Lettie’s eyes moved to my lips and then back up to my eyes. “What-”
Leila, Matt’s wife, chose that moment to step into the foyer. She looked at us and then grinned at Lettie. “Come with me, girlfriend, I want to hear all about this.”
I watched Lettie get pulled away, all the while stammering about there not being anything to tell. I couldn’t help but feel like that wasn’t true. There was definitely something. I just didn’t know what it was yet.
I went to find my cousins, eager to catch up with them. I’d been busy at the station lately, and they were all busy with their growing families. We’d always been close growing up, so not seeing them for a couple of weeks was a big deal.
Matt and Lucas, the oldest two brothers, were sitting on a couch in the living room, their eyes glued to the TV, watching a parade. Michael was sitting with his wife, Daisy, in his lap. She was holding their squirming two-year-old, Sean, in her arms. Alex was on the floor, trying to set up a princess castle with John. Sammie, Lucas’s wife, was on the floor alongside, arguing with them about how to put it together. Bunny must’ve been in the kitchen, with Aunt Carolyn, because I hadn’t spotted her. There were kids everywhere, climbing on their parents and running around in circles.
I spotted my two little guys, playing on the floor with Mason. He was doing a pretty good job sharing the new toy cars he’d gotten from Santa. It was a stark reminder that I’d need to find something for Joey and Bear. They couldn’t celebrate Christmas with a family like mine, who spoiled their children, and not get a single gift.
Just as I realized that I’d thought of them as mine, Matt spotted me. He gave me a big grin and came over to hug me.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in. Hey, little cuz. We were hoping you’d be able to make it. Your mom’s in the kitchen, cooking out her frustrations that you might dare not show up.”
I hugged him back and sighed. “I should go say hi. Keep an eye on the boys, will you?”
He looked over at them and cupped me on the shoulder. “As soon as you called, mom went a little nuts. She went through everything and made sure we had gifts for them. She also rounded up some clothes, so whenever you want, there’s a big pile of stuff up in the guest room.”
My chest tightened and I nodded. “Thanks, man. I’ll be sure to thank Aunt Carolyn, too.”
“We couldn’t believe anyone would do that to their kids. We’re here for whatever you need. If you can’t find their mom and need a place for them to stay, we’ve got you covered.”
I thought of Lettie and laughed. “Man, you’d have to fight Lettie for them. She’s lost already.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Lettie, eh?”
Lucas chose that moment to join the conversation. “I always thought you two might have something.”
I raised my hands in the air and backed away. “Gotta go check on Mom. You kids try not to have too much fun in here.”
Joey looked up at me and pouted. “We can’t play?”
I laughed. “Of course, you can. I was talking to the grown-ups. You can have all the fun you want.”
Lucas grunted. “Cute little things, aren’t they? Kind of makes me want another one.”
Sammie looked up from the floor with wide eyes. “Really?”
“Really.”
I thumped Lucas on the back and nodded towards his wife. “I hope they look like their mother.”
I left them to it and made my way to the kitchen. Mom was standing at the stove, her back to me, but her head tilted to the side. I knew she knew I was there, so I went up and gave her a hug. “Hey, ma.”
She turned to face me and patted my cheek. “You came. With Lettie. Are you two finally going to wake up and smell the coffee?”
“Mom, we talked about you getting involved in my love life.”
“Are you saying that you have a love life with her?”
“Mom.”
“Tucker.”
I sighed. “What are you cooking?”
She patted my cheek, rougher that time, and sighed. “Look at my sister. She’s getting grandkids left and right. She’s the lucky one. I get a son who refuses to open his eyes. He’s too busy arresting mooners and drunks.”
“Good talking to you, too, Mom. I love you.”
Melissa Long was anything but a softie, but hearing me tell her that I loved her always warmed her up a bit. She hugged me quickly and then pushed me away again. “Get out of here. You’re stressing me.”
I made my way over to Aunt Carolyn and gave her a big hug. “Thanks for having us all over and for doing everything you’ve done for the kids so far.”