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Did she hiccup?

Could I see her move?

Did I talk to her?

What did I think about?

He wants all of it. Even the parts that hurt.

I take several deep breaths and slide the card into the envelope. I lick the back, securing it so I can't go back, then tape it to his gift.

My phone buzzes.

A picture pops up.

Charlie's grinning from someone's lap.

My heart skips a beat.

I know those worn blue jeans and brown coat. That thick hand curled around her belly is the same one that used to curl around mine.

I call Jagger immediately.

He declines it.

A text appears.

Jagger: Quit being nosey.

I stare at the picture. Then at his message. Then back at the picture.

There's no way.

A series of muffled beeps hits my ears. I jump up and go to the window. Jagger's truck turns the corner, then Daddy's appears.

"Mama!" I shout, slipping into my boots. "Mama!" I yell again and run out of the house.

Jagger jumps out with an excited grin on his face.

Daddy parks next to him, and I rush over to him, tossing my arms around him while he's still in the cab.

He chuckles and wraps one arm around me. "Well, hell, sugar. Let me get both boots on this fine Texas dirt before you go squeezin' the life outta me."

Tears hit my eyes. "I missed you."

He kisses the top of my head. "Missed you too, baby girl. Now back up and let your old man outta this truck so I can get a proper look at you."

Mama calls out, "Dean?"

Daddy barely gets both feet on the ground before Mama flies at him, in her robe, with a towel around her head.

Daddy catches her and holds her tight while she cries. "You came."

"Couldn't miss Charlie's first Christmas, now could I?" he claims.

"You stubborn son of a bitch," Mama says, slapping his shoulder with the back of her hand. "You had Lainey and me sad all week!"

"I know."