Page 17 of All of Me

“Well, look who’s making Thanksgiving entertaining as usual,” Joel says, nodding toward Vicki and Sharon. “Owen, you must love these family shows. Can’t beat the price of admission.”

I grin, nodding my head. “I brought popcorn. It’s in the car.”

Joel claps me on the shoulder, his smirk widens. “Smart man. Just make sure you’re sitting at a safe distance when Act Two starts.”

I laugh, already bracing for whatever comes next. Family gatherings with Sharon and Vicki are always a spectacle. It’s like watching a storm roll in; fascinating from afar but dangerous up close.

“Act Two?” Vicki says, glaring at her older brother. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Joel says, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Just saying you and Mom have a knack for keeping things lively.”

Sharon glares at him, her hands on her hips. “If you’re not here to help, Joel, you can find the door.”Ope, maybe he can do wrong after all.

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Joel says, grabbing a napkin and dramatically folding it. “I’m here to save Thanksgiving, one perfectly creased napkin at a time.”

Vicki snorts, grabbing Cameron and pulling him toward the back door. “Come on, Cam. Let’s get some air before Uncle Joel’s ego suffocates us.”

“Hey, I’m just here to bring joy to the masses,” Joel calls after her, earning an eye roll from Sharon.

I glance at Vicki as she heads out with Cameron. No matter how much Sharon pushes her buttons, Vicki never lets it stick. She’s got her own way of keeping the peace—mostly by ignoring the drama and finding her own escape route. It’s impressive, really.

Sharon, meanwhile, mutters something under her breath as she meticulously rearranges the napkins. I shake my head, picking up a stack of plates. “You know,” I say casually, “for someone who claims to be stressed, Vicki handles a lot.”

Sharon pauses, her hands hovering over the napkins. For a second, I think she might brush it off, but then she sighs, her expression softening. “She’s got a lot of her dad in her,” she admits. “Headstrong. Stubborn as hell. But you’re right. She’s doing alright. Cameron’s lucky to have her.”

I glance toward the door where Vicki and Cameron just disappeared. “Yeah, he is,” I say.

Sharon goes back to her napkins, her movements a little less frantic. “Don’t tell her I said that,” she mutters.

“Your secret’s safe with me,” I reply, grinning as I set the plates on the table.

seven

EVERYTHING - LIFEHOUSE

CALLIE - NOVEMBER 28, 2013

“Callie!” Suzanne’s voice greets us as I lead Sara into the living room, Ruby wrapped in my arms. Her face lights up when she sees us. She’s always had this effortless warmth about her, the kind that makes you feel welcome even when you’re doubting your place in the world.

“Hi, Suzanne,” I say, managing a small smile.

“Oh, please,” she says, waving a hand dismissively as she steps closer, radiating warmth. “You can call me Sue. Or, you know, Mom, if you ever feel like it.” She winks playfully, and I let out a soft laugh. Her lightheartedness tugs at something deep inside me and reminds me of when I first met her. She’d come to the house in Hawkridge to visit and as she was getting ready to leave, she whispered something in Owen’s ear that made him smile. After she left, I asked Owen what she had said and I almost didn’t believe him when he said the words were, “Marry her.”

Now, as she leans down to Sara’s level, her hands resting on her knees. “Hi, sweetheart. Are you having fun?”

Sara hesitates, hiding her face against my leg, her curls framing her small face like a shield. In a voice so soft I almost don’t catch it, she whispers, “Hi, Nana.”

My breath catches, the air in the room seeming to shift as her words hang there, tender and unguarded. Did I hear that right?

Suzanne’s playful demeanor changes in an instant. Her eyes glisten and she reaches out gently taking Sara’s hand. “You remembered,” she says “I told her she could call meNanaif she wanted to. I hope that’s okay with you. It’s what all my great-nieces and nephews call me as well. I’mNanaand Serena isNona.”

A lump rises in my throat so quickly it feels impossible to speak. I blink hard, willing myself not to cry. “Yeah,” I manage to say. “Of course, it’s okay. But I have to ask, what does everyone call Sharon and Sandra?”

“Crazy,” she deadpans and we both laugh, the emotional tension breaking from Sara calling her Nana.

Suzanne straightens slowly, her hand lingers on Sara’s for a moment longer before she looks at me. Her smile is soft, almost tentative, like she knows how fragile this moment feels. This is what I’ve always wanted for my girls: a family that makes them feel safe and cherished. I feel unmoored by the unconditional love and acceptance she offers. “Can I hold Ruby for a bit?” she asks, her voice kind.

I nod, carefully transferring Ruby into her arms. Suzanne cradles her like she’s done it a thousand times before, her touch instinctive and soothing. Ruby squirms for a moment, then settles, her tiny fingers gripping the edge of Suzanne’s blouse.

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