Mrs. Stephens is watching Kelsey’s husband help her get out of the chair. She shakes her head and looks at me. “I hope she knows what she’s getting herself into. Nothing in raising girls taught me how to cope with one little boy. Michael was always getting into trouble, always jumping off of higher and higher things. That led to the whole skiing thing. I used to get so scared when I watched him. I finally had to ban myself from watching his sports altogether." She smiles at me. "It's good to see him finally settling down.”
I don't know how to answer that.
At twenty to nine, Michael takes me upstairs to a playroom. “Mom always lets the little kids have their own countdown and celebration at nine before we put them to bed. They just started letting me stay up the whole night a couple of years ago.”
I laugh.
“You think I’m kidding. I don’t think my sisters will ever realize I’ve grown up.”
“I guess we kind of feel that way about Tyler.”
Michael hands out party hats, poppers, and noisemakers to his nieces and younger cousins. One twin comes up to me and pulls onmy skirt. “Are you Michael’s girlfriend?” She asks. She has the same beautiful green eyes as her uncle.
I blush. Michael kneels down in front of his niece. “I like Jess a lot, Gracey, but she’s not my girlfriend. Maybe if we’re really nice to her, we can get her to come back.”
Gracey wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me on the cheek. “I like you a lot, too, Jess.”
“Those girls are adorable,” I say after we come down from the kids' party.
“Yeah, they are.” Michael replies. “I’m kind of looking forward to having a nephew, though. It will be nice to have another boy around. I’ve always been outnumbered.”
“Me too. I always wanted a sister. I guess I’ll finally get my wish when Matt and Kendra get married.”
“Maybe you’ll get lucky and marry someone with a lot of sisters,” Michael says.
I don’t answer. I’m thinking about midnight. Going out with Michael is one thing. I can’t kiss him. That would be too much like betraying Jacob.
At 11:45, everyone crowds into the living room for the countdown. Michael and Kandice are handing out funny hats and glasses of champagne. Even Michael’s stoic father and proper mother put on a party hat.
Michael chooses a feathery red tiara and places it on my head. “More fashion advice?” I ask.
“This goes perfectly with your outfit.” Michael jokes. He handed me a glass. “Sorry, this isn’t real champagne. Dad has issues with providing one of his underage students with alcohol at his home. He’s trying to change WSU’s image.”
“Good luck with that.” I answer, taking the glass.
“I’ll just have a small glass,” Michael says. “I have to drive you home unless you’d like to stay.”
His question makes me uncomfortable, but I brush it off. “No, that’s okay. I didn't bring anything to sleep in, and I'm sure the house is packed with everyone here.”
“I have three sisters, remember. I’m sure they have something you could wear. And my bed is always open.” He catches the look on my face. “I mean, I'd take the couch for the night if you want to stay.”
I shake my head.
I get more nervous as it gets to midnight. I spot the older Michael, Michael’s grandpa, sitting on the edge of the room. I slip away from the crowd and stand by him.
When the clock strikes midnight, I lean over and kiss Michael Senior on the forehead. Michael kisses the young, female professor standing by him.
“Happy New Year, Mr. Stephens,” I say.
He laughs and kisses me on the cheek. “I like your girl, very much, Michael.”
Michael comes over and slides his arm around me. “I like her too.” He kisses me on the other cheek. “Happy New Year, Jess.”
“Happy New Year, Michael.” I feel like I dodged a bullet.
I close my eyes and think. “Happy New Year, Jacob.”
fifteen
