Page 6 of Merrily Yours
I think he’s already doing that, but what do I know.
“The Coffee Shop does make the best coffee. Albert and Ethel should stay on, you’re right.”
“Woah woah woah. Coffee Shop coffee has gone downhill in the last few years, and you know it. They aren’t even sourcing locally anymore, and they’ve been brewing their espresso at one hundred seventy-five degrees which is twenty degrees below what’s recommended,” he rants.
I hum, knowing I won this round. “Interesting. Seems like you know a lot for someone who isn’t interested in taking over.”
He pushes up from his seat and runs a hand through his hair, messing up his bun. “I’m going to wake Ben up.” And with that, he walks out.
I spend the next several minutes finishing my coffee before getting up to preheat the oven and start on the cinnamon rolls. A grumpy Jules, an even grumpier Ben, and a beaming Elodie join me in the kitchen. Ben beelines to a spot at the table, laying his head down and almost immediately dozing back off. Jules comes to the counter next to me, Elodie in his arms, and starts a one-handed attempt at spreading the filling across the rolled out dough.
“I’m fine,” he says, sounding like he’s trying to convince himself more than he’s trying to convince me.
“I didn’t say you weren’t,” I counter.
“If the right opportunity came along, I would consider it. I want to continue to build a life here… I—I just feel a little directionless.”
“You’ll figure it out, Julien. I’m proud of you for listening to your heart. The right opportunitywillcome along, and you’ll be rewarded for your patience.”
He nods, setting El down on the counter so he can roll the dough for me to cut. The oven dings indicating it’s done preheating which causes Ben to shoot straight up. “I’m up! I’m up,” he repeats.
Jules smirks. “Sit down, you shithead. Sugar and cream in your coffee?”
Ben grins back at his twin. “You know how I like it, baby.”
It’s good to have them home.
Cinnamon rolls have been eaten, a second pot of coffee was brewed, and everyone is lazily draped across either a kitchen chair or a piece of living room furniture. Bex’s head is on my shoulder, and her coffee is resting on top of her belly. I smile because I can’t help myself. I’m so damn happy to have another baby running around. Elaine knows I would have had ten more, so it’s probably good that she forced me to get a vasectomy all those years ago.
Being a grandparent means I get all of the perks and less of the late nights. I love when we get to have Elodie over, and I will spoil this next little dinosaur rotten, too.
I sigh and I look around, cataloging my family. Anders is on the floor stacking blocks with Elodie. Gabe wandered in shortly after the cinnamon rolls finished baking—his timing has always been impeccable—and is now helping Elaine do the dishes. Jules and Ben have opened up a puzzle and are arguing about the best way to put it together. It reminds me of when they were all teenagers.
“Think everyone will be ready to go in about an hour?” I ask. There is usually slim pickings on decor and trees this late in the season, but it doesn’t feel right decorating without everyone here.
The boys all acknowledge me with nods. Bex finishes her coffee and gets up to stretch. “I think I’ll go lay down for a nap,” she says.
“Didn’t you just get up?” Ben asks, earning a glare from Anders and a smack across the back of his head from Jules.
“She’s growing a baby, dumbass,” Gabe chimes in. “She can sleep whenever the fuck she wants.”
“Language, my cabbage,” Elaine warns, looking pointedly at Elodie.
“Seriously, Mom?” he whines. “You talk about sex all the time, and I can’t say the word fuck? I’m sure El’s heard worse.”
“Seriously, Gabriel. My house, my rules.” She smirks, and we make eye contact. We both established a long time ago that we weren’t going to censor our kids, especially now that they are adults. But it’s still fun to poke at them.
“Should we start a holiday swear jar?” I suggest. “Proceeds go to the Sassafras food bank?”
“I love that idea, dear!” Elaine says. “See, boys, generosity is sexy. Your future partners will thank me.”
A collective groan rises. “That’s my cue,” Bex concludes, leaving the rest of us downstairs.
“Alright, everyone, one hour until we leave. And remember—Santa privileges are on the line. I would suggest meeting with your teammate and devising a plan,” I say.
Jules comes over to sit with Anders and Elodie, immediately pulling her into his lap. Gabe finishes the dishes and joins Ben at the table. Elaine and I smile at each other across the room, eager to watch the antics unfold.
“This is the perfect tree—I mean look at it! Excellent shape, symmetrical branches! Sure, it’s a little short but it’s better than that monstrosity!” Gabe fires.
