A four-year-old Kai clings to Gretchen’s leg. Tally wraps her arms around Gretchen’s waist and the two oldest, Rosa and MJ, close in around her shoulders. The five of them latched together in an embrace, limbs crisscrossing around each other’s bodies, the sound of sniffles and whispered words piercing the otherwise pin-drop silence.
My chest tightens at the sight of something that shouldn’t makesense but somehow…does. Four kids embracing their big sister, whom they’ve never met, as if she’s been here all along.
Like they’ve been waiting for her.
Cheyenne, Miguel and myself can do nothing but watch it all unfold.
Once tears are wiped away and official introductions are made, Gretchen asks each of her siblings about themselves which leads to a tour of their bedrooms upstairs.
MJ is really into movies and filmmaking, but he also plays football, so I get a chance to connect with him over sports.
Rosa loves art and is learning to play the guitar. With some gentle encouragement from Gretchen and myself, we’re able to convince her to play something for us with Miguel accompanying her on his classical guitar.
Tally is spunky and full of life with her head of curly hair that bounces behind her everywhere she goes. She loves tumbling and ballet and proudly shows us the video of her most recent dance recital performance.
Kai is the baby and mainly just wants to show his big sister his Bluey collection. Figurines, stuffed animals, playhouses, costumes: the kid’s got it all.
Before everyone settles back into the living room, I offer to take some photos.
The emotion in the room is a tangible thing when everyone shimmies into position for their first full family photo. I look through my little camera screen and choke back my own tears at the sight of Gretchen sandwiched between her birth parents, her brothers and sisters crowded in around and in front. Everyone squeezes in tight as I count down and the smile that breaks across Gretchen’s face lights up my entire soul.
She’s strong. She’s brave. And she’s never looked more beautiful.
Hugs are doledout like cotton candy at the fair as Gretchen exchanges goodbyes with her family. Plans are made for our returntomorrow afternoon, more pictures are taken, and then everyone hugs some more as Miguel and I stand off to the side as spectators.
An hour ago, despite how incredible today has been, I sensed she was ready to be alone to process it all. Cheyenne had invited us to stay for dinner and, even though I know she must be hungry because we haven’t eaten since breakfast, Gretchen deflected with an ambiguous “maybe”. At the first opportunity, I whispered for only her ears that it was okay if she was ready to call it a day. She sagged her body against mine and that was all the confirmation I needed. Not wanting to interrupt the third round of ‘Pretty Pretty Princess’ Tally had roped all the girls into, Gretchen finished the game before I conjured up a work call I needed to get back to the hotel for.
Thus ensued this carousel of goodbyes in the entryway.
I notice Miguel’s face, painted in a soft canvas of peace and contentment and disbelief. I step in closer, voice quiet, “You guys have changed her life, Miguel. She gets quiet when she’s overwhelmed and probably won’t say it herself, but this means more to her than you’ll ever know. So, thank you.”
He shakes his head almost imperceptibly, gaze locked on his first born, arms wrapped around her little brothers and sisters, while the mother of his children dons the brightest smile, snapping picture after picture on her phone. “I’ve had six best days of my life. The first was twenty-two years ago and I wasn’t even there to witness it. She made us a family.” He pauses, a deep breath filling his chest. His next words come out thick and laced with emotion as he turns his attention on me. “I’ve never not loved Cheyenne. Marrying her was the second best day of my life and I’ve never regretted it for a single moment. But we were just kids when we fell in love. Who’s to say what would have come of us if we hadn’t had Gretchen. What would distance, teen hormones and strict parents have done to two starry-eyed kids whodidn’thave this big thing tethering their souls together…forever.” His glassy eyes land back on his family—on Gretchen. “Shechangedourlives.”
With a final round of hugs, phone number exchanges, photos and video airdropped from my phone to Cheyenne’s, and promisesto see everyone again tomorrow, Gretchen and I finally walk out the door. We turn the corner onto the driveway as the front door clicks shut behind us. Gretchen lets out a heavy breath, all the tension she’s held tight in her bones escaping with it.
When we’re clear from view, I turn her to face me. She doesn’t hesitate as she curls her arms around my neck and buries her face against the skin there. Her sobs come on strong and heavy. I throw my arms around her waist and lift her up, her legs linking around my hips.
I ease back onto the hood of the car, her body wrapped tight around mine, and I let her cry. This is what she’s held in for the past four hours. Tears have fallen throughout the day but only enough to relieve the pressure.
“Shhh, let it out, baby.”
“I’m sorry,” she chokes out, the words muffled against my neck.
“There’s no reason to be sorry. You’ve just run a marathon…you know, emotionally speaking.” That makes her laugh.
We stay for a few minutes as her cries dissipate and her breaths even out.
“You know what I’m thinking?” I whisper into her hair.
She pulls back, eyeing me playfully, brow arched.
“Margaritas.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
YOU WANNA MAKE OUT NOW?
Connor
