Chapter 41

It's one of those odd Sundays that Indie is skipping brunch with her parents and the whole Sunday gatherings with the Deckers to be with us. I still can't believe I convinced her to spend the day with us. I want to think that it's because next week we're leaving for Cabo San Lucas for a couple of days and we won't be spending Christmas with her. A stupid, hopeful part of me thinks she'll miss us while we're gone.

The reality might be that my child was able to convince her to finally join us for the brunch she owes us since . . . she came into our life.

Even though Indie's house is smaller than ours, it's cozier and sometimes feels more like a home. The couple of times I've mentioned it to her, she insists mine would feel the same if I finish furnishing it.

Is she right? Who knows? I don't need a library or a media room, or . . . I should look for a house that feels more like mine and less like a prompt of a sitcom. Maybe that's something I will do when the season is over and I get to take a break. Look for a place that will be good for my family. I glance up at Indie and grin like an idiot thinking—our family.

Indie's eyes narrow suspiciously. "Whatever you're thinking is a no," she says flatly.

"You're not part of my new plan," I lie unconvincingly.

She chuckles, glancing at the sea of papers, markers, and two steaming mugs of coffee in front of Indie and me. Myra sits with her crayons scattered around, her tongue peeking out slightly as she deliberates over her masterpiece. She's taking the after-school art classes very seriously and even wants us to take her to more museums so she can learn more styles—whatever that is.

"We're not going on some expedition," Indie says firmly, shaking her head. "It's too cold outside."

My eyes glance between Indie and Myra, the two centers of my universe. Do we need to go anywhere? Not as long as they're here, but we definitely need a plan for us.

"What if before dinner we go on a drive to look at Christmas displays?" I suggest.

Myra's face lights up. "Yes. I'd love that," she exclaims. "Maybe next year we should go to a mountain for Christmas."

"Let's get through this holiday first," I reply, thinking that in a few months I hope to convince Indie to date me. If we become serious, we'll make those decisions together.

"Okay, how about a treasure hunt instead?" Myra suggests, her imagination running wild. "We can have a picnic afterwards," she adds enthusiastically.

Indie taps her chin thoughtfully. "It's too wet out for that, but we could organize an indoor hunt at your place. The picnic can be in your basement where there's artificial turf."

I look at her confused. "There's artificial turf in my basement?"

"Have you been down there?"

I shrug sheepishly. "Maybe once or twice."

Indie shakes her head in disbelief. "Seriously, why did you buy the place?"

"It was one of the only houses available at the time. You said it was discounted," I explain with a shrug. She looks at me expectantly, waiting for the real reason. "Okay, the truth is that I was worried I'd have to live in my car if I didn't choose something quickly."

To my surprise, Indie stands up, kisses my cheek, and pulls me into a hug. "If I had known you back then, I would have handled it differently," she says softly.

I slip my arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and leaning my forehead against her shoulder. "It's not your fault. But maybe it isn't the right house for me after all."

"You could make it yours," Indie insists. "When I first saw it, I thought it had potential. With two or three kids, they'd have a blast there."

"You did?" I glance at her and she nods.

"Maybe you can show me your vision," I suggest.

"Are you sure you don't want to be my mom?" Myra suddenly asks Indie. "You're nice. I like you. Daddy likes you, and we're friends."

Indie tenses at the question. I immediately release her, knowing how much this freaks her out. It's not that she doesn't want us, but rather fears losing us.

"Why don't we focus on the treasure hunt and picnic instead?" I say, hoping to redirect the conversation. "Since Indie can plan it, you and I will hunt through the house. I'm not sure I even know it that well. Do you, Myra?"

"I do," Myra answers. "Indie and I play hide-and-seek here a lot, more so when Cora and Caleb visit."

"And no one has ever invited me to play?" I pretend to pout.

"Not when you're busy playing hockey all the time, Daddy," Myra retorts with a glance at Indie. "We could do hide-and-seek instead of a treasure hunt. That way you can hide too."

"We could combine both," Indie suggests brightly. "Let's gather some things and head over to your place."

Soon we arrive at the house. The morning disappears in eager preparations—maps are hand-drawn, clues written out, a ‘treasure chest' stuffed with goodies.

"Where do you come up with all these creative ideas?" I ask Indie admiringly.

"Mom and my aunts always had something planned to entertain us," she responds. "As you know, my dad and his siblings are triplets, and they are pretty close. They decided to build their homes next to each other and share a backyard. They wanted us to grow up like siblings. They always had something planned for us so we wouldn't be destroying the houses—not that it stopped some of my cousins or my brothers from trying."

"And your dad and uncles didn't join in or help?" I ask, curious.

"The dads helped out sometimes, but mostly gave music lessons—that was Dad and Uncle Mattie's thing. Uncle Mason handled the martial arts training." Indie shakes her head in amusement. "With sixteen kids running around, they divided and conquered."

I can't imagine having such a big family. Handling sixteen kids seems impossible. I have enough trouble with just one. Well, that's not entirely true. Since Indie came into our lives, things between Myra and me have changed dramatically. I've become a better parent—I no longer just give in to Myra's every wish. And in turn, her behavior has improved tremendously.

When I look up at Indie I simply say, "Thank you for being a part of our lives. I don't know how our little family survived without you before."

Indie blushes beautifully at the compliment. "You guys were doing just fine. But I'm happy I could help."

But fine is not enough. This—happy—is what I want though. Sharing everything with her. If only I can convince her that we can happen.