Julien was released the following day and Regina had arranged a car service to take them to the Gage house. Sydney wasn't all that please that Regina was coming with Julien but it was important to Gage that he have his brother here so she promised herself she would try. Gage made sure the downstairs guest room was made up for his brother before they arrived. It made more sense to put Julien downstairs with his rib injuries.

"Daddy! They're here!" Andie shouted.

"Andrea, no shouting please," Sydney scolded.

"Sorry Mama."

"Please go make sure all your toys are picked up on the porch."

"Yes Mama." The almost 7 year old scampered off to the front porch. Sydney chuckled and went into the living room and found Chris on the floor, playing with his toy horses.

"What are you doing Chris?" Sydney asked.

"Just playing Mama. Is Uncle Julien home yet?"

"They just got here."

"Who's the woman with him?"

"That's his wife Regina."

"Like Aunt Alex is Uncle Walker's wife?"

"Yeah, kind of."

"So does that mean she's my aunt?"

"I guess so."

"Oh," Chris was quiet again. As much as that boy looked like his father, he had his mother's good sense to quietly ponder things instead of just running off with his mouth.

"What's wrong Chris?"

"The last time Uncle Julien stayed here, he was by hisself."

"I know honey but Uncle Julien is hurt this time. Regina wanted to come be with him."

"Okay, I guess that's okay," Chris said, gathering his toys and heading for the stairs. As he reached the bottom step, Gage opened the front door and helped Julien into the house. He got him settled on the couch and Regina stood awkwardly in the doorway. Chris eyed her.

"You're Aunt Regina?" he asked.

"Just Regina is fine. I don't do that Aunt stuff."

"Gina," Julien said, eyeing her. She had promised to make an effort with his family.

"Actually you can just call me Gina. Everyone else does," she told the little boy.

"Okay Gina," Chris said and went upstairs. Sydney wanted to laugh. That was her son.

"Julien are you hungry?" Gage asked. "Alex sent over her Cowboy Casserole that you like and Erika brought those lemon squares you loved at the BBQ last month."

"Plus I made the Paella you love," Sydney added.

"Wow, y'all don't want me going hungry huh?" Julien asked.

"Of course not," Sydney said as she smiled at him. Regina couldn't help but notice the smile.

"Jay, perhaps you shouldn't be eating anything so heavy. How about a salad?" Regina suggested.

"Oh the Paella isn't a heavy dish. You'll love Syd's Paella once you try it Gina," Julien said.

"I'm not into all those carbs but thanks for the offer," Regina said to Sydney with some sarcasm in her tone. Sydney noticed it too but kept the smile on her face for Gage and Julien.

"No worries. There's plenty of stuff for salad in the fridge. Walker brought us some things from his garden. I can show you if you'd like?"

"Sure." The ladies headed to the kitchen and Gage looked at Julien.

"Should we be worried?"

"Nah, maybe they just need to have it out in order to get past it," Julien said.

"You could be right."

"Of course little brother."

In the kitchen, Sydney got the salad stuff out of the fridge and set it on the counter. Regina just watched her as she finished and turned around. The two women just stared at each other. Finally Sydney spoke.

"You gonna make your salad since you're "not into carbs"?"

"A polite host would make it for me."

"Nobody said I was hosting you. We offered our home to Julien."

"And as his wife, I am an extension of him."

"That's not quite how it works."

"Of course it is. Now be a dear and make the salad."

Sydney's blood boiled. "Sure if I can use your head for a salad spinner."

"There's no need to be such a nasty bitch."

"So you're looking in a mirror then?"

"Excuse me" Regina asked.

"Did I stutter?" Sydney shot back.

"You really are a bitch aren't you?" Regina commented.

"Look, I don't like you and you obviously have never liked anyone in your lifetime. I have only agreed to put up with you for Julien's sake. I have no idea what he could ever possibly see in you but there must be something in there."

"And you just want Julien for yourself."

Sydney scoffed as she held up her left hand. "Do you not see the ring? I have a husband, one that I love more than life itself. Gage is the best thing that ever happened to me, next to my children and I'll be damned if you think you're gonna slander the love I have for that man."

"Clearly Julien is better than Francis."

"I'm the only one allowed to call him Francis besides his sister."

"Doubt it."

"If my kids weren't upstairs and my husband in the living room, I would kick your ass to kingdom come."

"You talk big for a little girl."

"Fine. Tomorrow, meet me at the ranger gym and I'll kick your ass all over the mats. Then you'll shut your cakehole and be done with it."

"And when I win?"

"Not gonna happen, but what do you want?"

"Convince Julien to leave the Rangers and return to Oklahoma."

"Why do you want to take him away from Gage?"

"He never should've looked for Gage, it has only brought misery to our family."

"Fine, if that's what you want, deal. You won't win though."

"Honey please, I've easily got a couple inches on you and I've been doing yogalates for years. These are thighs of steel."

"Again, highly doubtful. But hey its your funeral then. Tomorrow at noon."

"Done."