Isaac Isaac was planning a weekend jaunt to New Mexico in mid-July, and Taylor and Zac begged to go with him until he gave in. “It’s not like we can do anything until you’re back anyway, Ike,” Zac pointed out. “Come on, just let us go with you.” Isaac sighed. “Fine,” he said. “I guess Clara’s going to be subjected to the Hanson family madness sooner or later. You guys will help ease her in.” Taryn was more than agreeable when Isaac called to ask if he might come out. “We don’t have any plans that I’m aware of,” she said. “Good,” Isaac said. “I’ll call and make hotel reservations right after I get off the phone with you.” Taryn paused. “Isaac, I have a guestroom and a foldout couch,” she said. “There’s really no reason for you to stay in a hotel.” “Are you sure that won’t be uncomfortable?” Isaac asked hesitantly. “I think we’re both mature enough to handle it,” Taryn said. Isaac let out a deep breath. “Okay,” he agreed. “If you’re sure you’re alright with it.” The Hanson brothers landed in New Mexico on a sultry Friday evening, and took a cab to Taryn’s place.
Iris swung the door open before they had even knocked on it. “Taylor! Zac!” she squealed. Iris hugged Taylor, then Zac. “Wow, Iris, have you grown,” Taylor exclaimed. “You guys too,” Iris said. “You’re giant!” Isaac chuckled. “Let’s not overdo it,” he said. Taryn appeared in the doorway, carrying Clara. Isaac sucked in his breath. She was wearing frayed cutoffs and a Rush concert t-shirt that looked like it had seen better days, but he still wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and tell her how much he’d missed her. “Hey, you guys,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting you for a little while. I’m a mess.” The activity in the foyer came to a grinding halt as Taylor and Zac stared at their brother’s daughter. They had seen pictures of her, but nothing could have quite prepared them for seeing their niece in the flesh. “Oh my God, Ike,” Taylor said quietly. “She looks just like Avie.” Isaac smiled. “I know.” Taylor approached Taryn slowly, followed closely by Zac. He touched Clara’s curls, and she grabbed his finger. “Can I hold her?” he asked hesitantly. Taryn smiled. “Of course.” Taylor took the baby from Taryn gingerly. He bounced her a little, and Zac stroked her hair and talked softly to her. “Hi, Clara,” Zac said. Clara gurgled. Taylor and Zac smiled at each other. “You think babies have a sixth sense about who their families are?” Taylor mused. Taryn looked thoughtful. “I never thought about it before, but maybe,” she said. Isaac stepped up to Taylor. “Okay, you’ve had her long enough,” he said, holding his arms out. “My turn.” Taryn put her arm around Iris’ shoulder and they watched as Isaac reconnected with Clara. “You just get bigger and bigger every time I see you,” Isaac cooed. “You guys want to put your stuff in the guest room?” Taryn asked Taylor and Zac. “Sure,” Zac said, picking up his bags. “Show us the way.” “I will,” Iris offered. When Iris had taken Taylor and Zac to their room, Taryn headed back for the kitchen. “I was just cleaning up from dinner,” she said. “Care to keep me company?” Isaac followed Taryn into the kitchen, where he sat down at the table. He put Clara on the tile floor at his feet and gave her a couple of blocks that were sitting on the table. “It’s good to see Taylor and Zac again,” Taryn remarked. “Iris really missed them.” Isaac smiled. “They missed her, too.” “It’s good that Clara’s meeting your family,” Taryn said, brushing her auburn hair from her eyes as she wiped the kitchen counters. “Speaking of which, I never asked you how your parents are taking this.” Isaac shook a rattle at Clara, who grabbed the toy. “They were a little freaked out at first, obviously,” Isaac said. “But they’re dealing. I think they’re just about ready for me to bring her to Tulsa for a little while.” Isaac hesitated for a moment. “But I’d like you to come with her the first couple of times,” he said. “Just to make the transition easier for her when she goes without you.” Taryn raised her eyebrows. “You think that’s a good idea?” she asked. “I just want to do what’s best for Clara,” Isaac said. “I know my parents may be weirded out, but she has to be everyone’s first priority.” Taryn nodded. “It’s something we can talk about,” she said. “You want a drink?” “Sure,” Isaac said. “What have you got?” Taryn grinned. “What was your drink of choice? Oh yes, rum and coke. Or champagne,” she teased. Isaac had gotten a little tipsy exactly twice in his life: once at Taryn’s Christmas party in 1998, and once at Cam’s bachelor party. Taryn had been witness to both occasions. Isaac blushed. “You have a mind like a steel trap,” he said. “Actually, a rum and coke may not be too bad. I feel a little edgy.” Taryn smiled. “Rum and coke it is,” she said. “And I believe I’ll join you.” Iris, Taylor and Zac came trudging into the kitchen as Taryn began mixing drinks. Zac and Iris were wearing baseball gloves, and Taylor was carrying a softball and an aluminum bat. “We’re going out in the backyard to play some ball,” Iris announced. “Can we put Clara in her stroller and take her out with us?” Taryn cocked her head. “I guess so,” she said. “Guys, don’t feel like you have to entertain Iris all weekend,” she said. “You’re on vacation.” “No, it’s okay,” Taylor insisted. “She said she needs some help fielding grounders. I’ll hit her a few balls. It’s no big deal.” Zac smiled. “Besides, we never just have time to go out in the backyard and play,” he said. “It’ll be fun.” Zac picked Clara up off the floor. “Say goodbye to Daddy,” he said, leaning down so Isaac could kiss Clara. “Bye bye, baby brown eyes,” Isaac said. “You keep these guys in line.” As the group left for the backyard, Isaac propped his head in his hands on the table. “Almost like old times,” he said wistfully. Taryn handed Isaac his drink. She sat across from him and looked at him sadly. “With a few major differences,” she said. Isaac took a tentative sip of his drink. “Yeah,” he said. “But we have Clara. The differences aren’t all bad.” Taryn smiled. “Sweet, sweet Isaac,” she said. “Always looking for the bright side.”
returned to Tulsa a few days after the court date, and he and his brothers resumed work on material for their next album. He called Taryn and Iris every other day or so, just to make sure everyone was okay. He missed Clara, but he knew he’d see her whenever time permitted.
