Mom tears open the wrapping paper and opens the box. When she holds up a pink onesie, everyone cheers. We all head over to Madeline and Ryker.
After hugging Madeline, I turn to Ryker. “Dude. You’re gonna be a girl dad.”
“I’m so damn excited.” His smile is wider than mine. I’ve never seen my brother look so happy.
“Let’s hope she looks like Madeline,” I tease.
Ryker just laughs. “I’m hoping that too.”
“Seriously, though. I’m happy for you guys.” I pat his shoulder.
Mom is crying and laughing at the same time as she embraces Ryker and Madeline. I notice Dad is tearing up, too.
Anna grabs Madeline’s hand. “Have you guys thought of names yet?” she asks excitedly.
“There are a few that we like,” Madeline says, resting a hand on her stomach. “It’s funny, before we knew we were having a girl, we were trying to think of both girl and boy names. But we didn’t like any of the boy names we kept hearing. Only girl names.”
“Sounds like it was meant to be for you to have a girl,” Poppy says.
Madeline smiles at her. “We love your name, Poppy. I think we’re going to go with something pretty and nature-inspired, like yours.”
Poppy’s brow lifts in surprise as she beams. “Really?”
Madeline nods. “Our front runners are Willow, Lily, and Summer.”
“Oh, those are all so pretty,” Anna says.
Mom and Dad nod their heads in agreement.
“I love all of them,” Mom says.
Madeline smiles down at her belly. “We’ll wait until she’s born before we decide. We want to meet her first before we name her.”
“I’m a little butthurt that you didn’t even consider naming her after me. Don’t you think Nikki would be the perfect name for my niece?” I joke.
Everyone laughs. Ryker rolls his eyes, but I can tell he’s fighting off a smile.
Dad grabs a garbage bag from the kitchen and starts picking up all the torn gift wrapping paper on the floor.
I walk over to him. “I can get this, Dad. Go sit with Mom.”
“Thanks, buddy.” He sits back down. Ryker stands up and helps me clean up the living room.
I glanced over at Poppy, who’s sitting next to Anna and Madeline, laughing and talking.
Comfort settles in my chest at seeing her with my family. She’s always been around us growing up. But this is the first time I’m seeing her as someone other than my sister’s best friend.
This is my girlfriend sharing the holiday with my family. This is her being a part of our lives.
It’s so perfect. So right. I want her here always.
A tight, overwhelming feeling courses through my chest. It takes a moment before I can put words to it.
I never wanted this with anyone else. I’ve never wanted bring anyone to meet my family. I’ve never pictured them spending every Christmas and Thanksgiving and every other holiday with me.
That overwhelming feeling bubbles up inside of me. I have to take a second and swallow as I process it.
I’ve never felt anything close to this with anyone. Just Poppy.
