Page 64 of Shine: Sins of the Father
Long tables are set up end to end when we walk inside. It always reminds me of a great Medieval Hall with the King at the end—that being Cole. As I’ve grown up, the table just keeps getting longer. With all the second generation getting patched in and having kids of their own, we may have to start a second row of tables. We’ve already got a kids table that is two sections long.
The place looks festive with tablecloths and candles and place settings. The ol’ ladies make up a buffet of food along the wall, and everyone helps themselves.
This year, I don’t partake of the bottles of wine that are passed around, but join in the toast with a long-stemmed glass of apple juice.
Cole stands at the head of the table and lifts his glass. “To another year of health and happiness, and to a damn fine group of brothers. I couldn’t ask for better. To our ol’ ladies and kids, and now grandkids.” He huffs a laugh. “Hell, it’s getting crowded in here, huh?”
Everyone laughs.
“We’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year.” He lifts his glass, and the men all respond.
“Hear. Hear.”
My sister Ella is at my side, and my mother is on my other side. These have been our traditional spots since we moved up from the children’s table. Once we marry and have kids, that will change. Some of my joy is dimmed at the thought that I won’t have a husband to take his place with me. When I glance at the children’s table, it’s hard to believe that in a few years I’ll have a toddler who will take his place there with everyone else’s children.
For the first time, I have misgivings about my decision to raise this baby on my own. When I watch the other men who have young babies, some holding them at the table, I realize I’m robbing my son of a father, and all that it means.
Looking around the table, I have to content myself with the fact that my baby will have an entire club of men who will be there to guide Dylan and set a male example for him. It’s much more than many children ever get, and it will have to be enough.
***
Christmas comes and goes, and before I know it, my belly has gotten huge, and I’m on my way to my baby shower.
Janey is driving, and she pulls into a spot in front of Kyle’s restaurant.
I grin. I’m glad Mom settled on this place and know my brother closed it down just for us.
We walk in and my breath is taken at the beautiful decorations. The rear wall is covered with a stunning balloon arch that curves around a backdrop picture of a baby blue sky and fluffy white clouds. On the floor in front of it are more cloudsmade of fluffy pillow stuffing with cute teddy bears floating on them. The entire thing is adorable, and I start to tear up.
My mother comes and hugs me, then leads me in.
There’s punch and all kinds of treats with a blue theme.
My brother makes us a delicious lunch, and then it's gift time.
They ensconce me in a pretty overstuffed rocker that my mother tells me is from her and my father.
“I know you only have one bedroom where you are, but you can use it in your living room.”
“Thank you so much. I love it.”
Tori and Sutton pull a pale blue blanket off a big item, revealing a pretty crib.
“This is from both of us,” my brothers’ wives say in unison.
“We got a small one, so it will fit in your bedroom next to your bed.”
“It’s lovely. Thank you, both.”
I sit and open a huge pile of presents, receiving adorable baby clothes, a car seat, a swing, and enough bottles and diapers to last for months.
“Thank you, everyone. I’m overwhelmed. Everything is so thoughtful. I know this baby will be loved by all of you, and I’m counting on some babysitting time, too.”
It feels so good to be surrounded by all the love in this group of amazing, strong women who I know would be there for me and my baby anytime I need anything.
Life is good. So good.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
