Page 59 of Unscripted Love

“And Brett felt the need to assist her with that?” my mom countered.

Britt and Mark started laughing like crazy hyenas. “I don’t believe it,” Britt said, wiping tears off her face.

“You and Jenn always had a little bit of a competitive streak going between you,” Mark said to his wife.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Dad asked.

“We’re pregnant,” Britt said excitedly.

“We were going to tell everyone on Thanksgiving,” Mark told us. “It seemed fitting.”

“That’s what we were planning too,” Jenn said, reentering the dining room. “I can’t believe you’re pregnant too. Our babies will grow up together and be so close.”

“They’ll be trying to outdo one another like we did,” Britt said.

There were a lot of hugs and happy tears as we congratulated the couples. I couldn’t wait to be the favorite uncle who spoiled my nieces or nephews rotten. Of course, there would be times that I paid my sisters back for things they did to me when we were growing up. I would buy the loudest, most obnoxious toys I could find for birthdays and Christmas.

“Wow, this has been an amazing day. All of my kids are happy, healthy, and doing things they love. Sierra, you’re so close to having your Ph.D., Britt and Jenna are becoming moms, and my boy has found a man who makes him happy and bought his first home. It’s just so wonderful.”

“That’s not all, Mama,” I said excitedly. “You won’t believe what Chaz gave me for a housewarming gift.”

“We could probably guess,” Sierra said snarkily.

“He bought me anX-Menlunchbox to replace the one youaccidentallyput in the yard sale.” My family groaned when they heard my joyous news.

“Uh oh,” Chaz said. “Did I mess up?”

“No, baby, you didn’t,” I said. “It’s my most treasured possession.”

“I bet he starts taking his lunches in it again to work,” Jenna said.

“And everywhere else he goes,” Sierra added.

“Yeah, remember how he even carried his comics or rock collection in there?” Britt asked.

“It’s sitting on the fireplace mantel for everyone to admire when they visit,” I said proudly.

Brittney snorted and said, “Until Mom accidentally sells it on purpose again.”

“Brittney!” Mom said.

“I knew it was no accident,” I stated accusingly, narrowing my eyes at my mom. “How could you?”

“Honey, you were getting a little old to be carrying that thing around. I thought it was one of the reasons you had a hard time making friends,” she said softly. “I just wanted you to be happy.”

She had a good point, but still. “I wasn’t that old,” I grumbled.

“Kyle, you were twelve,” Jenn countered. “Mom had to act fast or you would’ve taken that thing to high school with you.”

“Laugh it up, Jenn-Jenn,” I said, “but I know what really happened to Mr. Pumperknickle.” She dragged that stuffed cat with her from her first step to second grade.

“Mom!” Jenn said accusingly. “Did you sell Mr. Pumperknickle?”

“Oh, honey,” my mom said sadly. “I couldn’t have given that thing away. At least I made a few bucks off Kyle’s lunchbox.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so betrayed,” I replied dramatically. I’d known all along that my mom sold the lunchbox and why, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t tease her.

“Honey, at least I didn’t tell Chaz about the time you—”