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“I have to go now. I love you.”
When she didn’t respond, instead watching me leave, disapproval apparent on her face, I sighed and walked away. Every step closer to the door was lighter than the one before it, and when I exited the house I breathed a sigh of relief.
I jogged down the steps and got into my car, which was waiting on the circular drive. I was on my way to Cal’s parents’ house to celebrate his mother, Rose’s, birthday. It was pretty sad that I was so eager to leave my own parents’ house so that I could rush over to Cal’s. That was where I’d always felt like I belonged.
In a home full of love and laughter. Rose had always treated me like one of her sons. She grounded me when she caught Cal and I sneaking beer from their fridge, she attended my track meets, and she was there at my college graduation.
When I arrived at their house, I walked through the front door and paused, allowing myself to take in the festivities, before joining my friends … my family. This was a family dinner in celebration of Rose’s birthday. She loved to be surrounded by family on her special day. I’d been a part of her birthday celebrations since the year Cal and I became friends. I never wondered if I’d be welcome, or accepted, I just was. Unconditionally.
Craig, Cal, and Calvin Sr. were sitting around the living room, which was covered in pictures, knickknacks, and mementos, discussing sports of some sort … baseball if I was to venture a guess, and in the corner of the room, Rose and Shelly were looking at a book of baby names, their heads close together and they spoke softly to each other, each wearing a beautiful smile.
This.
This was what I wanted.
I had it with this family, because they were mine, so much more than my own were. This was the family that I wanted to make for myself.
“Hey, brother,” Cal called out when he noticed that I’d arrived. I walked over and greeted the three men, clapping them on the shoulder and leaning in for the half hug before walking over to the ladies and hugging them deeply.
“Happy birthday,” I said to Rose as I held her close.
I pulled away and smiled down at her. “Everyone treating you like a queen on your special day?”
Rose laughed happily as she responded, “You know better than that, Scott. I don’t need to be a queen, but I will happily be a grandma.”
She smiled fondly at Shelly, who instinctively pressed her hand to her slightly rounded belly. I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “You look lovely as always, Shel.”
Shelly smiled slightly, but her eyes were worried as she brought her eyes up to search mine. “You okay?”
I nodded reassuringly at her, then turned to Rose and pulled the baby-blue Tiffany & Co. bag out from behind my back. Rose gasped, her hand coming to her mouth, looking at me with pleasure in her eyes.
“Oh, Scott … you shouldn’t have,” she whispered.
“I hope you like it,” I responded, joy filling me at her obvious excitement.
Her fingers shook a little as she opened the present and squealed with glee when she lifted the sterling silver flower ring from its package. She immediately put it on her finger, then held her hand up to inspect it in the light.
“It’s beautiful,” Rose said reverently before calling to her husband, “Calvin, come look at this.”
“Whatchya got there, Rosie?” Cal’s father asked as he came toward us. “Scottie here spoiling you again?” The last he said with a wink for me. He always ribbed me about the gifts I bought for everyone, but I knew he loved when his wife was happy.
“Nice bauble,” he said with a grin, leaning down to kiss Rose. “Good job,” he said to me, then asked, “Who’s ready to eat?”
Dinner was a loud and boisterous affair. Cal had smoked some ribs, and Shelly made macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and cornbread to go with it. Rose wasn’t allowed in the kitchen on
her birthday, which she complained about every year, even though everyone knew she secretly enjoyed being pampered.
After the hearty meal, we cleared the table and sat down to play spoons.
This was another family tradition.
While the cards were being dealt, I turned to Craig, who was sitting next to me, and asked, “Did you ever end up going on that trip to SC?”
Craig looked sad for a moment, then his face brightened as he said, “Yeah, I went last weekend. The campus was awesome, and I got a chance to meet with some of the coaches, which was awesome. I think that’s the school that I’m going to hold out for. I know Columbia is kind of far, but I can come home on holidays and stuff.”
I nodded as I looked at my hand. “Yeah, I’ve been to a couple football games. I really like the area. There’s a lot to do there.”
Rose sniffled a bit, and I looked up to see her eyes misting over.
