For Them, We Must

Don't jump too quickly.

Late January

"Like this, Momma?" Evelyn asked.

Her nose was so close to the cake, that Oakley thought her daughter might get the blue frosting on it. But as Oakley leaned her body back as Evelyn made one last swipe, the little girl stood up straight on the stool in the kitchen. Evelyn looked at her mom.

"Perfect," Oakley smiled. "Your daddy is going to love it."

"Do you think it has enough frosting?" Evelyn looked at the cake.

"More sugar than what any of us need," Oakley kissed Evelyn's head as she took the spreading knife away from her. "And your daddy will love anything you do for him."

Evelyn hopped off the stool as Oakley put the knife into the sink with the rest of the dirty dishes from their baking earlier. Tomorrow was Kayce's birthday. He, John, Tate, and Lee had gone out east to a horse show this past weekend and were due home this evening.

It had been the first time ever that Oakley and Evelyn had two days to themselves. It had been spent painting nails, playing with makeup, baking, and watching movies the boys traditionally didn't want to watch.

"I'm gonna go finish my card for Daddy's birthday," Evelyn announced as she walked out of the kitchen.

Oakley giggled as she started washing. After finishing the dishes and putting a cover over the cake, Oakley picked up and walked the cake out to the fridge in the back. A buzzing in her pocket made her pull her phone out, Kayce's name on the screen.

"Back among civilization?" Oakley asked.

"Hey, baby," Kayce's voice said.

"How far are y'all?" Oakley smiled.

"About an hour," Kayce answered. "Stopped for gas."

"Good, your girls have missed you," Oakley walked back into the kitchen.

"Missed y'all," Kayce said.

"Y'all have fun?" Oakley turned the lights off and walked over into the living room.

"About as fun as you could," Kayce said. "Think dad's had about as much of the boys as he can take."

"Lee talking a lot?" Oakley giggled.

"It's been a long forty-eight hours for him," Kayce chuckled.

"Well, hurry home," Oakley said. "Your wife has missed you."

"How're you feeling?" Kayce asked.

"Good," Oakley said, her hand automatically moving to her stomach.

"Any pain or weird cravings?" Kayce continued his questions.

"Just you," Oakley leaned against the back of the couch.

"I'll fix that tonight," Kayce said. "See you soon."

"Drive safe," Oakley said. "I love you."

"Love you," Kayce said before hanging up.

"Evelyn?" Oakley called out and waited.

"Upstairs!" Evelyn's voice rang out.

Oakley walked upstairs and down to her daughter's room. Inside, Evelyn was on her bed, writing with one of her large markers.

"Hey...the boys will be here in an hour," Oakley told her.

"Done!" Evelyn showed Oakley her card.

Oakley saw that Birthday was misspelled, but it made it even more adorable. She reached out and opened the card to read Evelyn's birthday wish for Kayce.