Page 106 of UnLucky Christmas
He smiles. “Nope, I told you I was cutting back.”
“Well, it is New Year’s Eve,” I remind him. “And Macy’s ready for the big group photo.”
He frowns as I sit down on the edge of the couch next to him. He holds up the book to show me the pictures. The pages are full of childhood photos of Grant and Macy.
“I need to ask Macy if I can have copies of these,” he tells me. “The only pictures I have up are the ones you gave me for Christmas.”
I rub his hand. “I think she’d love that.”
He closes the book and sighs. “Okay, let’s get this over with.”
“You’re a great brother.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He scowls as he puts on the bright pinkHappy New Yearhat, and we head to the living room to join the rest of the guests.
Macy is already staging the photo in front of the Christmas tree. Her phone is set up on a tripod, and she’s shouting instructions. Janelle and Brian are standing toward the back. Grant and I are heading toward them, when Macy stops us.
“Grant, I want you front and center next to me,” she demands. He looks at me, and I give an innocent shrug. I have nothing to do with this. He takes my hand and pulls me over to where Austin is standing.
“Hats on, everyone,” Macy shouts.
Grant scowls and turns to Austin. “You’re in big trouble if you have a daughter. She’s going to be just like her mother.”
Austin gazes lovingly at Macy. “I hope so.”
Macy finally hurries toward us and poses right in front.
“On the count of three, smile.”
The flash goes off, and then Macy tells everyone to stay while she checks the picture. We end up having to take the picture five times before she’s satisfied. Grant remains patient through each take.
“You survived,” I cheer.
He tips his hat to the side and gives me a wink. When I turn around, Chad is standing right next to us.
“Hey.”
He nods his head. “Hi, Whitney, Grant.”
“Chad.”
He introduces us to his friend, and we all grow quiet for a few seconds.
“Isn’t it exciting that Macy and Austin are having a baby?” I ask.
He nods. “Yes. I’m excited to be an uncle.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Grant’s expression change. I place my hand on his arm to stop him from saying anything.
“Oh, I guess you are too, huh Uncle Grant?” Chad taunts.
He smiles through his teeth. “Yes. I can’t wait for the arrival ofmyniece or nephew.”
Well, this is fun.
“It was nice meeting you,” I say to Chad’s friend as I pull Grant away.
We walk to the kitchen, and I take Grant’s hands in mine.
