Long Live the Reckless and the Brave

"Liam, wait!"

I laughed to myself as Juli grabbed ahold of our son before he could climb into the backseat of Cassadee's car. We'd already said goodbye to him about three different times, but Juli didn't like the idea of being so far away from. It was different when we knew he'd be with my parents, but now he was taking a different kind of journey into the world, and it was killing my wife.

"I love you so much! Call every Sunday, okay? Be safe and have fun!"

Liam rolled his eyes as Juli kissed his face again. When she finally released him, he slid in the back beside Ali and waved us off. I felt a hit on pain as the car began to roll. All of my children were growing up, it was time to face the facts. Soon Liam would reach that awkward pre-teen face and Noelle would be in school.

"I wish your mom didn't run off with Noelle already," Juli frowned. "I miss them so much."

"Noelle has only been gone for an hour, baby," I grinned. "Besides, you know mom will meet us to see her once in a while. It's okay."

Pulling my wife back into the house, I gently kissed her lips before I made my way upstairs. Having grown used to this routine, the majority of my things were already packed. Juli was running another load of laundry to make sure she and the kids would have everything they need. Thinking about that, I decided to poke my head in on Stella. She was sitting on her bed folding clothes, sorting them it seemed, to see what she really wanted to take.

"Hey Princess," I knocked on the door, inviting myself in. "Almost ready?"

"Getting there," she grinned. "I'm so excited."

"Yeah, me too. Remember to bring your swimsuit this year. You know how hot it gets out there."

"You mean you're actually going to let me wander around in a bikini top?"

"No..." I chuckled. "But we do get days off. Duh."

Stella giggled, balling up a shirt to throw at my face. I ducked my head and hit the floor.

"Our forces are under attack!" I held my arms up in defense. "Tom, I need back-up!"

A moment later, my oldest son appeared in the doorway. In his hands were socks, all unmatching, and he began to gently toss them at his sister. It was an all-out battle now. Clothes were being tossed everywhere and we were all yelling as if we were really at war with one another, this is, until Juli appeared at the doorway with a smile on her face.

"Now you guys know how hard I work to keep this house clean," she smirked. "If I have to get involved, we're all going to be running around naked. I will burn all the clothes in this house."

"Ew!" Tom squeaked, pushing past his mother. "Not an image I wanted to think of, mom!"

Laughing to myself, I pulled Juli into my arms and tossed the remaining clothes in my hand on Stella's bed. I adored moments like these- the kind where I could really feel close and connected to my family. One day I'd be doing this with my younger kids, once Stella and Tom have left home to fight for their dreams.

"Stell, I'm bringing a load up to you." Juli commented, kissing my cheek before she left the room. "And don't pack so much. I know you, you'll be buying merch left and right!"

It was true. If Stell wasn't picking out things for herself, I was picking them out for her. I guess it had something to do with how much we both loved music and memories, so I wanted her to have reminder of the good ole days when she grew up and ventured out on her own. I frowned to myself, thinking of my baby girl no longer being just that: My baby.

"I'm really proud of you, Princess," I smiled. "I just want you to know that. Even if we butt heads because we're so much alike.. Nothing makes me more proud than seeing how far you've come. I love you."

"Thanks, dad," she beamed. "I love you, too."

Tomorrow, we would leave for tour, which meant tonight I had to soak up as much relaxation and family time as possible. I knew I would spend the enitre Summer wondering if Noelle was having fun with my parents, if Liam was making new friends, if Tom and Stella were enjoying themselves, staying safe from the heat and not doing anything stupid in the middle of the night with their 'other halves.' But on the other hand, I knew it would be one of the best Summer's any of us had ever had. Something about this year just felt.. Different. Like I, as a father, had to stand back and let the tide roll in. It was time for my oldest childrent to find out if they would sink or swim. I only hoped I'd be there to catch them in time if they start to drown.

"Dad?" Tom broke my thoughts. Somehow, I ended up standing by my bedroom door, staring blankly into the hallway. "Matt told me I could help manage you guys this Summer so I can get a feel for what it's like. Is that okay?"

"Are you sure you want to do that?" I rose an eyebrow, staring at my son. "It's a constant job, Tom. Matt doesn't have as much free time as the rest of us."

"Yeah, I'm sure," he smiled. "I'll be doing this for the rest of my life. Might as well decide if I really enjoy it or not."

"Well, okay then," I chuckled, patting my son on the back. "Do whatever makes you happy, son."

I can hear the waves rolling.

Notes