Page 99 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“Did they just boop noses?” Ryder asked.

“They did, Uncle Ry!” Ally cried.

“Booped noses? What are you, twelve?” Sawyer gave his brother a disgusted look.

“It’s how all the hip kids are talking these days,” Ryder said, making his niece and Vi giggle.

“They like each other,” Bart said. “Now that is a beautiful thing.”

“Zoe, you go on and walk Roman to the stable now,” Tripp said. “Well done.”

They all followed the animals inside. Potato was trotting beside Roman now.

“Well, as everything is sorted here, Bart and I will run back to town, as we have dance practice,” Tripp said. “We have a tournament in just two weeks.”

“I can give you a lift,” Sawyer said.

“We need to get a few more miles in today, but thank you for the offer,” Bart said.

“Thanks, Tripp, and thanks, Bart,” JD said, shaking their hands.

“Anytime, JD. And we’re real proud of what you’ve done in Lyntacky and are doing here. Keep up the good work,” Tripp said.

He stood with Sawyer and Ryder, watching their mayor and Bart jog away.

“I think he just gave you the keys to the town, bud. Nice work,” Ryder said.

“That man.” Sawyer shook his head. “I need to go too. You coming now, Ry?”

“Yeah. You staying or coming, Ally?”

“Staying with Aunt Zoe and JD.”

The brothers left after ensuring no one needed them. They slapped hands with him and said good job.

“Can I work with Vi for money, JD, until Aunty Zoe is ready to leave?”

He looked at the sweet-faced little Duke and thought that she clearly had a lot of her uncles in her too.

“So you won’t work out of the kindness of your heart?”

Her sigh was pure Sawyer. JD hid his smile.

“Dad said I have to work to pay for the new schoolbag thateveryonehas.” She put a lot of emphasis on the everyone. “So this is me working.”

“Well, good for you and him, because you know what happens when you get everything you want in life without working for it, don’t you?”

“I won’t be appreciative, and I’ll act all spoiled and stuff.” She sighed again. “But do you know what, JD?”

“What?”

“I wouldn’t mind trying that for a bit. Chores really su—stink.”

“I know, but here’s the thing, Ally. I was spoiled growing up, and you believe after a while that everyone should think you’re special.”

She studied him. “You’re not like that now.”

“Thanks. I grew up and learned to do stuff for myself.”

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