Page 76 of Nolan
And this time, I’ll make sure he stays that way. This time, I’ll be ready for anything and everything.
This time, we’re backing up the goddamn drive.
Family photos are something sacred to my sister-in-law. They’re something she uses to send out for Christmas cards, so an autumn photo shoot in a New Carnegie park when the leaves are changing are something she really can’t pass up.
“You both have your shirts ready?” Jessica asks both Nolan and me slyly while Apollo is distracted by the photographer, who’s showing him some of the photos we’ve taken already. The kids are dying to play on the playground, running around Laolao like they were just given candy and steroids at the same time. We promised them some playtime, but we have one more change of clothes and a few more shots to take.
Nolan pulls off his hoodie to reveal the red long-sleeved T-shirt underneath. In stylized letters, the graphics on his chest read: Fun Uncle.
Mine is similar. Fun Auntie. Little Hera has Big Sister, while Laolao and her husband, recently returned from Taiwan and happy to take part in family traditions, helps my nephew change into a shirt that says Big Brother. Apollo complained about how his shirt says Dad instead of Daddy while wiggling his eyebrows at Jess.
Jessica pulls out a sonogram photo framed with a pumpkin onesie that says I’m a Surprise. She hands it to Nolan discreetly. “Okay, everyone, let’s get together now. Last photos. Apollo, you have to hold the picture.”
“What for?” he calls in confusion as Nolan shoves it into his hands and claps his shoulder. Apollo grins at his shirt. “This is the cheesiest thing we’ve ever done. ‘Fun Uncle’? Are you Funcle Nolan now?”
“You’re damn right I’m Funcle Nolan,” Nolan replies. “I’m Funcle all over the place. Basically raised AJ and Travis myself.”
“That’s true. Those two are practically feral.”
We all huddle together in front of the photographer’s tripod. I help Laolao herd the kids to where they need to be. She and her husband are proudly sporting their Grandpa and Grandma shirts.
Jessica has a devilish smile on her face as she turns to Apollo. “What do you think, babe?”
“Of what?”
“The picture you’re holding.”
“It’s a pumpkin, right?” He blinks and looks down. Then he frowns in confusion and turns it around. I count the seconds that tick by. It takes him about seven before his eyes widen and he looks at Jessica in shock, all while the photographer and I giggle. I hear the snap-snap-snap of her camera.
“Jessica, are you serious?” His jaw is on the ground, and then I grab the picture before he drops it. Nolan steps back and laughs as Apollo kisses Jessica hard and swings her around in his arms, his voice jumping an octave. “We’re having another baby? We’re having another baby!” It’s like he’s shouting it to the world.
After the photo shoot is done, we pack up the car and say our farewells to the photographer.
“I can’t wait to see them developed. Apollo’s face is going to be priceless,” I tell Nolan with a grin.
“He’s the type to pass out cigars.” Nolan chuckles. “At least, that’s what I’m told.” He gently pulls me into a hug. “Apollo mentioned something about you getting your own place?”
Embarrassed, I look away. “Oh, geez. He wasn’t supposed to say anything, but—yeah, I signed a lease and everything. I move in next month. I figured it’s the right time, what with another baby on the way. They’ll need all the space they can get and as much as I love my parents, I really don’t want to move back in with them once the renovations on their place are done.”
“Where is your apartment?”
My cheeks flush. “A couple blocks away from the fire station.”
Nolan’s face brightens in a grin, ear to ear. “Is that right?”
“Well, you know. It just seemed convenient.”
“Very convenient,” he agrees. “Think you could show it to me?” He steals a kiss.
“Show you? You’re going to help me christen the place.”
Nolan’s bright white eyes are aglow, filled with an affection only for me as he helps me into the car. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
He’s headed to the station for the weekend, but I’m not worried. He told me he spoke to the chief. He’s allowed his own privacy, his own private server, hosted by the company, that allows him to keep everything to do with his family life and me safely backed up.
Nothing and no one can take him away from me again.
Nolan is mine. I’m his. And I’ll make sure he never forgets that.
