Page 8 of Merrily Yours
Anders, Jules, Gabe, and Ben all put their hands up after spending the last five minutes frantically adding their finishing touches. It’s almost dark outside and we sent Elaine into the house about thirty minutes ago so we could do a big reveal. “Bring it in,” I call, watching as the boys jog toward me.
“I’m proud of you all for your hard work and dedication. Each concept was…unique”—I eye Gabe—“and well executed. Your mom and sister will have a tough decision ahead of them.”
“Bex is biased,” Ben coughs into his hand.
“I’ll make sure the final decision is fair, don’t worry. Should I go get them?”
“Wait!” Gabe says, putting his hand into the middle. “Band of Bardots on three.”
Everyone else puts their hand in. “One, two, three?—”
“Band of Bardots!”
“Well, that was adorable,” Elaine says from the porch. “Are you ready for us?”
“Yes, dear.” I wink.
While Elaine, Bex, and Elodie go back to their chairs, I take a moment to appreciate everything my boys have put together.
It’s beautiful.
It also looks like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde decorated our house, and I’m sure the neighbors will have some thoughts.
Anders and Jules created a winter wonderland complete with what has to be close to a hundred snowflakes of various sizes hanging from every branch on our large elm. Their side of the roof is lined with white lights wrapped around an oversized ornament garland, which matches the one around the porch railing. They have flocked greenery lining the widows and a large wreath hanging in the center of each one. A life-size golden nutcracker stands to the left of the door with three giant red ornaments at his feet. There’s a potted poinsettia on each of the three steps leading up to the porch. It’s classic, elegant, andveryJules. It seems a little understated for Anders, but stunning nonetheless.
I look to Gabe and Ben’s side of the yard, and a chuckle escapes my lips. It is an explosion of color compared to the whites, reds, and golds of the other team. Every square inch of the yard is decorated with inflatable characters. The roof is covered in a sheet of colorful lights that alternate flashes. The leg lamp fromA Christmas Storyis centered in one window, and a cutout of the Grinch stealing a Christmas tree is centered in theother. There are three different carols playing from somewhere in the yard. It’s warm and chaotic all at once.
“You both have quite the decision on your hands,” I say to Elaine and Bex.
“It’s really…something,” Bex says, hand rubbing her belly.
“I love it.” Elaine grins.
I smile and tuck her under my arms, planting a kiss on top of her head. “Of course you do, darling.”
They deliberate for several minutes, walking around the yard, taking time to notice all of the small details. All four boys stand down by the street, nervously awaiting the final verdict. Elodie toddles around, laughing every time the inflatable Santa pops up from his chimney.
I watch as the girls walk back toward me. “Have you made a decision?” I ask.
“We have,” Bex replies. “Though, they won’t be happy about it.”
“Let’s go tell them,” I say, faux-seriousness in my tone.
“Boys, you’ve done a great job!” Elaine starts. “Bex and I each scored you out of five on three different categories: originality, use of space, and creativity. The final tally was one point apart, but the winner is…”
I drum roll on my legs, for dramatic effect.
“Gabe and Ben!” Elaine shouts.
“Rebecca! I trusted you!” Anders sulks. “You, too, little gremlin,” he says, picking up his daughter and bopping her on the nose. Gabe and Ben jump up, chest bumping each other.
“Killer—don’t be mad,” Bex pleads. “They outscored you in the originality category!”
Anders narrows his eyes. “You owe me,” he murmurs before reaching out to shake Ben and Gabe’s hands. “Good game, you guys.”
“Love the sportsmanship!” I clap Anders on the back. “Okay you two, time for rock paper scissors. Best two out of three.”
Ben and Gabe square up while Anders comes behind Gabe and rubs his shoulders. “Focus, Gabriel. You must win if I’m not in the running.”
