Chapter 69 Chapter LXIX

Chapter 69 Chapter LXIX
“She is just babbling stupidity, as always,” my younger brother snarls, his eyes narrowed to slits as he shoots me a deathly glare.
“Oh, is that even news around here?” Lauren muses, heading to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. “You’d need to be blind not to see it.”
I pretend I didn’t have my doubts about it this whole time and just use this opportunity to keep making fun of Chad.
“That was pretty obvious,” Alice agrees with a nod, sitting at the table and pouring herself some coffee.
Chad stops his pursuit of me and halts abruptly, staring flabbergasted at our sister-in-law.
“What?” she asks, surprised. “I didn’t even know it was a secret,” she adds, making us all laugh at the way Chad winces in embarrassment.
“I can’t say I paid attention to it before, but now that you mention it…it was really obvious,” Ryan agrees, sitting beside his wife. 
“Come on, brother. Denying it will only make it worse,” Lauren teases, becoming the new focus of Chad’s fury. 
“Well, if you’re worried about it, I’m glad to tell you that you have my blessing,” I say, causing Chad’s head to snap to me. “Just don’t hurt my friend, or I swear I’ll chop your balls off,” I warn, pointing my finger at him.
“I wouldn’t ignore her on that,” Lauren jokes, bumping Chad in the shoulder as she passes by him to sit at the table. 
Mom and Dad are still nowhere in sight, but we’re all expected to gather for breakfast, so I’m sure they will show up at any time now. Spencer was supposed to be here, too, but since he’s still in Los Angeles, I guess I have to accept he’ll come next time. The Jenkins breakfast has become a tradition for a while, and I love that Spencer gets to be a part of it now.
“Changing the subject… I was talking to Chad about going out tonight to celebrate.” I turn to my siblings and my sister-in-law, grinning at them. “I finished my first novel,” I announce excitedly.
Lauren and Alice jump from their seats, rushing to hug and congratulate me. Ryan smiles at me from his seat, giving me a thumbs-up and nodding proudly at me. “Good job, sis. I’m sure you’ll be the next J.K. Rowling.”
“That’s a stretch, but thanks, Ryan,” I reply, accepting another hug from Lauren.
“I’m so proud of you, pony. I knew you could do it.”
“Thank you, guys. It means a lot. So, we’re all up for some karaoke tonight?” I suggest.
“Oh, hell yeah!” Alice claps her hands, delighted. If there’s anyone in this world who turns into a complete maniac when it comes to karaoke, that someone is her. You would never imagine that someone as sweet and gentle as Alice becomes a freak whenever a couple of beers and Toni Braxton are involved.
“Oh, good Lord,” Ryan mumbles, slapping his forehead dramatically. “Do we really have to?”
I guess he must be the one who suffers the most from Alice’s excitement, but I can’t say I blame her. Karaoke is just so much fun.
“Regretting the wedded life already, brother?” Chad teases, getting himself a cup of coffee. I can see him getting impatient with Mom and Dad’s delay, his eyes darting several times to the orange cake at the corner of the table.
“Not quite,” Ryan bites back. “And you should watch your mouth. You could be next. And if I remember correctly, Poppy is quite the competitor when it comes to karaoke. Right, baby?” He looks at Alice, looking for support.
He’s right. After Alice, my best friend is the karaoke bar nightmare. 
Chad curses my brother at the exact moment my mom walks into the kitchen, being followed by my father.
“Do I need to wash your mouth out with soap, mister? What kind of language is that inside this house?” Mom scolds, but by the way her lips are curling up on the side, I know she’s just messing with Chad. Dad looks away, hiding his face so no one sees him laughing, but we’re all used to this scene, so it’s no secret that he’s enjoying the exchange.
“You should be defending me, Mom. They’re teaming up against me,” Chad whines, getting up from his seat and hugging her, pretending to be hurt by our teasing.
I smile, feeling joy and love spread through my heart. Watching this scene makes me realize that this is exactly what a Jenkins gathering is about.
And I wouldn’t change this for anything in the world.
Maybe Missoula is a small town. Maybe my future isn’t promised to hold far-fetched accomplishments and grand dreams. Maybe this is all this huge world can offer me. 
And I’m okay with that.
Because I have everything I need right here.
Friends who support me.
A family that is here for me no matter what.
And a love that would walk through fire and water to make me happy.
What else could I possibly want?