“There’s plenty willing to help out with Boss, and as for Phoenix, he’s near about grown, Austin. It’s time he realizes, just like your father, that you’re not always going to be there.” He dipped his head and searched my eyes. “You know it’s past time.”

“Probably.” I glanced at the fancy clock on the wall. “School will be letting out soon. I better go.” I eased out of his hold and began gathering the mountain of paperwork.

Vance rose, pulled another packet out of his briefcase, and led me out to the limo, holding my hand the entire way. After helping me settle into the driver’s seat like the gentleman he was, Vance leaned into the car and gave me a somber kiss.

He pulled back slightly and offered me the glossy packet. “I know we hit you with a lot today, so give this a look when you’re ready.”

I placed it on top of the other paperwork that joined the books on the passenger seat. “What is it?”

“You’ll see.” Vance’s warm lips pressed against my forehead and then he straightened. “I still haven’t figured out how to stop loving you, Austin Foster.”

Our gazes connected and I slowly tipped my head in agreement. “I can’t figure it out either.”

“One day, Austin, we’re going to give in to this love and let it have its way with us. I’m looking forward to that day.” He took a moment to cup my cheek before backing away and closing the door.

I watched him stroll down the sidewalk, greeting people as he went. I could have sat there and watched him all day, but it was time to move forward.

I made my rounds, visiting Knox and Nash first at the salon, where they’d been going after school. I found them in the break room putting together LEGO kits Walynn had purchased for them. In the week that she’d had them, she’d been spoiling them rotten. Not surprisingly, they didn’t want to go back to the farm. I asked each day to be sure, just as I did with the others. No one wanted to go back, so I took turns staying at different houses most every night.

As I pulled away from Miss Wise’s house after supper, the stack of books caught my attention from the passenger seat, so I knew tonight I needed to stay at the farm. Five minutes later, I pulled up to what appeared to be a haunted house now that it sat empty and quiet. Funny how I’d always complained that the place was too filled with life and noise.