#g1c5

The boys were rarely apart, and in a matter of days, they would be starting elementary school together, along with Autumn. Teddy and Josie had encouraged their friendship after seeing how Beau’s confidence rubbed off on often anxious Austin when they were together.

“I’m just…” Austin shook his head and pulled his shoulders back. He might be petrified, but there was no way he’d admit that to his friend. “I’m swimmin’.”

“Don’t look like you’re swimmin’ to me–”

“I’ve not jumped in yet, duh.”

Josie, however, couldn’t keep her eyes on the screen. Snuggling into Teddy’s chest, her gaze lingered on her babies, her thoughts wandering and recalling the memories they’d made during their trip. She couldn’t help but feel choked up, somehow nostalgic despite still being in the moment.

Tears pricked at her eyes, and she gave Teddy’s hand a tight squeeze as he pulled her closer, realizing the same thoughts must be crossing his mind.

“It’s all going to change, isn’t it?” she whispered, the words catching on the lump in her throat.

What a ride.

I'll never understand how my silly gameplay screenshots testing out the Horse Ranch EP turned into this, but I'm so glad it did.

If you've followed along over the past two and a half years, thank you. It means the world to me that there are people out there who enjoy my stupid story.

Like starving predators spotting their unlucky prey, their attention turned to Zac. Unphased by the gang that surrounded him, he posed for photos with a casual smirk that revealed years of experience in front of the camera. Sure that he’d given them what they wanted, he pushed through the crowd.

Teddy didn’t finish his thoughts as an idea struck him. He didn’t know if it would help, but it was worth a try.

“You sleepy?” he asked, leaping out of his seat. 

Austin’s eyes widened, startled by his dad’s sudden burst of energy. “No…”

With a deep, resigned sigh, Teddy shuffled into the bedroom. His reappearance moments later had Josie howling with laughter and gasping for air.

Teddy: Happy?

Josie: I can't… I’m gonna pee myself! I honestly thought it would be cute!

The song faded away. Zac’s final note hung in the air, igniting goosebumps along Josie’s arms, and for a moment, everyone was silent. Then, Sawyer turned to Dimetrice, barely hiding his satisfaction.

“What d’you think?”

“I think we’ve got a hit.”

“I want it on the album, Dim,” Zac’s voice echoed through the speakers. “Lead single. This is what we’ve been looking for.”

Teddy exhaled the tension that had been gnawing at him all day as Josie gasped, stunned. They held each other, neither quite believing what had just happened.

Completely bewildered, she spun in Teddy’s arms. “What is this?” she whispered.

“Wrote a song, thought it might sound good if it was a little heavier than my usual stuff, spoke to Sawyer and Zac…” Teddy murmured, trying hard to be casual about it. “Now we’re here. I probably shoulda warned you.”

Josie laughed under her breath. “Maybe. It’s a good surprise, though.”

“Yeah? This is bigger than anythin’ I’ve done before. Lotta people are gonna hear it. If it’s too much, too personal… We don’t have to go through with it, ‘kay?”