Chapter Twenty-Six #2
Maribel smiles. “That’s something to be proud of, right there. I think Brody and Cameron will get that from theirs too.”
“I hope so,” I tell her. “Got enough of ‘em.”
She chuckles. “The more the merrier, right?”
“I couldn’t agree more…”
Christmas Day has been a hell of a whirlwind, but in all the best possible ways. Not just because of the gifts given—even though, let’s face it, they were entirely awesome—but because the family around the tree (and Caleb’s over a video call) have been at the epicenter of it all.
Caleb surprised us all with the news that we’re going on a freakin’ cruise in April, though, and that’s got me all sorts of wound up. Brody and Lauren, too, because we’ve never been able to take a vacation like this.
Now, my heart is fit to burst as I look around at the crowded room.
Brody and Cameron both took off their hearing adaptive equipment when things started to get a little too boisterous, and I could quite honestly cry at just how quickly everyone switched over to talking with their hands.
I mean, even Grady and Xavier have shown huge improvements in their ability to communicate by sign—they’re fingerspelling far fewer words than in the past.
When my eyes flit across the room and land on Caleb, I see him just gaping at everyone in awe.
I immediately know that the look on his face is because he feels like he truly fits in here, and my heart swells even more.
Unlike on the outside, there isn’t a single person here that he can’t communicate with, and who hasn’t actually heard what he has to say—figuratively, of course.
Neither Lauren nor I have had to interpret much for him, save for a few one-offs here and there, and I think it’s giving him a sense of a weight being lifted off his own shoulders. I wish I could give him this everyday, but my gift for him will just have to suffice…
I waggle my hands to grab Cameron’s attention. “Do you want to give your dad our gift now?”
He nods, scurrying off to his room. When he returns, he shows Caleb the paperwork he was recently handed by the Ternbay School Board. Caleb accepts the folder, his brows pinched as he reads through the documents.
Cameron and I have been lobbying together for the school to offer American Sign Language as an option for foreign language in the high school, as well as allotting some of the budget to beef up availability of in person interpreters who can attend reading circles for the elementary and primary level children.
They will be present to sign alongside the teacher who is reading so that there will be increased visibility and perhaps more interest in learning it and applying it in other areas—maybe music classes or something, who knows.
The documents in the dossier state that all of our hard work has paid off simply because we rattled the right chains.
I just want my loved ones to feel seen, to feel heard, and this seemed like a good way to get the ball rolling in our community.
That, and it’s been a good bonding opportunity for Cameron and me.
That kid’s tenacity and leadership skills blow my mind.
If he doesn’t go into politics as an adult, I’ll be shocked.
Caleb shuts the folder, tears rimming his eyelids. He blinks up at Cameron, impressed, before pulling him into a hug. Then, he moves over to me, and I wrap my arms around him, lifting him off his feet so I can kiss his cheek. He softly laughs, kissing me back.
“Thank you,” he signs when I set him down. “You have no idea how proud I am.”
“This is gonna be so cool!” Brody adds, signing enthusiastically. “I’m gonna try to start something when I get to middle school next year!”
Cameron winks. “I’ve got an in with some people now, and you’ve got the marketing skills.” He gestures over at Ivy’s terrarium.
I blink at the tank. “Who put a Santa hat on Ivy?”
Lauren giggles. “The same person who wrestled Peppadew into a Santa suit. Me.”
As if on cue, Pepper scurries around the room, rolling this way and that, trying to get himself out of the clumsy looking outfit. Poor baby. I scoop him up and start removing the costume. Lauren scoffs dramatically, squabbling about how long it took to put on him.
“Don’t torture the poor guy by making him wear what he doesn’t want to wear!” I clap back before fluffing out his tail and setting him free.
“You know, I never thought I’d say this, but having a skunk kickin’ around on Christmas Day has got to be about the weirdest thing,” Xavier hums, taking a picture on his cellphone. “The guys are never going to believe this.”
Lauren grins. “Good to know that’s the weirdest thing and not the fact that I’m in love with two men.”
“You guys don’t get jealous at all or anything?” Grady interrupts, asking both Caleb and me. “I guess I just don’t understand how this all works…”
“I mean, I don’t. Not really, anyway. Not beyond what’s human nature, I guess,” I offer first. “I can’t speak for Caleb, but I’m just really happy that what Lo and I had was added to in the best of ways.
Our family has blended together well so far.
The house is chaos, but it’s happy chaos.
Besides, I was able to reconnect with someone who I had really strong feelings for.
Plus, my time does not need to be divided between the two loves of my life, which is an added bonus. ”
Caleb smiles. “I don’t really get jealous either.
I mean, I was wrecked after the accident, and how my life fell apart after.
I didn’t think I would ever find love again, not like I had with Aaron.
But being with both Lauren and Marcus has taught me that I’m not going to find love like that again, it’s separate and I can appreciate the differences now, the same way my relationships with the two of them are distinct, but just as treasured.
I love them both, and they give me so much back in return.
A life, full of happiness, I’d never thought I’d have again. ”
Lauren pats his thigh and kisses his cheek.
“And I’m the luckiest friggin’ woman alive.
I met one of my soulmates back in middle school, and I ended up sharing this beautiful life with him, raising our son together and supporting one another as we each chased our dreams. Now, with Caleb, I’m stronger.
I feel more confident. That opened up new dreams for me that I didn’t think were possible.
Look at my new job, for example; I feel fulfilled.
Though, not just because of the job, but in every facet of my life.
I feel supported.” She looks at me and grins.
“I feel like the dark rose who has bloomed fully.”
“That’s fantastic, sweetie,” Jack hums, smiling broadly at his daughter. “That’s everything your mom and I always wanted for you.”
“I’m a little jealous of ya, Sis, not gonna lie,” Grady notes, undoubtedly because he’s perpetually single and can’t figure out why. My money’s on the constant IBS chatter, but I don’t want to reignite that fire today.
Not that I’m keeping a tally or anything, but I notice that Lauren has given all her gifts out to everyone else, and neither Caleb nor I have gotten one. That’s unlike her. I know Lo, and she thoroughly enjoys spoiling her loved ones because she’s a softy like that even when she pretends not to be.
As if reading my mind, she peers over to Caleb. “I couldn’t wrap your gift,” she tells him. “Because I can’t wrap a mountain. Not enough wrapping paper.”
Caleb's brows furrow. “A mountain?”
She nods. “We’re going skiing together as a family. Booked us day passes for the day after tomorrow.”
He rears back in his seat, looking terrified. Not the reaction I’m sure she was hoping for. However, she appears nonplussed, like she was expecting that reaction.
She puts a hand on his chest. “Relax before you freak out. It’s just a small, local ski area.
Nothing major, no huge downhills. Marcus, Brody, and I are still newbies, after all.
Zero chance for an accident, babe. I just thought it would be a good idea, since I know you miss some of your old activities… ”
“Dad, she’s right,” Cam chimes in next. “Lauren just got done saying how much you’ve helped her overcome stuff, maybe you should let her return the favor.”
“I wanna learn to snowboard!” Brody adds. “Cam, can you teach me?”
Lauren’s eyes remain fixed on Caleb. She cups his cheek and turns his face towards hers.
“And I want to learn from you. Only you, hun. If you’re truly worried sick over this, I can always see if I can re-sell the passes, but I just figured it’d be good for you to get back on that horse.
To see that you’re truly capable of conquering your past.”
“Okay,” he signs warily. “Thank you, babe.”
“You’re welcome.” She pats his thigh and then stands, coming over to sit on my lap. “And for you, well, I couldn’t wrap your gift either…”
“Did you get me a mountain too?” I tease.
She shakes her head. “Tomorrow, me and you are going out on a date. We haven’t had a day, me and you, in so long. How does going out and getting manicures, having makeup professionally done, and going out to hit up the post-Christmas sales on matching clothing sound?”
I grin, giving her a squeeze. “Sounds amazing, Lo.”