Saved By A Man In A Cowboy Hat

A Competitive Daddy

*a few years later*

Jason's pov

Emma skids down the hallway in fuzzy camo socks and her mini crossbow. "Can we go hunting today daddy?" I smile and pat her head. "I was just now about to come get you youngins. Now no more runnin' with this. It's dangerous." I say, grabbing it. She calls for CJ and he walks out. "What's up?" "We're gonna whoop daddy in hunting!" She shouts making me laugh. "Oh you are are you?" She smiles and turns back around. "Yeah!" "Well you my girl are looking at the most competitive cowboy this side of the Tennessee line! So do your worst, child you'll never beat me." Both kids laugh along with my wife. "Great speech." Miranda says drinking coffee. "Yeah great speech. Try to think of another for when you lose!" My five year old daughter taunts making my jaw drop. "Dude... Did she just.... Did you just taunt me?!" She laughs and nods. I pick her up and tickle her making her scream. "Oh it's on little girl, hope you packed your best one liners, cause you're goin' down!" We get to the deer stands. The kids take the one on the right, I take the one on the left. Several minutes in, I spot a ten point. I wonder if the kids have seen it yet. Thinking of the kids, I think about how different life would be if that three year old son of mine never ran on to the red carpet. I wouldn't have Emma. I wouldn't have the girl I'm lucky to call my wife. I have a family thanks to that boy. And I'll always be thankful. As I'm pondering about my life choices, I see the deer I had my eye on go down!! I look over and see Emma pull her crossbow back in. I smile. Teaches me to ponder during a competition.

*hours later*

I'm sad to say I lost against my children. I come home and prep the ten point for dinner. Miranda comes and sits on the tailgate. "The kids sure learn fast." I say, smiling while cutting it up. "Only because they have a good teacher." She says. I let go of the knife and hug her tight. So lucky to have her and the kids in my life. Without her I wouldn't have them. "Thank you." I whisper, my voice muffled by her hair. "Thank you for what?" She asks. I smile and kiss her forehead. "Thank you for being the girl I love." "Oh Jason I love you too."

THE END