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Millie and Ava examine me with glassy eyes. The pregnancy hormones have everything to do with their emotional greeting. Both look radiant with the glow everyone speaks of when observing someone pregnant.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Ava says, pulling me into the backyard as Austin stops to hug me hello.
“It’s been a while, stranger.” Austin grins, carrying Emmy in his arms. I touch her cheek, mesmerized by how much she has grown and how she looks exactly like Austin, except for the emerald eyes, of course. I don’t think it’s possible for that gene not to be passed on. “How is motherhood treating you?”
“Tired,” I cite, only for my eyes to gleam. “But worth every minute.”
Will joins us, embracing me tightly, to pull away and say hello to Bentley. Sometimes, I have flashbacks to when Will was a teen and would annoy us with his attitude. Millie was the one he tormented the most, not that she ever backed down. Ava, Andy, and I would just watch on the sideline while they fought over the dumbest things.
“Let me take Bentley off you,” Ava extends her arms. “Will he cry?”
I hand him over, but his lips begin to tremble upon seeing an unfamiliar face.
“Maybe try a man,” I suggest, turning to Will since Austin is carrying Emmy. “He doesn’t seem to be bothered by them.”
Will reaches out for him as Bentley leans over, no tears following.
“He must be a daddy’s boy,” Millie mentions.
I almost snort at the comment but instead change the topic. “You guys, this is amazing. I mean, I went for a walk with Bentley and came back to all this. Cotton candy?”
“That’s for me, darling.”
I turn around to see Eric posing in a way only Eric poses. Throwing my arms around him, he’s quick to warn me to watch his hair.
“Before you say anything, I’m not going to get Botox, but I’ll entertain photoshopping or filters of your choice.”
“Oh, honey, you don’t need Botox.” Eric laughs, patting his chest, and then his expression becomes flat. “I’m kidding. You really should see Gilda. She can make you look sixteen again.”
“Why would I want to look sixteen again?”
“Don’t listen to him.” I hear a familiar voice behind me to see Aunt Charlie. “Let me look at you. Motherhood looks good on you.”
I hug her tight, missing her so much. For some reason, emotions overwhelm me while we embrace, but I quickly play them off as I notice Uncle Lex next to her.
“Uncle Lex,” I breathe, swallowing the lump in my throat, wondering why the hell I’m choking up over seeing my uncle and aunt.
He pulls me into a tight embrace, just like he did on my wedding day before he stepped aside, and my father walked me down the aisle. I have only fond memories of him, always treating me like one of his daughters.
“It’s good to have you home, Jessa.”
“It’s good to be home,” I tell them both.
Will comes over as Uncle Lex asks to take Bentley. Bentley is drawn to him the moment he does but then points to the bouncy castle and demands to be taken over.
“The last time Lex got into a bouncy castle, it didn’t end well.” Aunt Charlie laughs, only for Will and Eric to join in.
“Oh, what happened?”
“Ashton’s friend got sick and didn’t tell anyone, so when Lex went in to get Emmy, he kind of sat in it.” Will chuckles, bowing his head.
My chest rises and falls, the laughs escaping me. “How awful but also hilarious because Uncle Lex would’ve been disgusted.”
Aunt Charlie nods. “Oh, he was, trust me.”
Nash and Sienna walk into the yard carrying trays of food while arguing. I’m sure it has everything to do with Nash stealing food off the tray Sienna is carrying as she almost loses her balance and drops the whole platter.
Addy and Alexandra follow, stopping by for more hugs and comments about my hair being darker.
