It’s a Miller family tradition that when it’s someone’s birthday, they get to pick the meal we share. Plus, she makes their choice of birthday cake. Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve loved her yellow cake with fudge frosting. She made it for Tyson’s birthday when I was in first grade, and that’s what I’ve picked ever since.
I step back and let her do her thing, cutting slices of both cakes, while Tyson scoops ice cream. Charli and I get to go first, since it’s our birthday celebration, and once I have my dessert, I head to the living room to find a seat. The Reds are playing, and even though I’m a Cleveland fan, I can appreciate the game.
Plus, I get to poke the bear where Charli’s concerned, because her beloved Reds are down by two at the bottom of the fifth.
When she enters the room, her eyes land on me for a brief second before bouncing to the television. She tsks when she sees the score, but quickly states, “Still lots of time.”
“Yep,” I reply, shoveling a big bite of mouthwatering cake into my mouth. “Of course, it’s the Reds, and they suck, so you’ll just have to settle for another L.”
“My Reds beat the Guardians last fall,” she reminds.
“Two of three in the series, but don’t forget about the early summer outing. I believe Cleveland got out the brooms,” I say proudly, referring to the fact we swept Cincinnati, winning all three games.
She rolls her eyes and takes a seat on the couch, almost as far away from me as she can possibly get without leaving the room.
“Oh, look! The Reds are losing,” Camden says as he enters the room and drops beside me on the love seat.
The room begins to fill, with Sommer, Collin, and Lizzie taking the floor, Cade and Oaklee sharing the couch with Charli, and Tyson sitting in his recliner. When Linda joins us after putting the ice cream away, she takes a seat on her husband’s knee, something we’ve all seen them do a thousand times over the years.
This time, I don’t try to hide my slight grin, and when my eyes land on Charli’s, I don’t miss the way she’s smiling subtly too.
By the time dessert is finished, we’re all ready to head out to The Lizard. Jani is working the bar, and Lizzie will join her soon. It won’t start getting busier for a little bit yet, but by the time nine o’clock hits, The Tipsy Lizard will be filling up.
“Who’s driving tonight?” Tyson asks as we all head for the door.
“I am,” Collin announces. “I’m not working, so I’ll run the kids home at the end of the night. Then I’ll go back to the bar to help Lizzie close down.”
“You don’t need to come back,” Lizzie replies. “I can just meet you back at your place. You have to get up so early to go to work.”
“Absolutely not,” Collin insists. “I’ll be there to assist where needed and escort you home at the end of the night.”
Lizzie beams at him before leaning in and placing a chaste kiss on his lips. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
“Thank you for dinner and the cake,” I tell Linda as we all move in for hugs goodbye.
“You’re very welcome, Quinn,” she replies, her eyes shining brightly. She gives me a hug before cupping my cheek and adding, “We’re very proud of the man you’ve become.”
My throat is thick, and it’s hard to move oxygen into my lungs. Both Linda and Tyson have told me they’re proud of mebefore, but each time, it still has the same effect. I feel emotional, raw, and exposed. Clearing my throat, I reply with a quick, “Thank you, Mama Miller.”
She smiles, just like she does every time I call her that. “Have a good time tonight and be careful. Oh, and don’t let Charli hustle you at pool. She’s been practicing with her dad in the garage when she stops by for a visit.”
A gasp echoes behind me, and I know who it is instantly. “What the heck, Mom. You’re telling lies about me!”
Linda shakes her head, her grin still firmly in place. “Not lies, my dear daughter, and you know it.” She hugs her only daughter and adds, “It’s his birthday. I don’t want you hustling him out of his birthday gifts.”
She glances over at me, eyes narrowed. “I make no promises.”
“You be careful too,” she tells Charli.
“I will. You know, you could come up with us. Have a drink with all your angels.”
Linda laughs. “Angels isn’t exactly the term I’d use to describe your father’s children.”
“You rang, Mother?” Cade steps forward and hugs his mom fiercely. “I heard you say angels and knew you had to be talking about me. Your other three are hoodlums.”
That gets the crowd riled up, and it takes us a few extra minutes to get out the door. I don’t mind though. Hanging with the Millers is my favorite pastime. Always has been, always will be.
