Page 148 of The Lilac River

Then Wilder’s truck pulled up and soon enough, both brothers were arguing with a pint-sized dictator while Billy happily poked the dirt with his stick like he was digging for treasure.

“Momma,” Bertie yelled as if she was miles away. “Uncle Wilder just said the F word.”

“You little snitch,” Wilder yelled back. “I’m not watchingSeven Brideswith you tonight now.”

“You’re lucky,” Gunner scoffed. “She full-named me.”

As they argued and Billy continued playing, completely unaware of the chaos his family was steeped in, Lily leaned into me, her voice soft and full of awe.

"I love our crazy life."

I pressed a kiss to her hair, breathing her in. "Me, too, baby."

And I meant it.

Because with her by my side, with my children in my arms, with my brothers still being the chaos I never knew I’d treasure, I finally had everything I’d ever dreamed of.

And just maybe there was still a little more magic waiting out there for us.