by Celia Loren
As I pull through the gate, I smile as I see our driveway full of cars and the windows all lit up and welcoming. Britt insisted on holding dinner late so that I could be here for it. I can't believe I used to come home to an empty house. I'd never want to go back to that time again.
I park on the grass so that I don't block anyone in, and grab my bag and walk quickly the rest of the way. "I'm home!" I call out as I shut the front door behind me.
"Daddy!" Max yells, sprinting from the kitchen and launching himself at me. He hits me like a tiny pack of bricks, and I scoop him up as I dump my bag.
"Great game," Britt says, walking into the foyer. I want to pull her against my body, but instead I lean over her very pregnant belly and kiss her on the lips.
"Ew," Max protests, having become recently grossed out by his parents' displays of affection.
"I know, honey, but you're just going to have to put up with us," Britt says, laughing.
"How's your back?" I ask her, setting Max on the ground. She's at eight months, and her back gets sore if she stands for too long.
"Not too bad, actually. Paula and Danielle have been really helpful. Come on, everyone wants to see you," she tells me, taking my hand. I walk into the kitchen and see Coach McKay talking to my parents by the breakfast bar, Paula and Danielle scurrying around the kitchen, and Adam and Paula's boyfriend Dave sharing beers as they sit at the dining room table. A chorus of hellos rise as I step inside, and I'm swarmed with hugs.
"You go sit," I tell Britt, ushering her toward the table.
"Don't be silly, you just got home from a game!" Britt laughs.
"Come on, Britt. Join us lazy folks over here," Adam says, pulling out a chair next to the head of the table for her.
"Oh, alright," Britt grumbles, accustomed to being of more use.
I smile and head over to the kitchen. "You want to check on the turkey?" Paula asks, pointing to the oven.
"On it," I tell her. Paula is just as warm and kind as Britt described her, and I was glad to be able to help her pay off her house. She was there for Britt when I couldn't be, and I would have happily done much more for her. She and Coach have mended fences, and I think the idea of her having a boyfriend has even put the thought of dating again into Coach's mind.
I set the turkey right on the granite countertop since all the burners are taken. "Looks good to me," I announce, cutting into it.
"We're a go, everyone!" Danielle announces.
"Good job, babe!" Adam calls from the table, and I shake my head at him with a smile.
I lug the huge turkey toward the table and set it down, then make sure everyone has something to drink in their glasses, though only water for my wife. We all settle down into our seats, me at the head of the table, Britt on my right, and Max in a booster seat on my left.
I raise the glass of beer in front of me. "Thank you all for making the trip to be here, and thanks for waiting on dinner. I've got a lot to be thankful for right now."
"Mama!" Max yells out.
Everyone laughs. "Yes, that's right, Max. I've got your mom, I've got you, Max, and another little one on the way. I don't think my heart could get any fuller."
"Cheers!" everyone says as I raise my glass a little higher.
"Love you," Britt whispers, leaning over and brushing a kiss on my cheek, the tip of her nose rubbing into my stubble.
"Love you, too."
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THE END
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