His oldest daughter, Darla, was sulking because she wanted to spend the summer at her friends’, but he’d also caught her texting with some boy, and she’d gotten her ass grounded. Nope, no daughter of his was going to be texting boys. Not happening.
His youngest girl, Bernice, came rushing downstairs. She was a tomboy and had tried to cut her pigtails off, but he’d warned her not to. Otherwise, he’d dismantle the climbing frame she loved so much in the yard.
Peter and Howard, his two boys, came next. One was into sports, and the other liked his books. Finally, Russel, his oldest son, thirteen years old and drawing tattoos on his arms. His hair was a mess, and he was their rebel of a son. At times, he reminded him of Caleb when they were kids.
He’d caught the kid smoking a couple of months ago, and for his troubles, he had him working so hard, the kid hadn’t touched another cigarette. Five o’clock wakeup calls hadn’t appealed to him.
“Camping is lame.”
“So is your attitude.”
He now understood what his parents had put up with.
At least Russel hadn’t disrespected his mom. In fact, all of the kids doted on their mother, but Eliza had taken to motherhood so damn quick. She was always there for them with their homework, whatever after-school activity they wanted to do. She baked for the school, for the kids, arranged birthday parties.
He knew she was one of the most-loved moms.
“We’re all ready,” she said, coming out of the kitchen with her arms full of food they were taking for the camping trip.
Without waiting for instruction, Russel took the food from her and made his way outside.
She smiled up at him. “Are you really sure about this camping trip? The kids are going to hate it.”
“Away from civilization, no wi-fi, and getting back to nature. It’s what we all did as kids. Believe me, and with my brothers coming as well, it’s going to be a madhouse. The bonus, they’re going to be babysitting so I can show my wife some loving.”
“Just remember what happens every single time we have some loving together.” She ended up pregnant.
“I’m game if you are.”
“I’m always game for you.”
“Come on, Dad. Get this lame show on the road,” Darla said.
“Remember when she was just a cute little bundle of joy that had just come out of your vagina?”
“Please don’t embarrass her again.”
“We’ll see.” He’d turned into the embarrassing dad, but he loved his kids, his wife, and his family.
He’d been the first Hard boy to fall, but he certainly hadn’t been the last.
The End