31
STEVEN
I can hear a pin drop in the house with how quiet everyone is. What was supposed to be a nice Christmas Eve dinner has now turned into an eerie game of waiting to see who gets angry first.
With Becca just revealing to everyone that we are expecting another baby, we all watch as she and Damian celebrate the great news.
I fear that with them just coming around to the idea of her and me being together, this news might just throw a wrench in their healing process.
I don’t want a repeat of the incident outside of Tony’s, especially not in front of my son. Russell behaved when we crossed paths in the convenience store, but this may be what sends him back over the edge.
“Well,” Becca chimes up again. “What does everyone think? We didn’t exactly plan it, but it’s still good news…”
We both look between her father and mother. Marjorie has been smiling since she revealed the news. I knew she would behappy for us because she’s been on our side the entire time. I’m more worried about Russell and his track record of flying off the handle.
“I…” her mom speaks up, finally. “Becca, this is great news!” Becca lets out a sigh of relief, as do I, and we all look at Russell, waiting for him to react.
He shifts in his chair and clears his throat. “Congratulations, you guys,” he adds in. I’m sure it’s hard for him to take all this in, but I’m proud he is swallowing his pride for the sake of his daughter, grandson, and the new addition.
Even if he resents me forever, all I care about is that they are happy. It’ll hurt because Russ is like a brother to me, but I’m willing to sacrifice that for them.
Russell stands and extends his arm to shake my hand across the table. Standing as well, I take it as he congratulates me again. It surprises me, given the fact that he wanted to kill me just a week ago, but I’ll take it.
Talking to him the other day at the store, I must’ve gotten through to him. If not, he wouldn’t have shown up tonight.
“So what are your plans now?” Camilla asks Becca. “Are you going to continue working or stay home and focus on the kids?”
“I hadn’t had much time to think about that, honestly. We just found out a couple of days ago,” she replies as Damian slides off her lap and finds his own seat again.
Sitting back in my chair, I watch with a smile as Becca and her family all gush over plans for the nursery and a baby shower. Even down to guessing the gender.
“I’ll be happy if it’s healthy, but if I’m being honest, I hope it’s a girl,” Becca exclaims, and the other women agree as they start discussing all the pink clothing that will take over the house.
I’m just happy to get another chance to be the best father I can be. I know I haven’t been doing it for a long time, but being Damian’s father has already completely changed my life for the better.
“Maybe since the family is extending, this could become a new tradition,” I cut in, causing everyone to turn their attention to me this time. “Everyone can come here for holiday dinners, and we will cook for you all. How does that sound?”
“I think that’s a fine idea,” Marjorie chimes up. “It’s about time we get some normalcy in this crazy family.”
Becca starts talking about each holiday and what they can make to eat, and I rest back into my chair, just enjoying where I’m at in my life. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I now have the woman of my dreams, my little family is growing…
Not to mention, things seem to be moving in the right direction with Russell, so maybe I’ll still have my best friend.
If only my own family were like this. I can’t wrap my head around how they can be so cruel to the people they’re supposed to love unconditionally. Seeing what family really means, it bothers me a little less that I cut ties with them.
Maybe one day, in the distant future, things will be different, but I’m not so sure I want them to be. Having them out of my life has been a huge weight off my shoulders.
Besides, I’m far from ready to forgive them after they ruined my life for so long. This is my family now…
As all the emotions run rampant inside me, I clear my throat to get everyone’s attention. If I don’t make this speech now, I may not get another chance before everyone leaves.
“I just wanted to make a toast. With everyone here in one place, I can’t begin to tell you how lucky I truly am. I love Becca and Damian with all my heart, and I can’t wait to meet our new baby. And Russell.” I turn my attention to him, hoping that it’s not too soon to include him.
“I know things got a little rocky, but I hope that you being here means that we can eventually get back to where we were in our friendship. I miss having you around, and I don’t want to lose my best friend.”
Russell smiles, although I can tell it’ll take some getting used to on his end. I have nothing but time to wait. Everyone raises their glass, even Damian with his apple juice, as we all cheers to family coming back together.
Once the speech is finished, the women begin to clear off the table and clean up the dishes. Russell pulls me aside, asking if we can step out on the porch to talk. While I’m partially skeptical, I agree and follow him outside.
