Mac looks down and carefully opens the gift.
What the…
Why did Tanner wrap the frame that I noticed went missing off the wall two weeks ago?
“Tanner…” Mac says, sounding choked up.
My eyes drift down, and when I see the image, tears build behind my eyes.
Inside the stolen frame is a hand-drawn picture. In messy handwriting, he wrote who’s who. Right below a guy in what I can only guess is a leather jacket and motorcycle boots, in his messy handwriting, it says Dad.
In the picture, Mac is standing next to me with Tanner on his other side and Emily on mine.
“I love this. I don’t know if I’ve ever been given such a thoughtful gift. Thank you,” Mac tells him.
“It’s not a big deal.” Tanner shrugs.
“It is. I’m going to put this up by my toolbox at the shop. I love you, you know that, right?” Mac asks.
“I love you too,” Tanner mumbles.
Mac sets the frame to the side and pulls my son into his arms. The tears begin to fall. Just when I think life couldn’t get any more perfect.
“Hey, I want in on the loves,” Emily says as she scurries off the floor, her unwrapped gifts abandoned.
She rushes to Mac and slams into him, making him laugh.
“Emily,” Tanner groans.
“Come on, Mommy. Hug us!” my daughter demands.
Mac looks over at me and smiles, the Christmas lights making his eyes twinkle.
“Yeah, Mommy, hug us,” he teases.
“I don’t know. You guys might have cooties…”
“Get her,” Mac whispers.
He and the kids pounce on me, making me laugh.
It’s funny how much life can change in a matter of months. There are two things I know with certainty, though. I’ll forever be grateful for Bertha, and I wouldn’t trade this for the world.
For the first time ever, I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of, and I’ll never take it for granted. Ever.
Jumping out of the truck, I let the kids out before I round the hood to help Jane down. I watch as the kids run toward the clubhouse and smile.
“Thank you,” Jane says as I open her door.
“You’re welcome.”
“Are you ever going to let me open my own door?”
“Not when I’m around. Besides, if I don’t open it for you, then I can’t do this.” I lean down and steal a kiss, making her giggle.
“Come on. We’d better get in there before they start causing trouble,” Jane says, pulling me toward the door.
“My brothers love their trouble,” I tell her.
