“I wish I could have a drink. This deserves to be celebrated,” Avery whines, her hands skimming her belly.
“I’ll have two in your honour,” EJ offers.
“Can I bite into the lemon after your tequila shot?” she asks, pouting now.
EJ nods, winding his arm around her shoulders. “Of course, you can, Mama Tyler.”
Seth beams at his wife, looking at her like she’s magnificent for simply existing. He’s always looked at her with some form of wonder, but since she’s been pregnant, every time I’ve been around them, he’s been absolute putty for her. He dotes on her, as he should. Those looks and that love made creating the room for the kids much more important. All the furniture is easily removable for when they grow up. They can add bunk beds, cribs, whatever they need.
“It looks great, Ariana.”
I smile gently at Callum, nuzzling into Boston’s side. “Thanks, Cal.”
“Cribs in your house,” Boston says, nudging Declan’s arm. “Who would have thought?”
He laughs, glancing at Avery. “Just because we don’t want them ourselves, doesn’t mean we don’t want a house full of them, anyway.”
Boston nods with understanding. Their family will grow, one by one, in whatever way makes sense for them.
“Jesus, Ari. That bathroom is insane.”
I glance over my shoulder, thanking Lauren with a soft smile. I feel the pride wafting from Boston, and it makes me stand a bittaller, feel a bit more assured. I did it. It was a big job, and it took nearly a year of coming to and from Canada, butI did it.
“I have one more thing to show you,” I say, if you guys are done looking around.”
Penny raises her brows, and I gesture for all of them to take a seat in the living room. I signal for Boston to go and grab the surprise I saved for last. Something I did as a gift for them, to thank them for their business, and to tie the entirety of my design together.
One by one, the crew takes their seats on the sofa. Arden and my brother, too, who joined us on this trip to see the final product.
“I wanted you guys to decide where to put it, but I had this made as a housewarming gift, even if it’s a little late.”
“I love gifts,” Ej says excitedly to Wyatt, rubbing his hands together.
Boston returns, holding a giant frame in both hands. It’s huge. A literal statement piece. I covered it in paper so we could have a grand reveal. Forgive me. I love the drama.
My hands shake as I take half of the frame from him. Here goes nothing.
I glance at their faces, one by one.
“You guys have a family that people dream of.”
Penny swallows, smiling gently.
Avery leans into Seth’s side and he presses a kiss to her head.
“I bask in the love you guys share every time I’m around you,” I continue. “I wanted you to have something to commemorate that, but will take absolutely no offense if you collectively decide you don’t want to hang this up. This is your space. It’s your call.”
“The anticipation is killing me,” EJ whispers, making Wyatt grin.
My eyes flick up to Boston. With a nod, we both pull the paper back, revealing the enormous painting that I had done by a local artist in Pittsburgh. It’s based off a picture I took when we were all here for the first time. It’s the crew in their glory, at the front of this very home. The lakehouse is in the background, the group of them on the porch. I had a woman who does live wedding paintings do this, because it looks so…candid.
Avery and Penny are sitting on the steps, their pinkies locked, both smiling. Declan and Seth are right behind them, Seth kissing Avery’s cheek, Declan staring down at his future wife. EJ and Wyatt are at the top of the steps. EJ holds up his glass toward the camera, and Wyatt flashes that crooked smile while he leans against the porch beam. Lauren and Tiff are on the bottom step, Lau flashing a peace sign and Tiffany smiling sweetly.
It’s them. Right there. In fine art.
Avery lets out a little gasp as the paper falls away.
Wyatt and EJ’s smiles drop.
