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“I married the most incredible woman in the world,” Dad says as he dips Mom and lays a big one on her.
“Ugh, seriously?” Rylee scowls as she marches into the room. “Mom, this dress is a little tight.”
After Dad straightens her up, she studies Rylee. “You’re right, sweetie. Looks like you grew a lot this year. I’m sure we can find something that fits you in your closet.” She and my sister go up to Rylee’s room.
Dad watches them, tears gathering in his eyes. “My baby is growing up so fast. Just like you, too.” He puts his arm around Noah and me. “Look at you, Noah. You’re almost a man. You’ll be going to college next year, and then it won’t be long before Chloe does. And then Rylee. Then your mom and I will be empty nesters…”
“Dad,” Noah complains. “You’re getting so sentimental.”
“Can you please not grow up so fast? Your old man isn’t ready for this.” He ruffles Noah’s hair. “And there’s nothing wrong with being sentimental, young man.”
“Dad,” he complains again as he pats his hair down. “I worked on this for hours.”
“Really? Looks like you just rolled out of bed,” I tease.
Noah grumbles as he walks to the mirror to fix his hair.
Dad smiles as he puts his arm around me and draws me to his chest. “You doing okay, sweetie?”
Is he alluding to Liam? I bet he is.
“I’m fine,” I tell him.
“Just know that whatever happens, it’s for the best. Just be true to yourself and the best person you can be. Everything else will fall into place.”
“Thanks.”
Mom returns with Rylee, who looks more comfortable in her dress. It’s a black one with white flowers. Now that I take a good look at her, I realize shehasgrown. My gosh, we really are growing up and getting old. Ugh, I sound like Dad.
“We ready?” Mom asks.
We get in the car and drive to the venue. The party is taking place in Silverton, and Ava’s grandmother, Vivian, is catering it. She owns Wood’s Catering and they make the most amazing food. As soon as we walk in, we find Grandpa Nigel standing in the foyer looking at the place cards.
“Hey, Dad!” Mom wraps her arms around him.
“Pumpkin!” He returns the hug and kisses her cheek. “How are you and the Barrington gang?”
We exchange hugs and kisses with him.
“I found all your place cards.” He hands them to Mom and Dad. Then he turns to us. “There is a table for younger kids and one for the teens.” He gives Rylee her card, and then me and Noah ours.
My sister scowls. “Ugh, why do I have to sit at the kiddie table?”
“Because you’re a kiddie,” Noah tells her.
“You’ll be at the same table with Mia and Zoey,” I remind her.
She brightens. “So true!”
“Just don’t get into any mischief, Rylee, I’m begging you,” Mom says. “I want to have a nice, enjoyable evening.”
“Can’t make any promises, Mom. Are Zoey and Mia here yet?” She dashes into the hall.
“Quite a handful, that one,” Grandpa Nigel says with a chuckle.
“I wasn’t that much trouble was I, Dad?” Mom asks him.
He shakes his head. “No, pumpkin. You were a perfect child.”
