36AshValkyrie Team Meeting #2
“Oh,” said Rose. “No. Definitely not. No, I remember when you were six, and you used to tell everyone that when you grew up, you were going to have your belly button removed. You’d just found out about plastic surgery and umbilical cords, and you thought it would be cool.
But it freaked Aunt Dolores out. Which was fine with me because she used to say unkind things about Forest’s ears. ”
“What’s wrong with my ears?” demanded Forest.
“Nothing,” said Rose. “They stuck out after you were born, which is totally normal, but she kept suggesting I tie them to your skull. Who says that?” Rose shook her head. Then she looked at the three of them again. “Really—everything is OK?”
“Yeah, Mom,” said Rowan. “We’re fine.”
She breathed out a sigh of relief. “You used to yell Team Valkyrie went you went off jumps on your bikes. It made me happy. Drove the neighbors nuts, but I always liked it.”
“We’re still Team Valkyrie,” said Forest.
Rose reached out and ruffled his hair.
“And it still makes me happy. OK, it’s cold, and I’m going back in. Vivian says she’s going to make Chloe and I fancy mocktails!”
“We’ll be in soon, Mom,” said Rowan, holding open the door. He shut the door behind her, and there was silence on the balcony for a moment.
“Sometimes I feel like bikes and baseball were only yesterday,” said Rowan, looking through the glass at the party.
“Tell me about it,” said Forest.
“Sometimes I forget that things have changed at all,” said Ash. “Sorry, I haven’t been talking to you. I think I forgot that we grew up.”
Rowan laughed. “Keep on forgetting. I’ll try and do the same.”
“Not me,” said Forest. “I think Chloe is right. Being grown up is a gift. We’re lucky we made it.”
“Oh, barf,” said Ash. “Is Chloe going to turn you into some sort of philosophical weirdo?”
“If I’m lucky,” said Forest.
“That’s your brother,” said Ash to Rowan.
“Most definitely,” agreed Rowan.
“So,” said Forest, standing up. “To sum up this meeting of Team Valkyrie, Ash is not the weird one. Or if he is weird, then it’s well within the spectrum for our family. Rowan’s preferred plastic surgery is to subtly appear to be an alien. And I am blinded by yoga pants.”
“That last one is completely normal,” said Ash.
“And not really a revelation,” said Rowan.
“Yup. Rowan’s right. Nothing’s changed,” said Forest. “Let’s go back in.”
“Um, guys,” Ash said frantically, realizing he’d blipped a critical life update. “There is something else.” He fumbled in his pocket to get the velvet box.
“Oh, God, you guys can’t be pregnant, too,” said Forest.
“Wait, what?” Ash looked at Forest in shock.
“I mean… Fuck.”
Rowan laughed in a great big bellow.
“What do you mean too?” demanded Ash. “Is Chloe pregnant?”
“We’re not telling anyone yet. It’s early days,” said Forest, while Rowan continued to laugh and clutched at the balcony railing for support.
“You know,” said Ash, unable to resist, “I don’t want to quote Rowan giving me the birds and bees talk, but there’s these things called condoms.”
“Yes, well, we didn’t always get to that,” snapped Forest. “Besides, it’s been four years since she had sex, and while it hasn’t been that long for me, it’s been a damn hot minute. We’re out of practice with all the extras.”
“Four years?” repeated Ash in disbelief.
“What part about her being a Buddhist nun are you people not getting?” demanded Forest.
“I was focused on the kung fu,” gasped Rowan. “I hadn’t gotten that far.”
“Same,” said Ash. “Although, damn, Forest.”
“What?” asked Forest, sounding bewildered.
“Well, I mean... four years. On purpose. Then she saw you and thought you were worth breaking her streak. Or vows. Or whatever Buddhists call it. I had no idea you had such smooth moves.”
“I just gave her tea,” muttered Forest.
“Meanwhile,” said Rowan, snatching the ring box out of Ash’s hand and opening it. “Oh, that’s cool and unusual.”
“Sapphire and diamond—nice,” said Forest approvingly.
“It’s similar to Napolean Bonaparte’s engagement ring to Josephine,” said Ash. “Harper said she liked that one. It’s cost about a hundred grand, but you’re not allowed to tell her that, or she’ll freak out.”
“I think I’m freaking out,” said Rowan, handing the box back. “Are you going to do it at the party?”
“No, definitely not,” said Ash. “After everyone goes home. When it’s just us. I don’t want her to feel put on the spot.”
“Good call,” said Forest, nodding. “It’s your relationship—not a social media moment.”
“I keep telling her we should get married. I said it the first day we met, actually, but I think she thinks I’m joking.”
Forest chuckled. “Well, the ring does make it more serious.”
The door popped open before Ash could respond. Harper stuck her head out, and Ash quickly pushed the ring box back into his pocket.
“Guess what? I got Piper to ask Mel out!”
“No way! Mel said yes, right?” Ash had been doubtful about Harper’s plan to hook up their friends, but he was happy to have been proved wrong.
“Well, I think technically, Mel said mmmm-y-yah, and nodded a lot, because their mouth was full, but I think we can safely say that the friend request was accepted. OK, I’m going back in before Piper freaks out.”
“Good luck!”
The door was barely shut before Vivian pushed it open again. “No one’s going to lose it if I sign your mom up to volunteer for Victory Mission, right?”
“What?” asked Ash, trying to figure out how Rose could assist at the veteran’s mental health-focused charity that Vivian ran.
“Good idea,” said Rowan.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” said Forest, sounding worried.
“Really? She’s got so much experience as an AA mentor. Her son was in the military, and she knows fuck tons about surviving trauma and neurodivergence. She’s going to be so great with my female vets.”
“Oh,” said Forest.
“Don’t know why I didn’t think of it,” said Rowan. “Great idea. We’ll be back in a minute. We’ve got a few items left on the agenda.”
“OK, but… uh… You are asking Forest about uh… Chloe’s new shirt?”
Forest groaned. “She said you would notice. Yes, OK? But we’re trying not to announce for a few weeks yet.”
“Yes!” Vivian made a fist pump of exultation. “OK, take your time. Inside is under control.”
“Are we expecting Chloe next?” asked Ash as Vivian went back inside. “Is she going to tell us she’s signed up Teddy and the guys for a mediation class?”
“Maybe,” said Forest with a shrug. “I make no guarantees.
“This is going to be great,” said Ash, suddenly seeing a future full of holidays, babies, and celebrations.
It was a future where there was room for everyone at the table.
“Chloe’s going to be a great mom. Olly’s going to love having someone to boss around.
Mom is going to lose her mind with baby stuff.
I’ll buy a house so I can have a yard for the kids.
Harper wants someplace more earthquake-resistant anyway.
We’ll install solar and all the things, and I’ll make sure there are water guns and trampolines. I’m going to be the best uncle.”
“No, you’re not,” said Rowan confidently.
“We’ll see,” said Ash.
Forest laughed, his shoulders shaking. “Team Valkyrie is in effect,” he said.
“Team Valkyrie for the win,” agreed Rowan.
“Team Valkyrie for the happily ever after,” said Ash.