I do, and I also clean his glasses. When he smiles his thanks, I notice his new adult teeth have almost completely come through and nearly fill the gap at the front of his mouth.
“You look fab,” I tell him. “You all do.”
“Yeah,” says Theo, “I can’t wait for everyone to see you.”
I quickly run through the kids’ jobs and remind them what they’re supposed to be doing. I don’t want Callum to get distracted by Lina, Mabel by Freya, or Archie by anyone who’s charmed by his cuteness—which I imagine will be the entire guest list.
I think how nice it is for the five of us to have a moment to take stock before the guests arrive. Because I’m not just hosting the party with Theo: I’m also hosting it with the kids. We’re all doing it together. But, just as I’m about to ask the kids how they feel, the sound of voices—and a very theatrical laugh—drifts over from the driveway.
“I hate it when people arrive early.” I turn to Theo and pout.
Theo’s eyes glisten. “Yeah, but would you say that abouteveryone?”
Before I can answer, bursting from behind the garage comes Gloria, resplendent in a rainbow lamé body stocking, a gold wig and matching beard glitter, stack heels that make him look like a giant, and wafting around an oversized rainbow fan. He’s followed by Ian, who’s customized one of his signature gingham shirts with a sunflower pinned to his left breast, and is clutching four bottles of Prosecco—two in each hand—that clink together. Then there’s Dom, who’s showing much less flesh than usual, in shorts that almost reach his knees and a long-sleeved shirt, albeit one that’s too small for him and clings to his arms and chest.
I feel a rush of emotion. My sisters!
“Don’t panic, everyone!” trills Gloria. “We’re here! The party can start!”
Theo grins.
The kids whoop.
And I burst out crying.
Gloria, Ian and Dom rush over and put their arms around me.
“Adam, what’s the matter?” says Ian.
“I’ve never had that effect before,” jokes Gloria. “Not since I went to see my ex to tell him I had chlamydia.”
I laugh so hard I let out some snot.
“What’s chlamydia?” asks Archie.
“Never you mind!” chorus all the adults.
“Sorry,” I splutter, wiping my nose, “I’m just really happy to see you. And you’ve come all this way!”
“We could hardly let a party happen without us,” comments Dom.
Gloria clicks open his fan. “It wouldn’t be fair on our sister!”
“And what’s a couple of hours on a plane when you’re family?” adds Ian.
I turn to Theo. “I take it you were behind this.”
He holds up his hands. “Guilty as charged.”
“Oh, Theo, I love you!” I burst out. “And I love my sisters!”
“And I love your makeup,” says Gloria, spotting Mabel. “That lip gloss is gorge!”
Her face splits into a smile. “Thanks.”
Dom nods at Callum’s physique. “Nice rig, mate. You’ve really packed on the muscle.”
Callum beams and holds his chest a little prouder.
