17.

"Just walk in, Hayes. He won't hurt you." Though, knocking would probably help.

Hayes stood in front of Dakota's slightly ajar door, trying to find the courage to go in. She hadn't seen him since the horrendous family meeting last night and she couldn't get rid of the nagging thought that he was mad at her. And Glen. But more importantly, her.

Furious was more like it.

She had been standing there for 2 minutes now, making no progress because her little self pep-talk was not working. She was on the clock, and could feel time slipping away. They were leaving for school any moment now. But Hayes couldn't go any longer without talking to him.

Hayes being Hayes, her mind automatically jumped from 'being angry' to 'never speaking to her again', and she wanted to cry at the thought of losing her brother.

Yes, she also still had no control over the rapid cycling of emotions she felt. It was exhausting.

"One knock, that's all," Hayes clenched her fists, "You can do it."

"Who are you talking to?" Hayes' eyes darted up from her feet to the doorway where Dakota was standing, a smirk on his face.

"Dakota," she breathed out. Her feet moved on their own accord, stepping forward the two steps. He stood still as she wrapped her arms around him forcing a hug. Hug me back, please.

"What's wrong?" His eyebrows rose in slight surprise, arms frozen by his side. It was not an every day occurrence for Hayes to randomly hug him. Their other brothers, sure. Hugging Austin was probably her favorite thing in the world. But hugging him, that was out of character. He wasn't exactly screaming 'friendly!' But no brother would be crazy enough to ever turn down a hug from their little Sunshine. His little Sunshine.

Realizing she wasn't going to let go, he returned her hug just as tight. "You gonna say anything?"

"No." her voice was muffled by his shirt. Hayes was too afraid to look up at him. She kept thinking of the new wall décor of the family room courtesy of his knuckles. Speaking of, Hayes briefly looked at his knuckles to see if they were busted. To her relief, only minor abrasions.

"I think you just did," he pointed out sarcastically.

"No, I didn't." she denied.

"Yes, you did." He emphasized each word with a poke to her side. Hayes giggled, squirming around to avoid his fingers but she was trapped in his arms. As per usual, her plan backfired, but at least he was talking to her and didn't just punch her in the face.

"I'm sorry," Hayes blurted out making Dakota's hands freeze their attack.

"What?" he questioned. Hayes kept her head tucked against his chest, avoiding his eyes. He didn't have time for this shyness so Dakota clutched her shoulders and forcefully pushed her back. His hand found her chin, tilting it up to make eye contact.

Hayes blinked at him, tears glistening in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. Dakota stared at her, not giving any thoughts away. Austin had given the brothers a heads-up that the kids were on an 'apology roll' last night, but he didn't understand why either of them would be apologizing to him. If anything, the roles should be reversed.

He knew he was out of line last night, even without Colton's lecture to him in the garage. He couldn't wait for the drive to work to hear Austin's lecture. Yelling at them like that, being the cause of the fear in her eyes, made him want to die. He never wanted Hayes nor Glen to feel hurt ever again.

Hayes' petite fingers grasped his right hand, bringing it closer to her face so she could examine the damage he'd done. The reminder that he lost his cool last night.

"Don't be mad at me." The first tear slipped which Hayes wiped away with the back of her hand. When he still didn't say anything, more tears fell as her heart began to break into tiny pieces.

"Sissy, time to go," Francis informed her as he hurried out of his room. His shoes were in one hand as he sloppily shoved his shirt into his pants. Someone was running a little late this morning due to having to finish his homework while eating breakfast.

"Okay," Hayes mumbled, staring a hole at Dakota's hand. Taking a deep breath in, Hayes straightened her shoulders. She couldn't force him to forgive her.

She'd just have to work a little bit harder at it.

Dropping her hands, she nodded once before spinning on her feet. As she walked away, she rubbed at her eyes, cursing under her breath for showing such weakness.

Glen was right, one of their brothers did hate them.

"Hold up," Hayes met Austin's outstretched arm at the bottom of the stairs. In his other hand was her backpack, with her lunch bag and phone safely packed away, and her basketball bag set for another afternoon practice. "Look at me." he commanded.

Hayes grimaced, knowing nothing got by Austin. His hand gently lifted her chin so she'd look at him. Austin softly brushed his thumb over her cheek, seeing the tale-tell sign of glistening red rimmed eyes indicating she was just crying.

Dakota.

The kids had 'kissed and made up' with everyone but him.

Austin debated on whether to ask her about it before deciding against it. He'd address it later when they weren't halfway out the door for school. Instead, something else caught his eye.

A smile lifted his lips as he moved his hand to the top of head. He ran his hand over her messy hair, smoothing down the fly-aways and bumps, and down her classic ponytail. "Did you brush your hair?" He questioned, his hand returning back to her chin.

"Absolutely," Not. Hayes made sure to cross her fingers behind her back.

A quick tug of her pony tail alerted her that one of her brothers stood behind her. She hadn't even heard them approach. From a quick process of elimination, she narrowed it down to either Dakota or Emerson, as they were the only two left upstairs.

Whoever it was, gently took her hand that was hidden behind her back, clasping it in their grip. Their other hand looped around the front of her shoulders pulling her back against their chest in a hug.

Austin chuckled as he watched his sister's eyes look like a deer-in-head-lights, before his eyes glanced up to meet Dakota's who stood behind her. Austin knew she just fibbed to him, not even needing Dakota's brief shake of the head for confirmation.

He didn't know what she had against hair brushes, but it was something the two of them could fix together. Now though, it was time for Dakota to fix their sibling relationship.

When Dakota started making circular motions of his thumb on the back of her hand, she knew for sure who it was. He bent down to whisper in her ear, "I could never be mad at you, Sunshine."

Hayes turned her head to look at him, "But last night,"

"I was mad, yes. But not at you. Fuck, I never want you to be scared of me."

Hayes laced her fingers with his finding it funny how his hand completely covered hers, "I'm sorry," she apologized once more.

"For fuck's sake, stop saying that," Dakota groaned earning a glare from Austin. Right, Dakota rolled his eyes, no swearing in front of the babies.

Laughter from outside as Glen and Francis fought over the front seat was heard, reminding Austin that one little girl had to go to school.

"Come take your bag, Sunshine," Austin held it up for her. "Your brothers are patiently waiting for you in the car."

"Okay," Hayes obediently replied, though she still didn't want to go. Yes, Dakota finally talked to her and he said he wasn't mad, but she didn't feel any better about it.

As if reading her mind, Dakota turned her around so she was now facing him. Her doubt was visible on her face. "Hey, none of that frowny shit. I'll see you tonight to make it up to you, alright? I'll even buy you an ice cream cake."

"Promise?"

"No, he does not." Austin denied, "There's enough ice cream sitting in the freezer to last a week."

Before Hayes could protest about that, since there was definitely only enough to last three days max, Dakota hugged her. "I promise." He whispered so Austin couldn't hear. He'd do anything to see a smile on her face.

Dakota was rewarded with a grin from Hayes as she slipped her backpack on her shoulders. "Love you, Sunshine." Austin kissed her head, "Have a great day at school and have fun at practice. Can't wait to hear all about it."

"Love you," Hayes replied with an full-blown smile now on her face. "Bye Dakota," Love you, Dakota.

Dakota winked at her, making her blush. She waved goodbye before heading out the front door, her brothers a step behind her to walk her out. They watched her walk to the car where Francis was waiting by the open back seat with a scowl on his face. Glen won the battle round of the front seat.

"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,

It's not warm when she's away,

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,

And she's always gone too long,

anytime she's goes away."

Hayes rolled her eyes, laughing at her brothers' silliness and their blessed singing genes. "See you later!" she called, walking backwards the last few steps to the car. They watched as she playfully jabbed Francis in the stomach over something he said to her before waving to them one more time.

"She'll be back for dinner," Austin spoke.

"I know." Dakota responded, crossing his arms.

"She loves you."

"I know," Dakota repeated, quieter this time.

"Alright, well I'm going to go jump in the shower. We'll leave in 20." Colton's car could no longer be seen from where they were standing so Austin squeezed Dakota's shoulder before heading back inside.

"Austin," Dakota called him back.

"Yeah?" Austin paused in the foyer, one foot on the first step.

"Thanks." Dakota said.

When he didn't elaborate anymore, Austin nodded. "Love you too, Kota."

————

Hands on her hips, Hayes panted as she recovered from her turn. She won, barely beating Keegan by 3 shots but a win was a win.

He shouldn't be too upset, shooting 3 pointers was what she did all summer long. It was pure muscle memory at this point. Her and Glen had to occupy themselves somehow for 3 months. The smile on her face probably didn't help when she provided some consolation for him.

Standing at half court, Colton was wearing a proud smirk of his own. His siblings were seriously kicking his team's butt. He was happy to see a little less hesitation by the boys during the scrimmage today, which meant Hayes hit the ground a couple times but she bounced right up afterwards. Nothing could keep her down.

Practice was over, but some of the guys decided to have a 3 point challenge. It was a common occurrence for players to stay after for some competition or another. Usually Colton participated, enjoying beating his players but this time he was happy to pass the torch to his siblings.

Hayes and Glen were just a constant surprise for him.

"Last round!" Colton called out. "Mike, you're up first, man."

"Watch and learn, little girl," Mike, the senior guard, teased her as he jogged over to the baseline. The challenge was simple, make as many 3's as they could with 5 attempts at each of the 5 spots around the court.

Hayes laughed, "Good luck!"

Mike got into position. "Ready, set, go." Colton blew his whistle.

The team ragged and cheered him on simultaneously with "Let's go, Mikey!"

"That's the best you got?"

"You really going to lose to a girl? No offense, Hayes." Hayes just laughed it off. She didn't care who won, she was just happy to be there.

Mike hit 24 out of 25 shots. Almost perfect. As it should be considering he was the starting guard on a top-ranked team. If he didn't do well, it wouldn't bode well for him with Coach Powers watching.

Hayes high-fived him when he finished before getting set up for her turn.

"You got this, Hayes," Glen put the last basketball on the rack. "Kick his ass."

They grinned at each other, before Glen reached over and punched her left arm. She scowled at him, rubbing the tender spot. Why did he always have to ruin the moment? Thank God she was a righty. She wiggled her arms by her side, jumping a little to loosen up.

"Ready, Hayes?" She nodded. "Set, go." At the sound of the whistle, Hayes began.

It was rhythmic, from picking up the basketball, step, shoot. Muscle memory. The feel of the leather was natural for her, the weight of the ball just right. She was right at home with a basketball in her hands.

Hayes made the first five buckets, no problem. Moving on, she reached the second spot.

"Atta girl, Hayes!" Colton cheered her on, clapping his hands. Footsteps from behind made him briefly glance over his shoulder at the newcomer. "Coach Gordon, how are you?" Colton shook hands with the middle-aged man, who just happened to be the girl's varsity head coach.

"Hey Colton," Coach Gordon greeted, coming to a stop next to him. "I heard a rumor that there were new superstar Powers siblings in town and had to come see for myself."

"You heard correctly," Colton laughed, keeping his eyes on Hayes. She had easily conquered the third spot at the top of the key and moved onto the fourth spot, having missed one shot thus far.

"She's good." Coach Gordon commented casually. He tried not to sound to eager, but the girl was extremely good, exactly the player that his team was lacking.

"Yeah," Colton agreed, "Finish strong, Hayes!' he shouted.

Five shots left, and if she made them all, then they would end in a tie. She had everyone's attention, the boys rooting her on. Even Mike was a good sport, his voice almost as loud as Glen's.

"Is she interested in playing on a team?"

"Aw fuck," Colton muttered as Hayes missed a basket before making her last shot. Colton turned to him. He knew the answer was a big, fat negative every time he brought it up to her. Colton shrugged, what harm would it cause if someone else asked her. "You'll have to ask her, Coach. Come on, I'll introduce you."

The grin remained on Hayes' face as she slapped hands and fist bumps with the boys. "Better luck next time," Mike joked.

"Watch out Mikey, she's coming for blood." Colton interrupted their huddle.

"It's always the quiet ones, Coach," Abe jostled Hayes' shoulders, teasing her about her lack of lunchtime conversation. His twin, Johnna, had talked enough for the both of them that Hayes barely said a word. But she was perfectly fine with that, preferring to listen than talk.

The whole shine like the Sunshine you are, was still a work in progress. If only Stephen could see her on the basketball court.

Hayes simply shoved her elbow backwards, which made Abe let go of him as he jumped back out of harms way.

"Alright, alright. Get out of here, everyone. Go home, eat dinner, tell your parents you love them, and get your homework done." Colton ordered, shooing them to go grab their things. "I'll see you all tomorrow for practice."

"Yes, Coach," Nodding, the boys disbanded saying goodbye to their teammates.

"Hayes, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Colton called his sister back before she could walk away.

"Okay," Hayes mumbled, walking back to him. Her shyness instantly returned, a huge contrast from what the two coaches just watched.

Colton shot Hayes a grin and squeezed her shoulder. "Good job, kiddo." He complimented her, before pulling her closer to his side. "Hayes, this is Coach Gordon. Coach, this is my little sister, Hayes. He's the coach for the girl's team." Colton explained to her.

"Hi," Hayes said, shaking his outstretched hand.

"Nice to meet you, Hayes." Coach Gordon smiled at her, "Now, Colton here says, and I agree, that you're a fantastic player. A true triple threat." Hayes gave Colton a side-eyed glanced which Colton winked in response. "Would you be interested in playing for my team? We have a spot open that is all yours."

Hayes immediately opened her mouth to decline it but Coach Gordon held up his hand, cutting her off. "At least think about it. Take a couple days, let me know on Monday. If you don't want to play, even practicing with our team would be a great help."

"Sure," Hayes said instead, to Colton's and Coach Gordon's satisfaction.

"Sleep on it, think about, that's all I'll ask."

Hayes nodded, "Yes, sir."

Coach Gordon wished them a good day and then he was off, heading home to his own family where dinner was awaiting him.

"Hayes," Colton began.

"No." Hayes cut him off. She was annoyed with him. He knew she didn't want anything to do with playing on the team, perfectly happy with her participation on his team.

"Sissy, I heard you beat Mike's ass," Francis looped his hands around her waist, spinning them in a circle. He unintentionally provided the interference Hayes needed to get out of the conversation with Colton.

"I lost," Hayes laughed as she corrected him, grabbing his arms to secure herself.

"That's not what Glen said, oh," Francis grimaced at Glen's glare. Francis stopped moving, putting Hayes back on the ground and raised his arms. "Sorry baby bro."

Hayes glared at Glen as well. Dumb brother, she should have expected he would have caught her.

"What's with the faces," Colton asked, glancing between his three siblings. "Hayes? Glen?"

"Nothing," Glen said with a sheepish grin. Hayes' glare did not falter from his face.

"Sure, Smiley, sure," Colton chuckled, nudging Glen to get moving. They walked over to the bleachers to collect their respective bags. With three siblings in on a secret, he bet it'd come to light sooner than later.

"I'm hungry, can we go now?" Francis asked, hungry and tired from his baseball practice.

"Yeah, let's go home, guys," Colton replied.

————

"Austin," Hayes grinned hugging him from behind. She went to greet her eldest brother right away while Francis and Glen took their showers. Colton, being the mature sibling that he was, relented and told Glen he could go before him using the upstairs hallway bathroom. "Oooh meatballs," Hayes sneakily snuck her hand towards the bowl while Austin's back was turned.

She wasn't fast enough as Austin smacked her hand away before she could grab any. "Nice try, Sunshine." He turned off the sink after filling the pot with water and turned around to give Hayes a proper hug. Even though it was Tuesday, they were having a do-over of pasta and meatballs since Monday's attempt went sideways.

"Ew, you stink." Austin said in pretend disgust, but he wasn't wrong. He just happened to be immune from smelly siblings after years of many sports practices and games.

"Who stinks?" Dakota entered the kitchen providing the much needed distraction.

"Sunshine," Austin glanced up at Dakota, taking his eyes of Hayes for only a second. It was a second too long as she took the opportunity to strike again.

"Yum! Tastes good," Hayes munched happily on the meatball she snagged. She didn't realize how hungry she was until then and now she wanted more.

"Hayes!" Austin gasped in mock disbelief when Hayes stuck her hand back towards the bowl. He pulled her back so she stood a step in front of him now. "Bad." He flicked her forehead, causing her to giggle.

"Sorry," She smiled innocently at him, stepping forward to hug him again. "I missed you," she mumbled, rubbing her sore forehead against his chest.

"God, Hayes, you do reek." Dakota said, as he slipped past them to the counter. "Try some deodorant next time, yeah?"

"Shut up, you're mean," she whined, her eyes brightening when Dakota handed her another meatball, shoving one into his own mouth. Okay, she forgave him.

"Guys, seriously? We're having dinner in 20 minutes. Don't snack on the food." Austin reached back to grab the bowl out of Dakota's grip. Dakota rolled his eyes but backed off, taking a seat at the breakfast nook.

"But I'm hungry now." Hayes whined, rubbing her stomach for emphasis.

"Drink some water then."

"No."

"No?" Austin's eyebrows rose at her sudden defiance.

"I'm hungry, not thirsty." She scowled, lowering her gaze as she crossed her arms. She wasn't that brave to stare him in the eye.

Austin chuckled at her cute scowl and put the bowl down on his other side, away from sneaky hands. "Come here," he pulled her closer to him for another hug "I missed you too, smelly girl."

"Did you miss me, Austin?" Dakota asked. Hayes peeked a look to see him with a straight face.

"Did you miss me more than him, Austin?" Emerson popped his head in the kitchen as he heard voices and couldn't help but be nosy. Like brother, like sister.

Austin rolled his eyes but the smile on his face gave away his true feelings. "I miss all my siblings, all the time, especially when they help set the table for dinner."

"Yeah, especially when they set the table," Hayes stuck her tongue out at her brothers.

"That doesn't even make sense," Dakota commented, "and that includes you too, smart ass."

"I'm busy," Hayes retorted.

"Doing what?"

"Hugging Austin," she responded, snuggling closer to her eldest brother.

"Nu uh," She could sense Emerson approaching her so she tightened her hold on Austin. "Good God, you need a shower," he teased, grabbing her shoulders.

"Leave me alone," She squealed, refusing to give up.

"Come on," Emerson went for plan B and started poking her sides, "Come on, Sunshine." Poke, poke, poke. "We're all in this together."

Finally Hayes couldn't hold it together anymore and started laughing, her grip loosening as she did so. "Fine, fine," she conceded, letting Emerson drag her away.

Austin chuckled at their playfulness, "Thanks kids. And set it for 7, please."

————

Dinner was going swimmingly well, until someone, Austin, decided to ask how practice went for everyone. Hayes stabbed her pasta with the fork, imagining it was her brothers' faces if one of them snitched on her.

"Coach had me throwing today," Francis piped up first, before shoving more pasta in his mouth.

"Again?" Austin asked, "did he say why?"

"Wants me to be a two-way player or some bullshit before college," Francis rolled his eyes with a loud groan, "I already signed so I don't know why. My fingers hurt."

"Pussy." Dakota snorted, holding his glass to his mouth.

"Dakota, don't speak that way in front of your sister." Austin rebuked.

"Soccer's for pussys," Francis retorted, reaching across the table to high-five Emerson.

"Francis, what the hell?" Austin scolded, putting his fork down.

Hayes immediately slouched down in her chair, expecting a fight to break out. She'd be right in the middle of it, literally, as she sat between Dakota and Francis.

"Fucktard," Dakota grumbled.

"Asswipe."

"You're both doing dishes tonight." Austin ordered, fed up with the both of them.

"Fuck no, I set the table!" Hayes could feel Dakota's anger radiating off of him.

"Can I switch seats?" She asked, pleading to Austin.

Before Austin could respond, Dakota took a deep breath, closing his eyes to regain his calmness. His hand reached out to clasp her clenched fist that was resting on her leg, lacing his fingers between hers.

"Sorry, Sunshine," Dakota whispered, kissing the side of her head quickly.

"Dish duty." Austin picked up his fork again and pointed at both brothers. Francis nodded, focusing back down at his plate. Austin's glare still had the power to make him want to piss himself.

"Now that that happened," Colton said, changing topics, "basketball practice went well. I think Hayes has some news she'd like to share."

"No, I don't," she objected. Shut up, Colton. She still hadn't talked to him since the whole coach introduction. Why couldn't she just be left out of the dinner talk?

"What news would that be?" Austin asked, looking between Colton and Hayes.

"Nothing," Hayes mumbled, finding her pasta fascinating all of a sudden. She wished she had more meatballs.

"Doesn't sound like nothing," Emerson said. It was like he was begging to get in trouble as Hayes sent a scowl his way. The way his eyes twinkled, let Hayes know he was just messing around but still. Mess around with someone else, she thought bitterly.

"Two things, actually," Colton corrected with a smirk.

"Sunshine?" Austin called her name, "how was practice?"

"Fine."

"Hayes was personally asked by Coach Gordon to join his team." Colton bragged, proud of his little sister. He knew he'd continue to be on her hate list for a hot moment but he wanted Hayes to really think about it. Plus having Austin encourage her would help as well. His opinion was held in the highest regard in her mind.

"The girl's variety Coach?" Austin clarified making Colton nodded. "Sunshine, that's awesome!"

"I'm not doing it." Hayes dropped her fork. "May I be excused?"

"No, you may not. We're not done catching up and you need to eat some more pasta." Austin gave her a stern look, suggesting she drop the attitude. He was curious of what she was hiding. Always a puzzle of what goes on in her mind.

"Personally, I think she should be excused. Someone needs a shower." Francis joked, raising his hand like a student. He was trying to lighten the mood.

"I second! Sunshine is really smelly." Emerson agreed with Francis.

"Aye, stop picking on our sister, you bullies," Colton stood up for her. Hayes thought he was being hypocritical, as he was the one who was just pushing her to talk.

"So, what's this other thing?" Dakota asked curiously, squeezing her hand that he was still holding. "Smiley, what's the deets?" He figured if anyone knew, it would be him. The two kid siblings had no secrets between them.

"You okay, Glen?" Concern was heard in Austin's voice. The youngest brother had been awfully quiet during the dinner. He had his head propped up in one hand the whole time with minimal conversation input.

"Just a headache," Glen replied, sitting up normally now that the attention was on him. "Hayes almost beat Colton's star player in a shoot out." He spilled.

Hayes glanced up, connecting with Glen's eyes. He winked at her, letting her know that her secret was still safe with him.

"Good job!" Austin praised her. She had to admit, between Austin's compliment and Colton's proud smile no matter how annoying he was being right now, Hayes felt like she was on top of the world.

But of course, there was one more person in on the little secret.

"Sunshine threw the competition," Francis blurted out, "sorry Sissy." He held his hands up in surrender. He just didn't want his sister to hide her talents.

"Francis!" The youngest kids exclaimed.

"What?" Colton was surprised at this.

"Her elbow was out. She purposely missed the shot so Mike would win." Glen said quietly. "Ow! Fran already told them." Hayes had kicked him under the table. Serves him right, considering it was his big mouth that told Francis to begin with.

"Hayes, is this true?" Colton asked, mentally kicking himself. How did he not see this?

Hayes' nod was so subtle that Colton wasn't even sure he saw it.

"Baby, why would you do that?" Austin asked softly.

She shrugged before muttering, "I don't want them to hate me." Hayes stabbed another piece of pasta with her fork before laying the fork down for the second time. "May I be excused now?" She asked quietly. She had eaten several more bites so Austin couldn't deny her now.

"Sure Sunshine. Go take a shower alright? Then get your homework done." He granted her freedom.

"Okay," Hayes said, standing up. She picked up her plate, delivering it to the kitchen sink before scurrying past them and up the stairs.

It was close to 9pm by the time Hayes was showered and her homework was completed. Although she would have preferred to do her homework at the kitchen table, she hid in her room for the night so she didn't have to face her brothers' disappointed faces.

Why did Francis have to throw her under the bus like that? Just wait brother, payback would come soon enough.

Closing her notebook, Hayes stretched her arms before standing. She breezed through her homework having already learned the information at her old school and decided it was time for a reward. Ice cream!

Now all she had to do was find Emerson. It was his birthday cake after all. Hayes frowned, it was also his last night here before he returned back to school.

On the hunt for her brother, Hayes left her room and tried Glen's and Francis' room first. No such luck, but she was worried at the sight of Glen already asleep for the night. His headache must have been worse than he let on.

Chewing on her lip as she pondered this discovery, she softly closed the door behind her and moved to the next bedroom.

Not bothering to knock, she pushed open Dakota's and technically Emerson's door. Bingo!

"Do you have to go?" Hayes whined, flopping dramatically onto Emerson's stomach. He had been chilling on his bed reading a book before she disturbed him.

"You don't want me to go?" Emerson's eyebrows rose at his sister's vulnerability. Granted, she meant the world to him, he just didn't realize he meant that much to her. Emerson closed his book, putting it on the side table before laying his hands on her back. His fingers played with her hair that was surprisingly not in a ponytail as it was air-drying from being washed. "It didn't seem that way at dinner," he tugged on one of her strands of hair.

When she said nothing, Emerson continued running his fingers through her hair. If he wasn't careful, Hayes was going to fall asleep on him. "I have to go back, Sunshine. I have school and practice just like you do," he added.

"I'm scared you won't come back," Hayes admitted quietly. She and Glen just got their family back and now he was leaving them. She knew it wasn't fair for her to expect him to stay when he had his own life to live. But she just wanted to be with all her brothers. Hayes frowned, was that selfish of her?

"Sunshine, no one could ever keep me away from you guys." Emerson scoffed. "And we can talk everyday. Text me whenever you want, or call me. You know I talk to Austin every night. And Fran doesn't leave me alone for a second whining about everything."

"It's not the same," she grumbled, fighting against her instinct to giggle at Francis' behavior. He was such a child. Austin had said a very similar thing about Francis' texting antics.

Emerson chuckled, "I know it's not but it's something. And I'll be back before you know it. You're going to be so busy you won't have time to miss me."

Hayes sniffled. Dang it, she told herself no crying!

"Thanks for spending my birthday with me," Emerson said, "I don't think I've said this to you yet but this was the best birthday ever."

Speaking of, Hayes remembered why she came to find him in the first place. She rubbed her nose on his shirt before lifting herself up to sit on the bed instead. "Wanna have some ice cream cake with me?" She asked, twiddling with his T-shirt.

"Sure!" Emerson replied, smiling at his sister. He waited for her to get off the bed before standing up himself, and headed out of the room together.

Say it. Don't say it. Say it. Don't...

Be brave, Hayes.

"Hey Emerson," Hayes said, bumping her arm against his side as they walked to the stairs.

"Shoot."

"Thanks for being my brother." Say it. "I love you."

Emerson took a mental recording, wanting to remember her saying that forever. "I love you too, Sunshine."

Hayes shared a grin with him before walking down the stairs ahead of him.

"I think we should ask Dakota if he wants some cake, too," Emerson casually tossed the idea out. Hayes stopped walking and faced Emerson. Her jaw dropped as she remembered what Dakota had promised her that morning.

"He didn't," Hayes gasped.

Emerson winked at her. "He's in the family room."

"Dakota!" Hayes shouted, taking off to find him.

"Hayes, no running!" Nothing ever got by Austin.