Six years later.
JFK International Airport.
“Oaky, come here. Let’s get your jacket on—and your little cap.” Axton Bradley held up a pink jacket for his little sister, Oaklynn Bradley. She stood there with her pacifier, eyes barely open, letting her brother fuss over her. Axton shot a glance at their mom, Clare, who was still dawdling. “Mom, it’s barely fifty degrees out. You trying to turn into a popsicle?”
Clare stood up, pulled on her coat, and pouted. “Axton, show a little respect. I’m your mother, you know!”
“Mommy, your buttons are all wrong,” Oaklynn pointed out in that adorable baby voice, staring up at Clare with big eyes and a tiny finger aimed at her crooked coat.
Clare sighed and didn’t bother with the buttons. “Alright, you two ready? If so, let’s move!”
Axton took Oaklynn’s hand as they stood in the plane aisle. Axton wore a sharp little racing outfit, looking proud and cute, while Oaklynn was in the pink version, pacifier still in place. A few passengers couldn’t stop staring at the adorable pair.
“Come on, hurry up. Aunt Harley’s waiting for us. Your mom has to go make amends, and it’s no easy task,” Clare said, scooping up both kids. They’d grown a lot lately; they definitely felt heavier.
“Mommy, what does ‘make amends’ mean?” Oaklynn asked, clinging to Clare’s neck, her big eyes full of questions.
Clare quickly carried the kids off the plane, set them down, and caught her breath before explaining, “It means I have to say sorry to Aunt Harley, even when it’s hard.”
Still confused, Oaklynn tilted her head. “But Mommy, why don’t you have a burden?”
Clare rubbed her forehead and turned to her son with a pleading look. She really couldn’t handle all of Oaklynn’s questions on her own.
Axton flashed a mischievous grin and held up three fingers. Clare bit her lip and raised two. Axton countered with four.
“You drive a hard bargain!” Clare said.
Axton smirked, cheeky as ever. “Sweetheart, I’m driving this bargain because I can.”
“Fine, three times a week. I’ll only eat salad three times,” Clare huffed. She’d never liked salad, but the doctor said she needed the vitamins. Three times a week was her absolute limit.
“Deal!” Axton gave her a smile so charming that Clare nearly lost her train of thought. She had to admit, some things just didn’t change.
