She listened for a few minutes and then hung up. “We got the deal, brother, and to make it sweeter, Victoria doesn’t want to go to either place. She’s spending the day in a spa.”

Braden held up his hand for a high five, and Holly slapped it. Then they went back to their food as if nothing had happened.

Lily couldn’t help but wonder how Wyatt must have felt. This was the first time the kids hadn’t fallen all over themselves to get to spend time with him. He must’ve thought they would jump at the chance for a weekend away from the boonies. Well, now maybe he would think again.

“Thank God for goats,” Lily muttered.

“What was that?” Mack unloaded the dishwasher so they could put the supper dishes inside.

Lily repeated what she’d said, continuing, “This is the first time that Holly or Braden haven’t gotten excited to get to spend time with their dad. It’s about time that he realizes they’re growing up and away from him. It breaks my heart the way he throws a relationship with them away for Victoria.”

“Why does he do that?” Mack asked.

“She’s very wealthy, and she doesn’t like children. She’s about ten years older than Wyatt. I don’t know if she loves him or the fact that he’s so pretty and looks good in a five-thousand-dollar suit. Of course, I also don’t know if he loves her or the lifestyle she affords him. He has always liked being a big shot,” Lily told him.

“Is she the reason he doesn’t get the kids every other weekend and a month in the summer?” Mack asked.

Lily shrugged. “He gave me sole custody in the divorce and said that he’d spend time with them when he could. It’s been six months since he’s even seen them.”

“Not even at Christmas?” Mack’s face was a study in pure shock.

“He sent a few expensive gifts, but not even at Christmas,” Lily replied. “They called him and wanted to move in with him when I told them we were moving to Comfort. He said no way, and I kind of felt sorry for the kids even though I was upset with them,” she explained.

“Man, he’s a fool.” Mack slowly shook his head. “He has no idea the fun he’s missing.”

“Hey,” Braden yelled, bounding down the stairs and into the living room. “Me and Holly want to know if y’all old people want to watch a movie with us. I brought the whole Harry Potter series with me, but we ain’t got a TV in either of our rooms.”

“They want to spend time with us? It’s a miracle,” Lily whispered.