Page 200 of Tangled with the Tight End

We stand side-by-side looking out over the back yard, a white unmarred blanket of snow covering the lawn and trees.

“It’ll melt by tomorrow,” she says.

“Okay, Scrooge McGrinchy. Way to poop all over my winter wonderland.”

She laughs. “Enjoy your coffee—and the view. Then we need to dress and head to Mom and Dad’s.”

“I say we go in PJs.”

“I’m down for that.”

I finish my coffee and we put coats on over our pajamas. Then we grab our presents and Cass drives us to our parents’ home.

The smell of warm cinnamon rolls greets us as soon as we open the door. Dad’s in his recliner. Mom comes out from the kitchen.

Cass places our packages under the tree and we settle on the couch for homemade pastries and our annual family gift exchange. My parents’ holiday playlist is on in the background. The lopsided tree is covered in mismatched ornaments—among them, ones Cass and I made over the years and others faded framed photos of us as kids.

We moved out ten years ago, but Christmas morning here always makes me feel like I’ve traveled back in time.

By lunchtime, I’m making eye contact with Cass across the room.

“You girls staying for lunch?” Mom asks.

“No,” I say, looking at Cass again. “I’m meeting Declan. We decided to spend the morning with our families and then I’m going to his house for the afternoon.”

“And so it begins,” Mom says with a smile.

Dad nods. “You can tie them down with duct tape, but they still escape and live their own lives.”

“We need better duct tape,” Mom says. “Stop buying that cheap stuff at the hardware store. I think those rolls are as old as the girls.”

“That’s the trouble,” Dad says, kissing Mom on the cheek. “I’m gonna splurge and get it at the Home Mart next time.”

“I’m sorry to be the one breaking things up,” I say.

“We’re just teasing with you,” Mom says. “We like Declan.”

“Oh,” Dad says. “I don’t just like him. I love him.”

“You love having a pro football player in the family,” Cass says, pointing at Dad and raising her brows.

“And you don’t?” Dad asks.

“He’s not in the family,” I say. “Not yet.”

“He came for Thanksgiving,” Mom says. “He’s in the family.”

I shake my head. “You all are the best.”

“You’re pretty okay yourself,” Mom says, standing and walking over to pull me into a hug.

“I think we should keep her,” Dad teases.

“What about me?” Cass asks. “Do I get hugs even though I’m not dating anyone famous?”

“Sooo demanding,” Dad teases, pulling Cass into a hug.

“Love you,” Mom says, hugging Cass next.