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I arch a brow. “You think I'm good looking, huh?”
She rolls her eyes. “As if you didn't already know you are. I didn't say that was my type,” she retorts.
“How is it not? Well, that could explain some things, actually...” I taunt, nudging her shoulder.
“Oh, shush. Truthfully, who knows what my type is anymore.”
“With my luck, you’re into old guys who wear white New Balance sneakers with knee-high socks.”
Tatum laughs until tears roll down her cheeks.
“Thanks.”
“For what?” I ask.
“Easing my embarrassment. Not that I'm happy you went through that, but I appreciate you sharing it with me. Now I need to plot how to get Oakley back.”
“I'm sure you'll think of something.”
Moments later, the doorbell chimes, and this time, I know the package is mine since I actually checked the label.
“So that's from Tristan and Piper?” she asks as I set it on the coffee table.
“Yep.” I find an envelope with the instructions on top of a box and rip it open. I read the note aloud.
Easton, there are five gifts, and each one is numbered. You must open them in order, then read the second card last. Make sure Tatum records it all, then send it to me ASAP!
* * *
Love, the best sister-in-law you’ll ever have
“Her generation has to video everything, I swear,” Tatum says with a chuckle as I hand her my cell phone.
“She's not that much younger than me, but yeah. They came out of the wound with the ability to text before they could talk.”
“And go.” She points the lens toward me.
“Here's gift number one.” I hold it up, then unwrap it. “Ooh, a candle.” I smell it before bringing it to Tatum's nose.
“Smells like baby powder or fresh linen,” she says, and I agree.
“Alright, gift number two is...” I tear the paper. It’s two gray beanies that have the word Buddies on it.
“Oh my gosh, those are cute!” Tatum gushes.
“They aren't the same size, though. This one is way too small. Unless it's meant for you?” I suggest, then hand it to her, but she shakes her head.
“Won't fit me either.”
“Huh, okay.” I set them down, then look for the third one.
I unwrap a small wooden music box. As soon as I open it, a lullaby plays.
“That's precious,” Tatum says softly.
It is, but what a strange thing to give a man. “Yeah.”
Next, I open a white stuffed bear with a little red heart on its tummy. “I'm starting to wonder if she was drunk when she put this together.”
Tatum giggles. “I think there's a theme.”
“Well, there’s only one left, so I guess I better figure it out.” I pull it out and unwrap some material. Holding it up, I stare at a heather gray shirt.
“Oh my gosh,” Tatum gasps, and I realize there's something on the other side. I flip it over and read it:
HUN-CLE: Like a normal uncle but way more good looking
“Wait...” I smirk, grabbing the second envelope like Piper demanded. Inside is a sonogram photo with small white text written on it. Hi, Uncle Easton! There’s two of us!
“No way. Look!” I hand it to Tatum, and the wide smile she wore earlier drops.
“That's amazing. Congrats,” she says softly.
“So damn exciting, don't ya think?”
“Mm-hmm. Do you still want me to record?”
“Nah, I'll call them right now!” I look at the camera. “Very sneaky, you two!”
Tatum ends the video, then hands my phone back to me so I can FaceTime them. I click on Piper's name, and her face appears almost immediately.
“Did you open it?” she squeals.
“Yeah, you’re getting puppies, and I'm gonna be a dog-uncle! Double trouble!”
Tristan chuckles in the back as Piper glares at me. “My babies aren’t dogs, you jerk!”
“Oh c'mon, I'm just messing with you. I'm so happy for you guys! About time. I’ve been waiting to teach kids how to surf!”
“Yes, that's exactly why I got pregnant,” she deadpans.
“Do you know their genders yet?” I ask.
“Girls!” Piper responds immediately.
“You can't keep telling people that,” Tristan scolds, then looks at me. “We don't know yet.”
“My instincts say they’re girls, and they’re never wrong,” Piper declares. “Two sweet little angels that I'll get to put in cute pink dresses.”
“Oh hell no, you're not dressing my nieces like a pageant queens.”
Piper narrows her eyes, then takes a piece of chocolate from an almost empty Dove bag.
“Excuse me, I'm the one pushing them out, so I will do whatever I want,” she demands.
I chuckle, knowing that's true. Piper has always danced to her own beat.
We chat and laugh for a few more minutes, and when I look over at Tatum, she's quiet and lost in her head. She chimed in to say hello and to congratulate them but hasn't engaged further.
“Alright, I'm gonna let you two go. Thanks for the fun package. I'm gonna wear that shirt proudly. Even on their wedding days.”
