Page 138 of Mended Hearts

“Youokay? Just needed a moment of peace?”

She looked up at the table. “Your family is very big.”

“Yes it is.”

“They all talk at once.”

“Sure do.”

“And two of them are singing louder than the music.”

“That would be Maverick and Axel. They’re goobers, but harmless.”

“I remember Uncle Mav. He plays football. Daddy says he wants him.”

I snorted and slapped a hand over my mouth.

“What?” she asked, frowning like I’d offended her.

“Nothing, babygirl. You’re right. He’s a damn good receiver.”

“Why can you say ‘damn’ and I can’t?”

Shit. “Because adults make dumb rules. There are ‘adult words’ and ‘kid words,’ and apparently that’s one of them.”

“Feels like bullshit.”

“That’s… fair.” I tried not to laugh. “Just maybe don’t say that at school, okay?”

She shrugged. “Uncle Grey lets me sometimes.”

Of course he did.

We lay in companionable silence, listening to off-key crooning and the clatter of laughter from the other room.

“Aunt Alice got you guys pajamas so you can wear them with us.”

“I have pajamas.”

“I know. But these are tradition pajamas.”

“Traditions are illogical.”

“Sure, but they make people happy.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s fun.”

“Why?”

“Because…we like to have routines. They make us feel safe. Also, watching my six-foot-three brothers wear onesies is hilarious.”

She giggled and turned to me. “They wearonesies?”

“Some years. We were unicorns last year.”

“Are there unicorns this year?”

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