12 Days of Forever(8)

When we finally pull in, she tells me we have to leave the packages in the trunk until after the kids go to bed. Katelyn says that the twins are the worst, always sneaking around and trying to look in the closet for gifts. Hearing her say that reminds me of what I was like when I was little. I hated surprises and absolutely hated waiting for Christmas morning. I looked for my presents in every nook and cranny I could find, always disappointed that I couldn’t find anything. It wasn’t until I was much older that I figured out my mom wasn’t buying presents until Christmas Eve when most things were on sale because she that’s when she could afford it. Harrison never looked. I think it was because he knew but never wanted to say anything to ruin my fun.

As soon as we walk into the kitchen, the first thing I notice is how loud the house is. Their house is somewhat old so the walls are thinner and the noise travels. The television is on in the other room, there’s laughter and someone is screaming. Growing up our house was never like this. When Harrison and I came home from school, everything was quiet. We didn’t turn on the TV or rummage through the refrigerator. We sat at the table and did our homework until it got dark. Only then would Harrison turn on a light and start making dinner. It wasn’t until Harrison had a paying gig and after we moved that I figured out how poor we were. I never knew my dad, but Harrison did an amazing job filling in for him. He took on so much adult responsibility to make sure I had a good life growing up.

Quinn, followed by Elle, comes running into the kitchen. They each attach to my legs, their laughter filling the room. It doesn’t faze Katelyn, and maybe that’s the ‘mom’ part of her life. Our house was so quiet that it was almost like we couldn’t make any noise. Harrison and I never yelled and we didn’t have many toys, so maybe that’s the difference.

Harrison walks in, followed by Peyton. She looks at me, but quickly averts her eyes. I’m not sure what I have to do, but I want to know her and wish she were as easy going as Elle.

“Get off your aunt,” Harrison snaps and the kids remove themselves immediately. Quinn has always done what Harrison asks right off, but for Elle to do it as well shocks me. I know it shouldn’t — he’s her dad for all intents and purposes — but the way she lets go without any argument amazes me for some reason.

“They were fine,” I say, hoping to diffuse the situation.

Harrison laughs, catching me off guard and I look at him questioningly. “They don’t need to treat you like a jungle gym.” I glance a look at Quinn and can tell all he wants to do is spend time with me.

“Why don’t you and Katelyn go out to dinner and a movie? I can watch the kids.”

Katelyn stops what she’s doing and looks at Harrison. Her eyes are so wide you can tell they haven’t been going out much. Elle and Quinn start jumping up and down, but Peyton doesn’t change her expression. Maybe if she and I can spend some time together, she’ll relax a bit and trust that I’m not going anywhere. I wish I could tell her that I understand what it’s like to lose your dad, but I don’t remember. I think that’s why she and Harrison have such a bond. They’ve both been there. They both remember what it’s like to have someone ripped away from you.

“Going out would be nice,” Katelyn says, and I have to cover my mouth to hide my smile. She’s making puppy dog eyes at Harrison while he just stands there. I have no idea what my brother is thinking, but if I were he, I’d be jumping at the chance.

“Seriously, guys, go out and let me hang with my nephew and get to know my nieces. I think I spotted a couple of movies that I wouldn’t mind watching, and we can make homemade pizzas.”

Both Quinn and Elle start jumping up and down again begging their parents to let me babysit. Harrison looks at me, and I nod until he breaks out his patented smile.

I start clapping my hands and pull Quinn and Elle into me, only to watch Peyton disappear around the corner.

“I can drop her off at Liam’s,” Katelyn tells me, as if she’s reading my mind.

I shake my head. “We’ll be fine. Besides, I really want to know her and spending time together is the best way.”

“If she’s an issue, you’ll give us a call?” Harrison asks, and I agree. I won’t call them though. They need this time out so they can be a couple.

It doesn’t take Katelyn long to get ready, and when she comes downstairs Peyton follows but stops mid-way down and sits on the step. She’s holding onto her football, and I remember Harrison saying it was a gift from her dad; she carries it everywhere, especially when she’s upset or nervous.