Chapter 49 Poppy
A ndi’s house is somehow more packed than the day of her wedding, which is saying something. Between all of Brandon’s extended family, her parents, and my own, there is little room left to move around. Despite the cramped space around the many tables our parents have cobbled together, no one seems to mind. Everyone is happy, enjoying good food, drinks, and the best company.
Looking around and feeling Owen’s hand move to my knee under the table, I can’t help but think about what a difference a year makes. This time last year I would have been packing up for the holiday party at Steven’s parents. The irony isn’t lost on me as I think about how different I already feel given my short time with someone new. I wonder if the others see it too?
He leans over to whisper in my ear, “Are you okay, babe?” His hand squeezing my leg slightly. He knew I was nervous about today and I appreciate the subtle encouragement from him.
“Yeah, my head was somewhere else for a minute. I’m good though.”
“I think they like you. My dad keeps asking me when he can see more of your photos.” He nods towards his dad across the table from me. “Also, your mom and my mom have not stopped chatting for the past twenty minutes. They could be conspiring about something, but I’m going to assume it’s a good sign.” His breath feels warm against my neck and I lean my head over to his shoulder for a moment.
I’m struck by the fact that despite everything that’s changed and everything I’ve been through this year, that I’m blissfully happy. I don’t feel any longing or regret anymore. If anything, my time with Owen has shown me how much I deserved more and how Steven could never have given that to me no matter how things ended up between us.
“Thank you,” I say softly back to Owen. My eyes glistening slightly.
“For what?” He looks back at me, his concern and confusion evident.
“Just for being you. I feel really happy.”
He slides his arm around the back of my chair, angling his body closer to mine, his face suddenly serious. “I do too. I have a lot more I’d like to say and…I’d like to show you.” He smiles, a devilish look in his eyes. “But my parents are here and I am not sure they’d appreciate it as much as you will.”
“How about a kiss instead?”
Leaning down, he brushes his lips against mine and I revel in the way it warms me. He looks down at me for one last heated moment before we turn our attention back to the table and I’m snapped out of my daze.
“Everyone ready for a game of extreme spoons?” Brandon yells out. I’ve heard of the epic battles of the Taylor family for years from Andi, but didn’t imagine I’d be part of them someday.
Owen laughs and shouts, “I’m in! And I know Poppy’s been just waiting to play.”
I give him a shocked look, before turning to everyone else and adding, “If you’re ready to lose.”
Amidst a chorus of, “ohhhs,” another heated look passes between Owen and me. I lift my eyebrows in a flirty response.
“I know you’re not all leaving me with the cleaning. Everyone helps clear first!” Andi has a crazed look on her face as she grabs a bowl of leftover salad and heads to the kitchen. We all know enough to listen and start bringing bowls and plates into the kitchen, dividing up jobs and before we know it, the food is put away, plates are clean, and all the parents are sitting around the kitchen table while the rest of us make our way to the living room with a fresh round of drinks.
“For those that haven’t played before, the point of the game is to get four matches, then grab a spoon. If you see someone else grab a spoon, you can grab a spoon. Basically, you don’t want to be left without a spoon. And the spoons have been placed outside in the snow by my beloved, Andi, who will not be playing this round for fairness. Thank you, sweetie.” Brandon blows her a kiss as she settles herself on a couch, waiting for her turn in the next match.
My heart beats a little faster as the cards are dealt. In the snow? I don’t even have shoes on. But before I can think too much about how unprepared I am, Brandon is yelling to start and I’m flipping cards like my life depends on it. Before I’ve even matched one card though Brandon has taken off through the doorway, whooping loudly, his four matching fives laid out on the ground. There’s a split second where we all look at one another before bounding after him.
The snow is colder than I thought on my feet as I push through the others, all of us digging through the white powder frantically. I find one and can’t believe my luck, but before my fingers curl around the handle, Owen has me around the waist, pulling me out of the way. Without thinking, I grab a handful of snow and toss it at him. He pauses long enough for me to grab my own spoon and shriek in victory.
“Ha!” I yell out, but before the words can get completely past my lips, he tackles me into the snow and we all start laughing. I turn and see our parents watching from the living room window, shaking their heads in disapproval, which for some reason makes me laugh all the more. I’m cold and wet, but my heart is full.