Tobin appeared behind him.
“No, you don’t!”
Jory rolled his eyes.
“I’m the oldest.”
Tobin crossed his arms.
“I get carsick in the back.”
Ned walked past them.
Climbed into the truck.
And quietly took the middle seat.
I laughed.
“Boys!”
They ignored me.
I stepped onto the porch.
“Everybody outside. I want a picture.”
Jory groaned.
“Mom!”
I raised my phone.
“One picture.”
Roscoe laughed.
“You heard your mother.”
They gathered beside the tailgate.
Jory stood with his arms crossed.
Tobin made a ridiculous face.
Ned smiled shyly.
And Roscoe wrapped one arm around his youngest son.
I took the photograph.
Then another.
Then one more because Tobin had closed his eyes.
I didn’t know that picture would become the most painful possession in my life.
Before they left, Roscoe kissed me.
“Sunday evening,” he promised.
I smiled.
“Don’t be late.”
He laughed.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Jory waved.
