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Tell laughed “That situation is familiar My brother Brandt ia smiled and Tell’s heart skipped a beat Goddaoofy smile He was happy to see she hadn’t perfected a fake, polite grin over the years “What are you doin’ at the park?”

“I’ this beautiful day” She tipped her head toward Landon “Do you have him all weekend?”

“Me’n Dalton have had him the last two days My mom lives in Casper now and helps Samantha with Landon’s daycare and stuff”

“So your aze away from her and looked for Landon Sneaky kid was nowhere to be found He said, “Gied to the ys Tell spun a slow circle and squinted at the flash of red by the picnic tables

There the little bugger was Tell froze when he saw his father sitting next to Landon on a picnic bench He’d had to bribe Landon with ice crea his skin tighten and toughen up “Dad”

“You ain’t keepin’ a very good eye on randson, Tell Anyone coulda snatched hiirl You always did have the attention span of a dog with fleas Praise the Lord I was here”

Landon ju “Whoa there, buddy Sit down I’ht here Didja tell Grandpa thanks for the ice cream?”

“Thanks” Landon ducked his dark-haired head

“It’s a shame the kid don’t knoho I am”

And whose fault is that?

“Your ainst me,” Casper said with a sneer

Tell wouldn’t let that comment slide “I reckon with you’re doin’ that just fine yourself If you want hiotta spend tiiven you opportunities”

“Doin’ the Lord’s work keepswasthe rift with his fah hoops now too” He pointed at Landon “How often does she ask you to watch the boy?”

Way too often, but Tell wasn’t about to give his father that aht, bud?”

Landon nodded

“Where’s est son? Ain’t you two joined at the hip?”

“Dalton helped with chores and then he took off”

“I ain’t surprised Brandt didn’t show up” Casper shook his finger “Remind him he’d better call me when that baby arrives I’ve already talked tothe child”

“You’ll have to take that up with Brandt and Jessie, Dad Leaveyour ht Havin’ all you boys baptized Even if we didn’t follow through and raise you up proper in the church”