Page 132 of Crazy Love

“Hey, Coach,” I say, as he pounds me on the back.

“Are you ever gonna call me Rex?”

“Mmm, I’m not sure I can,” I say, laughing.

“I can’t get over all the decorations out there,” I hear Danielle saying to Addy.

“Penn has found a new calling,” she says.

“Damn straight!” I call.

I look around at our family and grin. I walk over to Addy and put my arm around her waist.

“Do you mind if we take a family picture before we eat?” I ask. “I put a little something together this morning. It’s in the back.”

Addy looks at me in surprise. “What did you do? It’s not an Incredible Hulk inflatable or something, is it?”

“No, but damn…I missed an opportunity there,” I say.

Everyone laughs.

“A family picture sounds great,” my mom says.

“Sam and Winnie, can you help me with the kittens?”

“They’re gonna be in the picture too?” Coach asks.

“They’re family too,” I say.

“Not sure how I feel about that,” I hear him say as I go into the family room where I left the cats last.

Winnie gasps when she sees them. “Oh, they’re so cute!” she coos.

I’ve got them all dressed in cream sweaters. Jezebel’s has a little floofy trim around her neck, and I slide a tutu on her and Elsa, assuring them I’ll take the tutus off as soon as the pictures are over.

“Too good.” Sam laughs. “You’re looking nice, guys,” he says, nuzzling Gizmo and Shadow.

Winnie carries Elsa, and I carry the queen, Jezebel, as she looks on serenely.

Addy and the rest of the family lose it when they see us.

“Oh my goodness!” Danielle says. “Penn, what will you think of next?”

“You just never know,” I say, grinning.

I lead them outside, and not too far from the lake, there’s this one tree that’s always been my favorite. It’s tall and beautiful on its own, but with lights wrapped on every branch, it’s stunning. There are three pretty benches with white furry blankets, the biggest one in the middle, and I ordered a massive bouquet with white roses and feathers and greenery from The Enchanted Florist that sits on a pillar nearby. Everyone gasps when they see the display, even Coach, and I feel my job is done.

I brought the camera on a tripod out before they got here, and I motion toward the area.

“I thought we could take pictures there,” I say, when no one speaks.

“Penn, this is so beautiful,” Addy says. She looks up at me, her eyes luminous. “You make everything so special.” Her voice breaks as she blinks fast. “Not gonna cry. Not gonna cry. Not gonna cry.”

“I love to make you smile,” I tell her. “And cry happy tears,” I add.

She leans up and kisses me. “I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you most,” I say.

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