His response is immediate.
Walker:I can be there to start cooking at seven.
I attach my address to my next text.
Eli:Perfect. I’ll have my grading done by then. You guys good with arriving around seven or so?
Knox:I’ll be there. Want me to bring anything else?
Lia:Just your smile, Knox. Walker, can I request some macaroni and cheese as a side dish for dinner?
Walker:You can request anything you wish, beautiful. I’ll pick up the ingredients.
Eli:Amber’s going to love some homemade mac and cheese. Come comfortable, and we’ll celebrate Lia’s success.
Lia:I’m about to drive home. Tell Amber her and I will make it a PJ dinner.
Knox:Hey, if pajamas are allowed, I’m totally coming in my Christmas pajamas from last year.
Walker:I won’t be in pajamas.
I chuckle at Walker’s text before I shoot a message back.
Eli:Come as comfortable as you wish. This is your night, Lia. We’re celebrating you. Drive safe, and let us know if you’d like someone to pick you up tonight.
Knox:Any one of us can pull away and come get you, all right?
Lia:I’ll let you know after I’ve had some sleep. My preheat’s kicking my butt after this morning. Just need a shower and a nice, long nap.
Walker:Sleep well, beautiful. I’ll check on you later.
Knox:Let me know when you get home, Sunshine.
Eli:See you tonight, Alley Cat.
I don’t even realize Amber’s peering over my shoulder and reading everything until she pipes up. “Tell her I said I can’t wait to see her!”
I chuckle as I text one last message to the group chat.
Eli:And Amber says she can’t wait to see you.
Lia’s response is instant.
Lia:Tell her me and Pickles can’t wait to see her, either. I’ll have a big hug waiting for her, and I’m sure Pickles needs a re-up on his cuddles.
“Yayyy!” Amber exclaims as she pushes away from me and rushes back down the hallway. “I have to pick out my pajamas for the night!”
“And get your homework done!” I call to her.
“Awww, man! Come on, Dad.”
“I know, I know, I’m such a party pooper,” I say, dropping my phone back onto the couch cushions. “But if we’re going to have fun tonight, you have to get it done now.”
“Fine,” she grumbles.
“Thank you, princess.”
She mutters something under her breath before disappearing back into her room, but I don’t pay it any mind.Everyone’s coming over for a family dinner, which means I have to follow my own advice and get my work done first.
