“Is it weird they want to have a birthday party for me?” I asked as I looked at the cars parked in the driveway and along the street.
“They want to celebrate with you today, Brandon. It’s a memorable reunion. Next year we’ll have one big party at our place with all our friends and Chase’s side of the family. How does that sound?”
“That sounds nice.”
“That’s my pup. Now, let’s go enjoy your party.”
From the moment we stepped inside, my nerves slowly settled down and I relaxed. All my uncles were there, and the patio was decked out with balloons and brightly colored tableware. I sat at the large table, unsure of what I should do.
James patted my thigh and said, “Relax. They very much want you here.” I nodded as he stood. “I’m going to be right over there talking with Charles.”
James was much better at socializing than I was. He had gone over to Charles, and the two carried on what appeared to be a casual conversation from this distance as Charles cooked on the grill. Hollis was close by throwing a football with Patrick and Morgan, and he joined in the conversation.
“Mom was really excited to throw you a birthday party. You’re her only grandson, so be prepared to be spoiled,” Chase said as he sat beside me.
“I think this is cool,” I said.
Chase leaned toward the head of the table and grabbed a package of napkins with dinosaurs on them.
“I went with her to the party store and picked these out. I remembered the dinosaurs on your socks and thought you’d like these.”
“I do, thank you. It’s really nice of you all to throw me a party.”
I looked up when Kristin came outside with a photo album in her hands. She smiled at me and sat in the chair beside me.
“I wanted to show you some of the pictures of your dad at his parties,” she said and opened the album.
“Are you bringing that out here to embarrass me?” Chase asked and then winked at me.
“Not at all.”
“Oh! The mega soaker water cannon!” Chase reached across me and smacked his hand down on the picture that showed him holding up a huge neon water gun. “I loved this thing! Hollis! Remember my mega soaker water cannon?” Chase yelled over his shoulder.
“Yep. That thing propelled you into contention with our water gun challenges in the summer.”
Chase rolled his eyes and gestured over his shoulder at Hollis. “Just about everything he says has to be formulated into fighting terms.”
I laughed and really enjoyed listening to the guys tease each other. Until it was time to eat, I was engrossed in looking at the family albums while Kristin told me stories about her kids. One thing I noticed was prevalent in all the pictures was a Hulk Hogan action figure. Chase grew older through the years with each flip of the page, and Hulk Hogan was always lurking somewhere at that year’s party.
Charles announced the food was ready.
“We can look at more pictures after we eat,” Kristin said as she closed the album and stood from the table.
“Thank you,” I offered quietly, and Kristin looked over her shoulder and beamed a loving smile at me.
Everyone fixed themselves a plate of food, and we sat together around the family picnic table to enjoy the meal.
“So you liked Hulk Hogan?” I asked Chase as I picked up my cheeseburger. It smelled amazing.
I’d heard all about their famous Hulk Hogan action figure and how he went everywhere with them.
“Hulk Hogan went to four high school graduations and one college graduation,” Charles announced.
“Tons of birthday parties between all of us,” Hollis added.
“All of your karate and jiu-jitsu promotions,” Morgan said.
“I think Chase even took him out to collect candy on several Halloweens,” Hollis said and then looked at Kristin.
