Truman and Gemma’s backyard had been transformed into something out of the Wild West. All the kids wore Western boots and hats. The girls were adorable in frilly dresses and skirts, and the boys looked like little men in their plaid shirts and jeans. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner was strung over the table of gifts. A barrel full of hobby horses anchored one side of the patio, and a stuffed rocking horse was set up for the little ones in the grass. Bones and Dixie were throwing balls at milk jugs that were painted like cows near Maggie Rose and Axel, who were giggling up a storm as they toddled in and out of the mini city made up of massive cardboard boxes painted to look like brick buildings with JAIL, JUICE SALOON, BANK, GRUB, and CLUBHOUSE written in old-time lettering above the cut-out windows or doors. Truman and Quincy were taking pictures of Hail and Bradley, the oldest boys at seven and five. The boys were sitting on bales of hay in a photo area in the grass, holding up frames that Gemma and Crystal had made with WANTED across the top and REWARD 10,000 KISSES along the bottom. Kennedy walked beside Nick Braden, shouting instructions at her brother, Lincoln, and Lila, Bones and Sarah’s almost-three-year-old daughter, as Nick and Trixie led them around the yard on miniature horses. The horses were all dolled up with pink and blue ribbons in their manes and tails, fancy saddles, and tiny Western hats between their ears.

Diesel was hanging out with Jace, Moon, and Bullet, who was holding his adorable baby girl, Tallulah, while their other friends mingled on the lawn and chased after their kids. All the adults had dressed for the occasion, too. Bear had gone so far as to wear chaps and a brown leather vest, which Diesel was enjoying giving him shit for. Even Red and Biggs were rocking the Western look. Biggs, like Diesel and Bullet, wore his black leather vest with the Dark Knights patches on the back. Gotta represent. Tracey had convinced Diesel to wear a cowboy hat, a big-ass belt buckle with a horse’s head on it, and his cowboy boots, all of which reminded him of home.

He looked across the yard at Tracey chatting with some of the girls. She was so damn sexy in tight jeans, a flannel shirt tied just above her waist, and the cowgirl hat and boots he’d bought her. She glanced over, flashing that sweet smile, turning him inside out. She’d been bouncing off the walls to share news of her reunion with everyone, and she’d done it first thing when they’d arrived. Every time she talked about it, she got happier, and damn, that was a great sight.

“You guys recognize that look on Diesel’s face?” Bullet asked.

“It’s the look that makes a guy stick around,” Jed said.