–sarah–
JANUARY
Drawing in a deep breath,I take the final step up the porch of my childhood home. I’ve promised myself that today I’m going to break the news of my plan to my family since I have my first interview with the fertility clinic this week. Actually, I think I’ll refer to it as an agency. It doesn’t sound so … so clinical. My family is always supportive, and I know they always have my best interest at heart, so I’m not worried they’ll disapprove of my decision.
Oh, what the hell? If I can’t be honest with myself, who can I be honest with? I’m terrified they’ll think I’m making the wrong decision. That they’ll try to talk me out of it and encourage me to wait until I meet the love of my life.Ha!I thought I’d had that with Michael but I was sorely mistaken. Every time I think about the day he came home with his news about the promotion he’d accepted without considering me, I’m taken back to the years of misery when my heart was a pile of mush and barely functioning.
Balancing Emma’s birthday cake with one hand, I open the screen and front door to step inside with a shiver. Warmth immediately greets me, wrapping me in a familiar embrace and taking me back to a simpler time. The house smells delicious—inviting me farther in. “I’m here!”
Mom steps out of the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron and wearing a wide smile. “Hiya, Honey. Oh, that cake looks amazing. Emma’s gonna love it!”
“I figured she deserved a great cake for her last year in her thirties.” I step into the kitchen and place the cake in the middle of the counter. Once my hands are free, I give Mom a hug. We’re about the same height and pretty much the same shape; I have her eyes, as do Em and Max. Apart from the few grays that have snuck in, you wouldn’t think Mom was old enough to have an almost forty-year-old daughter. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s drying Archie,” she huffs. “That naughty dog rolled in mud on his morning walk, so your dad thought he’d better give him a bath before the kids arrive.”
“He’s always getting up to mischief.” I chuckle and Mom rolls her eyes. “Anything I can do to help?”
“Would you mind making the salad?” She points to the salad vegetables sitting on the counter.
“Of course not.” I set about doing as Mom asked and before long, I have the salad ready to complement the feast I’m certain Mom’s prepared. She loves feeding us and always makes a big fuss for our family’s Sunday lunches.
Archie comes sprinting through the kitchen, bouncing around like a gazelle. He’s funny when he has a bath, it’s like he gets a new lease on life. “Oh, who’s this handsome boy?” I crouch down to give him a rub around the scruff of his neck. His back end wriggles like crazy with the wagging of his tail.
Dad chuckles as his feet come into view, so I stand. “Dad.”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in tight and landing a kiss on top of my head. “Baby Girl. How are you?”
I draw back, still holding him. “I’ve had a good week. I hear you’ve been rolling around in mud puddles.”
We both chuckle, but he points down at the family dog. “That troublemaker there, not me. I’m innocent.” He holds his hands up in surrender.
The front door opens, and the sound of little feet running on Mom and Dad’s hardwood floor, along with little girl giggles, fills the house. Kenny bursts into the kitchen. “I’m here!”
Mom sweeps forward, collecting Kenny in her arms. She holds her tight against her body while Kenny’s little feet hang loosely. “Hello. My, don’t you look pretty today.”
Kenny smiles wide at Mom’s compliment then wriggles down to greet Dad.
Em, Theo, and the boys follow close behind and we all greet each other with our usual boisterous happiness. I’m not sure if all families are this close or demonstrative in their affection for each other, but ours is, and I’m thankful for it. I love spending time with Mom and Dad, my brother and sister, and my niece and nephews.
I step out to go to the bathroom. While I’m here I may as well practice the news—for the millionth time—I’m going to share today. Butterflies erupt in my stomach as I study myself in the mirror, then I draw in a deep breath and head back to the kitchen, which is filled with loud laughter.
“What’s funny?” I ask as I step into the room, moving straight to my brother to wrap my arms around his waist. He embraces me in return, kissing the top of my head. God, I love my brother; he’s so steady and strong.
Emma turns the T-shirt she’s holding around to show me the front. I read it out for everyone. “I’m a proud sister of a freaking awesome brother (and yes, he brought me this shirt).” I can’t hold back my laughter. Only Max!
“It’s perfect, right?” Max asks the room as Emma twists the shirt around for everyone to see.
Dad claps Max on the shoulder and chuckles. “Only you, Max.”Right!
I spin around, pushing away from my brother, and point my finger at him. “Don’t even think about getting me one of those.” I can’t hold in my grin, which probably gives away that I’m not all that serious. I honestly don’t care what he gets me for my birthday, as long as I get to spend time with him.
Everyone settles, and we prepare the table for lunch. Theo helps Emma with the kids, careful to ensure Lachlan’s food isn’t touching. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my sister so happy; Theo has been so good for her and the boys. The first few moments are silent as we serve ourselves and take our first few bites of food.Mmm. Mom’s cooking is the best.
Our regular chatter strikes up once the eating slows, and Mom places her silverware down to study Max. “You said you’ve been busy at work. When are you going to employ someone to help?”
We’ve been nagging him for quite some time to get help at his workshop. He does too much on his own with the actual mechanical work and the restoration of old muscle cars and trucks, as well as the business management side of things. It takes up all of his time.
“You’ll be happy to know that I have an office manager starting at eight a.m. on Monday,” he proudly announces.