I nod, mystified by why a courier is showing up to our door on a Sunday. And who the hell ordered?—
“Hi there.” Uncle Tyrell rushes into the entryway, looking all anxious and excited as I sign for the package. “Thank you so much.”
He takes the small parcel off the guy, and as soon as I shut the door, I can’t help teasing him. “That must have cost you a freaking bomb to get here.”
“It’s worth it.” He grins at me.
“Uncle Ty, did you forget to buy your lady love a Valentine’s gift or something? You know you’re a day late.”
His eyes are sparkling as he wiggles his eyebrows at me. “This is a little something extra.”
Tucking it behind his back, he wanders to the living room, and I chase after him, desperate to know what it is.
I have to wait until after breakfast, which is all things painful, but traditions are traditions, right?
As the kids play with Aunt Blake and me standing watch in the rec room, the adults prepare a delicious Christmas breakfast.
We all squish around the massive dining table and eat croissants stuffed with ham and brie, plus gooey cinnamon rolls that Aunt Libby made. They are so freaking good, but Mom only lets us have one each. Spoilsport.
Once the dishes are done and everything’s cleaned up, we pile back into the living room so the adults can open their gifts, and then we can all suit up for the annual football game.
“Okay, kids. Let’s go.” Uncle Wily, now dressed in sweats and a T-shirt, wiggles his fingers, pointing at the tree, then excitedly at himself.
Logan laughs and reaches for the adult jar, pulling out the marbles one by one. The kids then get to present their selected adult with a present. Because the kids outnumber the olds, they usually go in pairs. Aunt Libby works it out every year, and I just go with the flow. Olly and I got Uncle Wily, and we bought him a Super Soaker because we’re going to the lake with them this summer and we want to make the most of our time there.
He’s stoked and wants to use it immediately, but Aunt Libby won’t let him.
I love how much he loves it. And I love the bear hug I get from him too. He really is the best.
Once all the gifts are handed out and Dad’s going around collecting wrapping paper off the floor, Uncle Tyrell stands up and clears his throat.
“I have a little extra gift, if that’s okay.”
Everyone stops to look at him while Kendall points at herself. “Is it for me?”
The adults all laugh and she frowns at them, obviously confused by why that’s even funny.
“Uh… no.” Uncle Tyrell scratches the back of his neck. “This one’s for Aunt Dani.”
Every head in the room swings her way, and she lets out a nervous laugh, handing Tucker to Mom as Uncle Ty drops to one knee in front her.
I gasp, along with Aunt Nylah.
“I know I asked you this yesterday and you’ve already said yes…” He pulls a small box out of his pocket.
“You what?” Uncle Wily booms. “You proposed and you didn’t tell us?”
“Wily, shhh.” Aunt Blake frowns at him, turning her attention back to Uncle Tyrell.
“And I know you said you didn’t want a ring. And baby, if you still want a tattoo more, then you go ahead and do that. But… I wanted you to have this too.”
Popping open the box, he reveals an old-looking diamond ring.
“This belonged to my grandmother, and… well, I got Mom to courier it to me as soon as I made the decision to ask you. I?—”
“It’s so beautiful,” Aunt Dani interrupts him, her eyes filling with tears as the little kids crowd around Uncle Ty so they can get a look.
“Pity!” Kendall points at it, then looks at her mom. “It’s a ring, Mommy!”
