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A knock comes on the front door, and before I can move, it flies open. My nephews come rushing in like a tornado. Knowing what is coming, I dig my feet on the ground.
“Aunty,” Liam says, dashing across the room. He hurls himself onto me and hugs my knees.
I laugh. James is more restrained, and he comes and hugs me gently. I pat his head. He’s growing up. “I’ve missed you, boys.”
They giggle. “We were with you yesterday, remember? When you and Grandpa and Nana came for dinner,” Liam says.
“Oh yes.” I slap my head. “But I still missed you.”
They hug their grandparents with a bit of reserve. Having them so far away has created a bit of a distance, which is perfectly normal. Molly plans on taking them to Florida at least three times a year. That will go a long way in keeping them close to their grandparents.
I plan on doing the same thing with my baby.
Molly and Jeffrey come in, and more greetings ensue. My living room feels tiny with all my family in it. Looking at them makes my chest expand. I’m so happy; I feel like I can burst with joy. I can’t wait to introduce them all to Alec and his family.
“Are we ready?” my father says.
“Yes,” the rest of us chorus. The boys are the loudest, making us all laugh.
We file out of the house and head to the cars. It feels so good to be with my family. I can’t remember the last time we were all together like this. I drive my parents while Molly and her family use their car.
My parents and I chat about their life in Florida and how obviously happy they are about making that change. I’m glad we made this meeting happen. Alec had wanted to come to my place to meet my parents and family there, but I thought it a better idea if we all met at his parents’ house. That way, we do the introductions only once.
I’m not nervous at all. Alec’s mom and I have crossed a bridge, and I feel we’re on the road to becoming good friends. His brothers are awesome, and I know they’ll do their best to make my family feel welcome. Dr. Anderson is a bit on the quiet side, but so is my father. Their wives more than make up for their husbands’ quiet nature.
“Are we here?” my mother asks when I slow down.
“Yes, this is it.”
“Nice,” she says. “It’s so big. Just the two of them live here now?”
“Yes. Alec and his brothers grew up in this house.” I’m used to the size of the house now, but I remember how awestruck I was the first time Alec brought me to dinner.
I bring the car to a stop, and Jeffrey parks right behind me. I’m the last to get out of the car. Standing up now involves a lot of heaving and heavy breathing.
“Bet you can’t wait to evict my niece,” Molly says with a chuckle.
“I’m quickly getting to that point,” I tell her.
My mom pats my arm as we make our way to the front door, but she doesn’t say anything.
“I knew they were rich, but this …” Molly says.
“Hush,” my mother says, making me and my sister giggle.
I raise my hand to knock on the front door, but before I can move, the door flies open. Everything in me goes still at the sight of Alec. He looks so handsome in a casual plain white shirt and a pair of jeans. The father of my baby and soon-to-be husband looks absolutely edible.
“Ivy,” he says in a voice that should be reserved for the bedroom. Our bedroom. He surprises me by leaning forward and kissing me on the lips in front of everyone. I’m sure my whole face is red with pleasure and embarrassment.
He says hello to my parents, and then I introduce Molly, Jeffrey, and my nephews.
“I’m pleased to meet you finally,” Alec says to Molly. “I feel as if I know you already.”
“So do I,” Molly quips.
We’re all relaxed as we enter the house.
“Everyone is at the back,” Alec says as we follow him through to the dining room.
