Page 45 of Flown in for Christmas

I think he was just happy to gain a piece of his brother back. Why my uncle chose to never tell anyone of his son before his passing, we’ll never know.

I stay standing as my cousin and his family join us, making their way into the grand living room. I take a moment to gaze around the room.

Rich sits holding his daughter with Leah on the floor between his legs. Natalie and Martina sit beside the Christmas tree, watching Tucker and Izzy play with empty boxes. Aunt Sara brings a pitcher of mimosas in from the kitchen. Uncle Allen dozes on the couch. My mother ushers Eric’s son toward the tree, pointing out which presents are his. Joy’s father helps fetch them from deep under the tree.

It’s not everyone we wished to be here today, but it’s more than enough.

“Ready, honey?” my beautiful wife whispers, sliding her hand in mine. I grin down at her as she bounces from foot to foot. My stunning, amazing, perfect—

“If I run to pee one more time, your mom is going to figure out the big surprise before we have a chance to tell her.”

I chuckle. “Do you know how much I love you?” I ask, kissing her softly as my hand covers her stomach.Eleven weeks, four days.

She smiles, placing her hand over mine. “Too much, I hope.”

“There’s no such thing when it comes to you, angel,” I murmur, squeezing her hand. “Come on. Let’s go give my mother the arrival date of the third grandchild she’s been begging for.”

The End.

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