(CHRIS)

We debated driving to Abilene and making the road trip part of our Spring Break holiday. Its not really a long drive but when you add three kids to the mix and Morgan's small bladder, I think we'd be stopped every 50 miles or so. By the time we actually got to Candy's place, it would be time to turn around and come right back home. So scratch that plan. Instead I'm paying Joe to fly us. Hey, not my fault he went back to the charter business. I hired him fair and square.

But he's in a good mood on the flight from Tulsa to Abilene and he even helps take our bags off the plane and load them into Steve's SUV.

"No wonder you guys are booked solid, if you offer this kind of service to all your customers." I remark.Morgan gives me a sideways look, but Joe doesn't take offense. "The sooner I get you guys taken care of, the sooner I can get back home and start my own vacation."

"Daddy, how come you not staying here with us?" Lily wants to know."Cause this is your time with your mom and Chris, Sprout. Don't worry they'll be lots of time to hang out with me and Pam and Katy," he assures her."And you're going to be horseback riding and swimming and playing with Brandy," Morgan reminds her.

Lily thinks about that for a minute, "That will be fun." She agrees a smile on her face.Connor however is less than thrilled. "Great. More dumb girls."

"Hey buddy, I'll be there."Steve adds, "Me too. And I'm sure we can convince Tristan to come hang out. And there's always Luke." I can't help glancing at my brother as he mentions his son and I swear, his chest puffs up with pride.

"Okay, that's lots of boys." Connor reaches out and pats Joe's arm. "It be okay if you go back home, Daddy. I be fine."

Joe chuckles then kneels down to hug the boy. "I'm very glad to hear that, Connor. Now give Daddy a hug and a kiss so you guys can get going to the ranch."

Connor does as he's told and so does Lily, then Joe gets back up. I shake his hand one more time, then he's waving goodbye and walking back towards the plane as we turn and get into the SUV and start the drive towards the ranch.

I can't even begin to count how many times I've made this drive over the years. And its been made with so many different emotions. Sliding an arm across Morgan's shoulders, I lean in for a kiss and I'm relieved that this time I can honestly say I'm looking forward to the next week. We're going to be able to relax and have some fun.

I can't help but chuckle when I think that I am probably the only man in the state of Texas that is looking forawrd to spending time with his wife and kids at the home of his ex-lover that just happens to be married to his half brother.

Sometimes it seems as though our lives are just part of some big soap opera. But other times, it just seems pretty perfect.Like today.

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