Page 47 of Safe at Home

“Don’t forget what the doctor said,” Penelope added. “If you have any cramping or possible contractions, go to an urgent care or emergency room. You and the babies are very important. We’ll take care of Peanut and Stormi for you while you’re gone.”

“You better send me pictures of the kittens all the time!” Molly smiled and hugged her friend tightly. “I know, and we’ll be fine. Don’t worry about us. You start asking around for people who need birthday cupcakes or baby shower desserts. I’m only going to be gone for a few weeks, then we can start making money again.”

We climbed into her car to drive towards Crestwood to meet up with the Lightning. During the drive, I enjoyed talking to my wife and playing random road trip games that she said they had played on their way to surprise me. I still couldn’t believe that it was only a week ago.

Molly’s phone gave the text notification sound. “Your mom said their plane just left. We should get to them in perfect time.”

My family had left to go back to Tennessee a few days ago. Mom and Dad were flying into the biggest airport near Crestwood, and we would pick them up to take them to the game on our way. I was so excited my dad was coming to a game. I couldn’t remember the last time he had been to one.

Julia and Rob were needed back at the hospital, and I had appreciated them coming to help with the injured after the tornado. Carter and Alec were staying back to keep the auto shop open. Carter said he had a meeting with a realtor to look at possible locations for his tattoo shop. I was really excited about my brother going in with 4 or 5 other tattoo artists to open up a shop. Dad was very relieved he was still going to work at the auto shop while doing tattoos on the side.

“What gate are they arriving at again?” Molly asked as I maneuvered her car around the airport.

“Gate 8A,” I said and pointed at the sign for the gate we needed.

“There it is. Turn left up here.” Molly directed me. “I see your mom! She’s so cute! I love her!”

I shook my head but was glad that my mom and my wife got along so well.

I pulled into a spot that was designated for pick up only. Mom and Dad walked over to the car and hugs were given all around.

“You don’t know how much this means to me that you’re coming to my game,” I told Dad.

“I’m sorry it’s taken so long,” Dad said as he gave me another hug. “I did something you won’t believe.”

“Oh my gosh! Are you really going to show him right here in the airport parking lot, Mike?” Mom asked.

“Is there a better place to show my son my first tattoo?”

Molly had been taking a drink of her water and spit it all over the place. “Did you say tattoo?”

“No fucking way!” I cried out.

“Tyler Elliott, watch your language!”

“Mom! I’m not a kid anymore,” I said with a shake of my head.

“You’re still my kid.”

“I want to see, Dad!” I said, ignoring my mom’s attempt at a glare. “Please, tell me Carter did it.”

“Yes, your brother did it. He really is talented. I did the drawing, though.”

“No way. I can’t wait to see it!”

Dad lifted up the sleeve of his t-shirt to reveal a tattoo on his upper arm. It was a toolbelt that went all the way around his arm. Hanging from the belt were 4 wrenches. The designs inside each wrench were so detailed that I couldn’t believe my eyes. The first wrench had a stethoscope for Julia. At the bottom was a scrub cap with fish on it. The second wrench had a baseball player diving for the ball. The middle wrench had a catcher's mask and glove. It also had some strawberries hanging off of the wrench. My chest puffed out with pride. I checked out the final wrench and smiled. Inside that one was a tattoo gun.

“Holy crap, that’s amazing,” I said. “I love it, Dad!”

“Are the strawberries for me?” Molly asked as she came over to take a closer look.

“Yes, they are,” Dad said with a grin. “The scrub cap with fish on it is for Rob since he loves to go fishing on his days off. When your brothers find their matches, I will add something for them. I also plan on adding something for each of your babies under your wrench when we discover what they are passionate about.”

“Oh, that’s perfect! It’s like a family tree but with wrenches!” Molly exclaimed.

“That’s exactly what it is.” He pointed to the tool belt. I had missed it, but the date my parents got married was on the tool belt along with four hummingbirds. My mom loved hummingbirds, and I guessed that the four symbolized her four children.

“Well, we’d better go, or I’ll be late to my game. I’m so glad you guys will be in the stands cheering me on!” I said.

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