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“That’s right.”
“You have a huge family,” I inform Brynna. I couldn’t even say, off the top of my head, how many women are here tonight. All the cousins, minus Erin, and all the moms and aunts are here. “I think I need a chart hanging somewhere so I can keep everyone straight.”
“You’ll learn. It’ll just take some time,” she assures me. “I hope you don’t mind that a few of the girls are playing in your closet.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’d be playing in there, too. Uh-oh, Meg looks upset.”
Meg, blinking back tears, comes wandering over. “Would you please point me in the direction of a bathroom?”
“Of course, I will, but what’s wrong?”
“I miss my girl.” She swallows hard, and Brynna steps in to wrap her arm around Meg’s shoulders. “Erin wouldlovethis party, and I wish she was here. Why did she move away from us at Christmas? I have a mind to fly over there and shake some sense into her.”
“I have an idea,” Brynna says, pulling her phone out of her pocket. “Let’s video call her.”
Before Meg can reply, the phone is ringing, and Erin’s pretty face fills the screen.
“Hi, beautiful niece,” Brynna says. “We’re having a girls’ night at London’s place, and we had to call and include you.”
“Oh, that’s so fun! Is everyone there?”
“Yep, including your mama, who’s a little sad without you.”
“Oh, baby, you look so happy.” Meg wipes at a tear. “How are you?”
“Mom, I’m great. I promise. I’m working at the coffee shop full time, making bank in tips. The people aresonice, and I even have a really cute apartment. Seriously, don’t worry about me.”
“Right. That’s like telling me not to breathe,” Meg replies but smiles at her daughter. “I’m so happy that you’re happy. But I’m allowed to miss you, especially at Christmas.”
“I know, and I’m sorry I can’t come home, but I’m the newbie at work, so I’m the lowest on the totem pole. You and Dad should come visit sometime.”
“Oh, trust me, we will. I’m surprised your dad hasn’t already packed us up to go out there. We’ll come see you soon.”
“Good. Now, how’s the food? And the drinks? If London’s hosting, I know it’s an awesome party.”
“Hey, thanks.” I poke my head over Meg’s shoulder so Erin can see me. “We miss you.”
“Aww, this might be the first time I’ve been a little homesick. Where are all the other girls? Is that London’s house? It’s so pretty!”
Meg takes off, showing Erin everything and letting all the cousins and aunts have a minute to say hi.
“That was a good idea,” I say to Brynna.
“Hey, I’d miss my kids if they decided to move away, too. Speaking of my kids, how are you and Drew doing?”
“We’re fantastic.” I can’t help but smile at the question. “Like,reallygood. Brynna, you raised a really great man.”
“I know, and you’re welcome.” She winks at me. “He really loves Caleb, too. I can tell.”
“They get along so well. And Caleb adores Drew. Sometimes I feel likeI’mthe odd man out, and that’s really okay with me. I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s a big ask to hope that a man will love your kid as much as you do.”
“I understand completely,” Brynna assures me. “I had the twins when I met my Caleb, or as I’ve now started calling him,OldCaleb. It makes him laugh. Anyway, they took to him right away, and it was huge for me. Honestly, it made me fall in love with him even more.”
“Yes, exactly,” I agree, nodding my head. “Drew’s going to be moving in here at the end of the month.”
“And I’m moving into the condo,” Lucy informs us as she joins us. “He offered to rent it to me, and I snatched it up. I’ll miss the compound, but I won’t miss the commute. Listen, I’m sorry to interrupt, but security just called up. There’s a woman trying to get through to the house.”
“Who is it?”
