“I can see.” Aunt Blake smiles at her. “And it’s a super special one, because it’s an engagement ring.”
Uncle Tyrell smiles at his lady, his eyes soft with affection. “Still want to marry me?”
“Yes,” she blubbers, grabbing his face and kissing him.
It’s so sweet that the boys don’t even gag or complain about the PDA. And when Uncle Ty slips the ring onto Aunt Dani’s finger, everyone cheers.
It’s the cheesiest thing ever, but so incredibly cool at the same time.
That’s what I want. A love like that. The way he’s gazing at her, like she’s the only person in the room.
I want that one day.
Not asshole guys like Curry who think they can have it all.
I want to be someone’s one and only. Someone’s everything.
My heart’s all mushy and gooey, and it stays that way as I help Dad clean up the wrapping paper, then head upstairs to make sure the kids are dressed warm for the football game.
When I go back downstairs, I pause just outside the kitchen. Adult voices catch my ear, and I don’t want them to stop talking if they see me, so I lean against the wall and listen in.
Sounds like all of them are in there, discussing future plans.
“…and Carson’s going to be starting up a business,” Aunt Nylah says.
“Am I now?”
“Yes, you are.”
A few adults laugh, and Mom asks, “What kind of business?”
“We’re buying a garage with the money Carson’s dad left him. He’s going to run it, and I’ll do the books and admin. It’s going to be amazing.”
“Wow, that’s so cool,” Uncle Wily says. “And so you, man. What an awesome way to honor your dad too.”
I peek my head around the doorframe, wanting to catch a glimpse of Uncle Carson’s face. He still hasn’t said anything and he’s shaking his head, but then Aunt Nylah gives him a pointed look, her right eyebrow arching, and he finally gives in with a sigh.
“Yeah, it’s gonna be good.”
“Yay! I knew you’d come around.” Aunt Nylah hugs him and he wraps his arm around her back, wincing at his buddies but then smiling when Dad and Uncle Grady give him a thumbs-up.
“Speaking of big changes…” Uncle Wily drapes his arm around Aunt Libby’s shoulders. “I’ve decided to stay home with the kids and let this little lady finally pursue her teaching dreams.”
“Wow, that’s huge.” Aunt Blake laughs. “Good luck, bro.”
“I’ll be fine.” He waves his hand through the air. “Plus, we’re thinking of moving to Nolan, so I’ll be close enough to hang with you on the days I need some support.”
Aunt Blake crosses her arms with a skeptical frown. “I live four hours out of Nolan.”
“Meet in the middle. It’s called a road trip, butt face.” Uncle Wily grins.
“Nolan?” Aunt Nylah’s getting all misty-eyed. “That would be so amazing!” Limping across the kitchen, she pulls Aunt Libby into a hug.
My shy aunt smiles, patting her back and saying, “We need to talk to the kids about it first, so nothing’s set in stone yet, but we’d love to do small-town life and?—”
“Nolan is great!” Aunt Nylah pulls out of the hug. “It’s such a cool town to live in, and it’d be so nice having you nearby.”
“Maybe we should consider Nolan,” Aunt Dani murmurs to Uncle Tyrell, but everyone hears, and now Aunt Nylah’s pulling Aunt Dani and little Tucker into a hug.
