Archer
The tent, tables, and chairs are all set up. I helped Mr. Taylor— Jim, I mean set up the wiffle ball field and now we’re moving this giant balloon arch turned balloon wall into the tent for pictures. The crisp November air feels amazing on my sweaty neck. I’m going to need a shower before the party starts. I don’t want to stink when I meet the rest of Elle’s family.
I must admit I was a little judgey about this whole gender reveal thing, but the more I see it come together the more I think it’s just an excuse to have a party with all their friends and family. My family has the Wolves-Grizzlies game as an excuse every year, they don’t quite have that so they find reasons to have one.
“Can I help you with that?” I ask Joyce as she spreads out a tablecloth on the long table that is going to hold all the food.
“Oh no, go ahead and shower, the girls will be back soon with the cookies; then we’ll set out the food and shortly after the guests will be arriving.” Joyce beams. “Thank you so much for all your help. Jim wouldn’t have been able to doall this without you.”
“Oh, no big deal, I’m happy to help. Jim was saying that friends of yours that you haven’t seen in some time are coming in for the party.”
“Oh yes, I know this big thing seems so silly, but Easton and Nikki have been trying for years, and they finally got their baby, everyone is so excited.”
“It’s not silly.” I say, immediately feeling like an asshole for initially judging them.
Joyce waves me off with a smile. “Go shower and grab a sandwich, everyone will be arriving soon.”
So, I do exactly as she says.
When I come out of the shower Ellie is waiting for me. She looks stunning in her dress. I don’t know what it is about women in sundresses but fuck…. It’s kryptonite. Someone should study it.
“You look handsome.” She smiles and gives me a kiss. “You ready to get your ass kicked in wiffle ball?”
“I am an excellent wiffle ball player. Thank you very much.”
“Well, I hope you’re prepared to lose, Team Pink is going down.”
???
Team Pink did in fact get our asses kicked. Erica turns out, decided to play for Team Blue, and she’s a varsity pitcher for her softball team, a detail that Ellie failed to mention. I don’t know if she did it intentionally knowing that Ericawas going to play for Team Blue or if it was an oversight. Regardless, it is an unfair advantage, if you ask me. Ellie only gloats for a few minutes before her mom announces that Easton is up to bat. Everyone gathers around to watch and wait to see what the newest Taylor grandbaby will be.
Nikki throws the ball.
Easton connects and the ball shatters.
Pink smoke and confetti are dispersed by the breeze. Easton cheers, jumps up and down and sprints to his wife, spinning her and dipping her in a passionate kiss.
I look over to see Ellie cheering and hugging her sisters. My throat feels tight, and I blink several times to keep some rogue tears from escaping. Who knew I would be tearing up over something like this.
Everyone swarms the happy couple congratulating them. I hang back letting family and friends go first.
Trying to stay out of the way, I look over and see Erica’s friends Cece and Bella are helping the caterers set out plates and utensils. “Need any help?”
“Yeah, use your big football muscles to lug those giant coolers over here closer to the food.” Bella says. “Please.” She adds.
I chuckle and do as I’m told. Once I’ve finished moving all the coolers over, the crowd has dispersed from the couple and I walk over. “Congratulations.” I smile and shake Easton’s hand, who surprises me and pulls me into a hug.
“Thanks man! And hey! Thank you so much for coming out. You just made me the coolest guy in my friend group.” He chuckles. “You and Ellie aren’t leaving until tomorrow, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Cool. We’re staying the night as well, Estella and her family are heading home, apparently the kids don’t sleep well unless they’re in their beds. We are definitely hanging out once everyone leaves.”
“Sounds great!” I reply as Ellie makes her way over to us.
“What are you two talking about?” She asks, resting against my shoulder.
“We’re all going to drink Dad’s beer and hang out on the back porch like the good ole days.” Easton says, reaching in and grabbing a water bottle from the cooler. “Nikki will join, she just will have her mocktails. Which are delicious by the way. Thanks for making those Jellie.”
