BFF

See you soon

Tia – POV

We were back at home—well, I was. Dave was still on tour, and I missed him like crazy. The stress was starting to get to me. Between the kids and the shop, I hadn't realized just how much Dave and I depended on each other. We were each other's peace. Each other's relief. And right now, my relief was hundreds of miles away.

"Kenzie," I warned, my voice firm as I stood in the living room, arms crossed. "If I have to tell you to put that iPad down one more time, you're getting your butt whooped. I'm done talking to you."

She pouted but finally placed the iPad on the table. Every time Dave was away, she acted out like clockwork—testing boundaries, pushing buttons. She thought his absence meant she had free rein. She was about to learn otherwise.

Behind me, I heard Easton fussing. I turned just in time to see him reaching up for the iPad on the table. Before I could stop him, it slipped and landed on his tiny fingers.

"Easton!" I rushed over, scooping him into my arms. "Relax, baby, you're okay." I kissed his forehead and rubbed his back gently. He whimpered but started to calm down. "You're fine, baby. Just a little bump."

The moment he quieted, I heard yelling coming from the movie room. Kairi and Kenzie again. I didn't even have to ask.

Still holding Easton, I walked in to find the two of them nose to nose.

"I was watching this movie!" Kairi shouted.

"No, I wanna watch this one!" Kenzie shot back.

"No, Kenzie! Get out!"

"You get out, ugly!"

"You're ugly and stupid!"

"That's enough!" I snapped, cutting through the noise like a knife. "It's nap time. Both of you—go to your rooms. Now."

With a few grumbles and pouty lips, they stomped off in separate directions. I rocked Easton until he was asleep, then carefully laid him down in his crib. Once the house was quiet, I finally let out a breath and made my way to my room.

I glanced at my phone: 5 missed FaceTime calls from Husband.

Shit.

I immediately called him back. His face appeared on screen almost instantly.

"What's up with not answering?" Dave said, his tone playful but clearly wanting my attention.

"My phone was in the room," I explained, flopping down on the bed. "And I was dealing with the kids."

He studied me through the screen, his brows knitting. "You good? You look stressed out."

"I am, Dave. It's been two weeks. I'm trying to juggle the shop, the kids... it's a lot. The older they get, the harder it gets without you here."

"Damn, baby," he said, his voice softer. "What can I do to help? I know I'm not there, and I wish I was."

"Just hearing your voice right now... that's already helping. For real."

"That's what I like to hear," he smiled.

We talked for a little while longer, and I felt a little lighter, like the weight on my chest had eased up just enough to breathe. What he didn't know, though, was that I was surprising him tomorrow. His final tour show was coming up, and I planned on being there. I always tried to make it to at least two shows whenever he toured—if the kids weren't babies. And this time, they weren't.

Mama Grace had already offered to take the kids for the weekend, which worked out perfectly. That's why I was making sure they all got their naps now—so they wouldn't act a fool later.