d come to love - She’d found it hilarious the night she’d quoted Psalms 31 to him early in their relationship, having not yet paid attention to the tattoo; soon being enlightened as he explained it was a verse his Mama had quoted to him once that had stuck with him - as she listened to his response and attempt at sounding brave 

“They got each other, and there ain’t no way they’re gonna let anything happen to the other”

Aware of how close her children were, and how protective they could be of each other, and their blended family; Grace felt settled on some level, still worried on another - The relationship between them truly was special; traditional in a lot of ways, but unique in others 

It wasn’t every sibling duo that would choose to travel the world together for the summer, but it also wasn’t every sibling duo that had chosen each other, as her children quite literally had 

After all, their family wouldn’t be what it was today if it wasn’t for those two and the love they held for each other

If they hadn’t have fallen just as hard as Judd and Grace for their togetherness, life might not have been as smooth-sailing; and the struggles they’d all been through together might have ended differently 

Reminding herself that her thoughts were getting off topic, Grace shrugged off Judd’s arms; choosing his hand instead as she decided to be brave - If her children could be brave enough to see new places, she could be brave enough to have them across the world, and still sleep

She could share in their bravery, she could pull her man in to join; and together they could help each other get through until that plane landed back down at Austin Airport

They could do this

…And it wasn’t as if the kids didn’t have phones; they could still (and would) pester them with regular welfare check texts and phone calls

“Let’s go home”

Walking out of the airport with her man, Grace didn’t think to spare any thought to what they were going home to; only realising as they crossed the threshold that being home would require it’s own bought of bravery - That had changed too, at least temporarily; and potentially forever with Avery going off to college, and Henry looking at apartments in the city with his friends

It looked like a new chapter lay ahead for them, and Grace could only take a deep breath as she stepped inside

“Well this is weird”

Humming to his own words, Judd walked over to the mess of dishes in the sink - Created by the rush to get to the airport this morning on time for the kids flight - reluctant to clean them up, knowing they’d never be replaced - That sink would never be as full again, at least not for a long time yet; not with only two people living here now

Experiencing a thought cross his mind that made him laugh, Judd shared it with his wife as she tried to distract herself with tidying up bits and pieces around the room; turning to gauge her reaction as she paused to listen

“You do realise that in all of our years of marriage this is the first we’re going to learn what it’s like to live alone?”

Watching her smile at first join his in joy, Judd stepped over when it started to dampen; pulling her into his arms as they both felt torn - They were about to experience something that most couples experienced at first, not two kids and a lot of years of loving and living, and sharing life, down the line 

They were a little late to the game, but they were ready; and this was a big step for them too

A new challenge, different from blending families and raising kids; but that would surely be easy in comparison 

Right?

They’d weathered returning bio-Dad’s, and the stress of SAT prep, in the last year alone; and that was excluding everything that had come before 

The point was that they were tough, and that little stopped the Ryder’s from thriving; certainly not fear and uncertainty 

“We’ve never been alone for anything more than a few night’s. We’ve always had our loves with us - Right from the very start; quite literally from the moment our eyes first met”

Humming in agreement, Judd took her words on-board; unsure where that left them now - What if they didn’t work alone; what if they needed the kids?

No. No he couldn’t think like that; that wasn’t possible

Him and Grace, that wasn’t some fickle thing that couldn’t survive this challenge; they had this

It would be an adjustment, sure; but what hadn’t been?

And adjusting had never stopped them before

“I guess you’re right. We never really got to be just us…We didn’t have to build a nest - It came pre-filled with babies inside; and now it’s empty”

Surprising him by disagreeing, Grace stopped what she was doing and turned to face him; gesturing at the home they were stood in as she did, drawing his attention to years of family memories stored in photographs framed on the wall, to trinkets of each member who made up this family - To the house they’d made into a home together; and the two families they’d perfectly blended into one 

“No. No, Cowboy, we did. We built this…And we did a good job. We made something beautiful out of heartbreak, and I’m proud of us”

Opening his arms for her to step in, Judd agreed; smirking as his hands found her waist and rugged her closer 

“It is a sight to behold…and, Damn Girl, but if you ain’t still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen”

Proud of himself for still being able to make his girl blush and laugh as deeply as he had on their first date, Judd brought his lips down to hers for a long kiss; recalling as he did the first time he’d shared his first impressions - She’d laughed adorably then too, teasing that he was smitten from the start, as her son chimed from across the room “Mama was too!”; backed up by his Godmother who’d hummed in agreement 

No doubt lost in her own memory, Grace started to sway in his arms and Judd followed; tightening his arms around her and offering her the security she’d given him a long time ago - A sense of home unlike anything either of them could have imagined finding again, under their belt; and the pride of having raised two beautiful children in a stable, two-parent household after the universe had drawn them a different card 

To have fought tooth and nail together to teach those two right from wrong, and raise them up to be strong, confident individuals ready to take on the world and be great

Just like they were off doing now; trying their own thing and living life without fear or bounds; and knowing that no matter what happened they always had a home to come back to

Laying a kiss atop Grace’s forehead, Judd let that thought sink in and offer his anxiety a path out; creating a new memory to join the others as he took his wife to bed for the first night of them being empty nesters, and as he left the porch light on just in case his kiddo’s should need help to find their way home