Page 102 of Unbreakable
We chose each other in a commitment more solid than any wedding vow.
THIRTY-NINE
JEANINE
NOW | DECEMBER
Update: spa day was really fun. I like the girls
Rachel
Aw I’m so glad J
You’re still not being replaced
I know. But there’s room for more people to love you and I’m happy to share
I awakenedto the sound of . . . jingle bells? And Dylan’s booming voice.
“Bundle up, family! We’re heading for the hills!”
Greyson, forever an early riser, was already waiting at Dylan’s side, joining in the shouting. After the couch stabbing incident, we converted Bella’s crib to be open so she could get in and out. Better to let her get in and out safely than trap her and make her climb out. Bella sidled out looking a little grumpy with her stuffed rabbit under her arm and her thumb in her mouth.
“Bella, honey, don’t suck your thumb,” I reminded her. Too tired to argue yet, she just scowled at me.
“Where’s Alice?” Dylan asked, spinning in a circle.
Bella laughed at him, forever as charmed by her dad as I was. “Daddy, she’s not up yet.”
He knelt down and tucked her under his arm. “Let’s go get her.”
He shuffled into Alice’s room with Bella jingling the bells.
“Go away,” Alice grumbled, pulling her sheets over her head.
Dylan knelt at her bedside and put on a soft voice. “But there’s going to be snowwwwww.”
Alice lowered the sheets slightly, letting just her eyes out. Grey and I laughed from the doorway.
“And we’re making cinnamon rolls first. Don’t tell Mom,” he stage-whispered.
Having to play my sometimes-hardass role, I said, “I heard that.”
Alice was up with a reluctant grin, and we all headed to the kitchen.
“You still haven’t told us what we’re doing, Dad,” Greyson complained.
The kids all took their seats at the kitchen island, watching Dylan with rapt attention. He handed me a small envelope with a Santa on it, the same as my other poems. “Mommy, will you do the honors?”
“Oh sure,” I said, prying the envelope open and clearing my throat as I read Dylan’s poem aloud.
Today is going to get a little chilly
But it will be such fun if you’re willing
We’re riding tubes across the snow
I can’t wait to see your faces glow
