Yours Truly (Post Malone)

42

Winter had an amazing time playing the drums for Austin's new songs. I visited the studio a couple of times and she always had the biggest smile on her face. Teddy Swims also came into the studio and Winter got to play on a couple of his songs. The first couple of weeks of her summer vacation were filled with music and memories.

Daphne was starting to walk. She was moving around more and was close to running around. Winter loved playing with her little sister and it was so cute seeing them together. Daphne always looked up at her sister like Winter was the best thing in the universe.

I woke up in the morning and found the bed empty. I heard music and laughter in the kitchen. I got up slowly, rubbing my eyes. I brushed my teeth and changed before joining the chaos in the kitchen. Daphne was laughing, almost falling out of her highchair, at something Winter did. Austin was making breakfast, smiling at the antics of his daughters. 

I joined them, smiling too. Austin pulled me close and kissed me. I helped him cook and put everything on a plate. I moved Daphne to the table and Winter sat in her spot. Daphne did more playing with her food than eating it but her food eventually got eaten.

"Thanks for breakfast, Daddy," Winter said. 

Austin smiled at Winter, a loving smile on her face. "Of course, baby. We're going to leave not that long after breakfast so once you're done eating, go get dressed."

Winter nodded. "Okay. Who are we playing with today?"

"Morgan Wallen," Austin replied. "Do you know him?"

Winter shook her head. "No, but I'm sure we'll have fun. I love playing music with you. Do you think we can post some of the videos of me playing the drums onto YouTube?"

"Of course," Austin said. "Honey, what are your plans for today?"

"I'm going out with a few friends I made in my first year of college," I replied. "I'm taking Daphne with me."

"What are your plans?" Austin asked.

"We're going shopping and then to lunch," I replied. "I'll try to stop by when we're done."

Austin took my hand. "That'd be great. We'll probably be there most of the day."

We finished breakfast and started getting ready for the day. I had to get Daphne dressed the rest of the way, which was a struggle. She wanted to keep moving around and playing but we had to get ready. I was able to get her ready and got our bags packed. Before we left, I kissed Austin and hugged Winter. 

I took Daphne with me to the mall. I met some of my college friends and we walked around the mall for a bit. Daphne got tired so I had to carry her but we still had a good time. We finished at the mall and got food before going to the studio. Winter and Austin were in there, with Winter sitting inside the booth playing on the drums.

Austin greeted me with a hug when I walked through the door and took Daphne in his arms as he returned to work. A second later, another man walked into the studio, a smile on his face when he saw us.

He held out a hand. "I'm Morgan Wallen. You must be Mack. And is this little Miss Daphne?"

I shook his hand. "Yes, it is. It's nice to meet you."

"Your other daughter, Winter, is amazing," Morgan said. "I've never seen a kid her age be so good at any instrument."

I smiled a little. "She's been playing for pretty much her entire life. And can you believe that Winter's only been playing the drums for about a year?"

Morgan shook his head, looking through the window at Winter, who was still playing. "I'm sure you've already heard this but she's going to be a musician one day."

I watched her too. "I've heard it once or twice. She's got her own YouTube channel too."

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the studio. The song they were putting together sounded great. It was something called I Had Some Help. Winter had the drum basically memorized by the end of the day.

I took Winter and Daphne with me at the end of the day. Winter was a chatter box the entire time and talked about how much she enjoyed her day. She got to play with another one of her favorite artists, Morgan Wallen. Winter was getting her foot into being in the music realm, which had been her dream for a few years.

I started cooking dinner after getting settled at home. Winter played with Daphne in the living room and I made sure to keep an eye on them. I didn't want Winter to feel as if she had to parent her little sister.

Austin joined us at home about an hour after we got home. He kissed me on the cheek and hugged me from behind while I finished dinner. 

"How was your day?" Austin asked as he started rocking back and forth. "Did you have fun with little Miss Daphne?"

I smiled. "Yes, I did. Daphne was getting all the attention though. She's a cutie pie."

"She takes after her mother," Austin said. "What are you making? It smells delicious."

"It's sloppy joes," I replied. "Winter's always liked them and she requested it on the way home."

Austin finally pulled away. "I'll help set the table."

He left to do that as I finished the last touches to dinner. Austin got Daphne to put her in her high chair with Winter following close behind. We got seated and started eating. Winter and Austin told me about their day while we ate. They had a similar day the next day with more recordings and practice.

"Mom, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Winter asked.

"I'm staying home, baby," I replied. "I don't have any plans."

"Would you be stopping by the recording studio again?" Winter asked. 

"I don't know," I answered. "I'm pretty tired and I have to watch Daphne."

Daphne looked up at the sound of her name, babbling. I ran a hand through her hair as she kept eating her sloppy joe. She more or less played with it and got it all over the place but she was eating it.

"It's okay if you don't," Winter said. "I just like knowing that you're seeing our work."

I smiled at her. "I see your work every day, baby girl. And I'm so proud of you."

Winter ducked her head, a smile on her face. "Thank you, Momma."

"Momma," Daphne chimed in.

We all gasped and looked at her. She kept on playing with her food, not knowing the implications of what she had said. It was her very first word.

"Too bad it wasn't daddy," Austin joked, a smile on his face. "But that's still a good word as her first one."

"What was my first words, Mom?" Winter asked.

"Dadda," I replied. "You were playing with your toys and wanted your dad to join. He had the biggest smile on his face when he joined you."

Winter went on to ask a couple questions about her early childhood but the topic changed. Once we were finished eating, Winter helped clear the table. I picked Daphne up and took her to check her diaper and gave her a bath. When we finished the bath, we found Winter and Austin outside. Winter was laying in the grass reading a book while Austin wrote down song lyrics. 

I sat next to Austin, still holding Daphne. She was trying not to fall asleep in my arms but eventually gave up. I looked at Austin next to me, smiling a little. He had a focused look on his face while he continued writing. That man was the best thing to happen to me and I wouldn't trade him for anything else.