There was laughter. Cheers.
The hugs started.
Logan was being hugged.
I was being hugged.
Natty jumped on Matty to get to me, so Matty had to get up. I was able to stand up for the hugs after that.
Logan found his way back to my side, one of the twins clinging to his back, and he pulled me to his side when we heard the front door open.
“We’re here! Late, but here.” Malinda led the way, coming down the front entryway and rounding to a stop at the living room opening. David stepped in behind her. Two more came next, Mark and Cass, who were holding hands.
That’s when Malinda sniffed the air. “Why am I smelling fire?”
A beat of silence.
Then from Maddy, “THE TREE IS ON FIRE!”