Dad cleared his throat and the room went silent.
He lifted his champagne. “To Luke and Melanie. Thanks for giving us another daughter, Son.”
We all raised our glasses with a chorus of, “Cheers,” and drank.
“Stop it, Paul, you’re going to make me cry,” Melanie said as she hugged him.
The excited buzz continued as dinner was set out and we all made our way to the dining room. Our family had grown so much, Dad had built a big new table. They’d had to move some furniture around to make more space, but even with that, it was a tight fit.
Conversations continued while we dished up and ate. I waited for a lull, then put down my fork.
“I actually have some news, too.”
All eyes moved to me.
“Over the summer, the University of South Carolina reached out to me about the possibility of joining their coaching staff. They offered me the offensive coordinator position, starting next season, and I decided to accept.”
For a few seconds, silence hung over the table, broken only by the sound of baby Isla babbling.
“Theo, that’s amazing,” Annika said, finally. “Congratulations.”
“Yeah, congratulations,” Levi said.
“South Carolina?” Zachary asked, his tone indignant.
Here we go.
“I know,” I said. “It’s a big move. But it’s a great opportunity.”
Making a fist, Zachary groaned. “Damn it, Theo. Congratulations. I’m actually really happy for you and simultaneously mad that you’re leaving.”
Marigold rubbed his arm. “It’s okay. Sometimes we have big feelings.”
“Same, but congrats,” Luke said. “That’s awesome.”
More congratulations started coming from around the table. I nodded along, appreciative of the smiles and well-wishes.
“Thanks, you guys. I know it’s a big change, but I’m really excited about it.”
I answered their questions about the school and what my new job would entail. After a while, the conversation drifted to other things before returning to Luke and Melanie and their wedding plans.
I finished dinner with a sense of relief. Now that my family knew, it seemed real. It was actually happening. And they’d all be fine without me around every day. I’d visit as often as I could, and meanwhile, I’d be forging ahead on a new path.
I cracked a smile. New job, new city, new possibilities. It was exciting, and I was looking forward to seeing where life took me next.
CHAPTER 15
Penelope
A low humof conversation filled the cafeteria in the assisted living home when I found Grandma at her table. She greeted me with a smile, and I gave her a hug before sitting down. They’d designed the dining hall to be as homelike as they could, with tables in a variety of sizes, seasonally themed tablecloths, and comfortable chairs. The food was usually good, but as my grandmother liked to eat early and I wasn’t particularly hungry, I wasn’t planning to take much of the chicken with rice pilaf they were serving.
“Well, Penny,” she said as she laid her napkin in her lap. “What’s new with you?”
Where did I begin?
“Let me start by saying, everything is fine. Better than fine. So don’t worry.”
“That’s a surefire way to get your grandma to worry.”
