Page 47 of A Very Miller-Cooper Life

We only did one more lap before there was an announcement over the loudspeaker that it was time for the triplet’s birthday celebration in their party room.

“I saw that spill you took out there,” Jamie said with a laugh when I skated into the room.

I pushed him playfully, almost falling in the process, but catching my balance at the last second. “Yeah. Whatever. If you had a hot wife like me, you’d also be doing anything in your power to get underneath her.”

Jamie scrunched up his nose and glared at me. “That’s wrong on so many levels.”

“What’s wrong?”

I jumped at the sound of Mrs. Miller’s voice behind me. When I turned to look at her, I gave her my sweetest, kiss ass smile. “How slick the floors are out on the rink. I can’t stay on my feet out there.”

Mrs. Miller laughed. “That’s exactly why you won’t find me out there today. I’m too old for that.”

Jamie snorted after his mom walked away. “Smooth.”

I smirked, because he was right. “I know.”

I helped the kids get into their seats at the long table that took up most of the room, then turned to find our party host bringing in the pizza with Charlie’s Aunt Patty following closely behind him and juggling three large presents in her arms.

“Let me help you with that.” I slipped behind the host and grabbed the two presents on top.

Aunt Patty smiled at me over the one remaining present in her arms. “Thank you so much. I was sure there was going to be a crash any moment.”

“Of course.” I carried the two presents over to the small gift table in the corner and directed Aunt Patty to lay the remaining one there as well. “Thank you so much for coming. It’s really great to have you.”Now that Charlie’s mom finally didn’t threaten our lives if we invited you.

“I’m so happy to be here. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

Weekend. Huh. I guess that made sense since Charlie’s Aunt Patty didn’t live close, but if I had known she was staying, I would have offered her our guest room. “Are you staying nearby? We don’t have any plans the rest of the weekend, so we would love to spend time with you.”

“That’s very nice of you to offer,” Aunt Patty smiled across the room and gave a slight wave to Mrs. Miller. “Sharon actually invited me to stay in Maryland with them for a few days.”

“Oh, wow! That’s amazing!” I knew things had turned around since Charlie chaperoned the reunion with her mom and aunt, but I didn’t know they were this good.

“Yes.” She leaned closer to me as if she had a secret to share. “Don’t tell anyone this, but I’m actually a little bit nervous. My sister and I have spoken quite a few times over these past few months, but I don’t know too much about her husband.

“I have a little secret for you as well,” I said, leaning close in the same way she had just done. “If you can handle your sister, you can definitely handle her husband.”

Aunt Patty brought her hand to her mouth to mask her laughter. That’s when it hit me that she was the only one present from her family. “I take it she didn’t invite the rest of your crew.”

“She did.” Aunt Patty sighed. “I could tell she was hesitant to offer though and I didn’t want to do anything to make them uncomfortable. My family has gotten through life free from most homophobia. I’m not going to subject them to it now, even if it’s subtle or unintentional.”

“That definitely makes sense. The Millers have come a long way since the time I first met them and they yelled at Jamie for not carrying my bags, which is apparently a man’s job, but they still have a long way to go.”

“At least they’re here. That’s more than can be said for some people.”

“I know, and as long as they don’t do anything to potentially mess up my kids the way they tried to mess up my wife and best friend, they can continue to be here.”

Aunt Patty smiled sweetly and squeezed my hand. “You’re a great mother, Reagan. I’m really glad Charlie and the kids have you.”

I pointed toward the table because I needed to end this conversation before I became choked up. I was extra emotionaltoday because of my kids being so old already. I had no idea where the time had gone.Stop. Don’t cry at their birthday party. Don’t be that mother.“Why don’t you take a seat? Lunch is being served. I’m sure you’re hungry after your long drive.”

“Definitely. I’ve been sitting for hours though, so I think I’ll grab a slice and stand to eat it if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. Help yourself. Have a nice time. I’ll catch up with you more later.”

Once the party had officially started, things went by way too quickly to actually catch up with anyone. Right after pizza, the cake was brought out. After singing happy birthday and eating cake, the kids begged to go back out onto the skating rink. They groaned when I told them they had to take a picture with all of their party guests first, but luckily, I was still able to get it.

The kids then pulled me and Charlie onto the skating rink with them and we skated in circles for the next hour until I physically couldn’t do it anymore and begged the kids to let me go. They did, which was good since this was around the time the guests started to leave. After fighting with the kids once again to get them off of the rink, we said goodbye and hugged all of our family members. The kids immediately went back out and stayed there until their friends’ parents came to pick them up.

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