Hayes’ jaw tightened. “She started seeing a therapist, but so far, I haven’t seen or heard a whole lot of difference.”
I couldn’t imagine having a wedding without Julia present, but I wouldn’t let her do anything to ruin that moment for Hadley and me. “I hope she gets the wake-up call she needs.”
“Me, too.” Hayes’ phone buzzed, and he checked the screen. “I gotta run.” He stood and pulled me into a hug. “Always thought of you as a brother. Pleased as hell for you.”
I slapped his shoulder as I released him, my voice going hoarse. “Thanks for having my back.”
“Always will.”
“Right back at you.”
“Come over for dinner tomorrow night. Just the six of us,” I said as he started around the house.
“Sounds good. Text me what we can bring.”
“Will do.”
Hayes disappeared, and I turned back to Birdie and Sage. “Hey, girls, come here.”
They paused mid-run to the swing set and turned. “You’re not gonna make us go do something boring, are you?” Birdie asked.
I chuckled. “No, I have something I want to ask you. But you have to keep it a secret. This is in the vault.”
Both of them nodded, suddenly curious.
“How would you feel about Hadley living with us all the time, either here or at her house?”
Sage grinned. “She’s got a ton of wildflowers at her place.”
“I bet.”
Birdie’s face scrunched. “She’s already living with us.”
I fought back a laugh. “This would be something more official.”
Sage let out a squeal. “Are you gonna ask Hads to marry you?”
I grinned. “I am.”
Birdie looked down at her shoes.
“What is it, Birds?”
“Do you—do you think she’ll want to be our mom?”
My throat burned as I struggled to get the words out. “We can ask her, but I bet she’d love it.”
Birdie’s head came up. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Hurry up and ask her,” Birdie urged.
I chuckled. “I’m waiting for my moment.”
“It needs to be perfect,” Sage added.
Birdie rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”