“Hmmm, maybe,” I said noncommittally. Looking for a change of subject, I said, “Hey, Daddy wants you to spend the night at his house tomorrow. Would you like to do that?”

“A sleepover at Daddy’s house?” she asked, her excitement evident. “That sounds totally cool. Do you think he will let me stay up past my bedtime?”

“Probably,” I said with a mirthful roll of my eyes. “And he has a surprise for you.”

Carrie’s little eyes brightened. “Oooooh, I love surprises! Is it a duck?”

I laughed. “No, we’ve already had this discussion, Care Bear. Ducks don’t live inside.”

“Well, what is it?” she asked, jumping up and down.

I tickled her ribs, sending her into gales of laughter. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it? Now, let’s get these awesome boots on so we can go.”

“The store lady said I should wear two pairs of socks because these might be a little big. And also, I should tie the shirt up on the side.”

“Okay, go to your room and grab another pair of socks and a bow.” She came back a couple of minutes later, and I got her socks and boots on and tied her jersey before clipping a white hair bow over the little knot. “Carrie, you look adorable!” I gushed, and she ran to the mirror to inspect herself.

“This outfit kicks butt, Mommy. Wait till the guys see how cute I look.” At least she wasn’t lacking in self-confidence.

We drove over to Beau’s and found them loading up Cam’s Jeep SUV. Carrie leaped out of the backseat and stood with her hands on her hips until all the men told her what a little doll she was. Satisfied with their adoration, she went and inspected the bags and coolers.

Tank picked her up and said, “We got all your favorite snacks, li’l bit. Cokes, gummy bears, M&Ms, and beef jerky.”

Carrie frowned and said, “I’m not riding with Uncle Hawk. He always gets the farts when he eats beef jerky.”

The men all howled with laughter, even Hawk. As I started to scold Carrie, Woody broke in and said, “She’s right. No jerky for you, Hawk. No one wants to smell your ass biscuits.”

Jesus, this was going to be a long trip.

We ended up with Beau driving my Benz SUV with Bode riding shotgun. Carrie and I were in the backseat. Cam drove his Jeep with Woody, Tank, and a hopefully-gas-free Hawk.

“Crank up the tunes, Uncle Bode!” Carrie yelled, and DJ Bode kept the car filled with 80s music as we all sang along. We made it to the stadium and were shown to our seats in the front row, forty-yard-line.