Lincoln
EverythingaboutVal’sfamilyis exactly what I’ve been missing for years. Her cousins are incredible, funny, and welcoming. Each has a different story or anecdote to tell about Val, including Jeremy, who says she tried to break his nose with a softball once. I laughed until he looked at me very seriously.
There are small kids running all over the place and whining to open presents, clearly frustrated with waiting. Three women who have been referred to as “the aunts” pull me aside one by one to talk to me. Though the questions they ask are different, it’s clear they’re protective of Val.
But Gram runs the show around here, and not just because it’s her house. She has an air about her that’s exudes control.
I feed the same party line to everybody that asks me a question. We met at the coffee shop, and I was intrigued by her the moment I met her. A few people have asked about my intentions with Valerie, which while a bit confusing, since we just met, is easy to answer.
I want to make her happy, see her smile, and be a shoulder for her to lean on.
The way the words flow off my tongue with such surety is a bit shocking. I didn’t realize I truly felt that way until they resounded in my ears.
There’s something about her that pulls me in. My gaze finds her any time either one of us walks back into the room, and there’s a magnetism that draws me toward her, even if we can’t quite seem to connect.
One of us is constantly being dragged away, so our plan of staying together has already crumbled before the night has truly even begun.
When Gram handed me my cup of eggnog, I tried to be polite and smile, but I’ve never been a fan of the drink. I did try one sip, only to cough relentlessly as the brandy burned its way down my throat. Gram is a heavy-handed broad, I have to give her credit for that.
Instead, I’ve been holding it as I make conversation, pretending to take tiny sips when needed. I notice Val’s glass still has the same amount as when she got it too, so either she’s doing the same, or she’s refilled since.
I’m assuming it’s the former, since I haven’t actually seen her take a single sip in the few moments we have between being dragged away.
Speaking of, I haven’t seen her in at least twenty minutes. Maybe I should go look for her, though I wouldn’t have the faintest idea of where to start.
For the first time tonight, I’m finally standing alone, seeking solace in the dining room. The extra-large table is set beautifully with a white tablecloth, what’s clearly fine china, and I’d bet crystal stemware. The utensils also look like they could be real sterling. While there are candles in the center, there’s no actual centerpiece, and I wonder if the food will take up much of the table.
“Here, let me take that.” I nearly jump at the sound of Val’s voice as her delicate fingers loop into my hand and take the glass of eggnog. “I’m not a fan either, so I’ve learned over time when it’s acceptable to toss it. We’ve crossed that threshold.” She sets the cups down on a small table behind me and wipes her hands on her skirt.
“Thank you. I was worried I’d have to drink it.”
“Ew, no. Not in my presence.” She wrinkles her nose at the thought, and it’s so adorable I just have to laugh.
“So how’s your night going? I see just about every family member except the baby cousins has pulled you aside to chat. Surviving alright?” In what’s clearly a nervous habit, she can’t meet my eyes as she fiddles with a string on the table runner.
“Oh, well, then you saw wrong. I was pulled by the little cousins and was asked to color with them. Very serious business. I think they were the toughest critics of all.”
She giggles, and my insides light up like the Christmas tree in the den.
I have no idea what’s happening to me, but I’m finding Valerie far more than just intriguing as the night progresses, and I’ve barely spent any time with her.
Instead, it’s the way her family sees her, how much they love and protect her. The fact that she’s sexy as fuck is just a plus, though it hasn't been my focus.
The aunts all think she’s a sweet soul who’s just too picky. The multitude of cousins all had wonderful things to say about how she’s caring and sweet and giving and overly generous with their kids, even though she’s on a teacher’s salary. And also “not to scare me,” but that she adores children and would make the best mother in the world. Five out of seven cousins said that, and I think the only reason the other two didn’t is because they knew it was coming at me from all sides.
I’d never tell Val they said that, because I know she’d turn into a tomato, but it was nice to hear all the same. Normally, it’d make me clam up as anxiety rippled through me, wondering if these people expected me to join their family.
But here, now with the Anderson crew, I know I’d be lucky to be invited into the fold. All night, I’ve had this warm and comfortable feeling that I haven’t had in years. It’s intimidating and something that’s taking me by surprise.
And it’s not just her family. It started the moment I walked into Val’s house earlier, the moment we started talking. The feeling is stronger when I’m near her, like she’s the one giving it off.
Her hand on my forearm pulls my attention, but there’s that warmth again, traveling from her fingertips and straight to my heart.
“You sure you’re doing alright, though? It’s a lot of family. I’d understand if it’s too much. It would be for a lesser man.”
“It’s honestly been great. They all love you tremendously.”
Her face pinkens in a way that I’m finding more and more adorable every time it happens. “Oh goodness, I hope they’re not being too embarrassing or telling too many only slightly exaggerated stories.”
