My bags were packed, and Daddy’s truck was loaded.

In a few minutes, it would be time for me to go.

Nestled on Hendrix’s lap in the center of the porch swing, I stared at the man who meant more to me than anyone or anything in the world. “Hey,” I said, wrapping one arm around his shoulders. “You okay?”

With a clenched jaw, he nodded once.

I sighed. This was a bad idea. A terrible idea. What in the hell had I been thinking by agreeing to this?

Hendrix’s long fingers encircled my wrist. “It’s the right thing to do, pretty girl.”

I looked at him and raised my brows. “What?”

He rubbed his thumb across the top of my cheek and I closed my eyes for a moment. “I know what you’re thinking. Just stop.” He pulled me closer. “Going to Vanderbilt is the right thing for you to do.”

My voice shook. “How?” I wasn’t convinced. Not anymore.

Forcing a smile, he said, “Because you’ve worked your ass off for it. Not to mention you’re following in your mother’s footsteps, something you’ve always wanted to do.”

I closed my eyes at the mention of my mother.

I didn’t want to think about her. Not now.

If I did, I’d have to confess that she was the only reason I’d wanted to go to Vanderbilt in the first place. I’d never met her, but I wanted to be like her, wanted to walk in her tracks. And I knew Daddy wanted it too.

And don’t even get me started on the fact that I would graduate debt-free thanks to my scholarship. I mean, how could I turn that down? Daddy and Grandmama certainly didn’t have the money to send me to college, and I refused to rack up thousands of dollars in debt that Hendrix and I would have to pay off later.

That wasn’t happening.

My throat tightened, and my eyes burned with tears. Gripping the front of his shirt in my fists, I cried. “But I don’t want to leave you.” And I didn’t. My mind felt like it was short-circuiting as indecisiveness swamped me.

To hell with Vanderbilt, to hell with college, to hell with everything. I could live without it.

What I couldn’t live without was him.

Leaning forward, Hendrix pressed his chest into mine and slid his hands into my hair. “It’s only temporary. Swear to God, I’ll come see you as soon as I can, and your Daddy promised to make sure you’re home for every break and holiday.”

It wasn’t enough.

Nothing would be enough.

The first sob ripped from my chest, and my body jerked. Hendrix pressed my face into his shoulder and he buried his face in my neck. “Baby, please don’t fucking cry. I can’t...” His voice broke, and I cried harder. Heart pounding, I held on to him with all the strength I could muster as sob after sob racked my body.

The screen door opened and a pair of heavy boots thudded against the hard porch floor. “Maddie, honey.” Daddy spoke from behind me. “She okay?”

Hendrix cursed under his breath. “She'll be fine. Just needs a minute.”

These two had never liked each other. Daddy didn’t think Hendrix was good enough for me, and Hendrix thought Daddy was an overbearing asshole.

Both were wrong.

Hendrix was perfect for me. Unlike Daddy, I didn’t judge him based on who he shared DNA with. I didn’t care that he was the product of a dead-beat mother or an alcoholic father. The only thing that mattered was how he treated me.

And there wasn’t a soul in this world that treated me better than Hendrix Cole.

On the flip side, Daddy wasn’t the bastard that Hendrix thought he was either. He was protective and had always been strict on me, but I was his little girl.

I expected nothing less.

“We need to go, Maddie. You have to check into your dorm by two.”

Hendrix ground his teeth together. “Five more minutes, Keith. She needs five more fucking minutes.”

And here we go…

“What did you just say, you little shit?” This was going nowhere fast. If I didn’t do something, they’d surely come to blows.

Wouldn’t be the first time.

Madder than a hornet, I leaned back and looked over my shoulder. “Stop it!” I looked back at Hendrix. “Stop it, right now!” My chest heaved from the force of my words and the tears still falling down my cheeks. “I don’t want to hear this.” Hendrix tensed beneath me. “Not today!”

The screen door opened again, and Grandmama stepped outside. Her steely blue gaze met mine, and her features tightened in agitation. “What in the name of sweet baby Jesus is going on out here?” She tossed a dishtowel over her shoulder and placed her fisted hands on her hips. “Well”—she stomped her foot— “somebody better tell me what all this hollering is about.”

I climbed off Hendrix’s lap, and, like a three-year-old hell-bent on tattling, I pointed at him and Daddy both. “These two”—I looked at each of them— “can’t ever get along. Even on a day like today!”

Grandmama scowled and ripped the dishtowel from her shoulder before tossing it in Daddy’s face. Ooh, she was mad. “Keith Edward Davis! I raised you better than this!”

Eyes wide, Daddy stepped back. “All I did was tell Maddie that we needed to go. And this”—he pointed at Hendrix— “little asshole jumped in the middle of it.”

Hendrix stood up from the swing.

Uh oh.

“What did you call me?” His body was rigid, his jaw tight.

Daddy mirrored Hendrix’s stance. “You heard me. You. Little. Asshole.”

Hendrix moved in Daddy’s direction, but I stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. His chest hit my back, and I wrapped my fingers around his muscled forearm. “Don’t you dare,” I hissed.

Instantly, he relaxed.

Daddy smirked.

Whack! Grandmama smacked him upside the head. “Wipe that look off your face.” Hendrix laughed as Grandmama continued to rip into Daddy. He was enjoying this—immensely. “There was a time when all Melody Davis had to do was toss a smile in your direction, and you’d melt into a puddle of goo.”

Internally, I fumed. My mama’s name sure was getting thrown around an awful lot today!

Hendrix laughed and Grandmama glared at him. Raising a wrinkled finger in his direction, she began fussing at him next. Her tone was harsh, scathing even. “And don’t think you have me fooled. I know you’re not innocent.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, I’m still mad as all get out at you, young man.” She leaned forward a couple of inches and the small hump at the top of her back became more noticeable. “Don’t think I don’t know what you did this morning.”

Daddy raised his brows. “What did he do?”

Grandmama cut her eyes at him. “Are you blind, Keith or do you just pretend not to notice certain things so you don’t have to deal with them?”

Confused, he rocked back on his feet and shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked at me before staring Hendrix down. “What are you talking about?”

Grandmama shook her head. “To be so smart you sure are dumb.”

Still baffled, Daddy looked at me. I shrugged even though every nerve in my body was riddled with trepidation. He is going to lose his mind. “Grandmama,” I said, my eyes pleading, “not right now. Please.”

Her eyes moved to my left hand before bouncing back to my face. “Why? There isn’t anything to be ashamed of, sweetheart.”

I looked at Hendrix, and he smiled down at me before touching the tip of my nose with his index finger. “It’s alright, pretty girl. I’m man enough to explain.”

Man, enough to explain? It had nothing to do with that.

Nothing.

I was more worried about Daddy having a coronary or trying to kill Hendrix. Maybe when I came home for Thanksgiving break we could talk about it.

Damn it! I should’ve known Grandmama would see my ring. The woman had hawk eyes and a penchant for detail unlike anything I’d ever seen before. It didn’t help that I never wore jewelry—I was as far away from high maintenance as I could possibly be—so my new ring stuck out like a sore thumb.

Seriously, I should have known she’d see it. She’d have to be an idiot not to.

Speaking of idiots…

Daddy ripped his hands out of his pockets and turned to face Hendrix. “Explain what?” he hissed through gritted teeth.

Wrapping his arm around me, Hendrix pulled me into his side. I leaned my head against him. “I asked Maddie to marry me.”

Here we go. Cue Daddy’s stroke in one, two, three—

“You whhhhaaaaattttt?” Daddy screamed so loud my ears rang. Face turning redder than a beet, he looked down at my left hand. He spotted my ring and any control he had left snapped like a taut wire. “YOU FUCKING WHAT?” I jumped out of Hendrix’s hold and covered my ears as his bellow echoed around us. Hendrix moved in front of me and shielded my body with his in a protective gesture. My Daddy would never hurt me but Hendrix was acting on instinct alone.

Daddy may have been angrier than a hornet but Grandmama was madder than a puffed toad. She put starch in her spine and straightened herself to her full five-foot-one height. Body trembling from the anger roaring through her veins, she screamed like a banshee at Daddy. “Don’t you ever curse at one of my grandbabies again!”

Hendrix stiffened in front of me the moment Grandmama claimed him as one of her own.

Ha! I knew she loved him.

Daddy opened his mouth wide, no doubt to scream back but Hendrix jumped in before he could. “You raise your goddamn voice to Grandmama and I swear to Christ I’ll rip your fucking throat out!”

Daddy stilled, his entire body vibrated with barely constrained rage as he cut his eyes to Hendrix. He shook his head once and I knew he was about to lose his crap. Refusing to let this shit show go on anymore, I circled around Hendrix and stood in front of him. “Goddamn it, Maddie.” He grabbed my arm and tried to tug me back behind him but I wasn’t having it. I planted my feet wide and ripped my arm away.

I looked around the porch, meeting everyone’s eyes before speaking. “Would everybody calm down for a minute? Please!” My voice shook with nerves.

Grandmama shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m calm. It’s these damn men around here that are causing all the problems.” She puffed out a breath and pushed a stray grey curl out of her face.

How she went from spitting mad to calmer than a cucumber in two seconds flat, I’d never know.

The air around us crackled with tension. Still, Grandmama lifted my left hand and looked at my ring. “Hey Keith, I betcha I know what she said when Hendrix proposed.” Her teasing voice was calm, sweet. It was a stark contrast to the venom laced tone she’d possessed only moments before. She dropped my hand, turned to the side and elbowed me softly in the ribs. She was goading Daddy and I couldn’t help but snicker. After the way he’d hollered a few seconds ago, he deserved every ounce of the sass Grandmama was throwing his way. “Go on, honey bun, tell us what you said.” She elbowed me again.

Hendrix wrapped his arm around me from behind and placed his hand on my belly. “Yeah, tell him, pretty girl.” He rested his chin on top of my head. “Tell him that you agreed to be my wife.”

Oh hell.

These two were seriously going to give Daddy a heart attack!

Surprisingly, though, he didn’t have an outburst at Hendrix’s comment. I don’t know if it was because he was in shock or if he was just waiting for me to confirm.

Standing tall, I placed my hand on the one Hendrix rested on my belly. There was no reason to hide this. I was proud to be his fiancée! Squaring my shoulders, I followed Grandmama’s lead and threw a little sass of my own. “You’re dang right I did!”

Hendrix’s arm tightened around my waist and he kissed the top of my head. “Was there ever any doubt?” Smartass!

Mouth gaping, Daddy snarled at all of us. “I can’t believe this.” He threw his arms up in the air. Then, with only inches separating us, he pointed his finger at me. “You are NOT getting married!” Then he pointed his finger in Hendrix’s direction. “Especially to him!”

Fire and determination bubbled in the pit of my belly. Ripping myself away from Hendrix’s iron-like hold, I placed two hands on Daddy’s chest and pushed—hard. He stumbled back a foot. I wasn’t necessarily strong but I was angry as hell. My chest heaved and I narrowed my eyes. I loved my Daddy with my entire heart but I’d be damned if I let him tell me what I was going to do with my life! “You don’t get to make that decision.”

Daddy’s head snapped back in shock. Whether it was from my outburst or the fact that I’d pushed him, I didn’t know. Didn’t really care either.

With more space separating us now, he leaned forward, closing the gap. “The hell I don’t. You’re my goddamn daughter!” It was the first time he’d ever yelled at me. He’d been harsh before but he’d never—not once—yelled at me. I’d cry about it later but right now I was too pissed for my feelings to be hurt.

Hendrix’s defiance must have been wearing off on me because I snapped right back. “I may be your daughter, but I’m his fiancée!”

Hendrix sounded off from behind me. “You’re fucking right.” For once, Grandmama remained silent.

Daddy’s nostrils flared but I stood tall. I wasn’t gonna let him think that he could push me around and make my decisions for me, especially when it came to this. He could either get on board or he could get the hell outta my way. “I’m eighteen, Daddy. I get to make my own damn decisions!” My throat burned. I never yelled and my poor vocal cords weren’t used to it.

“Check … and … mate,” Hendrix whispered behind me.

My head whipped around. His arms were crossed over his chest and he stood tall too. “You’re not helping, handsome.”

“Sorry, baby.” He dropped his arms to his sides and shrugged before smiling. “I just like seeing you get all riled up.”

Butthead.

Grandmama finally spoke. “Looks like it’s a done deal, Son. Might as well get on board while you still can.” She lifted her hand and examined her perfectly manicured nails. “And remember, Maddie is the one who’s responsible for picking out your future nursing home. Don’t wanna go and piss her off now, do ya?” Hendrix snickered and I snorted. We were so refined. Gah! “Not to mention, you want to think of your future grandchildren. Whether you like it or not, they’ll be half Hendrix.” She lowered her voice and whispered, “Let’s just hope it’s the good half,” before speaking normally again. “Seems to me you might wanna keep that in mind.”

Daddy’s head jerked back and the color drained from his face. Until that moment, I don’t think he’d ever thought about me having kids, especially since he wanted me to stay a little girl forever.

“But he’s—”

“I’m what?” Hendrix growled, stepping around me.

Rolling my eyes, I moved back around him. It must’ve looked like we were two-stepping on the front porch. I pushed my hand into his chest—again. “Stop right there.”

Daddy pushed against my other side. Swear to God, they were determined to kill each other. “You’re not good enough for her!”

That was it.

I’d friggin’ had it!

My anger came roaring back to life. “Daddy!” I whirled around so fast my hair smacked me in the face. “I am getting sick and tired of you saying Hendrix isn’t good enough for me. You’ve been preaching the same damn story since I was thirteen years old!” He opened his mouth to respond, but I cut him off. He could wait until I was finished to speak. “He’s plenty good enough for me. He’s more than good enough.”

Daddy looked at me, his features laced with anger. “Yeah? And what about when y’all get married? What about when he turns into a raging drunk like his father? Or what about when he walks out and leaves you just like his mother left him?”

Hendrix moved faster than lightning. Shoving me to the side, he shoved his chest into Daddy’s.

Oh crap!

Daddy fisted his right hand at his side and I knew he was moments away from swinging. “Daddy—” My scream was cut off when Grandmama slapped him right across the face. Hard.

I don’t know how she did it but she managed to squeeze her petite body in between Hendrix’s and Daddy’s. “I can’t believe those words just came out of your mouth.” Her eyes were full of tears. Angry tears. “My own damn son!” She leaned forward and clutched her chest. The move scared me and I moved to stand behind her. Placing my hand on her chest, I felt for her heart beat. Thump… Thump… Thump… It was beating out of control. This had to stop. If it didn’t, Grandmama would have a stroke, and that was no joke. She was old and had high blood pressure. She couldn’t handle this mess! “How could you say those things?”

“Grandmama, calm down.” My voice shook. “Please.”

I looked to Hendrix for help but he wasn’t looking at me. His cold eyes were locked on Daddy.

Speaking of Daddy… He ignored me as he bit back at Grandmama. “It’s all the boy has ever known. He’s bound to repeat the same behavior, and I won’t have my daughter become a casualty of his upbringing!”

Grandmama’s hand twitched, and I could have sworn she was about to slap him again. But she didn’t. Instead, she lowered her voice and said, “Yeah, because you turned out just like your father. Right, Keith?”

Silence.

Wait. What did that mean? Was Grandpa a bastard or something? I’d never met the man and no one ever talked about him so I didn’t have the slightest clue.

Daddy froze. Moments ticked by and neither said or did anything.

Hendrix stood like a statue in front of him, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

I ignored them both.

To hell with it. If they wanted to beat the crap out of each other then they could. I didn’t want to deal with this mess and Grandmama didn’t need to be dragged into the middle of it either. It wasn’t good for her health.

After a minute or so of silence, Daddy turned and pointed towards his truck parked in the driveway. “Two minutes, Maddie.” Then he gave Hendrix one last scathing look before walking off.

“What just happened?” I whispered more to myself than anyone else.

Grandmama’s eyes tracked Daddy’s retreating form down the driveway. “Your father showed his ass. That’s what just happened.”

Hendrix still didn’t speak.

Squeezing his hand tight, I looked up at him. “You okay?”

He nodded once before looking down and locking eyes with me. “You know everything he just said is bullshit, right?”

“I do.”

Hendrix grasped both of my wrists in his hands and pressed my palms against his chest. “Maddie, look at me.” I did. “I swear to you I won’t ever turn out like him.” By him he meant Pop.

 Again, I nodded. “I know, handsome.”

 “I won’t…” He trailed off before swallowing. “I won’t ever drink as he does.”

I placed a kiss against his shirt-covered sternum. “Hendrix, you don’t need to tell me, I already know.”

Sliding two fingers under my chin, he tilted my face back up. “That’s where you’re wrong. I do need to tell you.” Grandmama was silent, but I could feel her eyes on us. “Three things. First, I swear I won’t drink.” He exhaled. “Second, I swear I’ll never raise my hand to you in anger.”

Grandmama cursed under her breath. “Better not or else I’ll pump you full of buckshot.”

I grinned, but Hendrix’s serious face didn’t waver. “And third, I swear I’ll never leave you.” He kissed my nose. “Not even if my life depends on it.”

I won’t drink.

I won’t hit you.

I won’t leave.

I believed him. I believed every word. Smiling, I said, “And I promise to be the best wife and mother I can be.”

Hendrix leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. Daddy honked the truck’s horn, and he pulled away with a growl. “Jackass,” Grandmama grumbled. “Let him wait.” He honked again, and Grandmama walked to the edge of the porch. “Listen to me, Keith Edward Davis!” She waved a fisted hand in the air. “I brought your rear end into this world, and I’ll sure as hell take you out of it too. Stop. Honking. The. Daggum. Horn!”

“Hendrix…” My throat constricted and my chest tightened even further. “I really need to go.”

He exhaled. “I know.” Running the tips of his fingers along my cheeks and down the column of my throat, he tilted his head to the side and looked me over from head to toe. His eyes slid over every inch of my body like he was committing my entire being to my memory.

Bringing his eyes back to mine, he cupped my face with his warm hands. “I’m gonna miss the hell out of you, pretty girl.”

I wanted to smile but couldn’t. “I’ll be home before you know it.”

He shook his head. “If you think I’m waiting until Thanksgiving to hold you in my arms again, you’ve lost your damn mind.” His calloused thumbs caressed my face. “First weekend I have off from work, I’ll be there.”

Once again, tears fell from my eyes. “Promise?”

“I swear it.”

Daddy honked again. Turning on her heel, Grandmama headed for the front door. “That’s it. I’m getting my shotgun.”

“No need, Grandmama.” I looked back at Hendrix. “Walk me down to the car?” My voice was small. Weak.

"Of course, baby."

I turned around and locked eyes with Grandmama. Hands twisted in her favorite pale-yellow apron, she said, “Don’t even think of leaving without giving me some sugar.”

Taking three small steps, I thrust myself into her waiting arms. Squeezing me tight, she placed one hand on the back of my head and the other on the small of my back. Resting my forehead on her shoulder, I cried. “I’m gonna miss you, Grandmama.”

She held me tighter. “I sure am gonna miss you too, sweetheart.” She sniffled. “It won’t be the same around here without your stubborn self.”

My entire frame shook. Leaving Grandmama hurt almost as bad as leaving Hendrix. “I’ll be back for Thanksgiving.”

Squeezing me one last time, Grandmama dropped her arms and pulled back. Looking me in the eyes, she gave me a stern look. “You better be. If not, I’ll drive to Nashville myself and take a switch to your behind.”

A tear slipped from my eye as I smiled. “Fine. Just be sure and bake a sweet potato pie just for me. You know how Daddy is. He can eat one all by himself.”

Grandmama sneered. “That turd will be lucky if I forgive him by then. I have a notion to bake him a chocolate cake full of ex-lax.”

“Grandmama,” I said with a chuckle, “please don’t do that.”

She smiled. “I’ll try not to.” Then, under her breath, she muttered, “not making any promises though.”

“I can’t ask for much more than that.” I glanced over my shoulder at Hendrix, who was practically vibrating with tension. I looked back at Grandmama. “I need you to do something for me.”

She raised a brow. “Anything, sweetheart. You know that.”

Speaking low so only she could hear me, I whispered, “Please take care of Hendrix. I…” I blew out a breath. “Just take care of him. I’m worried…” My voice trailed off again as I let my head dip forward.

Grandmama ran her hands up and down my upper arms. “Don’t worry about a thing, Maddie. Your ol’ Grandmama will take care of him.” Of that, I had no doubt. Grandmama could be meaner than a honey badger, but when she said she’d do something—she would. Unlike a lot of people, she didn’t make false promises. Stepping back further, she nodded towards the driveway. “Go on and get out of here before your Daddy drags his behind back up here and forces me to shoot him.”

Nodding once, I looked over my shoulder. “Come on.”

Hendrix took my hand in his and led me to the edge of the porch. “See you later, Grandmama.”

“I expect you to be washed up and sitting at my supper table at six o’clock sharp, Hendrix.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

With a heavy heart, I waved with my free hand. “I’ll call you when I get checked into my dorm. Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart. More than all the stars in the sky.”

Hendrix tugged my hand, and I followed him down the porch steps. My vision narrowed as Daddy’s red pickup came into view.

Don’t pass out. For the love of everything holy, please don’t pass out.

Hendrix tensed at my side as he pulled the passenger’s door open and Daddy’s face came into view. “It’s okay,” I said, clutching the front of his shirt in my hand.

Looking down at me, he shook his head. It wasn’t over between these two. I knew that for a fact. Just the thought made me sick to my stomach. Daddy drove me crazy but he and Hendrix were my guys… They were the most important men in my life and I didn’t know if I could handle them constantly being at each other’s throats. They had to find a way to deal with each other.

Looking from one to the other, I knew that wouldn’t happen today though.

Sighing, I rolled my eyes.

Without saying a word, Hendrix placed his hands on my hips and lifted me into the truck. Sitting me on the seat, he kissed my forehead. Then he slid my seat belt over me and buckled it. Pulling the straps tight, he checked and double checked the dang thing three times before placing his arms on top of the door frame.

Silence ensued as we stared at each other. I couldn’t have spoken a single word if my life had depended on it.

Daddy broke the silence. “You ready, princess?”

I ignored him.

Call me a brat, but he was on my shit list. There was no excuse for the vile words he’d spoken earlier.

Hendrix spoke next. “Call me as soon as you get there.”

I swallowed around the bolder in my chest. “I will.”

Cupping my cheeks in his hands, he kissed my forehead again. Then he kissed my nose. Finally, after what felt like forever, his lips touched mine.

Soft. Sweet. Gentle.

Closing my eyes, I savored the feeling.

Daddy turned the key in the ignition and started the truck. Shifting into reverse, he kept his foot on the brake. “Time to go, Maddie.”

Hendrix growled—low and deep—as I kissed him one last time. “I’ll call you as soon as I get there.”

When he pulled away from me and stepped back, I saw tears glistening in his eyes. Hendrix never cried. Not even when his pop beat him to a bloody pulp. But in the last couple of hours, I’d seen him tear up twice—once when he asked me to marry him and now as we said goodbye.

Sliding my shaking hands under my bottom, I called upon all the inner strength I could muster and forced a smile. “Promise I’ll call.”

Eyes locked on me, he whispered, “You better.”

“Shut her door, Cole,” Daddy said from the seat beside me. My smile dropped, and I furrowed my brow. He didn’t sound angry anymore. More like… regretful.

Stepping back, Hendrix shut my door. I pulled my hands out from under me and rolled down the window. “Love you, handsome. I’ll see you in a few weeks when you come visit me.”

“In a few weeks.” His voice was quiet, devoid of any emotion.

I didn’t like that. Not one bit.

I had to say it one more time. “I love you, Hendrix. Now, forever, and always.”

Sticking his arm through the open window, he rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip. “Love you too, pretty girl. Now, forever, and always.”

Pressing a gentle kiss on the pad of his thumb, I pulled my eyes from his and looked at Daddy. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s go,” he said, nodding once.

Hendrix pulled his arm out of the window and shoved his hands in his pockets. Moving away from the truck, he said, “Don’t forget what I told you last night, Maddie.”

My mind flew back to the night before. Confused, I looked at him, my mouth agape. “Which part?” He’d told me a lot of things the night before.

“The part where I promised to spend every moment of the rest of my life with you. Just as soon as you get back, we can start working on forever. Just you and me, pretty girl.”

My heart melted, and the pain swirling deep inside of me ebbed.

Pressing two fingers to my lips, I blew him a kiss. “Every moment with you, handsome.”

He captured the imaginary kiss in his hand, clutched it to his chest, and repeated my words back to me. “Every moment with you.”

Daddy took his foot off the brake, and we backed out of the driveway.

My eyes stayed locked on Hendrix until Daddy stopped, shifted the truck into drive and drove forward.

With my heart in my stomach, I looked over my shoulder one last time.

There, standing in the middle of the street, was Hendrix, his fist still clutched to his chest, watching us go.

It was an image that would haunt me every day for the next six years.